Ovation of the Seas: Sneaky visit to Brisbane and Sydney launch party highlights

I received news today from the Port of Brisbane that Royal Caribbean Australia’s megaliner Ovation of the Seas is coming for a visit on February 22nd! Now before we get too excited, you won’t be seeing this ship at Portside Wharf.

Due to its ginormous size, Ovation will be docking at Fisherman Island’s General Purpose Berth (about 25 minutes out of Brisbane’s CBD) at around 2:30pm. It will be a quick stop for just a few hours before she makes her way to Darwin.

When I say that this ship is huge….I mean it. I know because I walked the decks in heels at Ovation’s much televised launch party in Sydney late last year. #ohwhatanight!  Tip: There really is no need to pack heels for a cruise holiday. A nice pair of formal wedges is perfectly acceptable. And one day I will learn to listen and take my own advice! 🙂 

Ovation is the newest, largest and most technologically advanced cruise ship to ever call Australia home and has coined the well-earned phrase #SuperCruising.  It’s also the first time that Royal Caribbean has ever based a brand new ship in the Australian market.

“Ovation of the Seas is an absolute game changer for cruising down under. Super Cruising is a holiday experience unlike anything else you can find in Australia – and it can only be found on Royal Caribbean” said Adam Armstrong, Managing Director, Australia & New Zealand.

Ovation Fast Facts:

• It’s the fourth largest cruise ship in the world
• Ovation is 348m long, 18 decks high and weighs in at 168,666 tons.
• There is capacity for 5,000 guests and 1,500 crew.
• Ovation offers 18 different dining options (including the very family friendly Jamies Italian – which is also the first Jamies at sea) and boasts some super awesome features that big and little kids will love!

Here are some of the highlights from my tour that I think cruising families will appreciate:

• iFly sky dive and FlowRider surf simulators at sea.
• The North Star.  This looks like quite a ride. Hover 90 metres above sea level and take in 360 degree views!

• The SeaPlex. An indoor activity space complete with 80s Roller Skating, bumper cars, Xbox zones, a full size sports court and circus school.

• High end shopping in a beautiful Promenade… Kate Spade and Cartier have you met my onboard account?!?!
• Dreamworks character appearances from Shrek, Puss in Boots and Po from Kung Fu Panda. It’s rumoured also that some of the characters from Trolls may have also joined the crew! If JT is on that ship… I’m booking my ticket tomorrow! #justsaying
• A kids splash playground with mini water slides for the kids. This is conveniently located next to a family friendly pool with a mega screen above – great for watching dive-in films under the stars.

Tip: Life vests are available for children…you know just in case your eyes are glued to the screen! #safetyfirst

• There’s also an undercover weatherproof  pool to stay sunsafe with the kids and a very dreamy adults only retreat. #nokidsallowed #yippee!
  Note:  There wasn’t any time to tour the kids clubs (Richard Wilkins, Dami  and Shrek were waiting); but hope to report on these one day for you.

Finally, the technology in use on this ship is mind-blowing. I got to experience a small taste of it at the launch event; but the bionic bar for me was the real show stopper.  Why? It’s every mum’s dream… robots expertly mix your drink while you sit back and watch. I bet they could even put the kids to bed!

It’s art in motion and a symbol of all that is wonderful about this new and exciting ship.  Take a look at these busy bartenders in action here!

For our Brisbane friends, we hope you can get to see this ship when it visits.  Even looking on from the wharf is a sight to be behold!

Details

Ovation of the Seas becomes Royal Caribbean’s fourth locally-based cruise ship, joining sister ships Voyager of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas and Radiance of the Seas. Nb. Legend of the Seas omitted because she is leaving the fleet this month after many good years of service.

For further information about Ovation, or to book a cruise visit www.ovationoftheseas.com.au, phone 1800 754 500 or see your local travel agent.

Credit

I toured Ovation of the Seas as a media guest.  All opinions are my own and correct at the time of publication.  Have you cruised Ovation? Go on make me jealous! Share your experience in comments here! xx Paula