Odyssey of the Seas Review: Greek Isles Cruise Experience

LAST UPDATED May 3, 2026 BY Katarina Komazec

I’ve sailed the Eastern Mediterranean a few times, but this trip on Odyssey felt different.

The ports were familiar — Rome (Civitavecchia), Naples, Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, Chania, Rhodes, Kusadasi — but the ship made the difference.

Odyssey isn’t just a transport between ports.

It’s a big part of the experience, especially on a port-heavy itinerary like this.

In this Odyssey of the Seas review, I’ll break down what it’s really like — cabins, dining, sea days, and how the ship fits a Greek Isles cruise.

Is Odyssey of the Seas Worth It for a Greek Isles Cruise?

Yes, especially if you want a mix of strong itineraries and a modern ship.

You’ll spend most days in port, but Odyssey gives you enough to enjoy when you’re back onboard.

Sea days don’t feel like downtime.

It’s a good fit if you want:

• busy port days + fun sea days
• newer ship features (not typical for Europe)
• a balance between relaxing and doing things

Odyssey of the Seas at a Glance

Odyssey is a Quantum Ultra Class ship from Royal Caribbean, carrying around 4,200 guests (more in summer).

It’s slightly smaller than Oasis-class ships, but it doesn’t feel limited.

What stands out onboard:

• Two70 – part lounge, part high-tech theater
• North Star – glass capsule with views above the ship
• SeaPlex – indoor sports with bumper cars and more

At the same time, it still works well for the Mediterranean:

• good pool areas
• strong dining options
• plenty of shaded and indoor spaces

It never takes focus away from the ports, which is key on this itinerary.

🎥 Want a quick look around the ship? Here’s my highlights video, deck by deck.

Who Is Odyssey of the Seas Best For?

This ship works for:

• families (SeaPlex, Splashaway Bay)
• couples (Solarium, specialty dining)
• mixed-age groups

If you like newer ships but still care about destinations, it’s a solid choice.

Cabins on Odyssey of the Seas (Greek Isles Tips)

Best Cabins for This Itinerary

Balcony cabins are the top choice here.

Sailing into Santorini or leaving Mykonos from your balcony is hard to beat.

If possible:

• go midship for stability (Aegean can be windy)
• choose balcony for the views
• or pick oceanview for a better value

Lower-deck oceanviews are underrated:

• cheaper than balconies
• natural light
• closer to gangway (useful on busy port days)

My Cabin: Oceanview 3634

I stayed in an oceanview on deck 3.

It was quiet, comfortable, and had enough storage.

Since most days were spent ashore, I didn’t miss a balcony.

But the natural light and sea view made a difference.

For a port-heavy cruise, this type of cabin is a smart choice.

🎥 I also filmed a quick stateroom overview on my YouTube channel: [Watch here].

Cabins to Avoid

• cabins far from elevators (feels longer after long port days)
• forward cabins (more motion)
• cabins under pool deck or theater (noise)

Dining on Odyssey of the Seas

Main Dining Room & Windjammer

Port mornings are busy.

• Main Dining Room → calmer, better for later starts
• Windjammer → fastest option, but go early

Casual Dining (Best Quick Options)

These are useful after long port days:

• Café Two70 → quieter, lighter meals
• El Loco Fresh → tacos, quick lunch
• Sorrento’s Pizza → late-night go-to

Specialty Dining (What’s Worth It)

I’ve tried most venues across cruises.

On this sailing:

• Teppanyaki → best overall (fun + great food)
• Wonderland → creative, more about experience than food
• Chops / Giovanni’s / Izumi → reliable but familiar

Tip: book specialty dining on port days — it’s less crowded.

Entertainment & Activities (What Not to Miss)

Best Shows on Odyssey

The standout is The Book in Two70.

It’s one of the best shows at sea — technology, visuals, and live performance all combined.

Book it early in the app.

