Ovation of the Seas: Ultimate Guide

If you’re thinking about booking Ovation of the Seas (one of the most beloved cruise ships) for the upcoming season, you’re not the only one. This Quantum-class ship has built a bit of a cult following in Australia, and for good reason. It’s big, it’s packed with stuff to do (from skydiving simulations to bumper cars), and it sails to some pretty stunning places. 

Whether you’re chasing sunshine closer to home or heading north to see Alaska’s glaciers, Ovation’s got a solid lineup for the 2025/26 season. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know: from itineraries and cabins to what’s worth doing on board (and what you can probably skip).

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2025/26 Itineraries and Destinations

Ovation of the Seas has a pretty packed schedule lined up for 2025/26, and it’s doing a bit of globe-trotting before settling back into its usual Aussie summer. Things kick off in April with a string of short Asia sailings, starting in Singapore and hopping through hotspots like Hong Kong, Okinawa, and Jeju Island. It’s a bit of a sampler tour, great if you’re after a quick break with a mix of big cities and beach stops.

From there, the ship heads north to Alaska for its usual summer run. Expect the classic glacier-viewing, wildlife-spotting, and jaw-dropping scenery, all wrapped up in those 7-night round-trip excursions from Seattle. If you haven’t ticked Alaska off your list yet, this is one of the more comfortable ways to do it.

Unfortunately, Ovation of the Seas will not return to Australia and instead, sail from Los Angeles.

And if you’re wondering, yes, these cruises tend to book out fast. Ovation’s kind of a fan favourite here.

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Dining and Culinary Experience

If you’ve cruised with Royal Caribbean before, you’ll know the food situation is solid, and Ovation of the Seas doesn’t disappoint. There’s the usual mix of included spots and specialty restaurants, depending on whether you’re after something quick, a bit fancy, or just want to see how many meals you can fit into one day (no judgment).

The main dining room is split into a few different venues. They look a little different, but the menus are the same. You’ll find classic stuff here like steak, pasta, and the usual parade of desserts. It’s decent, and the service is usually spot on.

For a more casual feed, Windjammer is the go-to buffet. It’s open all day, and while it gets busy, especially at peak times, it’s an easy place to grab something without much fuss. If you’re up early or back late from shore excursions, it’s handy.

Now, if you’re keen to treat yourself, Ovation has a good selection of specialty dining (heads up, these cost extra). Jamie’s Italian is a crowd favourite (the Jamie Oliver one), and Chops Grille does a decent steak. Wonderland is the wildcard, with its “experimental” menus with dry ice and quirky plating. Great if you’re up for something different, maybe not so much if you just want a straight-up meal.

There’s also Izumi for sushi and teppanyaki, and a Chef’s Table experience if you’re feeling fancy and like the idea of a multi-course wine-paired dinner with a small group.

And for the between-meal snacks (you’re on a cruise, it happens), Sorrento’s does pizza, Café Promenade has pastries and sandwiches, and Fish & Ships by the pool serves up exactly what it sounds like: greasy, salty, and perfect after a swim.

All in all, plenty of variety. You won’t go hungry, and the bigger issue will probably be pacing yourself.

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Onboard Activities (Family, Kids, and Couple)

There’s no shortage of things to do on Ovation of the Seas. In fact, the bigger challenge is figuring out how to fit everything in. Whether you’re sailing with kids, teenagers, or just your other half, the ship’s stacked with stuff to keep everyone happy (and maybe even a bit worn out by the end of the day).

For Families

If you’re cruising as a group of friends, Ovation’s a great pick. The SeaPlex is the big highlight here. It’s basically a giant indoor playground for all ages. You get bumper cars, roller skating, ping pong, Xbox stations, and even a flying trapeze. It’s one of those spaces that changes depending on the time of day, and you’ll probably end up spending more time there than you expect.

There’s also the FlowRider surf simulator if you’re up for a splash, or the rock climbing wall if your legs still have energy after exploring ports. And for a more chilled family fun moment, the North Star (that glass capsule that lifts you 90 metres above sea level) gives you a pretty incredible view, especially if you time it right during sailaway.

For Kids (and Teens)

Royal Caribbean knows what it’s doing when it comes to keeping younger cruisers entertained. The Adventure Ocean kids’ program splits kids into age groups, so no one’s stuck doing activities that feel too young or too old. They mix fun with a bit of learning (but in a sneaky, no-pressure way), from scavenger hunts to pirate nights and science experiments.

