Ovation of the Seas -- Need Help Chosing the Right Balcony Cabin

[RoyMartin]

Hi everyone. Just signed up for our first cruise (for my wife, our son and me). Very excited. And we have questions, only some of which are easily answered by browsing online. Hoping an experienced cruiser who knows this ship well might have info. Would love to be working with a travel agent but couldn't find anyone who had time so we booked ourselves.

We went for a balcony cabin that we chose. The cost is lowest to book mid-ship so I'm looking for something in that region that's both quiet and will have a great view. At first I booked on deck 10, figuring that's high enough to see well and to be insulated from the sounds of public areas by several decks of cabins above and below. But then I thought it might be best to go to deck 12 for a more panoramic view. So we switched to a balcony cabin on deck 12, port side.

If anyone knows, I'm wondering if it might be best to relocate again. As said, we like quiet. Public areas are on 14 so I'm hoping that one deck of cabins on deck 13 will provide enough sound insulation. Decks 14 and above are public. There's a children's area on deck 12 but we're nowhere near it. We are a decent distance from the elevators too. Thanks in advance for your insights. 

Edited January 31, 2023 by RoyMartin

[taglovestocruise]

We had 12560 on Ovation a few months ago, very quiet and a great view with no noise from above. The center cabin balconies have a restricted view if you look straight down. The bump out forward and aft have a straight down view of the water.  12560 was the last cabin on the bump out. Everything located on deck 14 forward and aft are very quiet areas, all the noise and activity comes from the center of deck 14.  You have 30 days after booking direct to switch over to a TA, we use the big box store online TA and pick up a hundred or so in perks as well as a $160 shop card after the cruise is complete. 

[Tatka]

We had balconies on both 10 and 12th floors on Anthem (identical ship) and it was quiet, and views were not very different.

[Tlbecker1]

You will enjoy the Ovation!  We were on her last year for 4 weeks and enjoyed it a lot.  I wouldn’t suggest a balcony on deck 13, but 10, 11 or 12 are all fine.  We have cruised on Quantum, Anthem, Ovation and the Odyssey on decks 10, 11, 12 & 13.

[Ourusualbeach]

The best balcony deals on Ovation are the obstructed view balconies on deck 7.  On all the other Q class ships the balconies on deck 7 (other than the few most forward ones) are not considered obstructed yet on ovation they are and there is no difference between the ships.  Great midship locations and easy walk up or down from the promenade and hundreds of $ less than comparable balconies on the other decks

[RoyMartin]

58 minutes ago, taglovestocruise said:

We had 12560 on Ovation a few months ago, very quiet and a great view with no noise from above. The center cabin balconies have a restricted view if you look straight down. The bump out forward and aft have a straight down view of the water.  12560 was the last cabin on the bump out. Everything located on deck 14 forward and aft are very quiet areas, all the noise and activity comes from the center of deck 14.  You have 30 days after booking direct to switch over to a TA, we use the big box store online TA and pick up a hundred or so in perks as well as a $160 shop card after the cruise is complete. 

Thanks so much for your reply. This is super helpful. What do you mean when you say there's a restricted view if you look straight down? I see a support pole coming off one side of the balconies that creates a slight restriction that far back from the "bump out". Is that what you're referring to?

 

With 12560, did you have noise from the stairwell or from the children's program, Adventure Ocean?

[RoyMartin]

Thanks for all the replies everyone. You guys are awesome! Still figuring it out.

[RoyMartin]

1 hour ago, taglovestocruise said:

We had 12560 on Ovation a few months ago, very quiet and a great view with no noise from above. The center cabin balconies have a restricted view if you look straight down. The bump out forward and aft have a straight down view of the water.  12560 was the last cabin on the bump out. Everything located on deck 14 forward and aft are very quiet areas, all the noise and activity comes from the center of deck 14.  You have 30 days after booking direct to switch over to a TA, we use the big box store online TA and pick up a hundred or so in perks as well as a $160 shop card after the cruise is complete. 

