tiger belle

has anyone taken the glass bottom boat excursion out of coco cay?

I'm going to follow this post, because I am wondering the same things.

18 hours ago, Mslynn79 said:

Is the escape room available to book on the app as well? I know it’s not a highly publicized thing - I only found out about it on this forum, so wasn’t sure if it had to be done in person. Thanks! 

I was very disappointed in how Ovation handles the escape room booking.  You are correct it is not publicized, not even in the Compass.  You can't book before boarding, and I had been told on the boards somewhere that you could book it using the app once downloaded and you board the ship--no one in our party could find the activity even listed on the app.  Then it's almost impossible once you are on the ship to find the actual escape room itself. It's not marked nor is it on any deck maps I saw.  I think someone said you could book it on board (they suggested day one) somewhere on the 14th deck but good luck with that.  I love escape rooms so I was quite disappointed in how difficult RCL made it to participate on Ovation.

On 6/26/2019 at 2:59 PM, AlanF65 said:

 

The link above has the 5-24 compass, it should be similar.

I reviewed the 5/24 sailing's compasses, and they were very similar to mine for the 6/14 sailing.  The production shows were the same but there were different headliners on my cruise.  Also, we had a Bon Jovi tribute band, and this cruise had a Led Zepellin one.  Some of the trivia type games were different, and the enrichment speakers and corresponding topics were a little different.  Most of it was the same.

I second what Abuelo said about the weather.  While it was a little windy and raining in the mornings, we had great afternoon weather for the excursions in Skagway and Victoria, and pretty good for Juneau. I didn't have to use too many layers--the rain-resistant jacket I brought was the most I needed.

Thanks for the review El Abuelo...I was on the sailing with you, and I agree with most of your commentary.  Like another poster, though, I did not find the ship at all cramped or crowded.  I've sailed on Allure before and agree it's more spacious, but I was also pleased with the layout and spaciousness of Ovation.  I didn't find the embarkation/disembarkation process as frustrating as you did--I've had worse experiences and better (you are right that it isn't on the level of Port Everglades).  I was disappointed with my NorthStar experience, but those in my party loved their iFly session.  I also would have liked one more port day as opposed to a sea day, but I enjoyed the ports we visited--my favorite was Skagway.

On 6/24/2019 at 8:59 PM, BEENSAILING said:

Going on Aug. 2. I have  been to Alaska a few times but never on a cruise.Been on Quantum and Anthem-several times. Looking forward to this Ovation cruise. Did you attend the enrichment lectures and if you did, did you find them valuable?

I also was on the June 14 sailing, and I attended a few of the enrichment lectures.  There were 2 speakers who alternated presentations during the cruise.  One was a professor and the other a retired mountie.  I don't think either of the speakers were particularly skilled presenters but I did enjoy the pictures that accompanied the presentations and did learn a little history.

thanks, biker...I know I appear stupid but haven't sailed RCI much...how are points accumulated?

how many cruises do you need to qualify for diamond or diamond plus status?

I just returned from the June 14 and had a great time! I do have all my compasses with the schedule for each day, but I don't have the software to scan them.  As for must-dos, definitely see The Beautiful Dream show in the main theatre and the a capella group Mosaic if they are on your sailing.  Some in our party did the iFly experience, and they loved it.  Unless you can schedule NorthStar on the glacier day, I'd skip it.  Sorrento's pizza is great, and the specialty dining venues are also great but a little pricey.  The Solarium is a great place to hang out, and the Solarium Bistro was a wonderful place to have breakfast or lunch.  It's also relaxing to hang out in 270--I'd recommend it over the Windjammer for lunch the first day you board.  If you have any specific questions, just ask away.

here is a somewhat similar question about Ovation...are the doors metallic?  I am asking because I like to put up a few door decorations and like to be prepared about how I am going to safely attach them

TomCat, I would also like to see those, since I will be on your sailing...the guy who posted the review of the 11-day cruise (hoopster) is famous around here for live reviews of his cruises...unfortunately that's rare so his review was a special treat...like you, I'll keep looking on the boards for reviews and posts about the 7-day itinerary...maybe I'll see you on board!

