It turns out cruises aren’t just for your nan, Captain Birdseye or Jane McDonald - now more than ever, the world of cruising really is for everyone.
Royal Caribbean International’s ship - the Odyssey of the Seas - more than proves that point.
Currently meandering around the Med on its latest Greek Isles Cruise, guests can enjoy a seven-night voyage visiting the scenic shores and ancient ruins of Santorini, Mykonos, Ephesus and Naples - setting sail from Rome.
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There really is a holiday for everyone on board. Thrill-seekers can spend their days on the action packed top-deck that boasts a FlowRider surf simulator, skydiving with RipCord by iFly, and North Star all-glass observation capsule with incredible 360-degree views from 300 feet above sea level.
But if you're more of a culture vulture, Royal Caribbean also has you covered. When stopping off at the incredible locations on the Mediterranean tour, there are excursions to suit everybody - whether that be a fully guided tour around the ancient city of Ephesus or pizza making classes in Naples.
If your idea of annual leave well spent is scranning delicious food and sinking ice cold beers round the pool, never fear, Odyssey has that too.
With more than 25 food and drink locations on board, you’ll be unlikely to ever hear your stomach rumble or see your glass empty from the moment you step on board.
The ship stocks 40 beers, 80 spirits, 100 wines and more than 100 cocktail options, so there really is no fear of running dry.
As well as the main dining options available, sailors can also pick up snacks from the ship’s on board cafes or fill their boots at the serve yourself Mexican, El Loco Fresh. Soak up all of that beer at Sorrento’s - the ships pizza restaurant that is open until 3.00am. Enjoy a slice or two or even the whole flipping pizza…you're on holiday after all.
But if you feel like being a little bit extra, why not book in to one of the ship’s speciality dining experiences?
On board are five incredible restaurants offering something to tickle all taste buds. Whether that be fresh sushi at Izumi or possibly the most incredible steak I have or ever will eat again at Chops Grille. While these experiences come in at an additional cost (around £50 per person), they’re the perfect highlight to any trip around the med.
However, if size is your thing and Oddesey of the Seas doesn’t sound epic enough, don't worry, as Royal Caribbean is set launch Icon of the Seas - the biggest cruise ship in the world and this time they’re not messing about.
When the cruise ship sets sail on Caribbean waters in January 2024, it will hold 5,610 passengers and 2,350 crew.
It will even have more than 40 places to eat, 20 decks and seven separate pools - one for every day of the week.
But the piste de resistance is the cruise liner's ‘Thrill Island’. A first of its kind, category six water park set to feature an incredible six record-breaking slides.
So you heard it here first, cruises are actually cool.
Are they filled with people who probably clap when the plane lands? Yes absolutely. Will you hear p*ssed up Brits singing Oasis on the ship's onboard British pub after a few too many at the Bionic Bar? Definitely.
But if you’re willing to put all of that aside and lean in to what has to be one of the most unique experiences I have ever witnessed, then you will have a whale of a time.
But whatever you do, don’t call it a boat…
Topics: Travel
Zoe Archer