Ovation of the Seas

HomeOvation of the Seas
  • Ovation of the Seas

Ovation of the Seas

Cruise Reviews

Ovation of the Seas

Ovation of the Seas Reviews & Ratings: Is It the Right Cruise for You?

If you want a cruise ship that feels like a floating futuristic city, Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas is exactly what you are looking for. Built as part of the groundbreaking Quantum Class, this ship was designed specifically for sailing in varied climates—making it the ultimate vessel for navigating both the icy fjords of Alaska and the sunny coasts of Mexico.

Packed with high-tech thrills like a skydiving simulator, bumper cars, and a glass observation capsule that swings out over the ocean, Ovation of the Seas is built for high-energy, multi-generational family fun in 2026.

Ovation of the Seas at a Glance

  • Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean International
  • Ship Class: Quantum Class (Capacity: ~4,180 passengers)
  • 2026 Key Destinations: Alaska (Summer) and Mexican Riviera / Baja California (Fall/Winter).
  • Best For: Families with active teenagers, thrill-seekers, and travelers who want massive indoor entertainment spaces for colder itineraries.
Ovation of the Seas

2026 Itineraries & Deployment Updates

Ovation of the Seas spends 2026 dominating the West Coast of North America:

    • Summer 2026 (Alaska): Operating 7-night alternating Northbound and Southbound itineraries between Vancouver, Canada, and Seward, Alaska. Crucially, the ship features massive indoor, climate-controlled spaces (like the Two70 lounge and the indoor Solarium pool), allowing guests to view the spectacular Hubbard Glacier without freezing on an open deck.

    • Fall/Winter 2026 (Los Angeles): Repositioning to California, she will sail short 3- to 4-night weekend getaways to Ensenada and Catalina Island, as well as longer 5- to 8-night cruises down to Cabo San Lucas and the Mexican Riviera.

Onboard Experience: What to Expect

High-Tech Thrills

The ship is famous for its “firsts at sea.”

  • North Star: A jewel-shaped glass capsule attached to a mechanical arm that lifts you 300 feet above sea level for 360-degree views of the ocean and ports.
  • RipCord by iFLY: A skydiving simulator on the top deck.
  • FlowRider: Royal Caribbean’s signature 40-foot-long surf simulator.
  • SeaPlex: The largest indoor active space at sea, featuring full-sized bumper cars, roller skating, and a flying trapeze school.

Two70 Lounge

Located at the aft (back) of the ship, Two70 is an architectural marvel. By day, it is a massive open living room with three-story floor-to-ceiling windows offering sweeping panoramic views. By night, robotic screens and digital projection mapping transform the windows into immersive digital backdrops for spectacular acrobatic shows.

Dining & Beverage Packages (Updated 2026)

Royal Caribbean offers a vibrant mix of high-energy dining venues.

    • Included Dining: The Main Dining Room provides multi-course elegance, while the Windjammer Marketplace offers massive buffet spreads. The Café @ Two70 is a hidden gem for complimentary toasted sandwiches and fresh salads.

    • Specialty Dining (Extra Fee): Wonderland offers an Alice in Wonderland-inspired molecular gastronomy experience that is visually stunning. Chops Grille (steakhouse) and Jamie’s Italian (by Jamie Oliver) remain highly popular staples.

    • Beverage Packages: Royal Caribbean’s “Deluxe Beverage Package” is dynamically priced, meaning the cost fluctuates based on the itinerary and when you buy it. 2026 Tip: Always buy your drink packages, internet (VOOM), and dining packages via the Royal Caribbean Cruise Planner online before you board to save up to 30% off onboard prices.

Pros & Cons of Sailing on Ovation of the Seas

Pros:

  • Unmatched indoor entertainment spaces (SeaPlex, Two70), making it the perfect ship for unpredictable Alaskan weather.
  • Incredible top-deck thrills (North Star, iFLY, FlowRider) keep teenagers thoroughly entertained.
  • Beautiful, climate-controlled adults-only Solarium with cascading plunge pools.
  • Wide variety of specialty dining options.

Cons:

  • Does not have traditional outdoor waterslides like the newer Oasis or Icon-class ships.
  • Many of the top-tier activities (like extended iFLY flights or premium North Star experiences) carry an additional fee.
  • Dynamic pricing means drink packages can be very expensive if bought at the last minute.

Have You Sailed on Ovation of the Seas?

Your experience helps other travelers make informed decisions! Did the kids love the SeaPlex bumper cars, or did you find the specialty dining too expensive?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Ovation of the Seas

Is the North Star free on Ovation of the Seas?

It depends on when you ride it. Basic “up and down” rides on sea days or in certain ports are usually complimentary but require advanced booking via the Royal Caribbean app. “Premium” flights that swing out over the side of the ship, or flights during highly scenic cruising (like viewing the Alaskan glaciers), carry an additional per-person fee.

Are there formal nights on Ovation of the Seas?

Yes. A standard 7-night Alaskan or Mexican cruise will typically feature two “Wear Your Best” (formal) nights. However, Royal Caribbean is generally more relaxed than traditional lines; a nice collared shirt and slacks or a cocktail dress are perfectly acceptable.

Does Ovation of the Seas have a water park?

No, Ovation of the Seas does not feature the “Perfect Storm” waterslides or massive outdoor aqua parks found on other Royal Caribbean ships. Because she was built for all-weather cruising, her focus is on indoor activities like the SeaPlex and FlowRider.

Disclaimer: All information, policies, and details presented on this page are gathered from publicly available resources and are subject to change. Please verify directly with the cruise line before booking.