There’s a new member of the Royal Caribbean family as the global cruise line officially took delivery of its 24th ship, Ovation of the Seas, in a ceremony held on Friday in Bremerhaven, Germany. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.’s Chairman and CEO Richard D. Fain received the new ship from Meyer Werft Yard’s Managing Partner Bernard Meyer at the official handover ceremony. Ovation of the Seas will be the newest, biggest and most technologically advanced cruise ship to sail in Australia when she arrives in December. She is the third Quantum-class ship built at Meyer Werft and together with her sister ships, Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas, features unprecedented first-at-sea experiences and amenities.
“Ovation of the Seas is magnificent,” said Richard. “Our thanks to the Meyer Werft team for their ongoing partnership in designing and building awe-inspiring ships with us.”
“It’s wonderful to welcome Ovation of the Seas to the Royal Caribbean family of ships,” said Michael Bayley, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “We have once again introduced yet another one of the most technologically advanced cruise ships and the very first that has been built for the Asia Pacific market – a market we continue to demonstrate our commitment to expanding. Quantum Class has redefined the status quo, and we are excited for our guests in China and Australia to enjoy their extraordinary holidays onboard this stunner.”
Ovation of the Seas will now sail to Southampton, U.K., where the ship will offer a series of short getaways before she sets sail on her 52-night “Global Odyssey” to arrive in Beijing (Tianjin) for her inaugural China season commencing from 24 June 2016. On 30 November 2016, she will set sail on a 15-night Singapore to Sydney voyage via Fremantle, Adelaide and Hobart repositioning to her new Sydney home for her maiden Australian season.
Royal Caribbean International recently announced the extension of the US$1 billion Ovation of the Seas’ maiden Australia season by a month with the addition of four new sailings. The brand also confirmed that Ovation of the Seas will return for a second season in summer 2017/18 due to the extraordinary demand for the ship from Australians. Together these new programs will add almost 60,000 new beds to the local cruise market.
Final deployment details for both new programs will be released later in April, however guests who would like to be the first to know itinerary details and receive exclusive notice of the on-sale date are encouraged to register their interest here: www.ovationoftheseas.com.au/newsletter
Ovation and her sister ships, Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas, belong to the Quantum class of ships and are built with the most advanced technology. They feature first-at-sea amenities including the North Star, an observation capsule that gently rises more than 90 metres in the air to treat guests to breathtaking panoramic views; thrilling skydiving and surfing experiences; Two70, a daily social space which transforms into a multifunctional entertainment place in the evening; and SeaPlex, the largest indoor activity space at sea, which includes basketball, roller-skating, bumper cars, and more.
Each ship offers 18 restaurants onboard with a variety of cuisines to choose from as well as the industry’s most relaxing and luxurious accommodations at sea with the unique Loft Suites and groundbreaking Virtual Balcony staterooms, interior accommodations that feature large digital screens displaying real-time views, ensuring that every room has a view.
Ovation spans 18 decks, encompasses 168,666 gross registered tons, carries 4,180 guests at double occupancy and features 2,091 staterooms. Media can find more details, images and videos at www.royalcaribbeanpresscenter.com/Ovation.
For further information about Ovation of the Seas, or to book a cruise, visit www.royalcaribbean.com.au, phone 1800 754 500 or see your local travel agent.
SOURCE: Royal Caribbean International