Well honed operation - SMOOTH

Ovation of the Seas Cruise Review to South Pacific - Australia

Cruises: 1 cruise (first)
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 60

Overall rating:

5 out of 5
Ovation of the Seas

9 Night New Zealand (Sydney Roundtrip)

Sail date: January 15, 2020

Ship: Ovation of the Seas

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 9144

Traveled as: Large Group

Reviewed: 4 years ago

Review summary

The Royal Caribbean cruise line has proved to be a well oiled machine that has learnt to optimise everything to run smooth and to maximise the cruiser's enjoyment. 10/10

Embarkation

5 out of 5
Lightning fast boarding speed (when web pre-checkin used)

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5
Windjammer Buffet had huge variety and endless food - ENJOY Always tables and food options.Easy

Windjammer Marketplace

5 out of 5

Great food and service. Flexi time. 10/10

Bionic Bar

3 out of 5

A gimmick in a small hallway - Not a venue in it's own right.

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5
Lots of variety and events all over. Many are open at varying times to allow multi-use venues and for staff to be shared...

RipCord by iFLY

5 out of 5

Sessions are only 1 minute (and only 1 booking possible) but if willing to wait at other times you will get in for bonus flights.

Entertainment

5 out of 5
Top class shows. The theatres have great acoustics and comfy seats

Two70 Lounge

5 out of 5

Assorted comfy seats and great surprises in the shows. 10/10 setup

Royal Theater

5 out of 5

Great acoustics and comfy seats. Many great shows

Children's Programs

5 out of 5
Themes and group events. Again well optimised for ease of use and professionalism. Parents get a ship phone to carry with them in case contact with staff needed when kids booked in

Service and Staff

5 out of 5
Friendly and took the time to learn each guests likes and wishes

Ship Quality

5 out of 5
LOTS of staff all ready and eager (but not overwhelming)

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5
Huge comfy rooms. Room attendants always keeps the room clean and beds made. Ideal layout and room for luggage under bed. Cloths in drawers and wardrobes...

Ship tip

Bring enough clothes for the trip (easier and cheaper than booking clothes washing).

Ports of call

Sydney, Australia

5 out of 5
In the heart of Sydney (opposite the Opera house & Sydney harbour bridge). Very easy to get to and passenger loading & unloading procedures are rapid (if you do the web pre-checkin) and run like clockwork. Very FAST and easy!

Cruise Milford Sound

5 out of 5
The view of the wilderness is amazing but note the ship does not dock here just travels in and out of the Sounds and is weather dependant as to if the ship will venture in or not.

Cruise Doubtful Sound

5 out of 5
The view of the wilderness is nice but note the ship does not dock here just travels in and out of the Sounds and is weather dependant as to if the ship will venture in or not.

Cruise Dusky Sound

5 out of 5
The view of the wilderness is nice but note the ship does not dock here just travels in and out of the Sounds and is weather dependant as to if the ship will venture in or not.

Port Chalmers (Dunedin), New Zealand

5 out of 5
Great town worth the visit. The port is not the main Dunedin one but after a quick shuttle bus trip you arrive in the heart of the town. Lovely small town with things to do

Wellington, New Zealand

5 out of 5
Great town worth the visit. Lovely town with things to do. Zoolander very nice nature event to see

Picton, New Zealand

5 out of 5
Great town worth the visit. The port requires a a quick shuttle bus trip you arrive in the heart of the town. Lovely small town with things to do. The Mauri Cultural experience was very rewarding

Disembarkation

5 out of 5
Remember to get your Windjammer breakfast before departure. Disembarkation, WOW, Lightning Fast. 10/10. Luggage pre-offloading method was simple, easy and quick to obtain your luggage.
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