Who's been on Ovation of the Seas

[eric2011]

Anyone been on this ship recently, would love some feedback, tips and suggestions

 

[jaymcc]

My partner and I went on Ovation from Sydney to Hobart and back in November 2018 - not really very recent but I'm confident the ship wouldn't have changed much since then.

It's a big ship but didn't feel crowded. Unlike other ships it doesn't have a main dining room, instead, it has four smaller restaurants that you can choose to go to each night. You can make a reservation for dinner or just turn up and wait.

The cabin was comfortable, big enough... but it's a cruise ship so space is always at a premium.

The service was excellent, the food pretty good. We spent a lot of time in 270 at the back of the ship just watching the ocean go by. They have a lot of activities going on in that space too so you can choose to join in, or not. The show that they have in that space at night is very impressive.

I'd suggest booking in early (before you board) for the North Star and the iFly as it books out quickly. Also - the cafe at the back of the ship near 270 is a really good spot for lunch to avoid queues.

Any specific questions you have?

 

[eric2011]

Nothing specific just peoples general thoughts and impressions etc and other little quirks etc. Thanks for your reply

 

[cqtiger]

Most RCI cruises are great you cant go wrong what can make or break a cruise are the staff especially the cabin steward and the cruise director and how long since they have had a holiday. They certainly try to get every cent out of you but all cruise line are like that unless they are all inclusive. Also depends on what size ship you want. The big ships like Ovation have heaps to do (especially for kids) and better entertainment but I find the mid size ships better (because no kids ) If you can afford it get a suite.

 

[eric2011]

Thanks for the input. Kids and myself will just have to co-exist and I wont play in their playground if they don't play in my bar. A place for everybody and everybody in their place . Yes I have booked a Junior Suite but in reality its just another name for a slightly better balcony room. I am trying to get an idea of current bar prices for the Australian departures if you happen to have been on

 

[cqtiger]

you are better going to the cruise critic site.Heaps of threads on ovation there

Cruise Critic Community

Cruise Critic is the world's largest community of people who love to cruise. Discuss cruises, cruise ships, cruise lines, cruising and ports of call. Find other people sailing on your cruise on our FAMOUS Roll Call forums. Save money by planning shore excursions with new friends! Attend Meet &...

boards.cruisecritic.com.au

 

[eric2011]

Yes been trolling that site but not too much info on AU based cruises

 

[cqtiger]

Sad news on the volcano incident

 

[eric2011]

Sad news on the volcano incident

Yes very sad. I was born and breed in Tauranga which is where the Ovation is berthed and about 70klms from the island. Mrs eric2011 was born in Whakatane which is where the rescue effort is being conducted. The Island is offshore and can be easily seen when driving down the "Matata straights" between the 2 cities. This island has been erupting and belching gas, fumes and ash for the past 60 years that I can remember and people have been travelling to the island for tourism and to see the area close up etc over this time.
It takes a disaster like this for people to question why were they are allowed to visit but we do need to remember that everyone is fully aware of the risks and dangers of visiting such an area but we choose to do it as we do when we do other forms of dangerous trips anywhere in the world
They will never stop people from wanting to visit, be it White Island, the volcanos in Vanuatu or Hawaii or any of the dozens of volcanos throughout the world. We have this need for a bit of danger and action in our lives

R.I.P