3 Nights Ensenada Cruise

Ovation - in SUITE Style to New Zealand

Myself and 2 friends splashed out for Grand Suite to New Zealand. Ship looks in VERY clean condition - given its nearly 10 years old. THe internet is fantastic! Thank you Starlink! There was a few minor dead spots in the middle of the Tasman Sea - to be expected - but was very responsive and able to upload/post on the cruise to social media. Entertainment wise - "Spectras Cabaret' - what the? Fantastic technology in 270 but the whole storyline was a confused mess and Spectra was an androgynous person with limited singing abilities, but backed up by professional dancers. The theme of "What the" carried on through the another show - "The Dreaming" in Royal Theatre. The singing was much better but after 40 minutes we all walked out shaking our heads??? WE did the magnificent 3 sounds in NZ - truly spectacular and the guide who provided the commentary for most of the day was fantastic. Foo at Coastal Kitchen was excellent, so too was the 1 dinner we had at the Main Dining Room - and despite complaints, WIndjammer served good food and lots of choices to keep everybody happy. We enjoyed the "captains Corner" where the Senior staff had open Q&A session with the passengers in 270 and all staff on the stage had been with RC for 15+ years - so they must enjoy their jobs! Unfortunately due to high winds and Port Authorities decision we had to cancel our day at Christchurch and another day at sea, however safety was paramount. All in all an enjoyable cruise - plenty to see, do, eat and drink!

“Out””Standing” “Ovation of the Seas”

Activities- Plenty to keep myself up and moving when the energy was too high to sit still. ( ripcord by iFLY was awesome, flow-rider (I thought was too good to be true for many days until I realized my neck ached from so many wipeouts. I went a little “overboard” though, ( metaphorically speaking of course) and was at it for like 3 hours or more. I still watch the videos in the stateroom on the proper way to ride and wipeout though, as it can be risky. It was too fun to try anyways. I think I played in the 3-on-3 basketball and soccer tournament, but cannot remember if that was 2024/2023/2022 and I definitely did at least 2 times. ( It is my fourth year spending my vacation on Royal Carribean’s “Ovation of the Seas” and I still love exploring it and have ZERO regrets.) Also, plenty of opportunity to unwind and relax and do no activities at all. ( as long as doing nothing doesn’t count as an activity). Service- The crew is the best. Professional, courteous, selfless. Definitely deserves a WOW! Cabin- Highly recommend a suite class stateroom. My travel companion and I went for the balcony/Junior Suite this time and I really loved (and could use) the extra space relative to perhaps a more inexpensive category I have been in before. Dining- delicioSO. (Especially since I am one who does not go out to eat often until it is Royal vacation time, and have washed dishes at a job.) To get served an exquisite dinner after optionally having an eclectic breakfast and lunch buffet ( if I was not busy having too much fun on the ship or off at a port of call for those first two meals of the day ) not only nourishes my body, it boosts my well being. Whether it is the “classics” on the menu nightly at Main dining room they have mastered, or the spontaneous meeting of a neighborly table-mate, the dining experience specifically has facilitated my growth in many ways. Entertainment- …Galore with the cruise compass/app having entertaining game shows, trivia, scavenger hunt, movies, live music, recorded music, elevator music, and sometimes a combination. Disembarkation- might be the shortest day of the cruise depending on when things open and when people wake up. I try to pack the night before so I am leaving as soon as the group I am in is called because I know the staff if probably doing a changeover day and the rest of the group will be using the elevators. If you have a designated waiting area there is probably time to get one last excellent meal ( and perhaps a drink) for your belly for the big travel day ahead.

It was a 10/10 service and ship!

The level of service was exceptional. I was so happy with all the shows, music, trivia. If you are looking for Michelin star dining then you will of course be disappointed but I found the food in both the Windjammer and the MDR to be very good. I just cannot say enough about our service., from Arlene our cabin stew to Billy and Solomon in the MDR I was totally pampered. The interior room with virtual balcony was a nice touch. The adults only areas were clean and quiet. I saw no need for The Key because the last 2 cruises we have literally walked on board in less than 30 minutes. By choosing a 12:30 embarkation time you almost walk right on the ship! The singers on board were great, I really enjoyed the cabaret show, those folks have such amazing talent!!! The wildlife talks were an added treat and got you ready for any whale watching experience you may have had. Don’t believe all the negative comments or reviews, try Ovation for yourself!