Exploring Alaska On Ovation Of The Seas: Our Review
As one of Royal Caribbean’s most innovative vessels, Ovation of the Seas combines cutting-edge technology with unparalleled comfort on her Alaska itineraries. We cruised on this fantastic vessel and loved its unique venues and activities.
The Ovation isn’t providing Alaska itineraries for 2025, but she’ll be back in 2026 to offer cruise and cruise tour packages. As a Quantum-class vessel, she may not be the perfect fit for every traveler, but her size and amenities make her a great choice for families cruising to Alaska.
Although this vessel can carry 4,900+ guests, it never felt crowded, as passengers were distributed among many venues. We liked Ovation’s choice of 20 dining venues and later tried out her sister ship, the Quantum of the Seas, in Alaska.
We’re excited about Ovation of the Seas’ upcoming Alaska sailings, and the opportunity to do a cruise and land tour on a mega vessel. Until her return, here’s what you can expect onboard.
Ovation Of The Seas Overview
As part of the Quantum class, she offers a groundbreaking experience for Alaska-bound travelers. Imagine savoring snow-capped mountains while surfing in water waters. You’ll also have the option to view a glacier at 300 feet or 92 meters above sea level.
The vessel has plenty of indoor spaces in case of bad weather. Volleyball, basketball, roller skating, and bumper cars are available in the SeaPlex venue. Two indoor swimming pools provide relaxation for all. Our favorite, the Solarium, is adults-only.
Dining options aboard Ovation of the Seas are diverse and exciting. Passengers can enjoy a range of cuisines, from casual to fine dining.
Staterooms on Ovation of the Seas are designed with comfort in mind. They vary in size and can accommodate solo travelers or large families. Many offer breathtaking vistas of the Alaskan landscape.
While she previously offered roundtrip voyages from Seattle, she’ll move to Vancouver, BC, in 2026. Guests can choose from one-way itineraries to or from Seward, with the option of adding on a land tour.
Alaska Itineraries
Since large vessels must pass under the Lionsgate Bridge at low tide, her departures and arrivals at the Vancouver port vary. Many occur in the middle of the night.
Popular Ports of Call
Ovation of the Seas Alaska itineraries vary with each sailing. Skagway, Hubbard Glacier, and Juneau are on every itinerary. But the sailings alternate Sitka and Icy Strait Point as the other port of call.
With its magnificent calving action, Hubbard, Alaska’s largest tidewater glacier, is the highlight. Nicknamed the “galloping glacier,” this one defies the odds by advancing instead of retreating.
Juneau, the capital, offers a diverse selection of tours. You can choose from whale watching, dog sledding, a salmon bake, hiking, and more.
Skagway, a gold rush town, offers scenic railway trips and historic attractions. Sitka blends Russian and Native Alaskan cultures with beautiful forests and wildlife. Icy Strait Point provides opportunities for whale watching and learning about Tlingit culture.
Onboard Activities
The best part of choosing one of Royal Caribbean’s larger ships is its selection of onboard activities. We were never bored on the Ovation.
Ripcord By iFly
Ripcord by iFly allowed us to practice skydiving. The experience is thrilling and suitable for ages 3 and up. This is my favorite activity on Quantum-class ships, and I always take the opportunity to participate.
This vertical wind tunnel simulates freefall conditions, allowing us to float on a column of air. Each session includes training, gear, and flight time with an instructor. An iFly session is complimentary when docked but charges a fee at sea.
Due to its popularity, reservations are required through the app or by visiting the RipCord venue. We suggest booking separate time slots for photos or videos, as guests cannot take smartphones into the wind tunnel area.
North Star
The North Star is a glass observation pod that mimics a capsule of the London Eye. This wheelchair-accessible pod can hold up to 12 guests and takes them to 300 feet above sea level.
The ride provides 360-degree views of the stunning Alaskan landscape, including glaciers, mountains, and the ship below. The complimentary experience lasts 10 minutes when docked. At sea, guests can purchase an extended 16-minute ride.
North Star is popular, and getting a time slot through the app is often difficult. We recommend checking each day as more time slots are released.