Smaller kids will love Splashaway Bay, a colourful water play area with fountains and slides (basically, the ship’s own mini waterpark). There’s also an arcade with all the usual flashing lights and sound effects if you need a quick bribe between pool sessions.

Teens get their chill zones, like The Living Room and Fuel, a teens-only nightclub (don’t worry, no booze). These are parent-free spaces where they can hang out, dance, play games, or just escape from the family for a bit. There are also sports courts for basketball, dodgeball, or whatever the day’s organised game might be.

For Couples

If your idea of a holiday is doing as little as possible together, you’re in luck. Ovation has a Solarium, an adults-only area with pools, whirlpools, and loungers where you can properly zone out without any cannonballs in sight. Add in a cocktail and you’re sorted.

For next-level relaxation, there’s the Vitality Spa, which does couples massages and all the usual facials, wraps, and treatments. Not exactly cheap, but definitely indulgent.

Evenings are ideal for date nights. From dinners at Jamie’s Italian or Chops Grille, to grabbing a drink at the Bionic Bar (where robots mix your cocktail…the novelty never wears off), or catching a show at Two70, which combines live performance with some pretty mind-bending visuals.

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Accommodations Details

Ovation of the Seas has a bit of everything when it comes to rooms: from basic inside cabins to sprawling suites with all the bells and whistles. Whether you’re the type to unpack and never leave your room or you just need a place to crash between activities and buffet runs, there’s an option that’ll fit.

Interior Staterooms

If you’re on a budget or not too fussed about ocean views, these are your go-to. They’re compact but cleverly designed. Some even come with a “Virtual Balcony”, a floor-to-ceiling screen that shows live footage of the outside, so you still get the vibe of a view without paying extra for it.

Ocean View Staterooms

Same deal as the interiors, but with an actual window. Nice if you want natural light or like to wake up and check the weather without opening an app.

Balcony Staterooms

Probably the sweet spot for most cruisers. You get your own little slice of outdoor space to sit, sip, or just watch the ocean roll by. If you’re doing scenic sailings like New Zealand or Alaska, this one’s worth the splurge.

Suites

The suites on Ovation range from roomy to ridiculous. We’re talking multiple rooms, a royal king bed or king-size bed, bigger balconies, better bathrooms, and a bunch of perks like priority boarding, access to exclusive areas, and fancier dining options. Great if you’re celebrating something (or just really like space).

Solo Cabins

Ovation also has a few rooms made just for solo travellers, so you’re not stuck paying double if you’re cruising solo. Some even have balconies, which is rare.

No matter which cabin type you pick, you’ll get the basics: private bathroom, one double-sofa bed, TV, safe, and enough storage to unpack properly. Some rooms are closer to the action, some are quieter. It’s worth checking the deck plan before you book, depending on how much you like (or hate) walking.

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Deck Plan

Ovation of the Seas is huge. There are 16 decks of restaurants, bars, theatres, pool bar, and things you never thought you’d find on a ship (like a skydiving simulator). If it’s your first time on a Quantum-class ship, it can take a day or two to figure out where everything is, but once you do, it’s surprisingly easy to get around.

Here’s a quick rundown to help you get your bearings:

Decks 2–3: Mostly staterooms and some behind-the-scenes stuff. You probably won’t spend much time here unless your cabin’s on one of these decks.

Decks 4–5: This is where things start to get interesting — theatre, casino, shops, bars, and some of the main restaurants live here. You’ll also find guest services and the main dining areas. Expect crowds here around dinner and showtime.

Decks 6–13: All about accommodation. Most of the staterooms are spread across these decks, from inside cabins to suites. If you’re trying to avoid too much noise from above or below, aim for the middle ones.

Deck 14: Pool central. You’ve got the outdoor pools, the family-friendly areas, and the adults-only Solarium here, plus a few quick eats nearby. It’s a solid spot to lounge, especially on sea days.

Deck 15: This one’s all action. You have the SeaPlex, Rock Climbing Wall, arcade, FlowRider, and more. If you’re travelling with kids or teens, you’ll be here. A lot.

Deck 16: Right at the top, you’ve got the North Star (that bubble thing that lifts you into the sky), RipCord by iFLY (indoor skydiving), and some serious views. Not a bad spot to end your afternoon.