Ovation of the Seas - Inaugural B2B cruise review (with lot's of photo's!!)

[drummerdavebmth]

That evening we had originally had a reservation for Silk. We decided to cancel that and instead booked a table for two at Jamie's Italian. This was a great decision as the food and service was excellent.......we washed it down with a litre of red wine for $25 (the house red was very reasonable).

 

We had two starters (which we shared, along with the meat plank).

 

Enjoy drooling over the following photo's!

 

Untitled by drummerdave72, on Flickr[/img]

 

Untitled by drummerdave72, on Flickr[/img]

 

Untitled by drummerdave72, on Flickr[/img]

Edited April 24, 2016 by drummerdavebmth

[drummerdavebmth]

Whilst we were eating, there was a lot of activity happening across from us at one of the many expensive shops onboard the ship.

 

What was going on? There were photographers waiting, Joff (our Cruise Director) was there, as well as other officers and high ranking staff. There was a red tape across the entrance of the shop.....so obviously someone important was going to be opening it.

 

Low and behold, it was the Captain himself!!! He posed for photo's as he officially declared the shop open for business, to much applause (and drinking of Champagne).

 

We had front row seats....

 

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1625/26510168911_43bc426433_b.jpg' alt='26510168911_43bc426433_b.jpg'>Untitled by drummerdave72, on Flickr[/img]

Edited April 24, 2016 by drummerdavebmth

[gillyd42]

Loving the review and your photos, bringing this cruise back to life for us.

 

We thoroughly enjoyed the ship, having sailed on Quantum and Anthem we just had to try the Ovation. Don't know why but the Ovation had a different feel to it - loved the art, best ship so far.

 

Just wish the UK could have this class homeported in Southampton.

 

Gilly

[drummerdavebmth]

After all that excitement (...washed down with some good food and wine) we decided it was time to finally see a show in the main theatre. For us, this was night 4 and we realised we hadn't actually seen a show there yet!

 

So that night we saw a really funny ventriloquist (who narrowly lost out to Susan Boyle on "Britain's Got Talent"). He had us in stitches!!

 

Here's a photo of Jen just as we were finding our seats...

 

 

 

Good Morning Cherbourg!!

 

Untitled by drummerdave72, on Flickr[/img]

 

 

 

 

Our lovely balcony was a nice little sun trap, and we were in no rush to get off the ship.......at least Jen certainly wasn't!!

 

Untitled by drummerdave72, on Flickr[/img]

 

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1493/26552913231_4e26cd2a39_b.jpg' alt='26552913231_4e26cd2a39_b.jpg'>Untitled by drummerdave72, on Flickr[/img]

Edited April 24, 2016 by drummerdavebmth

[drummerdavebmth]

Loving the review and your photos, bringing this cruise back to life for us.

 

We thoroughly enjoyed the ship, having sailed on Quantum and Anthem we just had to try the Ovation. Don't know why but the Ovation had a different feel to it - loved the art, best ship so far.

 

Just wish the UK could have this class homeported in Southampton.

 

Gilly

 

Glad you're enjoying the review and really pleased it's bringing the cruise back to life for you.......It is for me too ;)

[drummerdavebmth]

We finally got our act together to have a leisurely breakfast in 270.....As you can see, I went for the healthy option, making sure to chose a pastry with 3 of my "5-a-Day's" on (cough!)

 

 

Untitled by drummerdave72, on Flickr[/img]

 

 

Untitled by drummerdave72, on Flickr[/img]

 

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1446/26012789934_706a237a33_b.jpg' alt='26012789934_706a237a33_b.jpg'>Untitled by drummerdave72, on Flickr[/img]

[drummerdavebmth]

We made our way around the little harbour/marina into the heart of Cherbourg.

 

 

Another selfie? If we have to.....

 

Untitled by drummerdave72, on Flickr[/img]

 

Untitled by drummerdave72, on Flickr[/img]

 

 

 

Here we can see how ahead of his time Napoleon was, as he demonstrates how the North Star would work to his troops....200 years later, we can see he was right on the money!

 

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1644/26015213943_ccbeb4dccb_b.jpg' alt='26015213943_ccbeb4dccb_b.jpg'>Untitled by drummerdave72, on Flickr[/img]

Edited April 24, 2016 by drummerdavebmth

[debgreg]

Thanks for your great review we board next Tuesday and looking at you pictures has made me rethink my packing adding some more warmer clothes. What was the temperature like walking inside, in the theatre /270 etc.

 

thanks again :)

[drummerdavebmth]

Thanks for your great review we board next Tuesday and looking at you pictures has made me rethink my packing adding some more warmer clothes. What was the temperature like walking inside, in the theatre /270 etc.

 

thanks again :)

 

Hi...glad you're enjoying the review (very jealous you're cruising on her next Tuesday!).

 

The temperature onboard was actually quite warm, so no need to worry about that. Obviously the outside top decks got chilly at times (especially on sea days), but we didn't really expect anything different from the English Channel in April. The Solarium and indoor pool area were ok.

