Ovation or Quantum and why?

[zebra]

Hi, we are a senior couple so not interested in the childrens or family activities that these large ships offer, but having said that we would like to experience the rest of what these ships offer.  We are looking at Alaska for 2021 and both of these ships will be options. I knw there are smaller ships (i.e. Radiance which we have sailed on 8 times) but thought it might be a nice change to experience one of the "biggies"!  I am very interested in everyones input (pros and cons) on these 2 ships - so my question is:  WHICH ONE WOULD YOU CHOOSE, AND WHY?  Thanks for your help.

[MRRG]

Quantum has more variety in their port visits. We sailed on Ovation last year and really enjoyed it. And we have 3 cruises in 2021 to Alaska, 2 on Quantum and 1 on Ovation. I think both are good options

[Ourusualbeach]

We were booked on a Ovation for this year which was cancelled and we decided to stick with Ovation for next year for a couple of reasons.

 

1. it’s a newer ship

2. Not sure what Quantum will be like coming back from years in Asia where they made specific modifications to her for that market.  

[twangster]

The differences between Ovation and Quantum are pretty minor when you take in the entirety of the ship.  Ovation is slightly more "westernized" at the moment but Quantum has port diversity that Royal typically hasn't offered from Seattle.   

 

I chose Quantum for that reason.  I've sailed Ovation to Alaska as well as Explorer and Radiance.  Ports like Sitka, Ketchikan and Icy Strait Point are less common on Royal from Seattle.  I wanted to visit them again while I could on a Quantum class ship in case they aren't offered in future years.  

 

It's sort of like trying to pick which Oasis class ship.  They have differences in decor, shows and specialty dining but at the core they are all more similar than different.

[Merion_Mom]

I agree with the idea of choosing based on itinerary.

[Chiliburn]

The 2 ships are the same so go with the itinerary you prefer.

As for big ships,they do have a lot going for them .

Entertainment.In the evening there can be 2-3 venues at one time,you’re sure to find something you like.

Also food,I’ve been on quantum class about 10 times and still finding something different.last time my friend discovered the Ruben sandwich in 270 ,I don’t know how I overlooked that so many times.

[Ashland]

If only given the choice I too would go with Ovation...but my hesitation would be sailing from Seattle...Just a big fan of the northbound itinerary from Vancouver. If Ovation would sail that...no hesitation at all. Enjoy whatever ends up as your choice.

[LXA350]

Both Ovatiion and Quantum are identical. Quantum was orignally bult for the Western Market and eventually was used in China with only modiications that you had a Noodle / Dim Sum bar and that the Diamond Lounge was conerted to a Casino. Funamentally this was also the case on Ovation, except that it has Asian / Chinese art displays, but besides that the 3 sisters Anthem, Ovation and Quantum are identical.

 

Hence, when making your decision you should only worry about which itinarary matches you the most.

[zebra]

6 hours ago, LXA350 said:

Both Ovatiion and Quantum are identical. Quantum was orignally bult for the Western Market and eventually was used in China with only modiications that you had a Noodle / Dim Sum bar and that the Diamond Lounge was conerted to a Casino. Funamentally this was also the case on Ovation, except that it has Asian / Chinese art displays, but besides that the 3 sisters Anthem, Ovation and Quantum are identical.

 

Hence, when making your decision you should only worry about which itinarary matches you the most.

So does Quantum not have a Diamond Lounge any more?

[zebra]

Thank you everyone for your replies.  We were leading with our choice of itinerary anyhow, but wanted to make sure we didn't overlook any pitfalls on either ship. We fully agree with visiting Sitka and Icy Strait while they are being offered. We have been to neither although we have done 2 cruise tours of Alaska and also spent 5 months there in our motorhome ..... we absolutely love Alaska!!

[LXA350]

Just now, zebra said:

So does Quantum not have a Diamond Lounge any more?

 

As of Singapore deployment the area of the Diamond Lounge used on China sailings as VIP Casino will be reconfigured back to the Diamond Lounge.

[zebra]

1 minute ago, LXA350 said:

 

As of Singapore deployment the area of the Diamond Lounge used on China sailings as VIP Casino will be reconfigured back to the Diamond Lounge.

OK Perfect, thank you.

[lovescats5]

When looking to rebook our cancelled Alaska cruise I was surprised at the price difference between Ovation and Quantum.  We were booked on Ovation (cancelled) and for the same price we paid for a Grand Loft on Ovation we booked the Royal Loft on Quantum.  Guess we went with price instead of stops.  But how can you not book the Royal Loft if given the chance.  Plus a family vacation so the genie will be wonderful.

[RFerrington]

9 hours ago, lovescats5 said:

When looking to rebook our cancelled Alaska cruise I was surprised at the price difference between Ovation and Quantum.  We were booked on Ovation (cancelled) and for the same price we paid for a Grand Loft on Ovation we booked the Royal Loft on Quantum.  Guess we went with price instead of stops.  But how can you not book the Royal Loft if given the chance.  Plus a family vacation so the genie will be wonderful.

I noticed the same thing - particularly in the high end suites.  Fairly significant price difference.

[Airbear232]

On 8/22/2020 at 1:17 PM, zebra said:

Hi, we are a senior couple so not interested in the childrens or family activities that these large ships offer, but having said that we would like to experience the rest of what these ships offer.  We are looking at Alaska for 2021 and both of these ships will be options. I knw there are smaller ships (i.e. Radiance which we have sailed on 8 times) but thought it might be a nice change to experience one of the "biggies"!  I am very interested in everyones input (pros and cons) on these 2 ships - so my question is:  WHICH ONE WOULD YOU CHOOSE, AND WHY?  Thanks for your help.

 

I think they are pretty much the same except for differences in decor.  One thing that I think you may love is 270 which is multi-story venue on the aft end of the ship.  Very large windows with a 270 degree view should be stunning for Alaska.  My DW and I were supposed to have been on Ovation this past June but were cancelled.  We're booked onto Quantum next August.  Looking forward to the views!

 

[The_Big_M]

Broadly they are similar, although there are minor fitout differences on board. Personally I have a strong preference for Quantum due to these (Quantum has extras that Ovation doesn't), but if you haven't tried the class before and not looking at detail the differences are comparatively minor. 

 

As above, go for itinerary and price.

Edited August 26, 2020 by The_Big_M