Ovation of the Seas
Fodor’s Expert Review
Ship Overview
While they are not the largest class of ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet, Quantum-class ships feature unique onboard experiences, such as Ripcord by iFLY, a simulated skydiving experience; North Star, an armlike pod that transports passengers more than 300 feet in the air; Flowrider surfing simulator; cutting-edge venues that include SeaPlex, the indoor sports and entertainment complex with bumper cars, roller skating, and more; and the cruise line’s largest staterooms. Read More
With no fewer than 18 restaurants and seven bars, including Royal Caribbean’s Bionic Bar with robotic bartenders, these ships hit the mark to satisfy a wide variety of tastes. There is plenty to like about the open spaces on the ship, including pools, hot tubs, rock-climbing walls, and a jogging track high above the ship with unobstructed views of the sea.
Big, bigger, biggest! Royal Caribbean has the largest modern mega cruise liners in the world, as well as some of the most innovative technology on its newest ships, from robot bartenders to the fastest Wi-Fi at sea. Its fleet of 25 and counting are all-around favorites of passengers—arguably the most multigenerational (and Millennial) crowd at sea—who enjoy traditional cruising ambience with a touch of daring and whimsy. Each ship in the fleet has action-packed activities such as surfing pools, rock-climbing walls, and on the newest ships, skydiving simulators, and 10-story slides.
Expansive multideck atriums and promenades, as well as the generous use of brass and floor-to-ceiling glass windows, give each vessel a sense of spaciousness and style. The action is nonstop in casinos and dance clubs after dark, while daytime hours are filled with poolside games and traditional cruise activities. Port talks tend to lean heavily on shopping recommendations and the sale of shore excursions.
- 16 passenger decks
- 5 specialty restaurants, dining room, buffet, ice cream parlor, pizzeria
- Wi-Fi, safe, refrigerator, DVD (some)
- 3 pools, children’s pool
- fitness classes, gym, hot tubs, sauna, spa, steam room
- 9 bars, casino, 2 dance clubs, library, 3 showrooms, video game room
- children’s programs
- dry cleaning, laundry service
- Internet terminal
- no-smoking cabins
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
What to expect on board
Staterooms & Cabins
A dizzying number of accommodations options can be narrowed down to inside cabins, ocean view cabins (with or without a balcony), junior suites, suites, and loft-style suites. Many cabins are adjoining and some are designated as family accommodations. For solo cruisers, there are studio cabins in a variety of locations from inside to those with a balcony. Standard accommodations feature small sitting areas, desk/vanity, TV, hair dryer, refrigerator, and safe. Storage is adequate, but can be tight for more than two people. Inside cabins all feature a “virtual balcony” with a live image of the view outside the ship projected to an inside wall.
Suite and junior suite passengers receive special amenities, such as bathrobes, coffee and tea service, and a suite concierge for special requests. Ideal for families, the multibedroom loft suites span two decks and can accommodate four to six guests. Spa Junior Suite bathrooms have rain showerheads and separate tubs and have a split-bath arrangement with toilet and sink separate from the shower and bath area.
Thirty-four staterooms are wheelchair accessible.
Food & Drink
The four main dining rooms serve open seating breakfast and lunch; dinner is served in either assigned or open seating. Several specialty restaurants—Wonderland imaginative cuisine, Jamie’s Italian, Michael’s Genuine Pub, Chops Grille, Izumi Japanese, and the Chef’s Table charge either à la carte or a fixed fee and most require reservations. For casual and complimentary fare, the Windjammer Marketplace buffet restaurant is open nearly around the clock for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks; Solarium Bistro serves light spa cuisine for breakfast and lunch; The Cafe@Two70 serves casual bites all day; Sorrento’s pizza serves slices of pie; the Café Promenade offers freshly brewed coffee, pastries or small sandwiches. Room service is available 24 hours a day; however, there is a delivery charge after midnight.
Entertainment
Nightlife runs the gamut from a Broadway show to the acrobatic song-and dance cabaret revues in Two70. In the Music Hall you can dance or listen to tribute bands, enjoy drinks, or participate in karaoke. Although only a few bars don’t double as entertainment spaces or restaurants, the somewhat gimmicky Bionic Bar is where bartending “robots” mix up drinks ordered via tablet.
Spa & Fitness
The full-service spa offers a treatment menu including facials, teeth whitening, body wraps, massages, and FDA-approved Medi-Spa treatments. There is a tiny thermal suite with six heated tiled chairs, a rain shower, a sauna, and a steam room.