I first sailed Ovation of the Seas when she was brand new, when her high-tech toys and futuristic venues made her feel less like a ship and more like the prototype for the next decade.

Back then, Royal Caribbean talked confidently about “supercruising” and promised a game-changer. Fast forward to today and Ovation remains the epitome of why Royal Caribbean continues to own the multi-generational market.

There are ships that cater for couples. There are ships that excel at luxury. And there are ships that function like a family resort at sea – designed so grandparents, parents, teens and little kids can all have the holiday they want, at the same time, without compromise.

That’s what Ovation of the Seas does best.

On a recent sailing from Singapore to Penang and back, the onboard demographic told the story: 4,900 guests were mostly young families, grandparents travelling with adult children, groups spanning multiple generations – and a ship that still understands instinctively how to keep them happy.

Coming back to Ovation a decade later is like reuniting with someone who was wildly ahead of their time – and discovering they’ve aged well.

Boarding a vessel this size is always a bit of a lottery. But we were in the Grande Dining Room having lunch in 35 minutes at Marina Bay Cruise Centre. We chose boarding at noon, and watched an orderly queue leave luggage and sweep through registration.

Wheelchair? Stroller? Walking frame? It hardly seemed to matter as cheery staff snapped each passenger, zapped them onto the app and issued blue Royal key cards.

Once on the ship, a well-drilled operation had us eating and on our way to our suite. Avoiding congestion is number one priority on embarkation day.

With so many first timers, young and old, navigation is vital. There was literally a friendly staff member at every turn, pointing you in the right direction.

Next big problem: the heavily regulated safety lecture. You need 4,900 passengers to get across how to put on a lifejacket. The Royal app checks you’ve watched the videos and been to your muster stations.

---

The ship

When Ovation arrived on the scene, she was the centre of attention. In port after port, crowds arrived not just to watch a ship sail in, but to see what the future looked like. Ovation wasn’t just large; she was engineered to be noticed.

The introduction to my 2016 review – the year Ovation arrived on the cruising scene – went like this: “It was a bit like driving a red Ferrari down the main street of a small town. Everywhere Ovation of the Seas went on her Asian inaugural voyage, the world’s second largest ship (and reputedly it’s smartest) was feted like a rock star.”

Today, she still has plenty of presence. She’s big – but when Icon of the Seas bestrides the world like a colossus with 7,600 passengers, she feels almost right-sized.

Clever people management gives her a flow. Good navigation using interactive screens and deck maps ensure everyone knows where they are going. Imagine hundreds of lost guests milling around looking for venues?

The ship’s design is built around zones that serve different moods: calm, adult-friendly spaces for those who want peace; high-energy hubs for families; and transitional venues that shift from day to night, including the futuristic Two70 space at the back of the ship.

What’s remarkable is how well Ovation continues to juggle the needs of her audience. She can be a family playground without feeling like a kids’ ship – and she can provide adult-only comfort without feeling like families are being pushed away.

Crucially, she still feels modern because many of her most famous features aren’t just gimmicks. They’re experiences that capture the imagination of young and old alike.

I still loved North Star and was thrilled again to try Ripcord by iFly. There were queues round the block for the dodgems, and dozens of families cheered in their adventurous youngsters on the rock-climbing wall.

Not everything will survive a refit scheduled for the end of her Asia season in March and the start of her Alaska sojourn, however.

Remember the robot barmen?  They caused almost as much of a stir a decade ago as AI is today.  Well, the Transformer-style arms are out, giving way to a Pesky Parrot Bar, a Caribbean-style haunt specialising in rum cocktails. Wonderland will make way for Izumi Teppanyaki, while Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen will take over from Jamie’s Italian.

Some 40 new suites and cabins will be added to decks 12, 13 and 16, in spaces currently occupied by a conference centre, a suite lounge and part of the fitness centre.

---

The ambience

Some ships have a single personality. Ovation is schizophrenic. And that’s deliberate.

The ambience can shift dramatically depending on where you are and when. During the day, she’s all movement: families heading to activities, kids racing toward the next thing, parents navigating prams and ice creams and schedules, while older guests find their own pockets of calm.

At night, she becomes something else. Lighting warms, music changes, crowds dress up (or don’t), and the ship leans into entertainment, dining and social life. You can drink a quiet cocktail with a view. You can eat a busy family dinner. You can hear live music. You can see spectacular shows. Or you can simply people-watch — which, on a ship built like a floating city, is its own form of entertainment.

