Ovation Of The Seas Review: The Ultimate Ocean Playground
Big ships promise big fun, but do they actually deliver at sea? We sailed the Ovation of the Seas from Vancouver to Hawaii to find out. This Quantum-class ship from Royal Caribbean International packs skydiving simulators, bumper cars, robotic bartenders, and panoramic observation pods into one floating resort.
If you’re wondering whether this ship suits your cruise style, this review covers everything from onboard activities and dining to cabins and entertainment. We chose this repositioning cruise mainly for the relaxing sea days so we could experience the ship itself, not just the ports.
After exploring nearly every corner of the vessel, here’s our honest look at what Ovation of the Seas does well and where it occasionally falls short.
Ovation Of The Seas: Ship Overview
The Ovation of the Seas launched in 2016 and is one of Royal Caribbean’s Quantum-class ships, designed to combine cutting-edge technology with large-ship entertainment.
Key details:
- Passenger capacity: about 4,900 guests
- Crew: around 1,500
- Staterooms: 2,091
- Decks: 18
When we sailed, the ship carried only 3,007 passengers, making it feel pleasantly uncrowded. The week before, it had completed an Alaska sailing with more than 4,000 guests.
For comparison, the largest ship we had previously sailed was the Majestic Princess, which carries about 3,600 passengers. Ovation felt noticeably larger.
Today, the ship typically sails:
- Alaska cruises and cruise tours from Vancouver and Seward in summer.
- Mexico and Pacific Coast cruises in winter.
- Occasional Asia cruises from Singapore.
First Impressions And Embarkation
We boarded in Vancouver, and the embarkation process was the only rough start to our cruise. Two other ships were boarding the same morning, which meant long lines for security and U.S. customs. Our 11:30 boarding time turned into about 90 minutes of waiting.
Once we cleared security, however, Royal Caribbean’s process was efficient. Our cruise cards were waiting in our cabin, and our luggage arrived by 2 p.m.
Walking up the gangway, the first thing we noticed was the sheer size of the ship. With 18 decks, it towered over Vancouver’s harbor.
Large cruise ships must carefully time their departures from Vancouver because they must pass under the Lions Gate Bridge. Our ship actually delayed departure slightly to leave during low tide so it could safely pass underneath.
Once onboard, the ship felt clean, modern, and well organized. The crew were friendly from the moment we stepped aboard.
What Makes Quantum-Class Ships Different?
Royal Caribbean has several classes of ships, but Quantum-class vessels are designed around unique activities you won’t find on most cruise lines.
Ships in the class include:
- Quantum of the Seas
- Anthem of the Seas
- Ovation of the Seas
We’ve tried all but the Anthem, which we have booked for 2027. They’re known for innovative attractions like:
- North Star observation capsule
- RipCord by iFly skydiving simulator
- FlowRider surf simulator
- SeaPlex activity complex
- Two70 entertainment venue
Naturally, we tried every activity we could during our sea days.
Unique Activities On Ovation Of The Seas
Royal Caribbean stands out in the cruise industry by offering onboard activities that feel more like a theme park than a traditional cruise ship. Even if something felt slightly outside our comfort zone, we gave it a try.
RipCord By iFly
One of the most memorable experiences was RipCord by iFly, a skydiving simulator located above the pool deck.
After a short safety briefing, guests enter a wind tunnel where powerful fans simulate the sensation of free-fall skydiving. Each person gets about one minute of flight time, but that’s plenty to feel the thrill.
Karen and I booked different sessions so we could film each other. This turned out to be a great decision because phones aren’t allowed inside the chamber.
Watching the instructor demonstrate their skills at the end was incredible—they soared up the chamber and performed spins and flips at speeds over 200 mph.
FlowRider Surf Simulator
Another popular attraction is the FlowRider, where powerful jets create a continuous wave for surfing or boogie boarding. On our cruise to Hawaii, it was the perfect sea-day activity.
Thousands of gallons of water flow under your feet at 40 mph (64 kph). So, you really feel you are surfing in the ocean or behind a boat. The best part is no surfing experience is required.
I started cautiously on a boogie board. After a few wipeouts—and a little damage to my ego—I managed to stay upright long enough to feel like I was actually surfing.
Karen filmed the entire thing from the viewing area, which provided plenty of entertainment for both of us.
A tip if you plan to try it: remove contact lenses first. I learned the hard way that you’ll likely get a face full of water. Also, the water is heated, so guests can use it in Alaska’s cooler climate.
North Star Observation Capsule
Perhaps the most iconic feature of Quantum-class ships is North Star, a glass capsule mounted on a giant mechanical arm.
The pod rises 300 feet above sea level, offering panoramic views of the ship and ocean. Perfect in Alaska if the weather cooperates.
The ride was complimentary on our sailing, and we enjoyed it twice—once at sea and once while docked in Maui. Usually, the ride is free while docked, but incurs a fee at sea.
