Ovation of the Seas has burst onto the scene as she sailed from Southampton for her inaugural cruise.
As ever, the www.CRUISE.co.uk team were on hand to give you the inside scoop into this brand new vessel so you can find out what to expect, what she looks like and what she has to offer!
Wondering how she’s different from Anthem and Quantum?
Want to know exactly what it would be like to cruise on her yourself? Then read on to find out!
First of all though, what should we be expecting from Ovation of the Seas?
Fun Factor
Like other Quantum ships, Ovation packs a punch when it comes to thrills! Whether you want to go skydiving on the RipCord iFly…
Surfing on the Flowrider…
Rock climbing on the 43 foot climbing wall…
Or venture up in the North Star, 300m above sea level – you can!
Our other favourite areas on-board were the pool (of course) and we loved the Solarium. This is one of our favourite Royal staple features, with plenty of space so kick back and relax inside next to the warm, peaceful pools. It’s an adults-only paradise and the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail and look out at the surf!
Entertainment
You could never be bored on a Royal Caribbean ship, so they say. Here at www.CRUISE.co.uk we tend to take those kind of statements as a challenge – and in this instance we have to admit they may have a point!
The SeaPlex was full of things to do, with a multipurpose space that could be used to house bumper cars, a roller disco or even trapeze lessons! Around the sides of this area was also space to play video games, nets to play table tennis and there was an arcade right next door. This kind of area is a great space for families (and all big kids at heart) to enjoy the fare ground fun you would never expect to find at sea.
If you want to slow things down a little, the Vitality at Sea spa & fitness centre is at your disposal to have a massage, to work out or just relax in the sauna! To work off those calories from last night’s gourmet meal, run (or stroll…) around the running track and visit the sports court for a game of basketball if you’re feeling athletic!
If going for a dip is as much exercise as you’re prepared to do on holiday (because after all, you are on holiday!) Ovation has a pool and whirlpools with a retractable roof to make sure you can always have a swim whatever the weather.
The gamblers amongst you will enjoy a trip to Casino Royale for slot machines, poker and blackjack whilst the arty ones amongst you can make jewellery and scrapbooking in The Workshop.
Hit the shops on the Royal Esplanade where brands like Michael Kors and Cartier offer up their goods or visit the Sea Trek Emporium for a range of ship souvenirs as well as water gear.
For some evening entertainment head to Two70 for a dazzling show of cabaret fused with LED screens to compliment the live action. Two70 also acts as a relaxed lounge during the day where you can enjoy the view through the floor to ceiling windows and watch the world sail by.
Alternatively, The Royal Theatre puts on a song and a dance like no other, with magical shows including “The Dream” being performed live!
Finally, don’t forget a trip to the iconic bionic bar before bed. (Want to know how the bionic bar works? Read our guide here!)
Restaurants
No one could ever go hungry on a cruise ship, and Ovation of the Seas only confirms this with its vast array of dining options! The complimentary dining venues include…
Chic – This restaurant is just, well, chic! The food served is premium quality with little touches to make it extra special. The salt used isn’t just normal salt, it’s sea salt and it’s not cream, it’s crème! Favourites on the menu include steak and Mediterranean sea bass.
Silk – Silk serves pan-Asian food with an exotic menu full of flavour and spice. The cuisine is a mixture of Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese with dishes such as sake glazed salmon and ginger and sesame crusted tuna.
The Grande – If one of your favourite parts of cruising is being able to grab a dickie bow tie or a posh frock to look your finest, the Grande is the restaurant to dress up for! The food is just as grand as the name suggests and you can enjoy fine specialities like snails and truffle risotto.
American Icon Grill – The American Icon Grill is the best place on Ovation to travel through iconic American dishes such as New Orleans’ gumbo, Southern buttermilk fried chicken and clam chowder from New England.
There is also a range of places to grab snacks! If you have the munchies late at night, you can grab a slice of pizza from Sorrento’s where there’s everything from classic cheese and tomato to Hawaiian and pepperoni. For something light, try having lunch at Café @ Two70 and enjoy sandwiches, salads and soups. Café Promenade offers tasty snacks such as pastries and our favourite desserts served included double chocolate brownies… yum! You can also grab food from the Solarium Bistro so if you’re sunbathing at the back of the ship, you needn’t go far to get a bite!
For that fast food fix you just can’t beat, grab a hotdog from the SeaPlex Dog House, conveniently located right next to all the action in the SeaPlex entertainment centre.
Coastal Kitchen – Exclusive to those guests who are staying in suites or are Pinnacle club members, Coastal kitchen offers a fusion of Mediterranean food and fresh produce.
Windjammer Marketplace – The on-board buffet was reimagined for Quantum class ships and here even the fussiest of eaters will find something they like. Whether you want a burger, pizza, Chinese, Indian, Mediterranean, ice cream or even just a bit of salad, you’ll find it in the Windjammer!
There are also the following restaurants available with a cover charge…
Michael’s Genuine Pub – Michael’s is like a tiny Oasis of Britain on-board with a classic pub feel and menu. As well as craft beer you can taste responsibly sourced food which include bites such as polenta fries, homemade ricotta and devilled eggs.
Chops Grille – Chops grill serves (as you may have guessed) chops! There is no better place on Ovation to enjoy a steak, lobster or grilled branzino and follow it with a delicious dessert of cheesecake or donuts.
Izumi Japanese Cuisine – Sushi is especially trendy these days and those of you who love Asian fusion can enjoy miso soup, a wide range of different sushi and wash it all down with speciality cocktails.
Kung Fu Panda’s Noodle Bar – On Ovation, the usual inclusion of Jonny Rockets has been replaced with Kung Fu Panda’s Noodle Bar to cater to the Chinese audience. The range of drinks on-board have also been chosen to suit the favourites of the ships Chinese audience.
Wonderland – Wonderland is simply a real life wonderland! Inspired by the stories of Alice in Wonderland, this brilliantly bizarre restaurant serves up meals in elements of sun, fire, ice, water, earth and dreams. It looks almost too good to eat, and once you’ve tasted their Boston cream pie maze you’ll be coming back for more!
Jamie’s Italian – Jamie Oliver’s on-board restaurant serves up hearty Italian dishes full of flavour. There are pastas, meats, antipasti and much more to be enjoyed at the authentic Italian. Pukka, as Jamie would say!
We don’t know about you but we feel hungry just looking at all those restaurants!
Family Friendly Amenities
We recently reported that Royal beat Disney as best for families, (which you can read here) and after stepping on-board Ovation it’s not too hard to see why.
Young children love the H20 Zone where they can enjoy shallow pools with water cannons and areas to play.
During the day time children can visit Adventure Ocean and attend the award winning Adventure Ocean Youth Programme. They could be off on treasure hunts, playing video games, enjoying arts and crafts or even putting on a talent show. Whatever their age, there will be corresponding activities for them to enjoy and plenty of opportunity to make new friends.
Older kids will love all of Ovations action filled features and they even have their own Fuel Teen Disco to keep them entertained in the evenings!
Cabins
Let it never be said that the www.CRUISE.co.uk team don’t love a good nose around cabins!
We visited a selection of rooms and took some pictures so you know exactly what kind of standard of rooms you can be expecting on-board!
The Royal Loft Suite!…
So what do you think of Ovation of the Seas? Would you like to sail on her?
Let us know in the comments below!
And don’t forget… As well as Ovation launching this month, Harmony of the Seas is on the way too! Want to find out more about Harmony? Click here!
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