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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 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.
Embarkation was a total shambles - a week before the cruise, RC announced they were switching the embarkation port to Whittier, that they would provide transport from Seward for passengers who had booked through them and that whoever had made land arrangements not through RC had to find their way by themselves. The notice caught us just before boarding the plane to Seattle , whence we were meant to start our self booked land pre cruise tour ending in Seward. Now it seems - and that's what RC told us - that the distance between Seward and Whittier is "only" two hours by car, but in fact there is, in the low season, no direct public transport between the two, it is impossible to rent a car, I found no driver ready to take us to the new port, there is no hotel accomodation to speak on in Whittier, certainly not for a cruise ship this size and the only option was to take a morning bus to Anchorage (3 hrs) and another bus from there to Whittier (2 hrs) at the price of about 150usd p/p. The reason of the port change was a delay in works being carried out in the cruise harbor of Seward, of which RC was aware and had not thought it fit to update its passengers about. I thought RC "see you in Whittier" cavalier attitude plain wrong and spent almost the whole length of a nine hours flight trying to find a way to reach Whittier in time, update social media, and seeking for help from the travel agents who helped me build the vacation. The day later RC reported that after further consideration they had decided to provide complimentary tranfer to Whittier for all the passengers staying in Seward. Still, the app was not updated and showed the Seward embarkation, and I for example was not given the option to choose the complimentary transfer to Whittier, which my stellar cruise travel agent booked for me. On the day itself, boarding the busses was a total chaos, tickets were given to people in an arbitrary way, I do not remember them being checked against the time the bus was leaving and many pieces of luggage were loaded late. Ours (4 pcs) were delivered five hours after the luggage distribution was supposed to start and arrived wet and cold. Disembarkation - another abject show of management. Not enough busses for the airport were offered. I begged fo book the latest bus as we had an afternoon flight, I was promised to be placed in the waiting list but at the end, the exit slot I was given was later than the early bus I had, and I managed to book the later bus by simply going again to shore excursions when I saw a new slot had opened for the later bus. Also, whereas on the disembarkation video I was made to understand our luggage would be waiting for us in the airport, the main reason why I had booked a transfer which was too early and costed triple the price of a taxi, only by chance I learned the night before that we would have to retrieve our luggage by ourself in the port and load it onto the bus and from there into the airport. In short, every day of the cruise I had to deal with the disembarkation issue. In Vancouver port the show continued. Our luggage (group no. 10) was unloaded between no. 4 and no 23, so that when I asked an official I was told luggage in group 10 hadn't arrived yet, whilst another passenger told me it was just around the corner, which it was. Clearly, our luggage was also found lying around in other groups. I hope RC realises how much troubles each one of these many mistakes can cost, financially and not, to a passenger wishing simply to go on vacation. The ship is big, has many venues catering to many tastes and it served well myself, my husband and our grown up son. The stateroom - we had a junior suite for two+ on deck 9 which has a sofabed my son deemed comfortable, one full bath with bathtub and shower over bathtub and one additional toilette. The two spaces were very practical, new, sparkling clean and superbly fitted (V&B sanitary appliances). The stateroom itself is loaded with cupboard and shelf spaces, so that the three of us could unpack all our luggage and still have room for more. Lots of electricity and charging points too. Iron board and a good strong hairdrier. The furniture was not new and it showed although it was lovingly kept. The junior suite has a balcony which is larger than a regular verandah and two pool lounge chairs with stools. It is not immediately after the bump so that you feel quite private and the overhang did not bother me at all. Given the wintry weather, we used the balcony when we could and it was certainly great for the Hubbard glacier navigation. Guest services - used them mainly for disembarkation. On top of that poor evaluation, I agree with the poster who said no consideration is showed to people with walking or standing difficulties and that not even a chair exists so that everybody has to stand in line, which is sizeable sometimes. Non existing library. Superb fitness center. Staff - truly, the shining diamond. Everybody, from our room attendant (Tri the magician) to others we simply met on the way, to our waiters at Silk (Bayu and I Wayan) and Solarium bistro to the dining rooms managers, every single one worked very hard to make us feel happy, relaxed, cared for and seen to - and succeeded. Kudos - they made our cruise. Food - another mixed bag. Breakfast good at Windjammer although crowded (here again just a few small tables in a corner, three or four, are reserved for disabled), lunch not very good; food in Silk very good and a lovely venue; Solarium bistro crowded for lunch but calm in the evening and good for light suppers; Sorrento Pizza nice; Starbucks coffee good substitute for the undrinkable dark liquid they call coffee on board. The app - some good features, like the calendar, which enables you to organize the activities you wish to take part in or booked in a coherent schedule, or the feature to see the daily menus, but also some bugs, i.e. the bookings are sometine not updated, you cannot have more than one one active restaurant booking which you made on the ship even at the beginning of the cruise, and getting into voom is cumbersome. We did not take shore excursions from the ship. The ports - Alaska did not fail to work its incredible magic once again even if the weather was unseasonably wintry for the end of May and the fact the locals were not harried by thousands of tourists certainly helped. This cruise was taken at the behest of our son who asked to see Alaska again and relive some almost twenty years old memories. Did RC manage that? Definitely - but in certain areas it could have done it quite a lot better.
We had a wonderful cruise. Our room was a jr family suite and it was large and had 2 bathrooms. A real luxury. The room was well appointed and although we weren't able to use the balcony very much it was great for the times we did. All staff, from our room attendant, to our waiters in the main dining room and our dining room greeters and concierge were warm, professional and helpful. We never met a grumpy or surly staff member while onboard this ship. Embarkation and disembarkation were seamless. The food on board in the main dining room was outstanding. The selection, presentation and flavours were excellent. We were offered the option of dining in other venues but declined as we were so pleased with the Silk dining room experience. We did eat occasionally in the windjammer and all the food was delicious and abundant (especially the morning bacon and benny). It had a great variety of fresh fruit. We just found it crowded and sometimes difficult to find seating. The solarium and fish and chips were a great lunch alternative. Bar staff were very helpful and went out of their way to find clamato for my virgin caesar. The selection of entertainment was great. From classical piano and guitar to caribbean vibe, to big band, dance bands and pianist and guitarist playing all our favourites. We felt well wined, dined and entertained.
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!
