Royal Caribbean is watching the sales of cabins aboard the billion-dollar smart ship Ovation of the Seas with care as it considers future deployments in Sydney.

The ship’s second Sydney season in 2017/18 has already been extended and sales are strong. The megaliner, Australia’s newest and biggest, could prove to be a category killer – taking sales from rivals an forcing the to lift their game.

it is great news for Australia, a world leading cruise market but which has grown used to receiving older ships.

Ovation sales in Singapore have also proved extraordinarily powerfully. The line has announced an additional 10 cruises in Asia – and she has not even reached China for her official naming ceremony yet.

The iconic new ship, which is proving an amazing draw card wherever she docks. is sailing sell-out cruises from Singapore this week and next, according to Sean Treacy, Royal Caribbean’s Managing Director for Singapore & Southeast Asia

She has already had her stay in Sydney, Australia extended for 2016/17 – the line’s Australia and New Zealand boss Adam Armstrong told Cruise Passenger in Singapore he was very confident the 2017/18 season extension would prove a hit.

He said he was not moved by the recently announced arrival of the Norwegian Jewel, pointing out the Ovation was the biggest, newest and more innovative ship to hit Australian shores.

With her North Star observation platform perched 92 metres above the sea and her surf pool in full swing, the cruising star of Asia made her maiden arrival into Singapore to a Lion Dance welcome and a welcome ceremony attended by over 200 government and industry partners.

She will be christened in Tianjin, China on June 24, 2016 by Chinese acting superstar Fan BingBing.

At 347m long, 168,666 gross registered tonnes, carrying 4,905 guests in total and laden with first-at sea features and technologies, the smart ship will also be the largest and most technologically-advanced ship to call Singapore home next year.

Over 10 sailings from March to April 2017,Ovation of the Seas is expected to add 42,000 additional guests to the Singapore cruising scene – including Australians, Europeans and Americans.

Cruise Passenger spoke to several Australians aboard the vessel in Singapore, and all gave their experience a big thumbs up.

Royal Caribbean’s Senior Vice President, International Gavin Smith said Royal Caribbean would have the largest fleet in Southeast Asia.

The vessel features many firsts, including ‘Two70’ – a S$18.5 million hi-tech entertainment venue; cocktails served by robots at the ‘Bionic Bar’; skydiving and surfing experiences; luxurious Loft suites with large living areas and private concierge service; and ‘SeaPlex’, the largest indoor activity space at sea – housing a basketball court, circus school, roller-skating, bumper cars, and more.

She also has 18 restaurants with cuisines from around the globe, including imaginative cuisine at Wonderland, and Jamie’s Italian by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver; the fastest internet connection speeds at sea; and a collection of artwork valued at more than S$6 million.

Mr Armstrong said the growth of cruise in Southeast Asia and China was benefiting Australian cruisers, who were now seeing bigger and more modern ships hearing for our shores in greater numbers than ever.