The Meyer Werft shipyard has released a couple of new construction photos that show off the recent progress made on Odyssey of the Seas.

Our latest glimpse at Royal Caribbean's next new cruise ship was shared with the context of how the shipyard's workers are still working hard, despite this challenging time.

Photos by Meyer Werft

Odyssey is under construction in Papenburg, Germany.

While no change to scheduled sailings has occurred, Royal Caribbean did tell Wall Street that impacted shipyard operations and will result in delivery delays of ships previously planned for delivery in 2020 and 2021.

Odyssey of the Seas will be the cruise line's second Quantum Ultra Class ship, and will sail from Port Everglades, Florida.

There is a brand new photo of the construction progress being made on Royal Caribbean's next cruise ship, Odyssey of the Seas.

The photo is from the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. Odyssey is under construction in Hall 6.

Periodically, new photos of the construction progress are released by the shipyard.

In the last couple weeks, Royal Caribbean warned Odyssey's scheduled debut later this year could be delayed due to the health crisis impacting the shipyard operations.

Royal Caribbean International President & CEO Michael Bayley provided an update last week on what to expect.

"We are working on that with the yard. Everything was on schedule. There have been delays because of obviously there has a lot going on around the world, and it impacted the shipyard at the same time. Our newbuild organization is deep in project discussion now with the yard itself. We don't have any definite dates yet. I would hope in the coming weeks we will have something firmed up."

"I think there may be some delays, but we're working through it as a team to try and figure that out."

Odyssey of the Seas will be the cruise line's second Quantum Ultra Class ship, and will sail from Port Everglades, Florida.

The primary propulsion for Royal Caribbean's Odyssey of the Seas were mounted this week on the cruise line's next new cruise ship.

Photo by Meyer Werft

The multidirectional pods that drive the ship were added while the ship is under construction at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany.

According to the shipyard, the duo are propelled at 41 megawatts and both pods can accelerate the ship to a maximum speed of about 22 knots.

Photos by Meyer Werft

Azipods can be rotated 360 degrees, providing the ship maximum maneuverability and are have been the standard form of propulsion for all of Royal Caribbean's new cruise ships in recent years.

Odyssey of the Seas will be the cruise line's second Quantum Ultra Class ship, and is scheduled to debuts in November 2020 when she sails out of Port Everglades, Florida.

There are plenty of questions among cruisers in this time of a global cruise suspension, and Royal Caribbean shed a bit of light on some of these topics.

Earlier on Tuesday, Royal Caribbean Senior Vice President of Sales and Trade Support & Service Vicki Freed took questions from travel agents about a variety of topics that many guests are wondering about.

In addition to announcing a doctor's note is no longer needed for guests who are over 70 years old, a number of hot topics were hit during the question and answer session of the call, and here are the answers provided to concerns many readers have had as well.

Changes to buffets

One agent wanted to know how Royal Caribbean will handle guests going to the buffet once sailings start back up.

Royal Caribbean Director, Post Cruise Guest Relations & Shared Services, Laly Rodriguez, commented, "We're still ironing out some of the different details, as to whether there'll be folks serving. We might have different shifts for our buffets, and have different options taking place in our main dining venues. Those are still being worked out, but as soon as we know, you'll know."

Refunds

A very hot topic is when guests can expect to receive refunds for canceled sailings.

Ms. Rodriguez provided an explanation on the current refund situation, "When we first started with our global suspensions, we anticipated that refunds would take us about 30 days, but given the volume and being able to handle all the volume that we are receiving, it seems that we are closer to a 45 day window."

"We've been able to modify some of our processes, add things that we didn't have in the past, like bots processing the refunds; we've added resources to accounting; we've always been looking to speed this up"

"Your clients should be seeing their refunds in about 45 days, and hopefully with the next batches of suspensions that we've announced, the timing should get tighter and tigher."

In addition to the refunds being processed, Royal Caribbean will be sending a proactive apology communication to guests in order to explain how long it has been taking to get through all of the refunds promised.

"Seaface" mask trademark

Last week, I broke the news of Royal Caribbean's trademark of a name for a sanitary mask, and Ms. Freed was asked if there was any update on what this was all about.