 

No need for jumpers or warm clothing walking around the inside areas though :)

Edited April 24, 2016 by drummerdavebmth

[drummerdavebmth]

Nearly all the shops in Cherbourg were closed (although bars and restaurants were open). This was because it was Monday and Jen and I experienced the same when we were in Toulon a few years ago whilst on a Western Med cruise on 'Liberty of the Seas'.

 

 

Untitled by drummerdave72, on Flickr[/img]

 

Untitled by drummerdave72, on Flickr[/img]

[drummerdavebmth]

After a while we decided that it was time to get back to the ship....it was approaching lunch time and the Windjammer was calling us.

 

We had a swim and relaxation in the Solarium afterwards before getting back to our stateroom to shower/freshen up. Once back in our stateroom, Jen flicked through the Cruise Compass and noticed they were about to show a 'virtual orchestra' concert in 270. We made our way there, picking up some speciality coffees on the way and settled into the comfy balcony seats...

 

The concert was fantastic...(highly recommended)

 

Untitled by drummerdave72, on Flickr[/img]

 

Untitled by drummerdave72, on Flickr[/img]

[drummerdavebmth]

We had dinner that night in American Icon, which was very tasty...

 

Untitled by drummerdave72, on Flickr[/img]

 

 

Tomorrow, we'd be in the port of Le Harve (gateway to Paris, where I suspect the majority of passengers were going - however, we had plans to spend the morning in Honfleur).

 

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1646/26595696806_2e8de5e021_b.jpg' alt='26595696806_2e8de5e021_b.jpg'>Untitled by drummerdave72, on Flickr[/img]

[drummerdavebmth]

Good morning Le Harve.....(this port isn't going to win any beauty awards as it's a busy import/export cargo port).

 

Untitled by drummerdave72, on Flickr[/img]

 

 

 

We had pre-booked the 'Honfleur on your own' excursion. The meeting place was in 270, so that's where we headed for breakfast (nice and early).

 

Untitled by drummerdave72, on Flickr[/img]

 

 

 

 

Also in Le Harve port that day was one of the AIDA cruise ships.

 

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1510/25971033634_0625aac216_b.jpg' alt='25971033634_0625aac216_b.jpg'>Untitled by drummerdave72, on Flickr[/img]

[drummerdavebmth]

We're on our way!

 

 

Untitled by drummerdave72, on Flickr[/img]

 

Untitled by drummerdave72, on Flickr[/img]

[drummerdavebmth]

If you're thinking this photo looks like a painting you may have seen, that isn't a coincidence. The famous French impressionist painter Monet painted this view many times....Honfleur is a beautiful medieval town which we really enjoyed exploring.

 

Untitled by drummerdave72, on Flickr[/img]

 

Untitled by drummerdave72, on Flickr[/img]

[mj]

Enjoying your review so far.

[westcoasttech]

Thanks for the review. I was booked on the Dubai to Singapore (?) leg on the Ovation in May but had to cancel as I'm moving house instead, so seeing the pictures is bitter-sweet. Might have to squeeze in a last minute cruise after I've unpacked all the boxes....

 

However I was on the Quantum (BCN to Dubai) last year and the "O" look pretty identical, except with pandas, and different but still "odd" random artwork! Sounds like we can agree that the Silk restaurant somehow "missed the mark", but Jamie's works great (do they still do the risotto with the melting brie cheese chunks ... drool ...?)

 

I am booked on the Harmony TA in October, I've been avoiding doing any research just in case I had to cancel that one as well, but it's a pretty safe bet I'll be on it now, so will have to do some work. It will be interesting to see the differences.

 

By the way, anyone know why the lower body of the Quantum class is painted blue, when all other RCCL are all white? I've been curious since last year, but haven't seen it remarked on elsewhere.

 

Oh, and shout out to good old Bournemouth! I spent some childhood years there (age 1 to 6, and multiple summer hols there in years after), but now live on the West Coast of Canada - I have fond memories of Alum Chine and playing crazy golf with my Dad....

Edited April 24, 2016 by westcoasttech

[DJOF]

Thanks for the review. We are on the June 12th sailing. So excited..

[Lynn1179]

Loving this Dave. No plans to sail a quantum class in the near future as we are finally getting on an Oasis class Oct 2017....but it definitely makes me say some day we will!

 

Can't wait to see more

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

[jspqld]

fantastic photo review. thanks for making it mainly about the photos, as a picture tells a ....

Reminded me of good times we had exploring the quantum!

Oh & the Honfluer pics brought back some good memories too.

[drummerdavebmth]

Thanks for the review. I was booked on the Dubai to Singapore (?) leg on the Ovation in May but had to cancel as I'm moving house instead, so seeing the pictures is bitter-sweet. Might have to squeeze in a last minute cruise after I've unpacked all the boxes....

 

However I was on the Quantum (BCN to Dubai) last year and the "O" look pretty identical, except with pandas, and different but still "odd" random artwork! Sounds like we can agree that the Silk restaurant somehow "missed the mark", but Jamie's works great (do they still do the risotto with the melting brie cheese chunks ... drool ...?)

