ovation of the seas ship tour

We’re excited to share our journey aboard Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas, the largest ship to ever call Los Angeles home. From the moment we stepped on board, the ship offered a vast array of places to explore, from stylish dining rooms to lively entertainment venues, all designed for everyone to enjoy.

As we moved through the ship, it became clear how much thought went into creating comfortable spaces for dining, gaming, relaxing, and shopping. Each area has its own vibe, whether it’s a cozy pub, a buzzing casino, or a peaceful lounge. We can’t wait to show you around and highlight some of our favorite spots.

Dining Experiences

Primary Dining Areas and Unique Restaurant Themes

We found four main dining rooms on deck three, all offering the same menu but boasting different interior styles. The entrances are near the casino, making it easy to combine dining with some table play. For something a bit different, we loved Wonderland, a whimsical dining spot inspired by Alice in Wonderland, where the décor and food presentation are playful and imaginative. Another unique spot is Jamie’s Italian, great for sharing plates and enjoying authentic flavors, especially with its cozy window seating.

Relaxed Food Spots and Social Lounges

For casual bites, the ship offers several easygoing places like Sorrento’s pizza spot, serving fresh pies all day long, and the Amber and Oak Pub, an English-style bar with live music, trivia, and snacks like burgers and fries. The café promenade is open 24/7 with sandwiches, fruit, and treats, making it handy anytime. We also spotted the Petisserie for coffee and pastries, plus freestyle soda machines that are convenient if you choose a beverage package. Bolero, the Latin-themed lounge, is perfect for drinks and dancing, with a lively atmosphere.

Premium Dining and Specialty Venues

Some restaurants require an extra fee but deliver exceptional experiences. Iumi, focused on Japanese cuisine, impressed us with fresh flavors and cozy ambiance; reservations are highly recommended. Chop’s Grill offers a classic steakhouse vibe for those in the mood for a hearty meal. We also enjoyed the Bionic Bar, where robots craft your cocktails, adding a fun tech twist to the drinking experience. These spots provide a great way to indulge while onboard.

Entertainment Venues

Live Performances and Theater Spaces

We found the Royal Theater to be the centerpiece for large-scale shows aboard the ship. Nearby, the Music Hall offered a lively spot with contests, dance parties, and live bands. It was spacious, comfortable, and a great place to relax whether or not a show was happening. Upstairs, the Music Hall had tall tables for drinks and snacks, pool tables, and window seats with a view.

Nightlife and Music Spots

The Bolero Latin club was bursting with energy, featuring Latin-inspired drinks and plenty of room for dancing. The Schooner Bar had a nautical vibe, live music, and games like trivia, making it a cozy hangout. The Bionic Bar caught our attention with robot bartenders crafting cocktails via tablet, offering a unique experience. The casino also had a smokefree area with slot machines spaced out nicely for comfort.

Distinctive Pubs and Bars

We loved spending time at the Amber and Oak Pub, an English-style spot with trivia nights, karaoke, and live music. It served tasty bar food like burgers and nachos, and had some outdoor seating. Right next door was Sorrento’s pizza place, busy with fresh pizzas all day and plenty of seating, including window views. The variety of bars and lounges made it easy to find a cozy or lively spot to unwind.

Gaming and Entertainment Spots

Right near the main dining rooms on deck three, we found the casino, which has a smokefree area. Although that section is smaller, it was a nice space to enjoy. The bigger part of the casino featured plenty of tables and lots of slot machines spaced out nicely, giving us room to move without feeling cramped.

Connected to the casino is a lively music hall with a stage, dance floor, and comfy seating. This spot hosts events like parties, contests, and live bands, making it a favorite hangout even on quiet nights. Upstairs, there are tall tables, bars, and pool tables with window views, perfect for relaxing or watching the show below.

For a fun late-night vibe, we visited the Amber and Oak Pub, which has an English pub feel with trivia, live music, and karaoke. It also offers food specials like burgers and nachos. Right next door, Sorrento’s pizza served fresh, all-day pies with plenty of seating and a casual atmosphere.

The Latin-themed Bolero club was a great place to dance and sip mojitos or margaritas. It sometimes hosted private parties, adding to the lively atmosphere with music and games.

We also loved the robot bartenders at the Bionic Bar. You order drinks via tablets, and the robot arms mix cocktails efficiently—definitely a unique experience with plenty of space to sit and enjoy.

