Odyssey of the Seas

Odyssey's pool deck is one of the brightest in the fleet. The Lime & Coconut bar climbs several levels above the main pool, with in-pool loungers, hot tubs, shady seating and Splashaway Bay for the littlest cruisers. Casitas with drink service are an upgrade. A second pool sits farther forward, El Loco Fresh serves fast casual Mexican, and suite guests get their own sun deck. Above it all, the North Star capsule lifts guests several stories up and out over the side of the ship.

All the way forward, the adults-only Solarium is climate controlled and full of loungers and sofas facing out to the side views. A cascading series of pools runs down the middle, with a pool bar at the center and hot tubs up front. Danny says the forward-facing windows here have the best views on the ship, and the bridge wings are perfect for photos. The Solarium Bistro serves breakfast and lunch, then becomes a complimentary Mediterranean-style restaurant in the evening.

The aft top deck is where Royal's famous top-deck fun lives. The rock climbing wall has several skill levels, and the FlowRider surf simulator is complimentary, with boogie boarding and private rentals too. Danny says no activity on any cruise ship is more fun than RipCord by iFLY, a skydiving experience even little kids can try. The bright yellow and orange Sky Pad is now used for family games like giant Jenga and cornhole, and a glass walkway extends over the side of the ship.

Royal Caribbean calls Odyssey's SeaPlex the largest ever. The indoor, climate-controlled court hosts basketball, dodgeball, soccer and badminton, then turns into a track for bumper cars and an arena for laser tag. A full arcade sits on one side, with games on two levels. Right above the court is Playmakers, a sports bar with TVs all around, elevated pub food, pool tables, darts and views down to the action. Danny has played basketball on board since he was a little guy.

Adventure Ocean welcomes kids from 6 months up to 17 years old. AO Babies and Tots cares for little ones from 6 to 36 months, with changing, feeding, a nap area and scheduled time slots. AO Juniors is drop-off for potty-trained 3-to-5-year-olds, with an LED wall, dance parties, movies, gaga ball and crafts. Kids 6 to 12 share an expansive space with an arena, video games, science and art. Teens have Social180 and their own sun deck at the very top of the ship.

The Royal Esplanade is the ship's main street, and Danny calls Odyssey's version the most beautiful in the fleet. It has Guest Services, Boleros for Latin dancing, duty-free shops, Starbucks, Café Promenade (don't skip the cookies) and Sorrento's pizza late into the night. The English pub has a musician every evening. Upstairs, the Schooner Bar is Danny's favorite Royal bar, the Bionic Bar has robot bartenders, and the two-story Music Hall rocks out each night with a big dance floor and pool tables.

Odyssey has a specialty restaurant for every craving. Chops Grille is the classic steakhouse, with bisque, hand-cut steaks, branzino and lobster, plus a wine-paired Chef's Table tucked in the corner. Izumi is a sushi bar here, and it's Danny's all-time favorite. Teppanyaki is dinner and a show, with chefs who get the whole table singing. Wonderland serves dishes that look like one thing and taste like another, and Giovanni's Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar has handmade pastas and a pizza oven.

Two70 sits at the very back of the ship, with two-story windows that frame 270-degree views. By day it's a lounge with a bar, a small library and trivia. At night the windows become projection screens and performers drop from the ceiling or rise from the floor; Danny calls The Book the best Two70 show in the fleet. Café @ Two70 serves complimentary breakfast, salads and sandwiches. In the Royal Theater, The Effectors is Danny's personal favorite, with LED screens and drones.