 

I am booked on the Harmony TA in October, I've been avoiding doing any research just in case I had to cancel that one as well, but it's a pretty safe bet I'll be on it now, so will have to do some work. It will be interesting to see the differences.

 

By the way, anyone know why the lower body of the Quantum class is painted blue, when all other RCCL are all white? I've been curious since last year, but haven't seen it remarked on elsewhere.

 

Oh, and shout out to good old Bournemouth! I spent some childhood years there (age 1 to 6, and multiple summer hols there in years after), but now live on the West Coast of Canada - I have fond memories of Alum Chine and playing crazy golf with my Dad....

 

 

Glad you're enjoying the review so far. That's such a shame you had to cancel your Quantum cruise.....but that Harmony TA will definitely make up for it, no doubt!!

 

I'm not sure why they decided to paint the Quantum class ships lower body light blue.....maybe to differentiate that class from the rest of the fleet? Although, didn't Oasis or Allure also get painted like this whilst in dry dock recently? (or did I just dream that up?).

 

Maybe RCI have plans to eventually have all the ships painted with light blue lower bodies..........I'm sure that will be a hot topic of discussion on the CC forum if so (lol).

 

That's great to hear you spent your early years in Bournemouth. My wife and I live in Westbourne (well, technically Branksome but within walking distance to Westbourne). We quite often take a walk down to Alum Chine and along the beach to Bournemouth....then up through the lower and upper gardens back home. We love living here :-)

 

Next time we walk through Alum Chine, I'll be sure to say hello to the place for you!

Edited April 25, 2016 by drummerdavebmth

[drummerdavebmth]

fantastic photo review. thanks for making it mainly about the photos, as a picture tells a ....

Reminded me of good times we had exploring the quantum!

Oh & the Honfluer pics brought back some good memories too.

 

 

Thank you! Glad it's bringing back some good memories for you :)

 

And yes, my style of reviewing is definitely more of a photo journal - accompanied with my commentary and thoughts. :cool:

[drummerdavebmth]

Thanks everyone who's enjoying this review so far....

 

As I mentioned earlier, my wife filmed our trip on her trusty GoPro to edit and put up on YouTube. However, separate from the main holiday video, she has just uploaded a stand alone "ship tour" video!

 

Cast your mind back to earlier in the review when it was "turnaround day" of our B2B cruise. Whilst I was relaxing in the Solarium, Jen took her GoPro around the ship.

 

Everyone from the 3 night cruise had already disembarked. There were only the crew and approx 250-300 guests doing the B2B onboard (so the ship was practically deserted, relatively speaking). The crew were putting up balloons again for the new guests and preparing for the official 5 night Inaugural cruise - you can even see Joff Eaton running by carrying the red carpet at one stage!! The video eventually finishes when Jen finds me, totally chilled out in one of the Solarium hot tubs (bliss!)

 

There's some bits of the ship Jen didn't include for various reasons, the theatre was closed at the time of filming for example....but most of it is covered.

 

Anyway, here it is... hope you enjoy it (be sure to watch in 1080p)

 

 

 

So, when you have all finished watching Jen's ship tour.....I'll carry on with my review! Where were we? Ah yes, Honfleur....

 

Untitled by drummerdave72, on Flickr[/img]

 

 

 

 

The first written record of Honfleur is a reference by Richard III, Duke of Normandy, in 1027. By the middle of the 12th century, the city represented a significant transit point for goods from Rouen to England.

 

Located on the estuary of one of the principal rivers of France with a safe harbour and relatively rich hinterland, Honfleur profited from its strategic position from the start of the Hundred Years' War. The town's defences were strengthened by Charles V in order to protect the estuary of the Seine from attacks from the English. This was supported by the nearby port of Harfleur. However, Honfleur was taken and occupied by the English in 1357 and from 1419 to 1450. When under French control, raiding parties often set out from the port to ransack the English coasts, including partially destroying the town of Sandwich, in Kent, England, in the 1450s.

 

 

Untitled by drummerdave72, on Flickr[/img]

Edited April 25, 2016 by drummerdavebmth

[NJ&Ozzie]

Thank you! Glad it's bringing back some good memories for you :)

 

And yes, my style of reviewing is definitely more of a photo journal - accompanied with my commentary and thoughts. :cool:

 

Hey - thanks for the fantastic review. Will be onboard May 10th so getting excited.

 

Would you know, by any chance, if the inside cabins all have sofas? or just chairs?

Thanks,

NJ

[drummerdavebmth]

Hey - thanks for the fantastic review. Will be onboard May 10th so getting excited.

 

Would you know, by any chance, if the inside cabins all have sofas? or just chairs?

Thanks,

NJ

 

Hi....glad you're enjoying the review - very jealous you've got a cruise to look forward to on Ovation.

 

Here's a photo I took on turnaround day of one of the inside cabins.....I'm not sure from the photo if it is a sofa or not. I'm guessing it depends on the grade of Inside Cabin? Someone else might know....

 

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1592/26549993236_c8487efd13_b.jpg' alt='26549993236_c8487efd13_b.jpg'>Untitled by drummerdave72, on Flickr[/img]