I should NOT have waited 30 years to take this trip! We have taken close to 30 cruises since mid 1980's and around 20 on Royal Caribbean. Overall we really like Royal the best and will continue to cruise this line. We have cruised to Europe and just loved it for the history but Alaska is now right up there with the best for the beauty. Like most folks, we love the Caribbean and will continue to sail there but now I know why friends and co-workers always said to cruise Alaska. Please take one of the Alaska cruise iteneries while you are young enough to really enjoy it....you'll never regret it.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Embarkation from Seattle was very easy and organized.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
We are "diamond" members and have cruised on Royal Caribbean ships many times. We wanted the Ovation because we had sailed on Anthem 2 years ago. However, they do not change restaurants each night like the Anthem did which I found really fun. In general the main dining room (The Grand) is VERY NICE and service was excellent. The pizza is good as well as the buffets. However, I love Royal Caribbeans "Ranger" cookies but could not find any on this ship...bummer. It does have about 4000 passengers so get to breakfase early if you want a seat. For Alaska, the window tables fill up quickly and some folks just sit there drinking coffee and will not hardly move.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
Activities are all around you. BUT....the North Star was out of order for first 3 days which delayed many folks from going for a ride and some did not go at all. Bumper cars were mostly taken up with youngsters. But summer time is their time so if adults want to ride they may want to cruise before school is out or after it starts back up. Younsters were even swimming in the pools. Pools were heated but outside temps were only 50 - 60 degrees so really cold when they got out.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
Almost all of the Royal Caribbean large ships have Broadway shows but Ovation does NOT. This ship does have the "270" room in the back of the ship which is an outstanding room that can be transformed into a "Disney/Pixar" type of entertainment. We also saw this on the Anthem and is FANTASTIC! You will not belive your eyes as to what all they can do with this room! DO NOT MISS the entertainment in this room!!! They have one live show in the theater with "Legs" in the title which I believe should only be for late entertainment....NOT FOR CHILDREN. I thought this was not one of Royal Caribbeans best show by any means.
Children's Programs
We are 70 and had grandchildren with us who were in their 20's so did not use any of the childrens programs.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
The wait staff was one of the best we have ever seen anywhere. Our waiter and assistant were super fast and courteous. One of our children has to have a glutin free diet and the head waiter went out of his way EVERY night to make sure she had anything and everything she could want made especially for her diet. This really impressed me and others around us. Also have a glutin free area in Windjammer which is very nice. Room steward was outstanding! Everyone of the staff we encountered were TOP NOTCH!!
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
The Ovation is a beautiful ship and is kept susper clean. Very easy to get around. Public restrooms were always super clean and well stocked with towels, soap, etc at all times.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
We were really impressed with our cabin. It had about 300 sq. ft. with an extra large balcony. But best of all it had TWO bathrooms which is needed for 4 or 5 people staying in one room. Shower was in a nice large bathtub with nice large sink and tolet. Other bathroom only had a sink and tolet but got plenty of use. We found plenty of storage for all of us to put most items from our suitcase. Would highly recommend this room for a family of 4 or 5.
Ship tip
The only items I found a little anoying was our TV which would not turn on/off all the time. Probably needed new batteries in remote. Also was NOT pleased with the Wi-Fi on Ovation. Had MUCH better service on all of the Oasis class ships. Otherwise, this is a nice ship and very nice itenery.
This is a small village but I could probably stay there for a few days just to see all there is around it. The train ride up to the White Pass is a MUST!!!...and I mean a MUST!! You can take it to the top and then take a motor coach back down to town or take the train both ways. But the beauty of the mountains and snow-caps and the views from the train is just breathtaking. If you have taken this before then take another tour but if you have never taken this tour you will be misssing a ride of a lifetime if you miss it.
What a place!!! The sun set around 10:30 pm and rose around 3:30 am in June when we went so when the ship started up the Endicott arm it was around 4:30 in the morning. My wife and I were both out on our deck from 4:30 until we got to the glacier at around 6:45 am. WHAT A SIGHT!! There was no fog that morning and the views were indescribable. It is cold outside (around 45 degrees) but dress warm and just admire the surroundings. Words can not describe how beautiful this was to see.
Super cute and beautiful city. The old hotels and government buildings were built in the late 1800's to early 1900's. City is super clean and very easy to get around. Bus service was $15.00 each for transportation from the ship to two dropoff's and you can get back on when you want to return to the ship. VERY EASY to sightsee. Would definately recommend getting off in this city. DO NOT just set on board the ship and miss this very nice city.
VERY easy to get off the ship. We all carried our luggage and there is ample transportation outside to take you to the airport. Long ride to the airport. With traffic must allow 1 hour to make the trip.
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