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Login Go scenery scoping from the North Star®, the highest vantage point on any cruise ship – or thrill it up with the Ripcord® by iFLY® skydiving simulator and revved-up bumper cars in the SeaPlex®. Level up your nightlife at the expanded Casino Royale℠ then dance the night away at the all-new Sound Cellar℠. Plus, with brand-new international cuisine to indulge in – from theatrical hibachi at Izumi Teppanyaki℠ to the new Giovanni’s℠ Italian Kitchen – there’s a culinary adventure around every corner at 16 flavoursome finds.
We are experienced cruisers (16+ cruises across four different lines, including multiple on RCCL). This was our first Alaska cruise, however. The experience was excellent, the ship (Ovation) was very good. Was it our best cruise ever, probably not, but it was very good. First of all, the food and service in the Main Dining Room was excellent. The best food we've on a cruise had since pre-COVID. Our room was good, and our room steward did a good job. Ovation apparently just had some sort of refreshing, and the ship looked very good. It is a noticeable step down, however, from the Oasis and Icon classes, but that's obvious and to be expected. Activities were fine. But I think trivia on cruise ships nowadays is ruined. Too many people I observed were cheating (looking up stuff on their phones), and they did nothing about it. So what if it's just for a highlighter, cheating is cheating, and it makes it no fun. We were looking forward to the Price Is Right live game. It was pricey, but it sounded fun. Ends up, it's not all that fun. It's a total crap shoot. Nearly everything in it is totally random...for example...guess where Plinko chip falls. if you're a winner in this game, it's totally luck. We only did Bingo once all week. The price has gone up too high, and the crew member running Bingo was obnoxious and loud. I'm used to the Bingo host being "energetic", but this woman was irritating. Ship layout was OK. The Royal Promenade on Ovation, however, is narrow, small, and strangely unsuited to hold about anything. I like that the parties (80s night, 70s, night, etc.) were held in 270 instead of the promenade. It was just more suited. The observation arm (The North Star) seems like a must, but it cost $55 per person for what they called the "full" experience. We snagged a reservation for the "basic" experience since it was FREE. We got plenty out of the free experience, the only difference is it doesn't swing out over the water (just straight up and down). I would not waste the $55 for it. Ports: Juneau: Did whale watching short excursion. A+ we saw several whales Skagway: We did bus top (To the Summit), very enjoyable. A Icy Straight Point: It's basically a "private island" experience, only it's not RCCL-owned (other ships were there). No interest in zip line or gondola ride. Outside of that, there's not really anything else to do there except gift shop. We stayed for about an hour, then got back on. Overall, we had a good time, but we'll be doing Icon class next time.
We went with a group of friends, my wife and I booked an interior room with the virtual balcony. The room was nicely appointed and convenient and priced well for an Alaskan cruise. We ate in the MDR for dinner every night, early dinner at the group table. Our waitstaff (Julian and Gusti) were on top of things and knew everyone's dining preference by the second night. The food was excellent and served in a reasonable time while not feeling rushed. The only complaint (if I was to say anything) was the abomination that they offered as moussaka, I'd rather lick a toilet seat in a homeless camp than eat that, yes it was baaad. The recent ship remodel was a success, we found the ship to be clean and fresh. It is a perfect ship for Alaskan cruising. We've been on 6 different cruise lines including premium lines, and found that we prefer Royal, their live music and the orchestra are always top notch. We were the first for the Ovation to port in Seward, unfortunately the first two cruises prior had to use Whittier as their port which is very inconvenient for a ship like the Ovation. The port is still unfinished but from we saw it will be a great port. We don't normally do excursions when we visit the different ports since we like exploring on our own. In Ketchikan we decided to take in the Alaskan Lumberjack show but we booked it online since we didn't like the times and prices that Royal was offering, and it wasn't a problem. It's a kitschy show and we enjoyed it but I am not sure that it's a must see. In Skagway there were to be 5 ships in port that day so we rented a car and drove the Yukon highway up to Emerald Lake. It's a way and you need to have your passport since it is in Canada but it is a fantastic way to really experience Alaska and the Yukon. it takes about 5.5 hours to do the round trip including a lunch in Carcross, home to the world's smallest desert. Cheaper than the White Pass train ride and you will see twice as much than you would ever see on the train. We were in port from 7:30am to 3:30pm, and we got back at 2pm with plenty of time to spare. Ovation of the Seas is a great ship and I don't see any reason to complain about anything concerning the ship or the Alaskan cruise it offers.
