Breathtaking

Ovation of the Seas Cruise Review to Alaska - Inside Passage

Cruises: 4-6 cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 68

Overall rating:

4.3 out of 5
Verified Review
Ovation of the Seas

7 Night Alaska Glacier (Seattle Roundtrip)

Sail date: July 26, 2019

Ship: Ovation of the Seas

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 6140

Traveled as: Family (older children)

Reviewed: 5 years ago

Review summary

We've always been a cruise lover; however, not so much anymore. There are SO MANY fees/extra expenses that it's better to go to an all-inclusive resort where everything is included. I would definitely go back to Alaska though. It was an amazing trip overall. I also wouldn't go on another cruise with younger children. That was NO fun. The parents come on cruises and let their kids just run free and disrupt every area they are in. If we do another cruise, we will do an adult-only cruise.

Embarkation

5 out of 5
Royal Caribbean did an amazing job.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

4 out of 5
The main dining service was very slow so we chose to eat in the Windjammer more than the main dining room. However, the dining staff was amazing and friendly.

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5
We didn't use any of the activities but heard they were terrific.

Entertainment

5 out of 5
The 2 comedians were absolutely amazing and hysterical. I would love to see them in person again outside of the ship.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5
All of the staff that we dealt with on the cruise were very friendly and helpful.

Ship Quality

1 out of 5
We love Royal Caribbean; however, this time we were very disappointed and underwhelmed in Ovation of the Seas. There was nothing impressive about this ship at all. I've been on older ships (Explorer of the Seas) and was more impressed than with this new one. I have to say I wouldn't cruise on this ship again. There was no wow factor for us.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5
The cabin was spectacular and very roomy as was the bathroom area. We were very pleased with the cabin.

Ship tip

If you are looking for a ship that has a wow factor, don't book this particular ship.

Ports of call

Seattle, Washington

5 out of 5
There is so much to do in Seattle; however, be aware that Seattle airport (departure) is horrific. I wouldn't fly out of Seattle (SEATAC) airport ever again. That experience was horrible.

Cruise Inside Passage, Alaska

5 out of 5
The Alaska destination was breathtaking.

Juneau, Alaska

5 out of 5
Juneau was an amazing and breathtaking port. I would actually consider moving here.

Skagway, Alaska

3 out of 5
Skagway was nice and quaint but very, very small.

CRUISE ENDICOTT ARM & DAWES GLACIER

3 out of 5
There's a hit or miss with this particular area. Ours was a miss. We couldn't go all the way to the glaciers as there were too many icebergs - bummer.

Victoria, British Columbia

5 out of 5
This is another amazing and breathtaking port. I would LOVE to live here! We ate at Frank's Modern Diner and the food was to die for.

Disembarkation

2 out of 5
I have to say I'm very disappointed in how EVERYTHING costs SO much money. To get a shuttle to the airport and deal with your luggage was $26.95 per person. Another expense on top of the many, many other expenses.
Was this review helpful? 68

3 Comments

wgammon1    4 years ago

Glad you had a good cruise. Thanks for the great review.

CavalierMum    5 years ago

We agree in regards to lack of wow factor. My husband & I sailed on her last year and after being told that we'd never go back to P&O or Carnival once going on Ovation, we were disappointed. Nothing overly exciting. Lots of really nice areas- loved the Solarium, loved two70, shops good also but buffet was poorly setup so that everyone has to zig zag to go from station to station and coffee shop downstairs would have been nicer if they had more seating and sit down coffee in cups. Wouldnt go on her again but if there was no other option I wouldn't say no either

MikeNCcruiser    5 years ago

Please share your concerns regarding departure from the Seattle airport. We cruise from there next September (2020). Thanks!

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