Royal Caribbean Ovation of the Seas cruise
We’re no strangers to cruises setting sail from Singapore, but if you ask any seasoned cruiser which one takes the cake, chances are they’ll say Royal Caribbean. And the good news is, the brand’s much-loved Ovation of the Seas has returned to our shores. We got a peek inside the ship ourselves, and here’s what you can look forward to on your next voyage.
What is Ovation of the Seas?
Image credit: Royal Caribbean
The Ovation of the Seas cruise first launched in 2016 and is now back here, homeporting in Singapore once again from now till March 2026.
This ship can carry up to 4,182 passengers, and will be whisking guests away on sailings that range from 3-night short getaways to 8-night adventures. Make a booking and you’ll get to cruise to popular destinations among Singaporeans, including Penang, Phuket, and Bali.
What to expect on Ovation of the Seas?
Like most cruises, the Ovation of the Seas comes packed with activities, entertainment, and dining options – way more than you could possibly squeeze into one trip. But after our recent ship visit, we’ve rounded up some of the must-see highlights you shouldn’t miss.
Free activities ranging from sports to shows
Image credit: Royal Caribbean
Start with the 40ft Rock Climbing Wall, a Royal Caribbean signature that lets you scale new heights while taking in panoramic ocean views. It’s open to guests aged 6 and above, so the whole fam can give it a go.
Image credit: Royal Caribbean
Then there’s the North Star, exclusive to Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Class ships. This glass observation capsule holds the Guinness World Record for being the tallest viewing platform on a cruise ship. It lifts you 300ft above sea level while offering 360° views for that main character moment.
Image credit: Royal Caribbean
If you prefer to stay active indoors, swing by SeaPlex. It’s an indoor activity space at sea, and the court here can transform from a basketball court into a bumper car arena.
You’ll also find table tennis tables, gaming consoles, and the Dog House, which serves hearty hot dogs.
Image credit: Royal Caribbean
Of course, we cannot talk about Royal Caribbean without mentioning the FlowRider, their iconic surfing simulator. It’s free for all guests, though first-timers can sign up for group or private lessons to catch their first wave.
Image credit: Royal Caribbean
Right next to it is RipCord by iFLY – the same indoor skydiving experience as the one at iFly Singapore on Sentosa, except this time you’re free-falling at sea. Take note that there may be complimentary sessions on port days with limited slots, but the activity is chargeable on sea days.
Or head to the Royal Theater for Broadway-style shows suitable for all ages, then chill at the Music Hall, where live bands perform.
During our ship visit, we even caught a surprise performance at the Music Hall – local singer-songwriter Nathan Hartono performed an original jazzy tune, Come On Board With Me, written and composed to celebrate the Ovation of the Seas’ return to Singapore. Keep your ears peeled when you’re on board – we have a feeling it’s going to be the next tune stuck in your head after Don Don Donki’s theme song.
Wide range of dining options
Dining on the Ovation of the Seas is an experience in itself. If you’re keeping things simple, there are plenty of options already included in your cruise fare.
Image adapted from: Royal Caribbean
Grab a casual bite at The Café@Two70, where sandwiches and homemade soups are always on the menu, or head to the Main Dining Room for multi-course meals served throughout the day. You can also order 24/7 Room Service, while pizza lovers will enjoy Sorrento’s, which dishes out New York-style slices.
Image adapted from: Royal Caribbean
But if you’re celebrating a special occasion or just feel like treating yourself, check out the ship’s signature restaurants. Chops Grille is the place to go for juicy steaks and fresh seafood, while Jamie’s Italian serves up pasta creations by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver. Then satisfy your sweet tooth at La Patisserie with coffee and pastries, and drop by Izumi Japanese Cuisine for – you guessed it – sushi and sashimi.
Adults-only lounging area for a relaxing holiday
Image credit: Royal Caribbean
One of our favourite corners of the Ovation of the Seas has to be the Solarium, an adults-only indoor-outdoor retreat open to all, and situated at the front of the ship for the best views.
There are cascading lagoons, whirlpools, and lots of lounging spots to stretch out here, all facing the vast, open ocean.
We visited around 11.30am and found it practically empty, with only a handful of guests enjoying the serenity. So a tip is to board early if you can to enjoy some peace and quiet before the crowds arrive.
Plenty of photo spots at every corner of the ship
Step out onto the deck before the ship sails, and you’ll be greeted with stunning views of the Singapore skyline.
But the photo ops don’t stop there – we also really liked the giant panda sculpture with her cub on Deck 15, part of the ship’s art collection. It almost made us feel like we’ve been transported to Chengdu, but nope, we were still very much on a cruise.
Free & unlimited ice cream at the pool deck
Hit the Pool Deck for some fun in the sun, where there are thrilling water slides and relaxing whirlpools.
And don’t even get us started on Sprinkles, the soft-serve kiosk that offers free and unlimited ice cream in vanilla and chocolate flavours. On a sunny day at sea, it’s the perfect little treat to keep cool between splash sessions or after a few spins on the slides.
Robotic bartenders serving custom drinks
At Bionic Bar, 2 robotic bartenders handle the shaking, stirring, and mixing for you. Choose from classic tipples to custom cocktails designed by you, then sit back and watch them in action. It was honestly pretty cool seeing this kind of tech on a cruise.
Where will Ovation of the Seas be sailing to?
Penang street art.
There are 3- to 4-night trips to Penang or Phuket that are great for recharging without taking too much time off. In Penang, you’ll get to wander through the streets of George Town or pop by quirky spots like an ice cafe for a sweet treat. Over in Phuket, you’ll have time to lounge at beach clubs by day and visit night markets after dark.
Racha Island in Phuket.
But for travellers who want the best of both worlds, there’s also a 5-night journey that combines the highlights of Penang and Phuket.
Or choose to go on an 8-night trip to Bali, which includes 2 full days exploring Celukan Bawang and Benoa. The journey also includes a stop at Lombok.
For this festive season, Ovation of the Seas even has you covered with a 4-night Christmas getaway departing 24th December 2025 to Penang and Phuket, and an 8-night New Year’s journey departing 28th December 2025 to Bali.
Hop on board Ovation of the Seas
While everyone else is travelling to Japan or China, you could be lounging on deck with a soft-serve in hand and catching ocean views on the Ovation of the Seas. So now is the time to book that cruise trip you’ve been dreaming of.
Book a trip on the Ovation of the Seas
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Photography by Wei Yin.
Cover image adapted from: Royal Caribbean