There was not much information to share, but Ms. Freed had this to say, "Other than what I read on the RoyalCaribbeanBlog that we have a patent for it, I don't know anything else about it. I'm sure it will be adorable with Crown and Anchors, and whatever else designs we can come up with."

Ms. Rodriguez elaborated, "This whole situation has made us as a cruise line take on a bunch of other innovations that we've never thought we'd been in the business of taking on."

"This is one of a number of innovations that our team's are exploring as we look forward to safe and healthy and a fun return to cruise. So keep your eyes peeled for more hopefully."

Alaska cruises in 2020

When asked about cruises to Alaska this year, Ms. Freed offered an optimistic attitude, "Alaska's certainly a real possibility that we will be sailing there. The end of July, certainly I'm optimistic.

Pushing back final payment dates

Another question asked was if Royal Caribbean would shorten or change the final payment date due to the current situation.

Royal Caribbean Account Executive Brittany Yochum spoke to this concern, "At this time, we're not pushing back any of our final payment dates, especially because we do have the Cruise with Confidence policy out through the end of August."

Odyssey of the Seas update

Just like readers here, travel partners were curious if Odyssey of the Seas has any kind of update on the progress being made.

Ms. Yochum provided a brief update, "She is still being built, and we are definitely working on our way to still having her be delivered."

President's Cruise

Another question asked as if there would be any changes to Royal Caribbean's President's Cruise on October 25 out of Barcelona on Allure of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean's manager of the Sales Training Team, Renee Didier, answered, "The President's Cruise is still in our scope, and of course we're going to look forward to welcoming our guests onboard. So right now, we are still planning that cruise."

The Meyer Werft shipyard has released a brand new photo of the progress being made on Odyssey of the Seas.

Odyssey of the Seas is under construction in Hall 6 of the shipyard in Papenburg, Germany.

Meyer Werft updates a new photo around once a week with a look at the general progress being made.

Odyssey of the Seas had her last block added earlier this month, and purely from these webcam photos, it looks like progress is steadily being made to the ship.

Odyssey of the Seas will be the cruise line's second Quantum Ultra Class ship, and is scheduled to debuts in November 2020 when she sails out of Port Everglades, Florida.

Despite Royal Caribbean's worldwide cruise shutdown that was just recently extended again, work continues on the cruise line's newest cruise ship, Odyssey of the Seas.

Odyssey is under construction at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany and, the shipyard released a 360 photo of the build hall where Odyssey of the Seas and other ships are being worked on.

Viewable in the 360-view is Odyssey of the Seas, which recently had her last block added, along with the first phase of the AIDAcosma and other blocks of AIDAcosma nearby.

Odyssey of the Seas will be the cruise line's second Quantum Ultra Class ship, and is scheduled to debuts in November 2020 when she sails out of Port Everglades, Florida.

Since the onset of the current crisis, many readers have been curious what the impact has been to construction of Royal Caribbean's next new cruise ship.

Odyssey of the Seas is under construction at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany, and it appears things are proceeding.

Photo by Meyer Werft

Recently the last two blocks of Odyssey of the Seas were set up. 

Photos by Meyer Werft

The port side block weighs 291 tons, starboard side block weighs 277 tons.

When Royal Caribbean took out a $2.2 billion loan, the cruise line said it has committed financing for all of its new ships on order.

Odyssey of the Seas will be the cruise line's second Quantum Ultra Class ship, and is scheduled to debuts in November 2020 when she sails out of Port Everglades, Florida.

Odyssey of the Seas will be Royal Caribbean second Quantum Ultra Class ship when she debuts in November 2020, and she already promises to offer a number of firsts for guests to enjoy.

The days of subsequent cruise ships in a class being carbon copies of the ships that came before them are gone, and when Royal Caribbean builds a new ship, it starts with a blank canvas to bring new ideas, enhance existing venues, and spice up everything else along the way.

While we do not know quite everything yet about Odyssey of the Seas, here are five ways Odyssey will be different from any other Quantum (Ultra) class ship that came before her!

First Quantum Class ship with Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar

Odyssey of the Seas will be the first Quantum Class ship to offer guests Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar. 

Not only is this the first Quantum Class ship not to offer Jamie's Italian, it also will be one of the first ships in the fleet to offer Royal Caribbean's refreshed look at Giovanni's Table.