Flow Rider
Surfing in Alaska? Absolutely! The FlowRider surf simulator, nest to Ripcord by iFly, lets guests brush up on their boogie board and surfing skills at sea. The water is heated, but wearing a T-shirt or Rashguard top adds a layer of warmth.
Even on cool days, cruise guests, including my husband, were using the FlowRider. Lessons are available for beginners, and staff will asist with improving your skills even during group sessions.
Remember to check the app to see what level of surfing is scheduled. No reservations are needed, but participants are required to watch a safety video.
Rock Climbing
Royal Caribbean ships are known for their climbing walls. Adjacent to their giant mascot, guests can test their strength and agility on a 40-foot wall. With multiple routes of varying difficulty, it caters to novice and experienced climbers.
The wall is open throughout the day, weather permitting, and requires no reservation or prior experience. While I can’t climb due to hand surgery, my husband is always up for the challenge.
SeaPlex Activities
The SeaPlex is a multi-purpose indoor space that transforms throughout the day. It’s probably one of the most innovative spaces on the Ovation. The two-story space offers a sports court downstairs and a games deck above.
Bumper cars, the most popular activity, draw a crowd. Plan to arrive at least half an hour early to join the queue for a chance to bump into fellow passengers.
When the cars charge, the venue offers basketball, dodgeball, and roller skating. We enjoyed archery and Lazer tag in Asia on her sister ship, the Spectrum of the Seas.
Entertainment And Activities
There’s no shortage of entertainment on the Ovation of the Seas. From Broadway-style shows to dedicated kids’ clubs, your Alaska voyage is action-packed when onboard.
Theater Shows
Ovation’s Royal Theater spans two decks and seats 1,300 passengers. It hosts spectacular production shows which were always good.
The Two70, at the aft, was our favorite venue, with its amazing aft views. This state-of-the-art space has six robotic arms that create spectacular visual effects during shows.
Kids Club
The Adventure Ocean youth program provides engaging activities for children aged 3-17. The club is divided into appropriate age groups: Aquanauts (3-5 years), Explorers (6-8 years), and Voyagers (9-11 years).
Teens have their own dedicated spaces, including a disco and lounge area. Activities range from science experiments and craft classes to sports competitions and video game tournaments.
During the cruise, specific venues like the climbing wall and SeaPlex were sometimes reserved for the children. Of course, adults can participate at other times.
Onboard Venues
Ovation of the Seas offers diverse venues to entertain and delight passengers. From bustling shopping areas to relaxing lounges, innovative entertainment spaces, and rejuvenating wellness facilities, there’s something for everyone aboard this impressive ship.
The Royal Esplanade
The Royal Esplanade is the ship’s central hub and reminded me of a shopping mall. The area spans two decks and features an array of shops, cafes, restaurants, and the Amber and Oak Pub. If you didn’t pack enough warm clothes, the shops have Alaska-themed sweats and fleece.
On the lower level, Café Promenade was our go-to place for tea and a quick snack. Upstairs, guests could get a drink from the Bionic Bar. We tried a drink by ordering on an iPad and watching the million-dollar machine craft our cocktail.
Lounges And Bars
Ovation of the Seas boasts an impressive selection of lounges and bars to suit every taste. The Schooner Bar, a Royal Caribbean staple, offers a nautical-themed setting with live piano music and classic cocktails.
We recommend the North Star Bar near the ship’s iconic observation pod for breathtaking views. The Two70 Bar provides a more intimate setting with floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic vistas at the aft.
The Bionic Bar, an electronic barman in the Royal Esplanade, provides a novelty way to get a drink. We could order a set drink or custom-made one by inputting ingredients.
Music lovers will appreciate the Music Hall, a two-story venue featuring live bands and a spacious dance floor. The Boleros Lounge is perfect for those who enjoy Latin rhythms and mojitos.
Two70
Two70 is a technological marvel transforming from a tranquil lounge daily to a cutting-edge entertainment venue by night. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer stunning 270-degree ocean views, which can be enhanced with digital projections on robotic screens.
In the evening, Two70 hosts spectacular productions combining performers, robotics, and digital effects. We had to book a spot on the app to attend a show but found the shows were fully booked. So, we showed up 15 minutes before starting and were allowed in when there were empty seats.
