Its the third largest ship and the most technologically advanced ship ever to be in Australia this year. The buzz about Ovation of the Seas continues to be strong as it floats out of the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany.

Nearing completion in next two months, the mega ship’s sluice gates were opened to float Ovation of the Seas out into the River Ems, a process that takes approx. 8 hours. As part of the dry dock, the ship moved to the shipyard’s outdoor berth for further construction and installation of furnishings.

Under construction since 18 months, Ovation of the Seas is being called Royal Caribbean’s $1 billion baby.

“Today marks a truly momentous milestone in the Australian cruise industry: our first ever newbuild now floats on water for the very first time. In just 10 months she will call Sydney home and proudly claim the title of the newest, largest and most technologically advanced cruise ship to ever sail in our waters,” said Adam Armstrong, regional commercial director, Royal Caribbean.

Ovation of the Seas has been purpose-built for the Asia-Pacific region and continues Royal Caribbean’s unique strategy of bringing the very best cruise ships to Australia. We’re extremely excited that she is now in the water and look forward to welcoming her to Sydney Harbour,” said Mr Armstrong.

Starting her inaugural sail in April, Ovation of the Seas is the third of Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Class ships. Sailing first from Southampton in April, then Dubai and Singapore, it will be in Beijing (Tianjin) for her inaugural China season from 24 June 2016.

On 30 November, 2016 Ovation of the Seas will leave Singapore for a 15-night voyage to Sydney, via Fremantle, where it will offer three Australia-New Zealand cruises, departing Sydney on 23 January, 2017.

The ship features many onboard attractions which will be a first for Australian cruisers, like the Ripcord by iFLY – a skydiving experience; North Star, a capsule deck that transports guests as high as the Sydney Harbour Bridge; SeaPlex, an indoor sports and entertainment arena with bumper cars, circus school.

Surpassing Voyager of the Seas, the largest ship to be based in Australia until now, Ovation of the Seas also offers high speed internet with more bandwidth, allowing guests to stay connected.

Check out the image gallery below.