At sea, the arm rotates outward over the water, creating spectacular views in every direction. The experience reminded us a little of the London Eye, except we were floating above the Pacific Ocean.
Rock Climbing Wall
Like many Royal Caribbean ships, Ovation has an outdoor rock-climbing wall. I had tried climbing on the Serenade of the Seas earlier in the year, and it was fun to try again.
There are three climbing routes with different levels of difficulty. Even beginners can participate, and the automatic safety system ensures you’re safely lowered if you lose your grip.
One warning: if you haven’t climbed in years like me, expect sore muscles the next day.
SeaPlex: A Giant Indoor Activity Space
The SeaPlex is one of the most versatile spaces on the ship. Being indoors, it isn’t affected by the weather outside.
During our cruise, it hosted:
- volleyball
- bumper cars
- basketball
- pickleball
- roller skating
On embarkation day, we waited only five minutes to drive the bumper cars. Later in the cruise, the line stretched around the entire arena. Karen took the wheel while we gleefully crashed into other passengers.
Roller skating was another blast from the past. I hadn’t worn skates in more than 20 years, and my legs definitely reminded me of that afterward.
Two70: One of the Ship’s Best Spaces
One of our favorite venues was Two70, located at the very back of the ship. The room spans several levels and features 270-degree panoramic windows overlooking the ocean.
During the day, it’s a relaxing place to read or work on a laptop. At night, the room transforms into a high-tech theater.
Massive robotic screens descend from the ceiling and move throughout performances, creating immersive visuals during shows like Pixel Cabaret.
Even when nothing was scheduled, we often came here simply to enjoy the view of the ship’s wake.
The Royal Esplanade
Instead of a traditional atrium, Ovation has the Royal Esplanade, a two-deck promenade filled with shops, bars, and restaurants. It feels somewhat like walking through a small shopping mall at sea.
At first I wasn’t sure I liked the design, but it quickly grew on me. It became one of our favorite places to sit with a drink and watch people go by.
One sea day even featured a large “sidewalk sale,” and passengers happily browsed tables of discounted merchandise.
A Fun Surprise: The Piano Elevator
One of the most unexpected moments of the cruise came when we stepped into an elevator and discovered a piano player inside.
Yes—a full upright piano in the elevator!
The musician played sing-along songs while the elevator traveled between decks. We ended up riding up and down for nearly 15 minutes just enjoying the performance.
Watching other passengers react when the doors opened was priceless.
Our Cabin
We booked a guaranteed balcony cabin and were assigned stateroom 6696 near the aft of the ship. Our balcony had a partial obstruction from a lifeboat, but since we mainly wanted fresh ocean air rather than a perfect view, it didn’t bother us.
The cabin felt modern and comfortable, with plenty of storage space and a contemporary design. The sofa pulled out to accommodate two more, with plenty of space to walk around. We felt these cabins could accommodate four comfortably.
Our favorite feature, the inroom kettle! We like tea in bed, so we didn’t have to go somewhere else to get it or order room service.
One small quirk: the stateroom doors opened outwards into the hallway, and it took a while to get used to. You can read our detailed review of our Ovation cabin and others staterooms here.
The Royal Caribbean App
Royal Caribbean relies heavily on its mobile app for daily planning. Through the app, we could:
- reserve activities
- book shows
- check our schedule
- view daily events
- play the “Expedition Two70” game
While the app worked well most of the time, it does mean passengers need to carry their phones more often than on older cruises that relied on printed schedules.
For those who prefer paper, you can still request the traditional Cruise Compass newsletter from your cabin steward.
Dining Options
Food is always an important part of any cruise, and Ovation offers about 20 different dining venues.
The ship has four main dining rooms:
- Chic
- Silk
- The Grande
- American Icon Grill
Even though the décor differs, they share the same nightly menu. We include a detailed review of the Ovation food and specialty restaurants (including menus).
Royal Caribbean also offers specialty restaurants and casual venues throughout the ship. Overall, we found the food quality very good, and the staff did a great job accommodating Karen’s food allergies.
Bars And Lounges
Like most cruise ships, Ovation has plenty of bars and lounges.
Some of the most popular include:
- Two70 Bar
- Schooner Bar
- Music Hall
- Vintages Wine Bar
- Boleros
Bionic Bar
The most unusual bar is the Bionic Bar, where robotic arms mix drinks. Guests order from an iPad, and the robot selects bottles from overhead racks before shaking or stirring the cocktail.
Watching the mechanical bartender in action was surprisingly entertaining. My Bahama Mama came out perfectly mixed. However, sometimes the bionic bartender gets sloppy and spills the drinks which we found comical.
Ovation Of The Seas Smoking Areas
For those who smoke, the Ovation has an enclosed area on the starboard side of deck 5 near the aft. It’s a large outdoor space between two lifeboats.
There was also another smoking area on deck 14 port side. Inside the vessel, smoking was permitted in designated areas of the casino as long as they were actively playing.
