A lot of activities to do so always add them to your calendar in the Royal Caribbean app so you don’t miss out. Be aware that some activity times can be different compared to cruise compass/tv and the app. The app uses ship wifi for free. Line up early eg tender, shoes, sports, dodgems etc. Loved the ship. Often didn’t feel over crowded. They have created really diverse ombiance in different areas such as music hall, 270, solarium, mdr etc.Just an outstanding ship and service
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Quicker then I thought it would be. Seamless. Security was the longest wait
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
MDR for dinners. 11 in our group and organised a table first night which we dined at for remainder of cruise. 5 kids who were always accomodated for by the the lovely waiters. Food was delicious and never had to wait long. Usually finished in time for early show.
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
Seaplex was an outstanding space which catered for so many activities. Of course, be prepared to queue. Line up early for activities such as dodgem cars and trapeze. Organised sport was really fun. Again, arrive early to secure a spot for the more popular sports as they do have limited spots, eg soccer 8 teams of 6. So get up there and make a team then put your name down when the staff guy comes out with the signup. Rock climbing was closed a lot due to high winds unfortunately. Flo rider Chad long lines so be prepared for that but if wet or cold, that’s the time to get out there!
Entertainment
4 out of 5
A beautiful dream was an outstanding performance. Pixels was unique and really entertaining until the show was stopped mid performance due to rough seas. Get to the shows at least 20mins before to secure good seat, especially for popular ones like Live, Love, Legs. Other individual performers were hit n miss but still worth seeing
Service and Staff
4 out of 5
There’s always heaps of waiters in pool deck
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
The cabin was made up twice a day. Kids disappointed that there was only about 3 towel animals for a 10 day cruise. Not sure why. Maybe being down in steerage on deck 3 haha?
Ship tip
We got the wrist watches to access cabins which were ok. My 8yr old lost her watch twice in the pool though, so they aren’t as secure as hoped. But helpful as kids can be more independent without having to put down or wear the sea pass card. $5 from guest services.
Ovation has to tender so again, line up early (through the casino on deck 3) to get early tender off to explore. Our family got ferry $40ish for 5 to Davenport which is 15min ferry. Beautiful suburb. Great little naval museum which is donation box. All walking distance from wharf. Our kids and me really enjoyed what they had to see and do. Headed up the headland to gun battery where an amazing view looking over entire harbour and Auckland city. Tunnels to explore and canons to climb! Highly recommended. Checkout Wynyard quarter which is kind of darling harbour but not quite...
Not an idyllic city. 1st time I went there, hired a mini moke buggy type car and explored which was fun. 2nd time organised a trip out to one of the beautiful islands (Escapade)with Del Ocean who take you on a speed boat between 20 and 40min ride to different islands. Natural paradise! Recommend this. I organised this trip privately before the trip. They guarantee arrival well before ship departs and have a whole fleet of boats
Hopefully weather is sunny! Beautiful island. Went on a $30 snorkel to see sharks at Dreammaker (or something to do with dream) reef. But not quite what I expected. The shark sits at the bottom of drop off of reef so can barely see them. The reef was not that great where I snorkelled (Ship-side of the island). Really strong current and not great visibility. Maybe opt for the reef on the ocean side of mystery island opposite side of ship, for better experience. Get early tenders out to see the island without hundreds of people everywhere and get some good pictures and secure a good bit of beach with some shade. Head to opposite side of island
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