16 hours ago, Biker19 said:

It was available in the app for us - that's how we booked it. The entry door is the one with the port hole by the sign up desk - even looking in there you can't really tell it's an escape room next to it.

Biker, you booked it on the app once on board?  Did you enjoy it?  How does it compare to ones you've done before on land? thanks

16 hours ago, Hoopster95 said:

 

 

Everyone reading this and wanting to reserve a spot in the puzzle room, here’s the deal....

 

Guest services told me they opened up reservations on the 1st day and it was fully  booked for the entire cruise within a few hours.☹️

 

My tip: get on board, go directly up to Seaplex and book this.

thanks, guys...go to Seaplex and not guest services

hoopster:  is there still a long wait for bumper cars at this point in the cruise?

also, I am curious...is there an escape room on board as an activity?

Love this review so far...making me more excited for my sailing on Ovation in June 🙂

love seeing all the pics so far...we're on Ovation for the June 14 sailing...I will be following your live review, even though our 7-day round-trip out of Seattle itinerary is not the same as yours...bon voyage and have fun!

1 minute ago, PittsburghNative said:

 

It looks super cool and is in a beautiful setting but I must admit I’m nervous to try it out.

full disclosure:  I was in my 30s when I crossed that bridge...I remember it being sort of shaky and looking down gave me a hollow feeling in the pit of my stomach....still I felt confident crossing it...fast forward and now I'm in my 50s--not quite as mobile and steady as I was; also a lot less confident in such things...Now I think I'd be a lot more reluctant to give it a try

On 3/31/2019 at 12:33 PM, PittsburghNative said:

 

Have fun! We are visiting the Capilano Suspension Bridge in Vancouver after our cruise on Celebrity Eclipse in May. 

I've done that one, too...it was fun but also quite scary! 😮

I'm writing all these down...thanks

1 hour ago, sharktums said:

We're on one of the May Ovation Alaska cruises.  Obviously not a ton of info out there since this has not been done before, but I'm sure there will be some good TR's that will help you before you leave.  I'm a planner, so it bothers me a bit that we don't quite know how everything is going to work but I at least feel somewhat prepared having been on Quantum and Anthem and a previous Alaska cruise (Radiance). 

I've been feeling the same as you.  I am used to reviewing the Compasses and reports prior to sailing.  I'm trying to develop an attitude of enjoying the "surprise" aspect but I'm not sure it's working LOL old habits are hard to break...I'll definitely be glad to read reviews once May sailings are completed...maybe you could come back with a great review 😉

cruisefan:  how about the shows on Ovation in the main theatre?  I think one is Vegas style and call Live, Love, Legs or something similar

7 hours ago, BEENSAILING said:

As Alaska is a new iten. for Ovation, lots of unknowns as far as entertainment. They have a show called “Pixels” in 270. There is no “brand name”  Broadway show in the theatre. Royal has built shows for the theatre on Ovation. Pretty good chance will be the same shows as Australia and pacific crossing sailings. 

I read an article where supposedly the same shows will be on the Alaska sailings as are currently on the pacific sailings.  There is a show called "Live, Love, Legs" which is Vegas style show with acrobatics and another show that has more of a story line but I can't remember the name now...Also, I think those two shows can't be booked pre-cruise

I know a minor thing..but for those of you who have sailed on Quantum class (doing Ovation in June), are there robes in the stateroom?

On 2/25/2019 at 12:57 AM, CanWeGoYet? said:

I haven't stayed here since I live in Seattle.  But I drive by it frequently, I live on Queen Anne.  I've had cruise friends who've stayed there and seemed to like it.  The location is convenient to dozens of decent restaurants within a block or two walk.  There's also bartell drug store, CVS and a metropolitan market a block away or less.  Also a Caffe Ladro just beneath your hotel.  Parking is expensive and a real pain here though, as in much of Seattle.   I don't believe there is any elevator, so request your room accordingly if trucking luggage up stairs is an issue.  

thank you very very much for the elevator warning...I had checked for a/c but didn't even think of asking about an elevator...I just now called and requested ground floor rooms...the reservation clerk seemed to think there wouldn't be a problem...again thanks much