Ovation of the Seas, the latest technologically advanced megaliner to be homeported in Asia, is nearing completion. The Royal Caribbean ship left the Meyer Werft construction hall in February and floated out, ready for the finishing touches. The new ship will spend its first season in Tianjin (Beijing) and Singapore before repositioning to Sydney.
Ovation is Royal Caribbean’s third Quantum class ship and will feature the Ripcord by iFly skydiving simulator, North Star aerial observatory, FlowRider surf simulator and Bionic Bar, as well as an entertainment complex with bumper cars and a circus school.
Accommodation choices include Family-Connected Staterooms, Balcony Suites and lavish two-storey Sky Loft Suites that sleep four. Ovation will also have virtual balconies on inside cabins. There will be 18 dining options on board including specialty restaurants, such as Jamie Oliver’s Jamie’s Italian and Michael’s Genuine Pub, as well as Royal Caribbean favourites such as Chops Grill steakhouse and Izumi Japanese.
OVATION BY THE NUMBERS
Total guest capacity: 4,905
Guest decks: 16
Elevators: 16
Staterooms with balconies: 1,571
Restaurants and dining options: 18
WHAT’S ONBOARD?
RipCord by iFly
One of the most popular activities on board Royal Caribbean’s Quantum class ships is the sky-diving simulator, RipCord by iFly. Guests, if they dare, can take to the air as if they are falling from a plane.
SeaPlex
The games area of the ship, SeaPlex is the largest indoor activity space at sea. During theday, it is home to a circus school and a full-size basketball court. After dark, it is taken over by 30 bumper cars (the first at sea) and a roller rink with a DJ pumping out the music. There are also gaming pods with foosball tables, air hockey and video games. If you’re feeling peckish, stop by the SeaPlex Dog House, the first-ever food truck at sea.
Bionic Bar
The Makr Shakr, amazing robotic arms, mix, muddle and stir up cocktails to your specification using 30 different spirits and 20 different mixers. The Makr Shakr can even mix your drink in time with a tune from the Bionic Bar’s resident DJ.
North Star
Another of Royal Caribbean’s Quantum class innovations, the North Star pod takes guests to new heights. The jewel-shaped observatory gently climbs to 90 metres above the sea for 360-degree views.
Two70
Part of a raft of technological advances the line is introducing, Two70 is a new casual lounge, which has 270-degree views through floor-to-ceiling glass. At night, it is transformed into a high-tech theatre that surrounds guests, with video projections onto the glass walls and “dancing RoboScreens”. Shows combine robotics and human artistry with aerial performers, music and dance.
Jamie’s Italian
British celebrity chef Jamie Oliver has partnered with Royal Caribbean to bring his restaurant on board its Quantum class ships. Enjoy rustic, Italian dishes made using the best seasonal ingredients and tried, tested and loved recipes. Start your meal with one of Jamie’s antipasti planks, piled with curedmeats or chargrilled vegetables, pickles, cheese and olives.
