Our Ovation of the Seas with Royal Caribbean Experience

Cruising is a magical way to escape the daily grind and enjoy quality family time, and the Ovation of the Seas with Royal Caribbean offers an unforgettable journey for all ages. We recently embarked on a 9-night Pacific Island cruise, visiting some of the most breathtaking destinations in the South Pacific, and it was everything we hoped for and more.

DESTINATIONS TO REMEMBER

From the moment we stepped on board, we were greeted by a ship that’s as much about the journey as it is the destination. The Ovation of the Seas is a floating city packed with experiences, entertainment, and dining options to keep every family member happy.

First Impressions of the Ship

Walking into the expansive Royal Esplanade was like stepping into a luxury resort. The interiors are sleek and modern, with touches of elegance that make it feel special yet approachable for families. From the adults-only solarium (heaven for a quiet break) to the bustling pools and kid-friendly zones, the ship feels perfectly balanced.

Onboard Activities Galore: Something for Everyone

The highlight for the kids was definitely SeaPlex with its bumper cars, basketball, arcade games, pickleball, the fantastic kid’s club, and roller-skating, all of which they never seemed to tire of. For thrill-seekers, there’s the RipCord by iFLY, an indoor skydiving experience that will leave you breathless (and with some great photos!) and a rock-climbing wall. Adventure continues with the FlowRider surf simulator, which was a hit with the older kids and teens.

We all took a ride on the North Star, an observation pod that lifted us high above the ship, offering breathtaking views of the ocean and the destinations we were approaching.

For those looking for a more laid-back experience, the ship offers a dazzling array of live performances, from Broadway-style shows to comedy nights. Families with younger children will love the DreamWorks characters meet-and-greets, making for some adorable photo ops.

Another activity the kids enjoyed was the pools – Both indoor and outdoor pools with a big screen, jacuzzies. For adults, there was also a whole level of relaxation and entertainment. The adults-only pool area was a peaceful retreat, perfect for unwinding while the kids splashed in the family pool, or the water play area. I also loved the spa, where I treated myself to a rejuvenating beauty treatment. Evenings were packed with fun activities like bingo and a lively silent disco.

Dining Options: Endless Variety

One of the standout features of the cruise was the food. With multiple complimentary dining options, including the main dining room, Windjammer Marketplace buffet, Fish & Ships, pizza & of course unlimited soft serve was the kids favourite. There’s always something to eat no matter the time of day.

Specialty restaurants like Wonderland, a whimsical dining experience, and Jamie’s Italian, were worth the splurge for special nights. For families, the variety ensures even picky eaters are well-fed.

Island Stops: South Pacific Bliss

The itinerary included stops at New Caledonia and Vanuatu, and each destination offered its own slice of paradise. Our favourite stop was Mystery Island—a tiny, car-free haven surrounded by turquoise water. Snorkelling off the island revealed vibrant coral reefs and curious tropical fish that delighted the kids.

In Nouméa, the blend of French and island cultures was fascinating, and we enjoyed exploring the local markets and sampling fresh baguettes and tropical fruit.

You can book your island tours through Royal Caribbean – We booked the Zego Wave Rider Sea Safari | Port, Vila, Vanuatu | Shore Excursion and it was the best tour ever! But, if you don’t want to book tours, you can also spend your time exploring the island which is also a great way to spend the day.

Crew: Outstanding

The staff on Ovation of the Seas were wonderful. They went above and beyond to make sure our family had the best time, from helping with the kids to offering personalized recommendations for activities and dining.

Cabins: Comfortable and Functional

Our family opted for an ocean-view stateroom, which was spacious enough for the four of us. The kids loved the bunk beds, and we appreciated the clever storage solutions that helped keep things organized. For larger families, connecting rooms or suites might be a better fit, but even standard rooms feel thoughtfully designed.

Final Thoughts: Perfect for Families

The Ovation of the Seas 9-night Pacific Island cruise delivers everything you’d expect from a Royal Caribbean getaway—luxury, adventure, and world-class destinations—all while being wonderfully family-friendly. Whether your kids are thrill-seekers or just want to splash around in the pools, there’s something for everyone.

It’s a fantastic way to explore the South Pacific while making lifelong memories with your loved ones. Pro tip: book excursions early, pack plenty of sunscreen, and prepare to unwind in island bliss!

Would we go again? Absolutely.

This cruise was a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and family fun. From the incredible shore tours and nightly kids’ club to the thrilling onboard activities and world-class dining, it was a trip we’ll cherish forever. We can’t wait to book our next cruise!

We hope our experience on Ovation of the Seas with Royal Caribbean can encourage you to embark on this fantastic journey and experience!

Wiggly Fun in 2025-2026

Royal Caribbean has teamed up with The Wiggles for an exciting family adventure! Enjoy special sailings in summer 2025-2026, exclusive Wiggles merchandise, and fun Wiggles shows in your stateroom—perfect for making memories together!