Odyssey of the Seas - January 26— February 7, 2026 (12 Night Southern Caribbean Cruise)

[Herman Hinkelstein]

Looking forward to my first cruise! Who can tell me good tips? How does this forum work?

[Herman Hinkelstein]

My DW and I are booked in a Grand Loft Suite and are looking forward to meeting our fellow passengers. How is the ship? Is sailing out of Bayonne in January a good idea? What would you all consider a good deal for a 12night sailing in a GL category stateroom? 

[shan9219]

Hello! Wasn't expecting a roll call this early!

We're sailing with our children ( 12 and 7 at the time) Coming over from Scotland. Very excited. The southern caribbean has been on my bucket list for years.

[shan9219]

On 7/24/2024 at 12:07 AM, Herman Hinkelstein said:

My DW and I are booked in a Grand Loft Suite and are looking forward to meeting our fellow passengers. How is the ship? Is sailing out of Bayonne in January a good idea? What would you all consider a good deal for a 12night sailing in a GL category stateroom? 

I'm also interested in if sailing in Jan from NJ is a good idea. I'll be following the 2025 January trip roll call to see how they do on  Odyssey 

[Herman Hinkelstein]

@shan9219That is a wonderful idea ! I will do the same and look forward to counting down once we get to a year !

@MattCan you tell me what’s goin on here?

[sfrome]

This cruise will be the 4th time that we sailed out of Bayonne at the end of January (3 times on Anthem and once on Odyssey coming up later this month).  Quantum class was designed for all weather cruising.  Lots to do on board and in port. This will be our 40th cruise. We are D+.  We spend most days staying on board as we have been to most ports many times.  Check back to this forum often to learn more details and answers to your questions.

[PenguinFrog]

Having sailed out of Bayonne many times during the winter months I would suggest, if you're driving to the port,  bringing a snow shovel and window ice scraper just in case a winter snow storm hits.  Your car may get plowed in if you are parking in the surface lot.     Also bringing the shovel may ward off a storm.  LOL

[PPPJJ-GCVAB]

I will offer this…expect pretty cool temps for at least the first few days until you have reached the warmer waters of the Bahamas and Caribbean.  This will also be what to expect on your last few days heading back to NJ.  

Looks like this is an awesome cruise and wish I was booked!   But I will be on the Transatlantic cruise from Rome to Bayonne this Fall bringing the Odyssey to its home port for the winter!  

 

[JohnK6404]

11 minutes ago, PPPJJ-GCVAB said:

I will offer this…expect pretty cool temps for at least the first few days until you have reached the warmer waters of the Bahamas and Caribbean.  This will also be what to expect on your last few days heading back to NJ.  

Looks like this is an awesome cruise and wish I was booked!   But I will be on the Transatlantic cruise from Rome to Bayonne this Fall bringing the Odyssey to its home port for the winter!  

 

So jealous of your transatlantic sailing!  We're putting that on the growing bucket list along with the RT Rome Greek Isles sailings on Odyssey. That transatlantic is so reasonably priced as well for a 14-night sailing!

We're on the prior 11-night Odyssey sailing (JAN 15-26)... I'd expect us to be south of Bermuda and off the coast of Florida by the morning of the 2nd full day. When we sailed Oasis out of Bayonne, we were docked at PC by lunchtime on the 2nd day. Of course on these sailings, we'll bypass Florida and keep going south and west into the Caribbean. No pools, only hot tubs for a few days early/late cruise! Can't wait! 

[PPPJJ-GCVAB]

23 minutes ago, JohnK6404 said:

So jealous of your transatlantic sailing!  We're putting that on the growing bucket list along with the RT Rome Greek Isles sailings on Odyssey. That transatlantic is so reasonably priced as well for a 14-night sailing!

We're on the prior 11-night Odyssey sailing (JAN 15-26)... I'd expect us to be south of Bermuda and off the coast of Florida by the morning of the 2nd full day. When we sailed Oasis out of Bayonne, we were docked at PC by lunchtime on the 2nd day. Of course on these sailings, we'll bypass Florida and keep going south and west into the Caribbean. No pools, only hot tubs for a few days early/late cruise! Can't wait! 

Oh don’t be jealous…I am sure you and Christine have many years left to enjoy all the special cruises.  I am sure you two will get it all done…just don’t wait too long.  We were very late to start our cruising and believe me I can already feel such a difference in activity levels as both my husband and I approach 70 (next year).  True for me and most definitely true for my husband since his recent health diagnosis.  It’s now or never for us!

BTW I truly enjoyed reading your entire Allure blog and all the pictures are amazing!  Thanks for bringing me back to my 2006 Italy trip with one of my best friends (hubbies stayed home so this one for me is truly special to have my husband experience his heritage!).