It’s worth remembering the scale of what’s happening behind the scenes. Ovation carries thousands of guests and a huge crew, and her operations are designed to deliver mass-scale hospitality while still feeling “easy”.

On a ship this size, that’s no minor achievement. It’s hard to fault Royal Caribbean, who have this daily miracle down pat.

The ambience on our four-day cruise from Singapore to Penang and back was shaped by the guest mix: multi-generational families, short-break travellers, regional holidaymakers –  all using the ship like a resort.

For them, this is the destination. Our only stop was six hours in Penang, a beautiful Peranakan city, but hardly a headliner.

With 4,900 Singaporeans, Chinese, Indian families – and a smattering of Aussie ‘gweilos’ – Ovation is something of a United Nations. The crew, from all corners of the world, add to the global vibe.

Windjammer, the huge buffet area, was at times a seething mass of happy diners, plates piled high, bookended by the famous “washy, washy” crew members.

But like all vessels of any size, there is always a quiet place. People follow people.
Even the back deck next to Windjammer can be a peaceful area for dining, despite the crowds in the restaurant itself.

Seaplex, two decks of fun for teens, twenties and more, has a dodgem track that turns into a basketball court, a soccer pitch and a pickleball court, depending on the time of day. It’s a clever use of space that appeals to everyone.

---

Service and crew

A ship can be a shiny new toy, but it’s still hospitality that people remember. Good service on a multi-generational cruise is about problem-solving.

In my original review, I noted Ovation’s systems were built for ease: iPads around the ship for bookings, the sense that “booking for your personal journey couldn’t be easier,” and a dining model that placed huge pressure on the kitchens – yet, somehow worked.

The iPads are gone, and an app has replaced them.  But it’s still the human software that makes a difference.

We took a galley tour with Ryan, visiting the 24-hour bakery, watching the preparation that goes into literally thousands of meals built from raw ingredients. It’s still an operation that never fails to leave me in awe.

On a family-heavy sailing like Singapore to Penang, service is tested constantly: kids wanting food at odd times, parents needing quick solutions, grandparents needing comfort and clarity, guests with different languages and expectations. Royal Caribbean gets it right because they’ve built a brand that understands these varied needs.

When things work smoothly on a ship this size, guests don’t notice a thing. Down below, however, the daily ritual of making fresh bread rolls and beef steak is like a well-oiled machine.

Everyone from our cabin attendant Alfredo to the sports staff dealing with the dodgem queues, does their bit.

One of our group is on a health regime that required an five-egg omelette with no yolks every morning.  It was delivered without fuss. And when we sent back the fish because we thought it looked outside the four-hour limit that every piece of food on the ship is subject to, a fresh piece arrived with the restaurant manager and an apology.

---

Food and specialty dining

My original review was a culinary marathon designed to test whether a mega-ship could genuinely deliver foodie satisfaction.

The key takeaway was important: Ovation isn’t just about iFly, North Star and robots. There are some 20 food outlets, and even eating two breakfasts, two lunches and two dinners a day still didn’t cover them all.

On a ship like this, variety is abundant, but guests are time-poor. The ship is full of distractions.

When I was last on board, dynamic dining was all the rage. Aimed at creating flexibility, with the ability to walk into restaurants without traditional fixed-time rigidity, assuming tables were available.

But guests found it confusing and Royal removed it from Ovation of the Seas shortly after my trip.

Nowadays you book on the app except for free, casual dining spots like Windjammer Buffet, Café Promenade, and Sorrento’s Pizza.

So how does the food compare?

A decade later, mega-ship dining expectations have risen. Guests have more comparisons. Social media has made everyone a critic, and short cruises in Asia often have passengers with very specific tastes – and very clear standards.

I was impressed by the service and food in the Grande Dining Room, which is a very traditional cruise ship venue with curtains, mirrors and chandeliers. Breakfast is a standout, and you should make it your go-to start to the day. The Solarium restaurant was good for lunch. and Sorrento’s was a big drawcard anytime of the day.

What can you say about Windjammer? It’s a global culinary journey, with serving stations piled high with everything from salads to huge beef joints and a jolly staff who manage to smile despite the constant onslaught of an army of starving cruisers.