I'm anticipating you'll say there wasn't noise from the elevators, stairwell or the children's program so I've tentatively changed my room to 12,156, which was available. Also available is 12,558, so right next door to where you were. I had heard somewhere that the best view MIGHT be on the port side when riding near the glaciers into one of the ports. I'd be open to opinions on that too.

[taglovestocruise]

12 minutes ago, RoyMartin said:

Thanks so much for your reply. This is super helpful. What do you mean when you say there's a restricted view if you look straight down? I see a support pole coming off one side of the balconies that creates a slight restriction that far back from the "bump out". Is that what you're referring to?

 

With 12560, did you have noise from the stairwell or from the children's program, Adventure Ocean?

No noise at all, If you look straight down the side of the ship you will see lifeboats instead of water.  But who really looks straight down. 

[taglovestocruise]

5 minutes ago, RoyMartin said:

I'm anticipating you'll say there wasn't noise from the elevators, stairwell or the children's program so I've tentatively changed my room to 12,156, which was available. Also available is 12,558, so right next door to where you were. I had heard somewhere that the best view MIGHT be on the port side when riding near the glaciers into one of the ports. I'd be open to opinions on that too.

If my memory is right the ship docked with starboard side along the pier every time.  When the ship gets near Dawes Glacier it does several rotations for all around viewing. We did the Alaska cruise end of Sep. and their were very few kids onboard, probably much different in June/July. We had late traditional dining in the Grande dining room with food and service being fantastic.  A few weeks before your cruise you can email royal and request a dining room, table size and location.  RCLDining@ rccl .com. I would absolutely stay away from MTD. , way to many bad reviews lately about long lines and wait times. Be sure to book the no charge Northstar as soon as you board, we waited until the second day and every thing for the week was booked. Solarium Bistro is like a mini Windjammer with tables always open, great for breakfast and lunch during busy times.  Way to much info, sorry. happy cruising

[NeedsVitaminSea]

We sailed on Ovation June 2019 in 10632 - Starboard Junior Suite.  We were facing the pier in Juneau and Skagway.

 

On glacier day, you'll likely want to be up on top deck so you can move around and see the glacier.  The ship rotated several times but having the wide view from up top was much better, IMO.  As we sailed out, we enjoyed our deck 10 balcony to watch the seals floating on the ice chunks.  You'll be fine on 10 or 12.

[RoyMartin]

1 hour ago, taglovestocruise said:

If my memory is right the ship docked with starboard side along the pier every time.  When the ship gets near Dawes Glacier it does several rotations for all around viewing. We did the Alaska cruise end of Sep. and their were very few kids onboard, probably much different in June/July. We had late traditional dining in the Grande dining room with food and service being fantastic.  A few weeks before your cruise you can email royal and request a dining room, table size and location.  RCLDining@ rccl .com. I would absolutely stay away from MTD. , way to many bad reviews lately about long lines and wait times. Be sure to book the no charge Northstar as soon as you board, we waited until the second day and every thing for the week was booked. Solarium Bistro is like a mini Windjammer with tables always open, great for breakfast and lunch during busy times.  Way to much info, sorry. happy cruising

Thanks. What's the MTD?

[RoyMartin]

1 hour ago, taglovestocruise said:

No noise at all, If you look straight down the side of the ship you will see lifeboats instead of water.  But who really looks straight down. 

Thank you. You're setting my mind at ease.

[taglovestocruise]

3 minutes ago, RoyMartin said:

Thanks. What's the MTD?

My time dining, just show up when you want. Only one dining room and almost everyone wants to eat at the same time. Save the grief for others, get yourself a nice table, late dining in the Grande. 

Edited January 31, 2023 by taglovestocruise

[RoyMartin]

3 minutes ago, NeedsVitaminSea said:

We sailed on Ovation June 2019 in 10632 - Starboard Junior Suite.  We were facing the pier in Juneau and Skagway.

