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The Ovation Of The Seas brings something special to a diverse range of travelers, from families with children and teens, to adult couples, and singles. Obviously, there are many cruise lines to choose from. However, as a travel writer, I believe the Royal Caribbean and Celebrity to be the “CRÈME DE LA CRÈME” in the world of cruising. Allow me to explain why. Like no other cruise line, the moment you set foot on board, everything about Royal Caribbean makes you feel welcomed and part of its family. Once you cruise with RCCL, you immediately will be remembered and begin your path to many rewards and benefits. After experiencing all the other cruise lines firsthand, I feel that RCCL has so much more to offer. From the ships themselves to the itineraries, price value, size of the cabins, amenities, activities, and excursions, to the unbelievably friendly service and eager-to-please staff, Royal Caribbean reigns supreme in my book! On the Ovation Of The Seas, the entire crew is courteous, excited, experienced, helpful, and well trained.
It was also apparent that every crew-member was wholeheartedly committed to making each passenger’s vacation at sea, truly extraordinary, and one that will never be forgotten. Every experience on board the Ovation was second to none. Without a doubt, like in a fairytale, the Royal Caribbean journey delivers what travel dreams are made of!
So, why a cruise, you might ask? Because it is without a doubt the best, easiest, most carefree way to see the world! After you decide where you want to go, the cruise line will graciously do all the rest for you. No hassles, no stress, no worries, and no complications. So isn’t that what a vacation is supposed to be all about? You bet it is!
As a quantum-class ship, Ovation Of The Seas belongs to the 3rd largest class of cruise ships in the world! The ship has 16 decks, is 1,138 feet long, holds 4, 905 guests, 1,500 crew-members, and has 2,091 beautiful staterooms. Now that’s a big, Wow!
Your days will be fun-filled with endless options to enjoy:
Choices such as, A state-of-the-art Fitness Center and Spa, Amazing Shows, Art Shows, Pool Tables, Ping-Pong, and Outdoor Movie Nights. The Games on board (which I typically don’t participate in, but did) were entertaining and a blast. The ship has an awesome Video Arcade, Wine Tasting, Bumper Cars, awesome Bars, and the best restaurants ever! There is also The Adventure-Ocean, Game Shows, Theme Nights, fascinating Guest Lecturers, 2 Outdoor & Indoor extravagant Pools, 4 Whirlpools, a peaceful Solarium, Ripcord by IFLY, Rock Climbing, and Roller-Skating. Plus, there’s a FlowRider Surf Simulator, which is oodles of fun. There is a large sports court as well.
Let’s not forget the wonderful Live Bands that made passengers dance the nights away. I must admit, the Ovation had the best live music I have ever heard on any ship.
If you can’t be in Las Vegas, the Ship’s Casino is a perfect place to get your gambling fix and hopes of “The big win!” The perk here is Vegas doesn’t sail the ocean, and the Ovation does! On the ship, there is Shopping Galore. I confess, I got in a bit of trouble here with Guess, Kate Spade, Cartier, Michael Kors, and Omega… Just to name a few stores I frequented way too much. Furthermore, there is also a conference room I was happy to use. But I tried my best not to linger there too long, as I wanted to avoid work.
BARS:
Throughout The Ship Is The… BIONIC BAR, BOLEROS, ENGLISH PUB, THE NORTH STAR BAR, SCHOONER BAR, SKY BAR, TWO70 BAR, AND VINTAGES. All of which were absolutely lovely and cozy places to hang out, both day and night.
For Diamond, Diamond Plus, Pinnacle members, & those staying in select suites, there are separate special clubs. Here I was treated like royalty. Danilo Alves, the stellar and charming concierge host, jumped to everyone’s needs with his grace and elegance at every turn. The most delicious array of Hors d’oeuvres, finger foods, sweets, and drinks are served here for breakfast and each evening. Danilo never skipped a beat with his care and tremendous service. Thank you also, lovely Irene, for keeping our drinks flowing!
The ROYAL THEATER has the most wonderful entertaining shows, not to be missed. Really impressive talent and productions are presented on its lavishly gorgeous stage.
