Amazing Ovation of the Seas!

On Monday 11 April we enjoyed an overnight visit aboard Royal Caribbean’s newest addition to their Quantum Class, Ovation of the Seas?. Docked in Southampton before setting sail for the Far East, Australia and New Zealand, Ovation boasts the very same innovative technology and a-mazing features as sister ships Anthem and Quantum of the Seas. At Southampton city terminal nearby Fred Olsen’s Boudicca, Ovation look ridiculously huge! We boarded straight away with Royal Caribbean’s ‘smart’ check-in (a friendly representative with an i-pad) and were soon in our stylish balcony cabin on deck 7. There were lifts aplenty and many plans of the ship dotted about so despite her size it was easy to make our way around.
We began our tour at the top, first visiting the iconic North Star which elevates more than 300 feet above the sea, then around the pool deck with impressive kids splash park Splashaway Bay, Florider surf area, RipCord by iFLY (wind tunnel), and rock climbing wall (it wouldn’t be a Royal caribbean ship without one!). Next down to Seaplex with its huge arena with bumper cars, also roller skating (we relived our youth here!), and into the dedicated kids & teens areas, complete with gaming stations, an arcade, books and cool hang out lounge. We had a peek in the spa area, it wasn’t as impressive an area as other ships i’ve visited i.e Royal Princess for one example, although the decor was nice & there were some great treatment packages on offer including couples rooms and a salon offering hair, nails, teeth whitening, botox, and dedicated gents grooming area.
Dining aboard ovation of the Seas it phenomenal, with four main dining rooms, a Jamie’s Italian, Kung Fu Panda noodle bar, and my favourite ‘Wonderland’ themed restaurant offering a unique dining experience (you have to use a paint brush to reveal the hidden menu on a plaque?!,) plus Sorrento’s New York Pizzeria and too many more to mention. Some restaurants carry a surcharge from $20-$60pp.
Entertainment was varied with Bolero’s live music venue with inviting salsa music and later in the evening Karaoke, we experienced the Music Hall where 70’s tribute band Wild Boys played, plus in Two70 lounge there was a cabaret act. There were lots of bars dotted around perfect for having a wander and a drink. The is a huge Royal Theatre too where you can enjoy broadway-style productions, aerial
performances and 3D movies etc. Shoppers with be impressed with a Cartier store & Michael Kors store to name just a few of the many shops.
This ship is definitely designed for the Asia market, with all signs including Chinese translation. A wonderful family friendly ship, it was hard not to be impressed. I believe it will be a huge hit for families and couples alike looking for non-stop entertainment and excellent dining options.