New Quantum Ultra class-ship will begin homeporting in Haifa, Israel from May 2021
By
Rebecca Gibson |
German shipbuilder Meyer Werft has delivered Odyssey of the Seas to Royal Caribbean International via a virtual ceremony.
Meyer Werft’s managing partner Bernard Meyer and managing director Jan Meyer handed over the ship to Royal Caribbean Group chairman and CEO Richard Fain, Royal Caribbean International’s president and CEO Michael Bayley, and Captain Per Kristoffersen.
“Receiving Odyssey of the Seas into the Royal Caribbean family is a welcomed breath of fresh air,” said Bayley. “The ingenuity, passion and hard work our dedicated crew, teams on land and partners at Meyer Werft put into building a new ship always deliver, and to pull it off so well during a time unlike any other is incredible.”
Odyssey of the Seas, which is Royal Caribbean’s second Quantum Ultra-class vessel, will homeport in Haifa, Israel between May and October. The vessel will be the first Royal Caribbean ship to ever homeport in Israel and at 169,000gt, 347 metres long, will also be the newest and largest cruise ship to be based in the country.
Israeli guests will be able to enjoy three- to seven-night cruises to Mediterranean destinations such as Limassol in Cyprus, and Rhodes, Santorini, Mykonos and Athens in Greece.
Following her inaugural season in Israel, Odyssey of the Seas will reposition to Florida, USA and begin sailing six- to eight-night Caribbean itineraries from November. Ports of call will include destinations such as Aruba, Curacao and Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island destination in The Bahamas.
Guests will be able to visit both signature Royal Caribbean venues and 12 first-to-brand experiences while sailing onboard Odyssey of the Seas. New highlights will include a reimagined Caribbean-inspired pool deck with two open-air pools and the line’s first The Lime & Coconut bar, the first Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade in the SeaPlex indoor and outdoor activity centre, Giovanni's Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar, and the Teppanyaki restaurant.
“We are looking forward to delivering the memorable vacations we're known for today on a ship that will mark several firsts for us, from making Israel a first-time homeport to introducing Quantum Ultra class to North America,” said Bayley. “Every new ship is a blank slate to go bolder and be different, and Odyssey is bringing the very best of the new and guest favourites across two continents for the years to come.”