As holiday choices go, cruising has always claimed equal amounts of fans and haters. Why would you want to be trapped on a boat full of people? What is there even to do on a cruise? Will I get seasick? Cruise sceptics have reservations aplenty.
So when the Ovation of the Seas, Royal Caribbean’s jewel in the crown, offered us the opportunity to come aboard and experience their nine-night South Pacific voyage, we took the opportunity to ‘test the waters’ aboard this cruise phenomenon. Safe to say, we’re converts!
From what to expect to how to best spend your time at sea, here are some of our top first-time cruise tips.
Enjoy a little me time on a boat full of people – who would have thought?
(Credit: Royal Carribean)1. Don’t be intimidated by the size of the ship
At 168,666 tonnes, the Ovation of the Seas weighs as much as 140 Sydney, Freshwater-class Manly ferries and towers above the Sydney Opera House at over 90 metres – so it’s initially quite overwhelming even once aboard. However, the beauty of such a vast cruise ship is that you can take all the time in the world to explore all its nooks and crannies but you can never really get lost. Dive in and enjoy the spectacular construction of the ‘floating city’. It’s surprising how quickly you get your bearings once you get used to the vessel.
From the surf simulator to skydiving, there are so many things to try!
(Credit: Royal Carribean)2. Leave your scepticism on dry land
Once you step onto a cruise ship, there is no place for cynicism. The ship is designed to put you in holiday mode immediately so why fight it? Get into cruise mode and go with the flow. We were tapping our feet along to the lively entertainment and gearing up for the surf simulator within the first day – with absolutely no regrets.
From Michelin starred chefs to daily fresh baked bread; food is a top priority on a cruise ship.
(Credit: Royal Carribean)3. Seek out the quiet spots and forget about time
A common apprehension of cruising is the lack of personal space, yet it is deceivingly easy to find some peace and quiet aboard the Ovation of the Seas. Inside the Solarium, you will find an adults-only, indoor-outdoor sanctuary complete with a crystal canopy, pools and lounge area where you can while away untold hours relaxing, swimming and sipping. There’s also the Vitality at Sea Spa where you can treat yourself to a host of treatments or simply alternate between the spa and the salon.
From Michelin starred chefs to daily fresh baked bread; food is a top priority on a cruise ship.
(Credit: Royal Carribean)4. Plan your dining
Large ships such as the Ovation of the Sea have a host of restaurants and buffets to take advantage of. In this case there are six main dining rooms, six signature restaurants, and seven laid-back dining options from a coffee shop to a patisserie. Day one will see you nibbling every time you see the freshly baked bread, but to take full advantage of the range of cuisines; it’s worthwhile planning when you’ll treat yourself. Lobster everyday may seem tempting on day one but there’s far more to try.
There’s nothing quite like a sunrise at sea to get your day started on the right foot, and spending time on the North Star is the best way to take in the view.
(Credit: Royal Carribean)5. Rise early on a sea day
A sunrise at sea is unlike any other. Take advantage of such a unique experience and enjoy a little breakfast on your balcony or go for a walk on deck. There is nothing quite like the feeling of the sea breeze as the sun comes up. Best way to see the sunrise would be taking a ride on the North Star, the Ovation of the Seas observation capsule that elevates well above the ship to give you 360-degree panoramic views.
Have you tried rock climbing?
(Credit: Royal Carribean)6. Kick back and enjoy
With so much to offer, you can truly personalise your cruise experience to your needs – integrating as much or as little into daily cruise life as you choose. It’s truly a relaxing, memorable experience. Even for the toughest sceptic!