 

On glacier day, you'll likely want to be up on top deck so you can move around and see the glacier.  The ship rotated several times but having the wide view from up top was much better, IMO.  As we sailed out, we enjoyed our deck 10 balcony to watch the seals floating on the ice chunks.  You'll be fine on 10 or 12.

Thank you. It's our first cruise so we'll be figuring things like this out. My wife and son are often inclined to be inside. That's why I thought it important to have a balcony. Didn't spring for a Junior Suite. Perhaps I should have. But if we like it, this won't be our last cruise. We'll know if next time we need to go larger or maybe we go more often in simpler cabins. Or maybe we're not cruise people and we do something else. Heck, I'm almost 60 and never wanted to cruise until now. Did a ton of travel with a backpack, solo, when I was young and then some with my ex-wife, overseas, staying at B&Bs. Something like a cruise felt way too stuffy and formal.

[RoyMartin]

1 minute ago, taglovestocruise said:

My time dining, just show up when you want. Only one dining room and almost everyone wants to eat at the same time. 

We signed up for a specific time in the hope it would get us in more easily. Our son struggles if food isn't there when he's hungry. He's a tall kid who grows like a weed with appetite to match.

[NeedsVitaminSea]

You will be good with a balcony - don't stress about the junior suite.  We booked our cruise as soon as it was available and were able to snag a good price.  Reading these boards will give you a good idea what to expect.

 

Since you haven't cruised before - I recommend bringing along some Bonine, found at Walmart.  Our trip in the open ocean between Washington and then back in the protected waters north of Vancouver Island was quite rocky.  So much so that my fitbit was registering activity even after I was asleep.  The rest of the trip was like glass but those few hours surprised me.  Bonine doesn't make you drowsy like Dramamine.

 

Also, if you are looking for excursions, I can't recommend Jayleen's Alaska enough.  We had a wonderful day of whale watching on her smaller boat out of Juneau.  

[taglovestocruise]

1 minute ago, RoyMartin said:

We signed up for a specific time in the hope it would get us in more easily. Our son struggles if food isn't there when he's hungry. He's a tall kid who grows like a weed with appetite to match.

If you have traditional you just head for your table at your assigned time, seat yourselves, no line, no waiting and no hassle. Our grandson sound like yours, his dad takes him for a slice of pizza in the esplanade just before dinner. 

[RoyMartin]

1 hour ago, NeedsVitaminSea said:

You will be good with a balcony - don't stress about the junior suite.  We booked our cruise as soon as it was available and were able to snag a good price.  Reading these boards will give you a good idea what to expect.

 

Since you haven't cruised before - I recommend bringing along some Bonine, found at Walmart.  Our trip in the open ocean between Washington and then back in the protected waters north of Vancouver Island was quite rocky.  So much so that my fitbit was registering activity even after I was asleep.  The rest of the trip was like glass but those few hours surprised me.  Bonine doesn't make you drowsy like Dramamine.

 

Also, if you are looking for excursions, I can't recommend Jayleen's Alaska enough.  We had a wonderful day of whale watching on her smaller boat out of Juneau.  

Thanks. Will make sure we have Bonine.

[RoyMartin]

5 hours ago, taglovestocruise said:

No noise at all, If you look straight down the side of the ship you will see lifeboats instead of water.  But who really looks straight down. 

Just ran across this. The bottom paragraph indicates that your room and mine can get noisy when the elevators are busy. You said it was quiet. Would you say you're sensitive to noise. It's such a subjective thing. My wife is particularly sensitive. Still wondering if I should move our room.

[ShazM]

We just did the transpacific from Honolulu back home to Sydney in October, 19 nights. Stayed in balcony room 12250 which was just on the back end of the hump and had a balcony that was bigger than the usual ones and it was nice to have that bit of extra space. It was also right near the elevators and we didn't ever hear a thing.

