Odyssey of the Seas significantly outpaces Jewel of the Seas in size and capacity, being 88% larger with 169,000 gross tons versus 90,090 tons and accommodating 4,180 passengers compared to Jewel's 2,191. Built in 2021 as a Quantum Ultra-class ship, Odyssey features state-of-the-art entertainment venues, redesigned pool decks, and modern amenities that cater to large crowds seeking contemporary cruise experiences. Jewel of the Seas, constructed in 2004 and last refurbished in 2017, offers a more intimate cruising experience with its Radiance-class design featuring elegant glass elevators and panoramic views. The older ship provides classic amenities like rock climbing walls, an adults-only Solarium, and specialty restaurants, making it ideal for families and diverse age groups who prefer a more traditional, less crowded atmosphere.
Both ships maintain similar passenger-to-crew ratios and space per passenger, but serve different cruise preferences: Odyssey excels for travelers wanting the latest innovations and high-capacity entertainment, while Jewel appeals to those seeking elegant, classic cruising with more personalized service on a smaller scale.
Specialty Dining Options
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Complimentary Dining Options
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Amenities
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Frequenty Asked Questions
What's the main difference between Jewel of the Seas and Odyssey of the Seas?
The biggest difference comes down to size and age. Odyssey of the Seas absolutely dwarfs Jewel of the Seas - we're talking 88% larger in gross tonnage. That's 169,000 tons versus Jewel's 90,090 tons.
Odyssey is also the newer kid on the block, launching in 2021 with all the latest bells and whistles. Meanwhile, Jewel has been cruising since 2004, though she got a nice refresh in 2017 that kept her looking sharp.
Think of it this way: Odyssey is like a massive floating city packed with modern amenities, while Jewel offers a more intimate, classic cruise experience. Both have their charm, but they serve pretty different crowds.
Which ship holds more passengers?
Odyssey of the Seas takes the crown here by a landslide. She carries 4,180 passengers at double occupancy - that's nearly 91% more than Jewel's 2,191 guests.
What's interesting is that despite the huge difference in passenger numbers, both ships maintain similar passenger-to-crew ratios. Odyssey has 1,550 crew members (ratio of 2.7), while Jewel runs with 852 crew (ratio of 2.6). So you're getting roughly the same level of service attention on both ships.
The space per passenger is surprisingly close too - Odyssey gives you 40 tons per passenger compared to Jewel's 41 tons. This means Odyssey might feel a bit busier despite being much larger.
How do the ship sizes compare?
The dimensions tell quite a story. Odyssey stretches 1,138 feet long and 135 feet wide - she's a genuine giant. Jewel measures 962 feet long and 106 feet wide, making her no slouch but definitely more manageable.
Walking from bow to stern on Odyssey takes noticeably longer. Some passengers love having that much space to explore, while others prefer Jewel's more walkable layout where you can get anywhere quickly without feeling like you need a map.
What about the onboard experience and amenities?
Here's where their personalities really shine through. Jewel of the Seas belongs to the Radiance class, known for that gorgeous glass-heavy design. Those panoramic glass elevators are still stunning after all these years, and the views they offer are hard to beat.
Jewel's amenities hit the sweet spot for many cruisers:
- Rock climbing walls that never get old
- An adults-only Solarium perfect for quiet moments
- Solid specialty dining options including Italian, sushi, and steakhouse
- Pool areas that don't feel overcrowded
Odyssey of the Seas represents Royal Caribbean's Quantum Ultra class - basically their latest and greatest thinking. The entertainment venues got major upgrades, and they redesigned popular areas like the "Clex" based on passenger feedback from earlier ships.
Odyssey's dining scene is more extensive, and the entertainment options reflect what modern cruisers expect. Everything feels fresh and cutting-edge because, well, it is.
Which ship class offers better value?
This depends entirely on what you value most. Jewel of the Seas often comes with lower cruise fares, making her attractive for budget-conscious travelers who still want a quality Royal Caribbean experience. You're getting excellent amenities without paying for the newest-ship premium.
Odyssey of the Seas commands higher prices, but you're paying for state-of-the-art everything. If having the latest technology, newest venues, and most current ship design matters to you, the extra cost might feel worth it.
Who should choose which ship?
Jewel of the Seas works beautifully for:
- Families who want quality amenities without overwhelming crowds
- Cruisers who appreciate elegant, timeless design
- People seeking good value without sacrificing the Royal Caribbean experience
- Travelers who prefer a more intimate ship atmosphere
Odyssey of the Seas makes sense for:
- Guests who want the absolute latest in cruise ship innovation
- Large groups who enjoy high-energy, busy environments
- Technology enthusiasts who love cutting-edge amenities
- First-time Royal Caribbean passengers who want the full "wow factor"
Both ships deliver that signature Royal Caribbean experience, just packaged differently. Jewel offers refined elegance with proven crowd-pleasers, while Odyssey brings tomorrow's cruising to today's passengers.