Pools And The Solarium
The ship features:
- four pools
- eight whirlpools
Two pools are indoors, which makes the ship especially well suited for cooler destinations like Alaska. On sea days it could be difficult to find a lounge chair, but the atmosphere was peaceful compared with the main pool deck.
The Solarium, an adults-only area, became one of our favorite relaxation spots. It features multiple small pools and hot tubs arranged across several levels.
Of all the Quantum-class vessels, the Ovation has the best setup for the Solarium. It has more pools, hot tubs, and an attached bistro dining area.
Fitness, Spa And Wellness
The ship’s gym is large and well equipped, with treadmills, bikes, rowing machines, and strength equipment.
Group fitness classes like yoga and spin were available for an additional fee, while the Vitality Spa offered massages and beauty treatments.
As with most cruise ships, spa prices were fairly high.
Kids And Family Areas
Royal Caribbean is known for being family friendly, and Ovation is no exception. The Adventure Ocean program divides activities by age groups, and the SeaPlex provides endless entertainment for kids and teens.
Even though our cruise had relatively few children, the family areas were consistently busy.
Entertainment And Shows
Royal Caribbean puts significant effort into onboard entertainment. During our cruise we enjoyed a mix of theatrical productions, variety shows, and live music.
One standout performance was a tribute show to Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons called Oh, What a Night.
Classic cruise entertainment, but done very well.
Final Thoughts: Is Ovation of the Seas Worth It?
In a word: YES!
The Ovation of the Seas is an impressive ship packed with activities you simply won’t find on smaller vessels. Attractions like North Star, iFly, and the FlowRider create a cruise experience that feels energetic and modern.
Karen and I usually spend more time relaxing on cruises—doing puzzles or reading—but this ship kept us busy from morning until night.
Our favorite space was Two70, where we could relax during the day and watch spectacular shows at night.
While mega-ships aren’t for everyone, travelers who enjoy lots of entertainment, dining options, and innovative attractions will likely love this ship. Its plentiful activities make ocean crossings fly by.
After this sailing, I became a bit of a Royal Caribbean fan. We enjoyed our cruise so much, we sailed her sister ship, Quantum of the Seas seven months later.
If you’re considering a cruise on Ovation of the Seas, chances are you’ll find plenty to enjoy.
How can I tell a left handed room from a right handed room on RCCL? I have to sleep on the left side of the bed near the bathroom and my wife needs the privacy of the window side.
You can’t tell the layout from the deck plan but room layouts alternate. My cabin 6696 was a right-handed stateroom, so the ones on either side were left-handed ones. Try looking on cruise critics for images in people’s reviews on the deck you want to book. Then count the cabins from that one to determine its layout.
We were on the Ovation of the Sea as it left HA to continue its reposition cruise to Sydney, Au. I was very surprised to read the comment about the food being ‘very good’. We found it to be the worst food we ever experienced. They served 2 vegetables and put gravy on all of meat choices. The salads were way past due date and the dressing was always the same no matter what you ordered. We ate many baked potatoes…some were even thoroughly cooked. That 19 days of totally aweful food and the questionable stops at some ports has taken Royal Carribbean off of our future adventures. Suggestion: Don’t Do It!
The problem with some long repositioning cruises is food is put on the ship for too many days. I don’t know if fresh food was loaded in Hawaii. Given that food would have had to be shipped to Hawaii, I’m guessing food was loaded in Vancouver 9 days earlier. So, when you embarked in Hawaii, the food would have been nine days old. This isn’t the case for regular cruises, and we had amazing food for our cruise.
@Forever Karen, I just got back from Ovation of the Seas going the other way, Hawaii to Vancouver and I thought the food was excellent! There was a huge variety and very complicated and inventive menus in the Windjammer Buffet.
Thanks for the update Joan. I love the Ovation and the Pacific crossing between Vancouver and Hawaii is one of my favorites.
@Cassandra Czarniecki, my sister and I spent 14 nights aboard Ovation Of The Seas on its Alaskan cruise September 2023, we thoroughly enjoyed our whole time on board and found all the food to be EXCELLENT, regardless of where we chose to eat, we could not fault it! Funnily enough one day there was a lady sat opposite us who never stopped complaining about everything, when the food was perfect, so I guess there’s no pleasing some people!
Thank you for your review of Ovation. We are going on our first cruise ever and it’s to Alaska next month. Very much looking forward to it and your write up was very helpful.
We are booked on Ovation in October. From Vancouver to Hawaii. Our balcony is on the starboard side and was hoping for some nice views while cruising past the islands. Can you tell me what side of the ship had the better views?
On my four cruises to Hawaii, my ships didn’t actually sail close enough to the islands to see anything. I only got views when arriving and leaving a port.
We’re going on the Ovation in September for an Alaskan Cruise. Enjoyed your review. I am an RCCL fan. Thanks