Royal Caribbean International’s Odyssey of the Seas has officially joined the line’s fleet after a virtual delivery ceremony.
The ship was officially handed over by the Meyer Werft Yard in Germany on Wednesday and was received by Royal Caribbean Group chief executive Richard Fain, Royal Caribbean International chief executive Michael Bayley and Captain Per Kristoffersen.
Bayley said: “Receiving Odyssey of the Seas into the Royal Caribbean family is a welcomed breath of fresh air.
“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.”
He added: “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.
“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.”
Odyssey is the second Quantum Ultra Class ship and will initially sail a series of Mediterranean itineraries for Israeli guests.
It will make its North American debut in November, where it is due to operate six and eight-night Caribbean itineraries from Fort Lauderdale.
A Facebook Premiere handover celebration will be broadcast on the line’s Facebook page from 10pm (5pm EDT).