Our Incredible Royal Caribbean Experience: Odyssey of the Seas & Symphony of the Seas

Cruising with Royal Caribbean is an adventure like no other, and our recent back-to-back cruises on Odyssey of the Seasand Symphony of the Seas were unforgettable! Starting from the beautiful Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, we embarked on a journey filled with breathtaking destinations, luxurious amenities, and family fun. Here’s a recap of our incredible experience on these two magnificent ships.

Embarking from Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale’s Port Everglades was the perfect starting point for our cruise adventure. The port is organized and efficient, making embarkation a breeze. Before boarding, we spent some time exploring Fort Lauderdale’s gorgeous beaches and indulging in some fresh seafood. It was the perfect prelude to our journey.

Odyssey of the Seas: Modern Innovation Meets Luxury

Our first cruise took us aboard the Odyssey of the Seas, one of Royal Caribbean’s newest and most innovative ships. From the moment we stepped aboard, we were amazed by its sleek design and state-of-the-art features.

Highlights of the Odyssey of the Seas:

1. The SeaPlex:
   • This multi-functional space was a family favorite! We enjoyed bumper cars, laser tag, and VR games. It was the ultimate hangout for both kids and adults.
2. Two70 Entertainment:
   • The Two70 lounge offered spectacular panoramic ocean views during the day and transformed into a cutting-edge performance space at night. The robotic screens and acrobatics were truly next-level entertainment.
3. Dining Options:
   • We couldn’t get enough of the variety of dining experiences. The sushi at Izumi was fresh and delicious, and the Mediterranean-inspired dishes at Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen left us craving more.
4. Perfect Day at CocoCay:
   • One of the stops on our Odyssey itinerary was Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay. The kids loved the Thrill Waterpark, while we relaxed at the serene Coco Beach Club with its infinity pool and private cabanas.

Symphony of the Seas: The Ultimate Family Adventure

After an amazing time on the Odyssey of the Seas, we transitioned to the Symphony of the Seas, one of the world’s largest and most spectacular cruise ships. The scale and variety of activities aboard Symphony were jaw-dropping.

Highlights of the Symphony of the Seas:

1. The Ultimate Abyss:
   • For thrill-seekers in the family, the Ultimate Abyss—the tallest slide at sea—was a must-try. It was an exhilarating ride from deck 16 all the way down to deck 6.
2. Central Park:
   • This outdoor oasis in the middle of the ship was a peaceful retreat. Surrounded by greenery and live music, we loved dining at 150 Central Park, which offered upscale dishes and fine wine.
3. AquaTheater Shows:
   • The AquaTheater featured breathtaking high-diving and acrobatic performances set against the backdrop of the ocean. It was unlike any show we’ve seen on land or sea.
4. Family Fun at Splashaway Bay:
   • The kids had a blast at this colorful water play area, while we enjoyed lounging by the pools and sipping cocktails from the poolside bar.

Our Favorite Ports of Call

Both cruises took us to stunning destinations. Some of the highlights included:

• Labadee, Haiti: This private paradise offered pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and thrilling zip lines. We spent the day soaking up the sun and enjoying the tropical vibes.
• Aruba: Known for its stunning beaches and colorful architecture, Aruba was a highlight of our trip. We loved exploring the lively capital, Oranjestad, and relaxing at the famous Eagle Beach.
• Curaçao: The charming streets of Willemstad with its pastel-colored buildings were a delight to explore. We also took a snorkeling tour to discover the vibrant marine life in Curaçao’s crystal-clear waters.

Book Activities Early: Popular activities like laser tag, shows, and specialty dining can fill up quickly, so it’s best to reserve them as soon as possible.

Pack Smart: Bring comfortable shoes for exploring ports, and don’t forget swimwear for the pools and water attractions.

Download the App: The Royal Caribbean app was a lifesaver for planning our days and keeping track of onboard activities and dining reservations.

Final Thoughts

Our back-to-back cruises on Odyssey of the Seas and Symphony of the Seas were everything we hoped for and more. From innovative entertainment to world-class dining and exciting destinations, Royal Caribbean exceeded all our expectations. Whether you’re a family looking for adventure or a couple seeking relaxation, these ships offer something for everyone.

If you’re planning your next vacation, we can’t recommend Royal Caribbean cruises enough. Start your adventure from Fort Lauderdale, and let the sea take you on a journey of a lifetime. Happy cruising!