Royal Caribbean promises pizza, cured meats and specialty cheeses, as well as an impressive selection of wines and limoncellos. 

Playmakers in the SeaPlex

The addition of Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade to Odyssey of the Seas is a first for the Quantum Class, but Royal Caribbean went above and beyond by moving it to the SeaPlex.

Located on the second floor of the SeaPlex, Playmakers will serve up the beers, wings, sliders and burgers it is known for, while giving guests a choice of watching the action below them in the SeaPlex, or catching a game on one of the many televisions throughout the bar.

On other ships, Playmakers has been located either on the Royal Promenade or Boardwalk. With views of the ocean on one side, and the SeaPlex fun on the other, I think this Playmakers location may be the best one yet.

Revamped Adventure Ocean

Odyssey of the Seas will usher in the cruise line's new take on supervised fun for kids with the new Adventure Ocean club.

Adventure Ocean has been completely revamped, and was first offered on Navigator, Oasis and Freedom of the Seas.  

Children and their families can choose their own immersive adventures and discover whimsical rooms with climbable creations at Play Place; hands-on art, science and tech fun at Workshop; friendly competition in physical, interactive games at Arena; and make new friends over gaming consoles or while just sitting back in Hangout.

Younger children (ages 3-5 years old) have their own space and will benefit from experiential activities at the multipurpose AO Junior area.

Just like other Quantum Class ships, babies and toddlers will have access to AO Babies.

Royal Caribbean has also redesigned its teen club concept with Social180. Located just outside the SeaPlex, the new teens-only area features gaming consoles, music and movies in their own lounge or out on the private patio.

Two-level pool deck

I think families are going to love the new approach to the pool deck with the two resort-style pools and four whirlpools.

Odyssey of the Seas will feature two open-air, resort style pools that are surrounded by casitas and hammocks. This new pool deck concept has been a hit on other recently Amplified cruise ships, and it promises much more pool deck space than on other Quantum Class vessels.

In addition, you can expect Splashaway Bay aqua park for kids to enjoy waterslides, fountains, water cannons and more. Adults can escape to the Solarium that has swimming pools and whirlpools, a full-service bar, daybeds and hidden nooks for prime napping.

The Lime and Coconut will make its Quantum Class debut next to the pool with two stories of drinks and island vibes. If you get hungry, the first El Loco Fresh on a Quantum Class ship is available.

More to come

There are still more surprises to come with Odyssey of the Seas, including entertainment.

Nick Weir is the Senior Vice President of Entertainment for Royal Caribbean International, and he has hinted at some big shows and fun coming to Odyssey of the Seas. 

Mr. Weir has said Odyssey will feature the biggest drone project ever onboard, as well as brand new productions.  Needless to say, these new shows will be brand new to the fleet.

Coming soon in November

In November 2020, the ship’s inaugural year will kick off with 8- and 6-night itineraries from Fort Lauderdale, FL. Odyssey will then sail to her homeport of Rome in May 2021 and become the first Quantum Ultra Class ship to cruise Europe for the summer. 

More Odyssey of the Seas info

• Odyssey of the Seas activities, dining and things to do
• Odyssey of the Seas inaugural itineraries
• Odyssey of the Seas 2021 European sailings

Royal Caribbean's second Quantum Ultra Class cruise ship is under construction at Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, and we have a look at the Crown and Anchor logo that will eventually be on the side of the ship.

The shipyard released new photos of the work being done to prepare the giant Crown and Anchor logo that will eventually be placed near the top of the ship.

Photos by Meyer Werft

Odyssey of the Seas will be delivered to Royal Caribbean in Autumn 2020. When Odyssey of the Seas makes her North American debut in November 2020, she will offer  8- and 6-night itineraries from Fort Lauderdale. She will then sail from Rome in May 2021 for the summer. Odyssey will return to Fort Lauderdale in November 2021 for a second winter.

Shipyard Meyer Werf has released a set of new photos that show off the construction progress being made on Royal Caribbean's next new cruise ship, Odyssey of the Seas.

The ship is actually being constructed in two different places at once: the shipyard harbor, and the indoor building dock.

Odyssey of the Seas will be delivered to Royal Caribbean in Autumn 2020.