Of course, it’s not for everyone. But it’s a communal and tribal feast and I defy anyone to pass through without being tempted by something.

But things have changed on the specialty front – and Royal is reflecting this in its refit.

Chops Grille is still the best on the ship – the food and service were terrific, and of course the steaks were perfection. Crab cakes and key lime pie complete a traditional but delicious menu. It stays.

But Wonderland, which I found so entertaining on my first outing, now felt try-hard. Lobster was served in test tubes! There was too little emphasis on culinary glory and too much on showmanship. The Mad Hatter’s Shrimp, with birds’ nest style noodle dressing was the best dish. This restaurant goes in the refit.

Jamie’s Italian was my biggest disappointment. Somehow, in my memory, it had attained a healthy-eating cult status. It is now past its use-by date, with poor food choices and a hugely over-inflated price. It goes, too.

Food prices

Prices for specialty dining are now quite steep on all cruise ships, and Royal Caribbean is no exception. However, they do offer good value given it usually includes three courses and are much better value with a dining package.

Chops Grille offers a la carte at between $74 and $111 a head, Jamie’s was on at $80 (though we were offered it at $44 so perhaps dynamic pricing isn’t quite dead), and Wonderland can go up to $148.  Chef’s Table is $147. The good news: kids aged from 6 to 12 now dine for around $23, and those aged 5 and under eat for free.

---

Activities and shows

This is where Ovation hits her stride. The activity lineup isn’t just an add-on, it’s the main event. High-tech “toys” like RipCord by iFly, the North Star observation capsule and dodgem cars are part of this ship’s mythology. But they are still fresh and exciting, despite the competition from huge waterslides, racetracks and Disney characters.

Royal Caribbean’s activity design isn’t just about thrills. It’s a whole multi-generational strategy. You can see it at the rock-climbing wall: mum and dad, gran and grandpa cheering on the youngsters in a team sport that’s high on adventure and achievement.

A family ship has to deliver high-energy attractions for teens and kids, “I can do this too” activities for adults, comfortable spectator experiences for grandparents, and plenty of downtime spaces so no one burns out

Ovation still checks all of those boxes.

There are three pools, all with lifeguards, and one especially for tiny tots. There are exclusive teen zones like The Living Room and Fuel Teen Disco.  There is a nursery and a huge adults only area in The Sanctuary with a cocktail bar, food and plenty of jacuzzis.

The scale and breadth of choices matters because it spreads people out. It reduces that resort problem where everyone is trying to do the same thing at once. On short itineraries like ours, where port time is limited, many guests treat the ship as the main event.

So our iFly experience was bang on-time and seamless, with our instructor Mel appearing to have as much fun with our group even though he confessed he has been doing this for several seasons.

Of course, I bought the pictures. You just can’t capture simulated flight on an iPhone. And at US$99 for three prints, a video plus a USB of the originals, I think it was worth it if only to show my friends I really did fly!

Our North Star ride was another jaw dropper. Seeing Ovation from 300 feet up as the ship ploughed through the South China Seas is not to be missed.

The shows, on the other hand, were a bit of a disappointment. For all the futuristic technology of Two70, a magnificent space at the back of the ship which uses two decks of glass as a backdrop and six giant robot screens, shows like “Spectra’s Cabaret” just don’t have a story and are more 70s Las Vegas. Other lines are performing hit shows from Broadway.

Over at the 1,300-seater Theatre Royal, the show was “Live. Love. Legs.”, which sounds like a woke nightmare. That said, both venues were full each night.

Down at the two-storey Music Hall, a band called The Iconic was rocking out hit after hit and pleasing a crowded dance floor. A classical guitarist and a jazz band toured the late-night bars.

For those keen to keep fit and well, Ovation has a large gym offering pilates, yoga and meditation.

There is a capacious Vitality Spa with a wide range of treatments, including hot stone, aromatherapy, deep tissue, and couple’s massages. A medi-spa offers acupuncture and teeth whitening, and even a spa menu for teens. There are thermal suites with steam rooms and saunas.

But if you want to see a crowd well past midnight, try the Royale Casino, with a huge array of slots, video poker, and popular table games like blackjack, roulette, craps, and various poker games. This space expands during the refit.

Accomodation

Our large balcony suite on the 10^th floor (suite 1044) was perfectly placed for a morning coffee run. Across the hall were six lifts, and stepping out on Deck 4 meant a short walk to both Café Promenade (open 24/7) or La Patisserie.