[RoyMartin]

1 hour ago, ShazM said:

We just did the transpacific from Honolulu back home to Sydney in October, 19 nights. Stayed in balcony room 12250 which was just on the back end of the hump and had a balcony that was bigger than the usual ones and it was nice to have that bit of extra space. It was also right near the elevators and we didn't ever hear a thing.

Thanks Shaz. The room I'm in is quite a bit closer to the elevators but perhaps just fine. Further than taglovestocruise's room and he reported zero noise. It may be that this ship is just built and soundproofed well. I get that impression from the design of the doors that connect certain cabins. Someone reported that there are two doors, one closing from each side, with heavy gaskets around them. He reported that noise comes through the walls more easily than the doors. Seems to be different than a lot of ships, where people complain about noisy neighbors and adjoining doors.

[The_Big_M]

4 hours ago, RoyMartin said:

Thanks Shaz. The room I'm in is quite a bit closer to the elevators but perhaps just fine. Further than taglovestocruise's room and he reported zero noise. It may be that this ship is just built and soundproofed well. I get that impression from the design of the doors that connect certain cabins. Someone reported that there are two doors, one closing from each side, with heavy gaskets around them. He reported that noise comes through the walls more easily than the doors. Seems to be different than a lot of ships, where people complain about noisy neighbors and adjoining doors.

 

Compared to older ships, the lifts in these ships face their own lobby, so any possible noise is contained. Even those rooms beside the lift face the hallway rather than the lifts so you're pretty much only exposed to the same noise anyone in the hallway is. That said, I find the rooms quiet in any case so I think the insulation is also done well.

[Joseph2017China]

Don't over think it.  All ships will have noise (it's a ship, moving through water). 

[RoyMartin]

Thanks guys. I imagine one just has to experience it to know. We'll find out if we're cruisers. It's funny that my wife and I own half a 38 foot sailboat in Bellingham. Well, except that she hardly ever comes aboard. Mainly it's a toy that a friend and I enjoy together.

Most of my concern is for her because she's very noise sensitive. Sensitive in all ways -- to light, noise, smell, etc. An amazing, brilliant woman. I love her sensitivity but there are times it can be a challenge. Our home is buried in the woods. We rarely hear a car, which suits us both. I'm quite sure our son is going to love cruising. He loves hotels and eating out. Being away from computers will be his biggest challenge. But we'll find things to do. I look forward to introducing him to bumper cars. He's done go carts but never bumper cars. He loves air hockey, has a table in his room.

 

Not sure if this sort of travel will appeal to my wife or me. Until now, I never had any interest. I find the part of the ship that looks like a mall repulsive. Neither of us will go anywhere near the casino. We don't drink (really anything but water). When I was young, I'd throw on a backpack and hop on a plane to Europe. I went to places where few spoke English, far off the tourist path, and had a blast just getting to know people (as best one can without a common language sometimes). But I'd sometimes sleep on floors in train stations and bus terminals. A couchette on a train or a bunk in a hostel was luxury. Sometimes people would take me into their homes (both of us when I traveled with my ex-wife), which is much more common in Europe than in the U.S. But it doesn't happen when one travels in luxury. It happens when one travels very close to the ground.

 

Once took a ferry down the Adriatic from Split to Dubrovnik. That felt a bit like a cruise, the water so blue and beautiful. But I slept on deck. When I think of this cruise to Alaska, parts of it sound interesting and I'm excited. I imagine gorgeous scenery (though we may be a bit immune, as Bellingham and the Pacific Northwest are gorgeous, as are the woods we look out on daily). I imagine a chance to enjoy a lot of dining and try new things. Hopefully I can refrain from outright gluttony. Hopefully the food will be good -- I hear many say it is and some say it's not. I can imagine trying some shows, if we can find stuff that's age appropriate for our son. Perhaps he'll enjoy the kid's center but we'll have to see. He's brilliant but not neurotypical. We home school. So he's not going to dive into a scene with a bunch of kids and feel right at home. He's the kind of child who likes to spend time with adults unless he finds another kid like himself. So this will be a new kind of adventure. We'll see . . .