December 8, 2021, 12:19 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
The “Odyssey of the Seas” from Royal Caribbean International was originally set to debut in 2020, but everything was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the ship was only delivered this year. Now, a video shows the ship’s journey, with the section on the Ems River providing particular thrills.
The “Odyssey of the Seas” is the 27th ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet and can accommodate more than 4,000 guests. The giant ship was built in Germany by the Meyer Werft shipyard. It was transferred from their location in Papenburg in March 2021. Now, the cruise line has shared a video of this transfer—and it is truly spectacular in parts.
The video shows how the Odyssey is towed down the Ems River by two small boats. The journey from Papenburg to the North Sea took more than ten hours, covering 32 kilometers. This is particularly tricky because the Ems is not ideally suited for a ship as gigantic as the Odyssey of the Seas. The new giant is 41 meters wide and 347 meters long.
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The Tight Maneuvers of the Odyssey of the Seas
Even when “parking out” of the shipyard, the first challenge is evident, as the ship has only a few centimeters of space on either side. The passages at the Weener Bridge and the bridge in Leer are similarly tight. Here, too, there is barely any space on either side, and the maneuvers require precision to the centimeter. Impressively, everything is done in reverse!
However, the video states that the reverse gear actually makes the ship easier to maneuver. To ensure everything went smoothly, numerous local pilots helped guide the way. But it wasn’t just the assistance that was crucial; the right timing was also essential for a successful transfer. The video explains that the Odyssey of the Seas could only be transported during a full moon or new moon. This has no spiritual but entirely rational reasons. During these times, the Ems is at its highest due to the tides. Besides the water level, the wind speed is also crucial. According to the video, it must not exceed 20 knots.
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The Odyssey of the Seas set off on its maiden voyage from Port Everglades in Florida on July 31. Caribbean cruises are planned from Fort Lauderdale until April 2022, and from May to October 2022, the Odyssey will be cruising the Mediterranean.