ovation of the seas embarkation

We’re heading down to the Port of Los Angeles to board the Ovation of the Seas, a massive Quantum-class ship that’s making its summer stop here. Having enjoyed the Navigator of the Seas last month, we’re excited to see what this larger ship has to offer and to share the experience with you.

Once onboard, we settle in with a relaxing lunch overlooking the water. Our stateroom feels like a cozy home with some interesting design choices, and we’re eager to explore the ship’s many dining options, entertainment spots, and hidden relaxation spaces. The atmosphere is lively, and despite the stuffiness inside, the outdoor areas provide a refreshing escape.

Getting to the Port

Anticipation Before Boarding

We drove down the 405 freeway heading to the Port of Los Angeles, excited to board the Ovation of the Seas. Having just enjoyed the Navigator of the Seas last month, we were eager to experience the largest cruise ship ever to dock in Los Angeles. The vibe was full of energy as we looked forward to sharing the adventure.

Step-by-Step Arrival and Boarding

Once on board, we made it to the key lunch, arriving a bit late but still seated with a great view of the water. After enjoying our meal, we headed to the cabin to drop off our bags and settle in. The cabin had some unique design touches, like an outward-opening door and glass shower walls without texture, making it feel fresh yet familiar. With keys in hand, we started exploring the ship and getting ready for the safety drill, eager to see everything this big ship offers.

Our Initial Meal Experience Aboard

Highlights of the Welcome Lunch

We arrived a bit late to the welcome lunch but still got a nice table with a great view of the water. The starters were simple yet tasty—mushroom soup and Caesar salad. For the main course, we enjoyed a burger and a steak, followed by cheesecake and rich chocolate cake for dessert. The whole meal was served in a relaxed atmosphere.

Eating in the Main Dining Hall

Our first full meal was in the grand dining room, which felt spacious and elegant. The service was prompt, and the food quality met our expectations. After finishing, we quickly headed to get our cabin keys and start exploring the ship.

Stateroom Exploration

Cabin Features

When we stepped inside our cabin, the door opened outward—an unusual detail we noticed right away. The space has an angled closet that gives it a homey but quirky feel. Above the bed, there is storage, and one side has an outlet and a telephone, while the other side has more closet space, shelves, and a safe.

Bathroom Setup

The bathroom feels pretty standard, with a small sink and towels ready for use. The shower has plain glass instead of textured glass, giving it a wet-look effect, like someone just got out of the shower. There are shelves for storage, but overall, it’s simple and functional.

Balcony Atmosphere

Our balcony is quiet and smooth with a shaded cover overhead. It fits comfy chairs and small ottomans, which can double as tables. The space feels relatively private and is a pleasant spot to relax and enjoy the view.

In-Cabin Comforts

Inside the room, we found a mini fridge with a child lock, though it’s more chilly than cold. There are plenty of drawers, a couch, and artwork that adds character. We also appreciated the vanity area with outlets and USB ports, a detachable hairdryer, room service info, and even some fresh fruit waiting for us.

Sailing Away with Ovation

Cityscape Farewell from Los Angeles

As we departed the Los Angeles port, the city skyline gradually slipped behind us, creating a stunning backdrop. The views included nearby vessels like the Carnival Radiance sailing out from Long Beach. The calm water and fading urban landscape gave a peaceful start to our journey.

Wildlife and Natural Wonders Along the Way

During our sail, we spotted various marine life such as dolphins, sea lions, rays, and turtles. We also learned about occasional sightings of orcas and humpback whales in the area, though their season had passed by the time we set off. Catalina Island was visible nearby, with its two harbors and beautiful surroundings, adding charm as we cruised toward Cabo.

Finding Great Places to Eat and Drink

Cocktails and Drink Spots

We loved checking out the drink options onboard. The Bionic Bar was a highlight, where we had fun ordering several drinks while watching the robot bartenders in action. Our favorites included a classic Old Fashioned and the drink of the day, a Rum Runner, though neither blew us away completely.

Sitting outdoors near Amber and Oak made the experience even better, offering a nice vibe to enjoy our drinks.

Sampling Poutine and Other Treats

We couldn’t resist trying the poutine at Amber and Oak. It was loaded with fried cheddar bites, gravy, and a sprinkle of parsley, making for a satisfying snack.

Alongside the poutine, we grabbed some other quick bites like turkey wraps and slices of chocolate cake from the café promenade. It was fun to compare the offerings across the ship.