STATEROOMS:
Ovation Of The Seas Cabins offers four categories, including interior staterooms, ocean-view cabins, balcony staterooms, and luxurious Royal Suite Class cabins. My Ocean-view cabin was comfortable, appointed beautifully, and included all my personal needs. The balcony offered miraculous, awe-inspiring views. If you book a veranda, I strongly suggest you order room service and enjoy a serene breakfast or dinner on your balcony.
The Housekeeping Service was beyond incredible. Bravo to my stateroom attendant Manuel. He cleaned my messy room with love and care twice a day, every single day. For accomplishing this feat, he deserves a medal! I never had to ask him for anything. He was on target with my every need and desire. He even left his crafty towel animals on my bed nightly to give me a little giggle. Talking to many other guests, they all felt the same way about their attendants as well. Perfection!
Spectacular Views From My Veranda…
On this cruise we pioneered Alaska, America’s last frontier on board the Ovation Of The Seas, one of the world’s most groundbreaking ships. It is the biggest boldest ship ever to sail to Alaska. Its panorama vistas were breathtaking. This voyage is game-changing for family fun, romance, or to get away and vacate your life. To escape the summer heat and enjoy the climate was a treat. From Seattle, we sailed to stunning, memorable ports like Juneau, Glaciers, Skagway, & Victoria. No other cruise ship lets you see Alaska like this!
ALL DINING ON THIS SHIP IS AMAZING. Everything I ordered was so delicious. Even the food choices in the main dining room were the best I’ve ever seen on a ship.
I have to extend major kudos to the ultra charismatic Pawan Sah, the Restaurant Operations Manager. He was entirely elegant and took care of every guest with such class and professionalism. Pawan, was extraordinary in every way. Moreover, the 2 hostesses who are always in a pressure situation to seat people handled it all with effortless skill.
OTHER YUMMY DINING OPTIONS:
As you walk around, stop and dine in one of these restaurants. THE AMERICAN ICON GRILL, CHIC, SILK, SOLARIUM BISTRO, AND THE COASTAL KITCHEN. Here you will experience and enjoy a casual delicious cuisine with an easygoing atmosphere.
For A First Class Treat, TRY THE SIGNATURE RESTAURANTS:
THE GRANDE ~ WONDERLAND IMAGINATIVE CUISINE ~ CHOPS GRILLE
I enjoyed immensely, the Chops Grille. There were so many fabulous food selections that I had quite a time deciding what to order. It was lovely to dine in a more intimate venue, which I consider to be the height of excellence, as are all the signature restaurants! Know that the service in every dining area on the ship was superb and marvelous. With so many guests on the cruise, you can imagine how this would truly be considered an art form.
AND… I ADVISE THAT YOU ALSO TRY:
Go ahead and book a special food experience at JAMIE’S ITALIAN, AMBER & OAK PUB, IZUMI JAPANESE CUISINE, AND THE CHEF’S TABLE… Each one of these charming, outstanding, Signature Restaurants is a foodies delight. Don’t hesitate to try them all. Each is unique in its own right and surely promises delectable food memories.
On sea days, pencil in on your itinerary some time to attend the Park West Gallery
Champaign Auctions. The Artwork is irresistible and so much fun to participate. Go visit and talk art with the charming, handsome, art-educated gallery director, Dhawal Trivedi.
Ovation Of The Seas Cruises To:
South Pacific, South Pacific-Australia, Alaska- Inside Passage, Alaska, Hawaii, and Transpacific…
FYI: The VOOM Surf + Stream Voyage Packages and Beverage Packages are available. I highly recommend them both. Don’t forget to purchase transfers to and from the airport, & also the thrilling excursions, which will forever be imprinted in your mind.
The astonishing Ovation Of The Seas is intended for travelers seeking a fun, exciting, nontraditional, unique, cutting-edge, cruise vacation. Families, romance seekers, couples, and singles that are hoping to find nonstop action at sea will surely find it on the Ovation. Keeping thrill-seekers and adventurous cruisers in mind, this ship indeed, won’t disappoint. Your on board experience is whatever you want and hope it to be, and more. Experiencing this ship, I trust every person cruising found his or her happy place. I rate the Ovation Of The Seas and everything about it, “A solid A+ and a gigantic Bravo!!!!”
I wish you all a magnificent Bon Voyage as you sail off into the sunset!
I would like to thank Khiavett Diaz (Royal Caribbean International Public Relations Executive) for all her help and assistance in making this article possible.