Along the esplanade, there are many shops offering everything from souvenirs to jewelry and logo gear. Plus, the whole area features constantly changing art displays that caught our attention.

For those wanting a quieter hangout, the Schooner Bar offers nautical-themed seating, live music, trivia, and games. The tables there are also perfect for casual gaming or just people watching.

Shopping and Retail Highlights

Unique Shops and Souvenir Finds

We found plenty of options for souvenirs and gifts throughout the ship. There were stores offering toys, logo merchandise, makeup, perfume, and watches. If you’re looking for Royal Caribbean branded items, the Prince and Green shop is the place to go.

For sparkle lovers, the Swarovski store catches your eye with lots of shiny accessories. The art and decor around the shopping areas added a creative vibe to our strolls.

Photo Services and Art Displays

Capturing memories was easy with the photo gallery onboard. Photographers were stationed in many spots, ready to snap pictures with different backgrounds. You could also buy frames and camera accessories to keep those moments safe.

In addition to photos, we enjoyed the art installations scattered around the ship, including digital art that constantly changed shape. The combination of art and photo services made shopping here feel more immersive and fun.

Recreation and Outdoor Fun

Splash Zones and Water Activities

We found several spots where water fun was front and center. Pools were available for relaxing or cooling off, and there were areas designed for water play that kept the vibe lively and refreshing. These spots were great for all ages to enjoy some splash time.

Courts for Sports and Exciting Challenges

For those looking to stay active, the ship offered sports courts allowing us to engage in games and friendly competitions. Adventure activities provided a little extra thrill and entertainment, making sure there was something exciting for everyone who wanted to move around and have fun.

Starlight Views and Scenic Lookouts

One of our favorite parts was checking out the North Star experience, which gave us the chance to see breathtaking views from high above the ship. Observation areas also provided peaceful spots to take in the scenery, perfect for moments of calm and wonder while sailing.

Family and Kid-Friendly Spaces

Areas Designed for Little Explorers

We found special spots onboard that are perfect for younger guests to explore and enjoy. These zones offer activities and environments tailored for kids, making sure they have plenty to do while feeling safe and welcome.

Game Room with Arcade and Xbox

There’s a dedicated space filled with arcade games and Xbox consoles where kids and teens can hang out. It’s a vibrant area with fun machines and plenty of room to move around, providing entertainment for all ages.

Relaxation and Wellness

Exclusive Adult Spaces

We really enjoyed the calm and peaceful areas designed just for adults. These retreats offer a break from the usual hustle, giving us time to unwind without interruptions. It’s the perfect spot to relax, sip a drink, and enjoy some quiet moments away from the busier parts of the ship.

Tranquil Spots with Views

There are several quiet places on board where we could sit back and take in the beautiful scenery. Cozy chairs by windows offer a chance to watch the ocean glide by while enjoying a good book or just soaking in the calm. These little corners provide a much-needed escape whenever we want a pause.

Convenient Facilities and Support for Guests

Navigating the Ship and Getting Information

We found plenty of helpful spots on board to guide us around. Clear signage and friendly staff made it easy to find our way to dining areas, entertainment venues, and shops. For quick answers or directions, the guest services desk was always ready to assist, with a neat queue system that moved efficiently.

Help with Shore Excursions

Planning shore excursions was made simple with a dedicated desk nearby. The team there offered a wide selection of options and helped us choose and book trips that matched our interests. It was convenient to handle all our shore activities right onboard without any hassle.

Last Thoughts and Helpful Advice

We found plenty of comfortable spots to relax, from cozy chairs by the music hall to spacious areas near the casino. The open layout made everything feel less crowded and easy to explore.

Tips to keep in mind:

• If you want to eat at Iumi or Jamie’s Italian, book early or check for cancellations.
• The Bionic Bar is a fun stop for creative drinks made by robots—great for a unique experience.
• The pizza at Sarrento’s is popular, even late at night, so expect a line.
• Pool tables upstairs are a lively hangout but can get noisy with teenagers in the evenings.
• For quieter moments, the Amber and Oak Pub offers trivia, karaoke, and live music with a relaxed vibe.
• Don’t miss out on the art and digital displays along the Royal Esplanade; they add a cool, dynamic touch to the ship.
• Always check guest services if you have questions—they were quick and organized in helping us out.

We loved the variety of dining and entertainment options and discovered little gems in every corner—there’s something for everyone aboard this ship.