The cabin featured a large sofa, a chest of drawers, a desk and two large cupboards, one with a safe. There is ample room for clothes and cases slid neatly under the King double bed.

The bathroom contained tubes of bodywash, lotion shampoo and conditioner. The balcony was equipped with two recliners and a small table.

The choices on Ovation are vast.

From cozy interiors with virtual balconies to multi-room loft suites, featuring modern decor, king beds, luxury amenities like Nespresso, and distinct Royal Suite Class perks (Royal Genie service and exclusive dining).

The categories are:

Interior: Standard rooms, some with “Virtual Balconies” (large screens showing real-time ocean views).

Ocean View: Rooms with windows, some offering panoramic forward views or larger spaces.

Balcony: Private balconies for outdoor enjoyment, with options for large balconies or obstructed views (by lifeboats).

Studio: Specifically designed for solo travelers, including Studio Balcony rooms. 

Sea Class (e.g., Junior Suites): Access to Coastal Kitchen, luxury bath amenities, bottled water, concierge.

Sky Class (e.g., Grand Suites, Owner’s Suites): All Sea Class perks plus priority boarding/reservations, VOOM Wi-Fi, suite sun deck access.

Star Class ( Loft Suites): The pinnacle of luxury, including a Royal Genie (personal butler), complimentary specialty dining, deluxe drinks, gratuities, and the best entertainment seats. They range up to 1,600 sq ft with a 550 sq ft balcony.

---

Is it good value?

Royal Caribbean offers a large number of sailings on board Ovation and Navigator of the Seas out of Singapore. Prices vary from as low as $284 pp for an interior on a two-night cruise to nowhere aboard Navigator to four nights to Penang and Phuket for $408 pp for an interior.

For a longer cruise, consider 14 nights Singapore to Tokyo on Ovation for $3,303 pp interior or $8,087 pp for a stateroom.

Check out the Unlimited Dining Package, allowing multiple Specialty Restaurant eating night of your sailing and lunch during sea days, with money off wine. Find out more here: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/aus/en/booked/dining-packages

For bookings, go to Royal Caribbean here: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/aus/en

Ovation’s last cruise this season is March 12, 2026, after which she goes into dry dock and sails to Vancouver for an Alaskan season then sails 3-5 nights, departing from Southern California (LA/San Diego) to Catalina Island, California, and Ensenada, Mexico.

We flew Scoot Plus – a kind of business class but around $200 cheaper than Singapore Airlines economy, and stayed at the Pullman Hill Street overnight.

We would recommend the Mondrian, which is right in the heart of Chinatown. But we would opt for Singapore Airlines next time.

See our report on our drama-filled Scoot flight out here.

---

Why Ovation works

Ovation of the Seas was designed as a statement ship, but her lasting success comes from something more practical: she’s built to make families happy.

A decade after launch, she might not be the newest ship in the fleet, but she still feels modern because her concept is timeless: choice, energy, spectacle, and comfort.

This isn’t just a ship for families. It’s a ship designed for the way families actually travel today – multi-generational, time-poor, experience-hungry, and wanting a holiday where no one has to compromise.

---

Fast facts

• Itinerary: Singapore to Penang and back, three nights
• Best for: Multi-generational families, first-time cruisers, and anyone who wants a “ship as destination” holiday
• Not for: Travellers seeking quiet, boutique-style cruising or destination-heavy itineraries
• Passenger vibe: Young families, multi-generational groups
• Standout feature: The ship’s ability to keep everyone entertained, from toddlers to grandparents
• Best meal: Chops Grille
• Best surprise: Reliving iFly
• One thing to know: Book key attractions and shows early — families don’t mess around on this ship

---

The Verdict

Book Ovation if you want a cruise where the ship does the heavy lifting. If you’re travelling with kids, grandparents, or a group with mixed energy levels and tastes, she’s a near-perfect solution: thrills for the kids, comfort for the older generation, and enough variety to stop the holiday turning into a negotiation.

If you want quiet luxury and destination immersion, there are better choices. But if you want a holiday that works for everyone – especially on short itineraries like Singapore to Penang – Ovation or remains a strong contender.

Also consider her sister ships: Spectrum of the Seas out of Japan and Anthem of the Seas out of Sydney.