We highly recommend watching one of the innovative shows here, as they’re unlike anything else at sea.
Pools, Spa, And Fitness Center
The ship offers multiple pool areas to suit different preferences. The Lido deck features a fantastic outdoor pool and a kids’ Splashaway Bay.
The outdoor pools were used on the first day or so, but they emptied out as we got closer to Alaska and the temperatures dropped. In Alaska, guests mostly the outdoor hot tubs or indoor pools.
The Ovation has two, making it ideal for Alaska: an indoor family pool and the Solarium adults-only pool. We loved the Solarium area, with its multiple-level bathing area providing a serene atmosphere with comfortable seating. It made the ideal escape during cold Alaskan weather.
One deck above, the Vitality Spa offers a range of treatments, from massages to facials. Outside, a jogging track circumnavigates the entire ship. Above the spa, a well-equipped fitness center provides modern exercise machines, free weights, and fitness classes.
Dining Experiences
With 20 dining venues, we never felt hungry on this vessel. Dining varied from elegant main dining rooms to specialty restaurants and casual eateries, so there’s something for every taste bud.
Main Dining Rooms
Unlike conventional cruise ships, which have one main dining room, the Ovation has four. The Grande, Chic, Silk, and American Icon Grill have different decors but basically the same menus. Each restaurant had a few venue-specific items, but we could order from one venue while seated in another.
These venues serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We could opt for a set dining time or “my time dining.” Overall, the food was great, the selection was good, and the food was well presented. We chose a set dining time and always had fantastic service.
Specialty Restaurants
For a more exclusive dining experience, Ovation boasts several specialty restaurants. One standout option is Wonderland, where innovative and imaginative cuisine is served in a whimsical setting.
During our voyage, Wonderland offered a “Taste of Royal” lunch, which was inexpensive and fantastic. The set menu features dishes from specialty restaurants throughout the Royal Caribbean line.
The other fine dining choices are Chops Grille (steakhouse), Jamie’s Italian (Italian), Izumi (Japanese), and Chef’s Table. While we liked the whimsical décor of Wonderland, Brian preferred Chops Grille and Jamie’s Italian was my favorite.
Casual Dining Options
The Windjammer Marketplace is a buffet-style venue that offers breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night food for quick and convenient meals.
Cafe Promenade serves light snacks, pastries, and coffee 24/7. It was our go-to spot for tea. Sorrento’s Pizza offers delicious slices throughout the day and into the evening.
We preferred the Two70 Café, which offered made-to-order salad, customized sandwiches, and fruit for healthy lunches. Other options include the Doghouse in the SeaPlex (hotdogs), Fish and chips on deck 14, and Solarium Bistro by the adult-only pool.
Accommodation
Ovation of the Seas offers a variety of staterooms for solo guests and large families. The Grand Loft Suite spans two decks and sleeps up to six. The innovative interior studio rooms have virtual screens which live stream the views outside.
Room Amenities
Our balcony cabin was spacious, and we could sleep four with a pull-out sofa bed. It had lots of storage, a comfortable living area, and a larger-than-normal balcony to enjoy Alaska’s landscape.
At almost 200 square feet, the cabin space is bigger than those on competitor lines. We particularly liked the large closets, desk area, and tea station. With an in-room kettle, we could forego a trip to Café Promenade early in the morning when we wanted tea in bed.
Should You Take An Ovation Of The Seas Alaska Cruise?
Larger ships owned by Norwegian and Royal Caribbean aren’t for everyone. However, if you’re traveling with children, teenagers, or a multi-generational group, this vessel provides onboard activities for all ages. We don’t travel with children but like the amenities of the Quantum-class vessels.
The Ovation’s larger size means it doesn’t generally get preferred docking locations, resulting in more walking. However, if food is a big part of your cruise experience as it is for us, this vessel boasts 20 places to eat. You may have to sail for more than 7 days to try them all.
We like the Quantum-class vessels and have sailed them many times in North America and Asia. 2026 brings an exciting opportunity to do a 9- to 13-day cruise and land tour on a larger ship, a first in Alaska.
