Royal Caribbean Odyssey of the Seas Begins Cruises From Israel
In a sudden change of plans, Royal Caribbean announced that its newest ship, Odyssey of the Seas, will debut in Israel. Originally scheduled to begin with cruises from Rome, Israel’s COVID-19 vaccination program success instigated the change.
Royal Caribbean will offer fully vaccinated cruises that includes crew and passengers over the age of 16 years. Israel’s heath and tourism authorities are working with Royal Caribbean to implement the sailings scheduled to begin in May, 2021.
Odyssey of the Seas Cruises From Haifa, Israel
The cruise line has designed a series of 3- to 7-night cruises that will depart from Haifa, Israel. Among ports that Odyssey of the Seas will visit include several Greek Isles and Cyprus.
The Mediterranean cruises will be roundtrip from Haifa, Israel, and visit Rhodes, Santorini, Mykonos and Athens, Greece and Limassol, Cyprus, depending on the itinerary.
“We are thrilled to debut Royal Caribbean cruises from Israel with our newest and most innovative ship, Odyssey of the Seas. Israeli travelers will be looking to get away, relax with total peace of mind, and enjoy the travel experiences they are missing dearly; and that is what we do best,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “
Having been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, Israelis will be the first guests to cruise aboard Odyssey of the Seas. By mid-February, the country had vaccinated 1.82 million Israelis, over one-half of the population.
“Thanks to the millions of vaccines we have brought, I am proud that Israel will be the first country in the world to launch Royal Caribbean’s new flagship. Royal Caribbean’s decision to come to Israel is a significant expression of confidence in our policy. This is an important economic, touristic moment for the State of Israel,” said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Details on additional health and safety measures that will be implemented by Israel and Royal Caribbean is set to be announced at a later date.
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Odyssey Onboard Highlights
The 5,622-passenger mega-ship will repeat of many of Royal Caribbean’s signature innovations. Among these Quantum Ultra-Class features is the next-generation SeaPlex, a two-level pool deck with indoor and outdoor activity centers.
Entertainment throughout the ship includes productions in the Royal Theater and Two70, a blend of art and multimedia.
Other Odyssey of the Seas on board venues include:
- Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade with viewing area to watch the competition below
- Revamped Adventure Ocean kids program
- Social180 teen lounge with gaming consoles, music, movies and an outdoor deck
- New dining venues, Teppanyaki and Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar
- Pool deck with resort-style pools and four whirlpools with shady casitas and hammocks
- FlowRider surf simulator
- Skydiving with RipCord by iFly
- North Star all-glass observation capsule with a 360-degree view from 300 feet above sea level
- Bionic Bar with robot bartenders
Reservations for Odyssey of the Seas Israel cruise departures are available to book beginning March 9, 2021.