Overall we were very satisfied with our cruise on the freshly amplified Ovation of the Seas. Before our departure there were rumours among the guests whether the glacier visit would take place. A reservation agent confirmed it had been canceled, even though it took place as scheduled. The lack of information consistency was the worst part about the cruise and handling it correctly would have saved us a lot of stress. Apart from that, we had a very pleasant experience. We were incredibly lucky with the weather, each port visit was sunny without rain. This truly enhanced our experience. First to the changes to Ovation after the dry dock: The pastry shop was replaced by a Starbucks. No been there mugs yet available. Specialty coffee is available at Sorrentos, often with long lines during peak hours. The Bionic Bar has been replaced with Pesky Parrot, but has a different vibe since it stretches along the hallway rather than being a secluded space like on Utopia. The photo gallery was replaced by some staterooms, next to the schooner bar, and been integrated into Shore excursions. Lastly Jamies got replaced by Giovannis. The changes seem minor but in my opinion are good. The only problem I see about it was the long wait for coffee at Sorrentos during peak times. We chose to stay in an Interior room and bid for an upgrade to an outside view stateroom which was almost instantly approved and a great value. The window was big enough. We stayed midship on the Starboard side, which in our opinion offered the best views. The room itself was clean and spacious with more than enough storage space. Our room attendant was always approachable and serviced the cabin regularly. We found the cabin to be loud. There was no smell or noise from the casino, but it sits on some kind of engine/generator etc so during night times it can get noisy. One day, the pilot boarded right beneath our cabin. The ladder was constantly banging against the hull, which made the cabin really loud. While we weren’t bothered about it, light sleepers should definitely be aware of the noise. No other problems except the door did not close automatically, you always had to pull it into the lock or it remained open. The food was mostly good and we chose to eat in the main dining room every night. While we chose a fixed time, this got changed to my time. The friendly crew member could fix it and assign us the late dining time at the same table with a nice view (we saw whales several times during dinner). The dishes mostly were good, with some exceptions. What really stood out was the waiters, especially our head waiter. He always made sure to accommodate our wishes, proactively offering us changes to the menu and made sure we walked out satisfied every night. For breakfast we mostly chose the MDR which was great and calm with not so many people around, so the service was quick. We had two specialty dining lunches: Giovannis, which we enjoyed. The service was great, the food good to okay. Definitely Americanized Italian food (the Carbonara especially), but we liked it. Chops was perfect, also with nice service. We really enjoyed the lunch there. The bars were crowded but well staffed so there were no long waits. Friendly crew. The vessel seems well maintained and clean, despite some occasional smell on the public restrooms. The sports and activities were great, with the highlight being the complimentary iFly session (reservations as soon as you board are recommended). The entertainment was also good, with lots of participants. Our favourite activity was the search for the nations where you get your know a lot of your cree members. The shows weren’t our taste, the theme nights were good. The guest entertainers were mostly great. The first comedian didn’t really meet our humour, the second did. The juggler and the tenors were great. Our cruise director Brian had just joined and is really entertaining. Compared to all other cruises I’ve been on he was by far the most visible director and made sure we had a good time. There was a naturalist on board which gave short talks about glaciers, bears and whales in the 270 and also narrated our glacier visit. This enhanced our experience. Her narration style was good, along with a presentation to visualise the content. I would highly recommend to visit the talks. Overall we were really satisfied with the cruise and found it to be a very good value. Of course, on Alaskan itineraries it’s not so much about the ship but the ports of call, so here’s a quick rundown: Vancouver: lots of passengers but nevertheless a quite seamless boarding experience. The passenger flow was constant with only a sjort wait before security (maybe 10 mins). No problem to board ahead of our selected time. Ketchikan: we docked at ward cove. Quick shuttle operations with a very short wait in the morning. We visited the town by ourselves, did the flightseeing tour (individually booked) and then did a hike to Ward Lake. This was amazing even though it’s hard to get up to the main road. It was well worth it, the lake is beautiful and a lot of locals meet there for recreational activities. Icy Strait point: did the zipline thru Royal. Fun experience but quite highly priced. Boarding / disembarking was efficient, but taking the cable car had long lines during peak hours. A very touristy port flooded by tourists, it was too crowded. We walked to Hoonah which has not that much to offer but it was scenic, so we enjoyed the port visit. Sitka: did a wildlife watching tour (individually booked) and visited the raptor center and historic park (self guided). Even though we had reserved the complimentary shuttle we wouldn’t have to and the wait was short both at the port and downtown. Skagway: Docked at the RRA dock and had to take a shuttle. Medium wait (20-30 mins) in the morning just to be taken a few hundred meters in an open car (how should that protect from landslides?). The line to return was massive and there were people boarding even an hr after all aboard time. I had to wait 45-60 mins and it was a complete mess. The security seemed to be very annoyed by the poor handling of the port authority. Other than that we enjoyed our visit and booked a tour to the Suspension bridge up the pass, did a hike to Smugglers Cove and explored downtown. We had a great time. The glacier was no port itself but we had an amazing experience. The captain turner the ship several times, there was narration, hot chocolate and everyone was happy and stunned by the views. We were among the first ships to dock in Seward. Disembarking was pretty seamless, and the walkeay was even so no problem. The bus shuttles were well organised and the ride to the airport was scenic with lots of info by the driver.
