In this last look at Royal Caribbean’s mega liner Ovation of the Seas as we steam back to Sydney we take a closer look at services and facilities not just for suite guests – but also the 4,000 or so other passengers. Firstly I would have to say you can’t help but be impressed by the general standard of all public areas and the ship’s relaxed but smart decor. No expense has been spared and it shows.

Level four and five is home to the shopping mall plus everything from pubs to restaurants and a wine bar – not forgetting the famed robotic bar. As you stroll down the boulevard each evening live music drifts along with you – everything from the cover band, Australia’s Beatles, rocking the crowd to dance bands, guitar and vocal entertainment by David Kenny in the Amber and Oak pub, big band music, piano and vocals by Nick Reeve – I could go on. There is a production show tonight in the Royal Theatre and a multitude of other events throughout the public areas  – everything from a table tennis tournament to a movie on the pool deck.

fish and “ships” a big hit

Expect at least 50 events each day listed under the entertainment banner on the daily planner. Other banners include “Things to Do”, “Wellness and Retail Therapy” plus “Music and Dancing”. There is no sign of crowding – and that goes for the busiest area of all RCL ships – the Windjammer smorgasbord…home to an incredible variety of delicious food. In short, there is a multitude of things for people to do and experience – and passengers are out and about lapping up every minute of the fun, which tomorrow includes the men’s belly flop competition.

New snack venues are a fish and “ship” shop and Sorrento’s pizza bar. They are always busy. RCL faced a monumental task to keep this many people happy and entertained on a ship this big – and they have succeeded very well.

As I have already pointed we did not intend to join a ship this large – but a booking made years ago on the much smaller Radiance of the Seas was cancelled three times due to Covid – and when the big day came around, Ovation was the only option. I have also emphasised that there are two distinct classes on these ships – pay a little bit more for a suite and a new world opens up.

food and service in the Coastal Kitchen were amazing

Interestingly Ovation of the Seas takes the suite perks to a new level with a large Concierge Club at the rear of deck 12 offering sweeping views over the sea. This area is never crowded, snacks are always available and after 5 pm you can order your favourite cocktail from the ever-helpful waiters including Trivash and Pravesh.

The crowning highlight for suite guests however is their own specialty restaurant. More on restaurants later but in our experience, nothing comes close to the quality of food and service offered at the 150-seat Coastal Kitchen. The food is as delicious as it is beautifully presented and the waiters are not only efficient but have a subtle sense of humour. Under the watchful eye of lovely manager Nomsa, we were treated like royalty by Dias and Nikolay. I should also add you get free internet for one for the entire trip – and switching between family members is simple. There is no such thing as acceptable internet speed on any ship by the way – and RCL’s VOOM is no exception – even if they do claim it is the fastest at sea.

My greatest fear when I realised we had been shifted to Ovation was the possibility that we would have to battle through huge crowds to board – and to visit each port in the itinerary – but each time we found moving down the gangway was orderly and relaxed. The gym is large with excellent equipment my athletic sons tell me – and there are two separate pool areas plus an adult-only solarium – plenty of room and chairs for everyone. Adding to the entertainment are everything from bumper cars and the giant hydraulic arm called the North Star offering a terrifying overhead view of the ship for anyone brave enough to enter the bubble. Traditionally the Chops Grille is THE specialty restaurant aboard RCL ships – and you will still enjoy a wonderful steak and service there thanks to the waiters including Ratheesh.

We also sampled Jamie’s Italian – thumbs up but only just. Interestingly for a ship operating from Australia, the wine racks in the restaurants were annoyingly empty – particularly of Aussie red drops.

Hard to believe as it may seem, ships like Ovation might well be regarded as mid-sized in the future. Royal Caribbean’s latest monster, Icon of the Seas, will accommodate more than 7,000 people. The mind boggles. RCL  sees size as the way to go – and there are obviously plenty of cities that are quite happy to get the daily cash injection thousands of visitors provide. Only time will tell if the punt is correct. Already some destinations in the world are rejecting cruise liners carrying more than 3,000 passengers – and this trend might well grow.  Rumours circulated recently that an Australian State was considering a similar ban. Concerns about the environment will also continue to get louder.

Written by Ian McIntosh

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