Trying Out Pizza and Fast Bites

We tried Sorrento’s pizza to see how it stacked up to the pizza we had on the Navigator of the Seas. The quick bites onboard gave us a taste of familiar favorites with a unique twist.

The casual food options helped us grab something tasty while we explored the ship and enjoyed the views.

Ship Atmosphere and Vibes

Feel of the Quantum Class Ship

We found the Ovation of the Seas to have a surprisingly stuffy and tight feeling despite its size. The indoor spaces seem closed in, which caught us off guard given how large the ship is. However, spots like the Bionic Bar offer a unique and fun atmosphere that really livens things up.

How Crowded and Comfortable It Feels

At times, the ship feels crowded and a bit claustrophobic, especially inside. The vibe isn’t quite as open as it looks from the design. Still, there are comfy areas where we could relax, and it didn’t feel overwhelming most of the time.

Outdoor vs. Inside Spaces

The outdoor areas were a complete contrast—fresh, open, and really pleasant. We spent a lot of our time outside soaking up the views and cool breezes. It was easy to see why you’d want to stay outside as much as possible because the inside spaces can feel a little stuffy.

Onboard Entertainment

Departure Celebration Vibes

Right as we started leaving the port, the energy on board was contagious. The DJ kicked off a lively party with dancing and singing, splitting everyone into teams to cheer and compete. It was a great way to bring everyone together and start the adventure with some fun.

Automated Bartender Fun

We found ourselves at the Bionic Bar, which was definitely a highlight. Watching the robotic bartenders mix drinks was both entertaining and impressive. We ended up ordering several cocktails just to enjoy the show and the unique experience it offers.

Quizzes and Challenges

Throughout the cruise, there were plenty of opportunities to test our knowledge and compete in trivia games. These activities kept the atmosphere engaging, and it was nice to have some lighthearted competitions as part of our days on board.

Live Tunes and Chill Spots

Music played a big role in setting the mood during our downtime. Whether relaxing outside or in the lounge areas, the mix of live performances and ambient tracks created the perfect backdrop. It made those quieter moments just as enjoyable as the high-energy ones.

Wonderland Dining Adventure

Distinctive Ambiance and Setting

We loved the unique vibe Wonderland offers. The setting feels cozy yet playful, with decor designed to surprise and delight at every turn. It instantly pulls you into a whimsical world that’s different from other dining spots on the ship.

Artistic and Inventive Food Styling

The menu presentation here is truly creative. Each dish arrives like a little work of art, making the meal feel special before you even taste anything. The plating is as much a part of the experience as the flavors themselves.

Full Dinner Experience Insights

Our Wonderland reservation gave us a chance to relax in an environment that’s both fun and elegant. The atmosphere outside was calm and refreshing, especially after spending time on the ship where it can feel stuffy. Dining here made for a memorable evening, and we found ourselves reluctant to leave the fresh air behind.

Relaxation and Hidden Spots

Scooter’s Bar and Cozy Corners

We found some great quiet spots onboard, like near the Scooter’s Bar where you can relax away from the crowds. It’s perfect for unwinding with a drink in a less busy area. Small nooks and shaded seating areas on the decks also make for nice private retreats when you want to chill out.

Relaxing with a Drink

We enjoyed trying a variety of drinks, from classic old-fashioneds to the drink of the day like the rum runner. The Bionic Bar is definitely a fun stop to watch robotic bartenders in action while sipping something tasty. Outdoor drink service around the ship lets us stay cool and refreshed while soaking in the views.

Nighttime Entertainment Options

As the day winds down, there’s still plenty to do for late-night fun. The lively parties and events around the ship create a great vibe for dancing and socializing. Whether it’s enjoying music on the Royal Esplanade or checking out the bars, the late hours bring their own unique energy.

Last Thoughts on Our Experience

We really appreciate the chance to explore the Ovation of the Seas. The cabin has some unique features like angled doors and a glass shower that looks wet but isn’t, which we found pretty interesting.

The balcony space is cozy and quiet with plenty of seating, making it a great spot to relax. The overall ship vibe felt a bit closed in despite its size, which caught us off guard.

Some highlights for us were the Bionic Bar and the variety of food options like poutine with fried cheddar bites and different dining spots that we enjoyed sampling.

Watching the coastline and spotting wildlife like dolphins and sea lions gave us a great connection to the ocean around us. The balance between indoor and outdoor areas definitely shapes how we spend our time onboard.