ROOM & NEVER BORED
Loaded with adrenaline-amping thrills and maxed-out ways to make new memories, Ovation of the Seas® is your ticket to the boldest family holiday ever. Whether you’re travelling with kids or bringing the whole extended adventure squad along, you’ll find spacious, well-appointed cruise rooms designed to suit all your holiday needs.
THE LUXURIOUS ROYAL SUITE CLASS
Real luxury is so much more than design and facilities. It’s about unforgettable experiences – moments that inspire, service that exceeds expectations and one-of-a-kind adventures that give you stories to bring home. You’ll discover all that and more when you sail in Royal Suite Class.
Exclusive Experiences
Elevate every aspect of your travel adventure with exclusive access and unique experiences you’ll treasure for years to come, crafted just for you by a Royal Genie or dedicated Concierge.
Inclusive Amenities
Sometimes, the smallest details make the biggest difference. Our Sea, Sky and Star Class Suites offer complimentary services and amenities that make every moment unforgettable.
Unparalleled Accommodations
In between awe-inspiring vacation experiences, retreat to the most spacious luxury cruise suites. When you sail in Royal Suite Class, you’ll find every detail has been carefully considered with you in mind.
DESIGNED TO MATCH YOUR TRAVEL STYLE
Relax, unwind and make yourself at home after a full day of adventure. From thread-count comfort and deluxe facilities to breathtaking views, you'll find all the creature comforts you'd expect during your holiday – and some you probably haven't even thought of – in a range of rooms to suit your travel style.
DESIGNED TO MATCH YOUR COMFORT NEEDS
24-hour room service for fuelling up between thrills. A daily stateroom attendant dedicated to making sure that your stay is spectacular. Whether you’re travelling with kids, a group of fellow explorers or require any kind of specialised service, we’ve thought of all the creature comforts you’d expect during your holiday – plus a few more.
EVERY DETAIL ACCOUNTED FOR SERVICES & FACILITIES JUST FOR YOU
Baby Onboard
Vacationing with a baby? Let us know and we’ll provide a crib and supplies to make your little one comfy.
Brining the Crew
Keep the whole squad together on your next getaway. Select staterooms can connect to accommodate more guests.
Couples Retreat
Our staterooms offer spa-like comfort so you can disconnect from reality and reconnect with your partner-in-adventure.
Special Needs
All of our cruise ships are equipped to accommodate any special needs — just let us know and we’ll make you feel at home.
Treat your taste buds to a whirlwind tour around the world with delicious Japanese sushi, American steakhouse classics and savour delicious British fare at a seaside seafood spot.
Don’t just see the world – experience it. Shore excursions can help you discover even more at each incredible destination.
UNTAMED ADVENTURE ON EVERY DECK
Ovation of the Seas® is all about elevated exploration. Take adventure to new heights on the rock climbing wall, then experience the thrill of a free fall on RipCord® by iFLY®. Or catch a wave on the FlowRider®* surf simulator before ascending over 300 feet above sea level in North Star®.
ROCK CLIMBING WALL
Rise to the occasion and take on the signature Rock Climbing Wall. From beginners to speed climbers, everyone can enjoy an unparalleled view from 12 metres (40 feet) above deck. Included in your fare, no reservation required.
FLOWRIDER®
Grab your board and get ready for 100,000 litres of rushing amazingness headed your way. The surf’s always up on the 12-metre-long FlowRider® surf simulator
NORTH STAR®
Stand in a jewel-shaped capsule that reveals breathtaking 360-degree views as you gently ascend 90 metres (300 feet) above sea level.
POWER UP YOUR DAYS REBOOT YOUR NIGHTS
Whether you’re suiting up for an aerial adventure on the only skydiving simulator at sea or sipping expertly crafted cocktails with a splash of cutting-edge tech, you’re in for a full-on cruise holiday reboot that takes you from day to night. The Ovation of the Seas® offers a wide selection of adventure, cruise activities and dining experiences onboard.
FREE-FALLING FUN
Put your adventure in motion with a skydiving session at RipCord® by iFLY®. Engineered with state-of-the-art mechanics, this groundbreaking simulator lets you experience what it’s like to float on air without ever leaving the deck. Just suit up and let the wind carry you away inside a transparent chamber.
AN INNOVATION SENSATION
After a day filled with onboard adventures, let a robot code your favourite cocktails in binary at the revolutionary Bionic Bar®. Then, settle in for more innovative sips at Two70® and get ready for a multimedia show that blends live performances with computer-coordinated displays designed to dazzle all of your senses.
The ship features a fantastic array of health and fitness facilities including, a spa, a fitness centre, a rock climbing wall and much more.
There's plenty to keep the little ones happy from the moment you step onboard Ovation of the Seas. You'll find an unprecedented selection of activities, sports, games and shows catering for every age group and interest. The real challenge will be working out how to fit it all in!
