I don't want April to end without me having written about the Ovation of the Seas departing from Singapore , especially since my colleagues in blogging and specialized magazines have already done so. The Ovation of the Seas is one of the most innovative ships in the Royal Caribbean International fleet ; the company now has twenty-four ships , and this is the third in the Quantum Class , also being a sister ship to the Quantum of the Seas and the Anthem of the Seas.
The Ovation of the Seas offers a diverse range of voyages and itineraries , and its inaugural season began with the 52-day Global Odyssey. At the time, that inaugural season had limited availability: it began on June 9th with a 3-day mini-cruise (departing from and returning to Singapore) for approximately US$610 . Today, it maintains that grand-travel spirit by combining mini-cruises and mid-length itineraries from Singapore , allowing for both short getaways and authentic adventures in Asia and other continents.
From the city-state, the ship typically operates cruises of 3, 4, 5, and even 8 nights , combining attractive ports of call such as Penang, Phuket, Bali, Lombok, or even Hong Kong , depending on the season and the chosen itinerary. This makes the Ovation of the Seas an ideal choice for both first-time Asian travelers and seasoned cruisers seeking a ship with cutting-edge technology and entertainment.
A tech giant sailing from Singapore
But let me tell you about some of the activities and unique features of this modern ship. For example, in its nearly 350 meters of length , you'll find completely versatile spaces that transform depending on the time of day you visit. You can go from a circus school to playing or cheering on a basketball team, or roller skating and driving bumper cars.
If you visit Two70ºSM in the morning or afternoon , you can relax peacefully in its welcoming atmosphere, with panoramic sea views and café areas, while at night you'll enjoy an ice bar, air shows, and high-tech , high-energy performances. Images projected onto its enormous screens and moving surfaces transform the environment, making it feel like a different place depending on the time of day.
Speaking of anything but relaxing, yet highly stimulating and exciting aerial shows, on the Ovation of the Seas you can try an air machine to experience a parachute descent in a safe and controlled environment with RipCord by iFLY®. This virtual skydiving experience, similar to what you'll find on land in destinations like Sentosa, allows you to float in a wind tunnel while the ship sails , one of the star activities for adrenaline junkies.
And if you love views, the Quantum Class ships also feature the North Star® , a glass observation capsule that rises above the deck and offers 360-degree views of the sea and the Singapore skyline when the ship is docked or maneuvering near the port. This attraction, which holds the Guinness World Record for the highest observation deck on a cruise ship , has become a must-see for taking spectacular photos.
For those who prefer more traditional sports activities, the ship includes a climbing wall, a FlowRider® surf simulator, and the large indoor SeaPlex® complex , where a single space transforms into a basketball court, bumper car track, ice rink, or arcade. It's one of the largest indoor leisure spaces at sea , perfect for enjoying even when the weather outside is rainy or hot, which is quite common in Southeast Asia.
Adult-friendly environments, shows and photo spots
In addition to all the action, the Ovation of the Seas from Singapore also prioritizes relaxation and adults-only areas . One of its most popular features is the Solarium , an indoor-outdoor space located at the bow, complete with waterfalls, jacuzzis, lagoon-style pools, and sun loungers facing the sea. It's ideal for unwinding away from the hustle and bustle of family attractions, and if you board early, you can enjoy it with very few people around.
The ship also offers a full schedule of shows in the Royal Theater , with Broadway-style productions and musicals for all ages, as well as the Music Hall , a multi-level venue with live concerts, cover bands, and themed parties . Royal Caribbean has even dedicated original songs and compositions to the Singapore route, reinforcing the festive atmosphere on board.
As you stroll along the outer decks, you'll find numerous photo opportunities . The most striking feature at the top is the famous sculpture of the giant panda with her cub , part of the ship's art collection. This sculpture has become one of the most sought-after photo spots for passengers and an icon of the Quantum Class. From the port, you can also capture the silhouette of Singapore's bay, with Marina Bay Sands and the skyline in the background, before venturing out into the South China Sea.
On the pool deck, in addition to water slides, jacuzzis, and sun loungers, there's a feature that families love: the Sprinkles ice cream stand, offering free and unlimited vanilla and chocolate soft serve ice cream throughout the day. It's perfect for cooling off during the hottest hours, something especially welcome on this tropical route.
Gastronomy and “dynamic dining” on board the Ovation of the Seas
And as I know from experience, and I never tire of repeating it, that gastronomy is one of the points to consider when choosing a cruise, I'll tell you that on the Ovation of the Seas they've implemented the "dynamic dining" policy , a new version of the main restaurant, reinvented, offering an incredible variety of cuisines , including craft beers, and you can choose between two options when making your reservation: the classic one, always with the same tablemates and times (for organized people) and another where you improvise your schedule and tablemates... although, be aware that some days that particular restaurant you were craving might not be available.
In addition to this flexible system, the ship boasts a wide selection of restaurants included in the cruise fare , such as the Main Dining Room with multi-course menus, the buffet-style Windjammer , and Café@Two70 , ideal for casual bites like sandwiches, homemade soups, and salads while enjoying the views aft. You'll also find Sorrento's , a New York-style pizzeria serving slices practically any time, and 24/7 room service for those who prefer to dine in their cabin.
If you'd like to treat yourself, the Ovation of the Seas offers several specialty restaurants for an additional fee, highly recommended for celebrations. Highlights include Chops Grille , Royal Caribbean's classic steakhouse featuring meats and seafood; Jamie's Italian , with pasta dishes and creations by chef Jamie Oliver; and Izumi Japanese Cuisine , where you can enjoy sushi, sashimi, and teppanyaki in a more intimate setting. For those with a sweet tooth, La Patisserie serves coffee, chocolates, and European-style pastries.
And, of course, the futuristic touch is present in the bar area: at the Bionic Bar, two robotic arms prepare your favorite combinations, from classic cocktails to custom creations. You choose the ingredients on a screen, and the robots take care of shaking, mixing, and serving , while passengers watch and record the process—one of the most photographed scenes on the ship.
By combining all of this with the ability to book dining and special experiences through the online Cruise Planner before boarding, you can organize your trip from Singapore very well: set dinner times, secure a place at North Star or RipCord by iFLY on the days that interest you most, and book packages for drinks, Wi-Fi, or excursions in Penang, Phuket, or Bali.
With this combination of technological innovation, fine dining, relaxation areas, and comprehensive routes through Southeast Asia , the Ovation of the Seas departing from Singapore establishes itself as one of the most attractive ships for those seeking more than just a simple cruise and wishing to experience a different kind of vacation, full of memorable experiences both on board and at each port of call.