Other shows:

• The Effectors → superhero-style
• Showgirl → classic production

Good, but not on the same level.

Unique Experiences

• SeaPlex → great for families or something different
• North Star → best when sailing, not docked
• RipCord by iFLY → fun, book early

Pools & Relaxation

• Solarium (adults-only) → best escape from heat
• Main pool deck → lively but crowded

Arrive early if you want a lounger.

Sea Days vs Port Days (How to Plan)

This itinerary is port-heavy, so balance matters.

On Sea Days

• sleep in, avoid Windjammer rush
• try North Star or SeaPlex
• relax in Solarium
• book shows for the evening

On Port Days (Example: Santorini)

• go early (especially tender ports)
• expect long, active days
• eat quick meals when back onboard
• book specialty dining in the evening

Embarkation in Civitavecchia (Rome)

Most cruises start in Civitavecchia.

It’s about 1h15 from Rome.

Boarding was smooth, but arriving early helps avoid crowds.

Greek Isles Itinerary (What Each Port Is Like)

This is where the cruise really shines.

Naples

Naples is one of the most flexible ports on this itinerary.

You can visit Pompeii, Capri, or the Amalfi Coast, but staying in Naples itself is often overlooked.

The port is right in the center, and the city has a strong local feel that’s worth experiencing.

Santorini (Tender Port)

Santorini is beautiful but requires some planning.

The ship anchors offshore, and you’ll need a tender to reach the old port below Fira.

From there, the cable car takes you up, but lines build quickly, so going early helps save time.

Mykonos

In Mykonos, the ship usually docks at the New Port, a short distance from town.

A quick water taxi ride takes you to the old town, which is compact and easy to explore on foot, with its narrow streets, cafés, and famous windmills.

Athens (Piraeus)

From Piraeus, it takes about 30–40 minutes to reach Athens.

It’s a long and busy day, so starting early is key if you want to visit the Acropolis of Athens and avoid the crowds.

Chania (Crete)

Chania is a more relaxed stop.

The ship docks in Souda Bay, and a short shuttle takes you to the old town, where everything is close together and easy to explore.

Rhodes

Rhodes is one of the easiest ports and my favorite Greek island.

The ship docks right by the old town, so you can walk straight into the medieval streets.

You can also reach a nearby beach on foot, which makes it easy to combine sightseeing and relaxation.

Kusadasi (Ephesus)

Kusadasi is the gateway to Ephesus, about a 30-minute drive away.

Most people visit the ruins, which are impressive and easier to understand with a guide.

Back in town, the bazaar and waterfront are right by the port, so you can still explore a bit before heading back.

Tips for Odyssey of the Seas Greek Isles Cruise

• book shows early (especially The Book)
• try North Star while sailing
• start port days early
• avoid Windjammer rush
• book specialty dining on port days
• pack for heat (summer is intense)
• choose cabin location carefully
• use sea days to recharge

Pros & Cons of Odyssey of the Seas

Pros

• modern ship with lots to do
• excellent entertainment (The Book)
• great Solarium for hot weather
• strong dining variety
• good mix for families and adults

Cons

• crowded pool deck on sea days
• busy port mornings
• some noisy cabin locations
• specialty dining adds up

Final Thoughts: Is Odyssey of the Seas a Good Choice?

This ended up being one of my favorite Mediterranean cruises.

The ship adds a lot to the experience, but the itinerary still leads.

If you’re planning the Greek Isles, Odyssey is a strong choice — especially if you want more than just a basic cruise between ports.

For planning, check my port guides and videos — they’ll help you make the most of each stop.

• My Mediterranean Cruise Port Guide eBook covers 45 ports with tips and top things to do in ports.
• Subscribe to my YouTube channel for more port guides and travel tips.

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Planning more cruises? You can browse all my regional cruise port guides here: Mediterranean • Caribbean • Northern Europe • USA & Canada • Australia & New Zealand • Middle East