Very nice narration on this video sir. My wife and I are franchise owners of Cruise Planners. We actually are planning a group cruise to Alaska in 2021 on Ovation of the Seas. When our guests of over 125 people heard your eloquent, well articulated description of cruising on Ovation they were sold. We booked 25 cabins in less than 24 hours. Never in our 16 years had we ever achieve such level of success in a short time span. Thank you much for sharing.
The Ovation is an amazing ship! It doesn’t feel overcrowded, it has fantastic venues, great food and plenty to do. Big trick to Ovation along with any Quantum class ship is pre book everything you can to avoid disappointment. She rides well in rough seas but can also be the other extent and be that smooth you have to look out a window to see if you are actually moving!
I just wanted to thank you for making this video. It's what convinced me to book this ship for my girlfriend and I when we were looking at Alaskan cruises last year. We're going to be sailing May 22nd to the 29th, and we are both super excited. Thanks again for posting this, and for making a difficult decision much easier.
That ship looks amazing!!! I’m going to Alaska all the way in summer of 2023, but I can’t be more excited and board this ship!!! Great video by the way😊
Hey Jim, i really enjoy your cruise videos. My girlfriend and I watch it all the time together while we daydream about cruising. Please continue to make more!
It is wonderful clip, thank you so much for this clip. Far better than many Alaska cruise. We are going to book this vacation this week after vacation time approve.
Thanks for the great video tour of the ship. I am booked for Ovation of the Seas to Alaska in Sept 2022. I have been to Alaska 5 times now but this will be my first trip on RC. OMG I can not wait to try all the fun things on the ship, WHEN IM NOT WATCHI
Royal Caribbean is the best. That is our preferred cruise line. They just seem to design the best, most interesting and innovative ships. They have the best passenger flow in the industry.
It really is amazing that the boarding process is smoother on a Royal Caribbean ship with four or five thousand passengers than it is on some of the other cruise lines with ships that carry far fewer passengers. Royal Caribbean is REALLY good at figuring out "how could we do this better?" and just about each time I sail with them I see something that they've made an incremental improvement on since the last time I sailed with them.
15 minutes from the time you step out of your Uber to the time you cross the gangway. 20 minutes at most. They have really done an amazing job of streamlining the process.
Great video Jim! We're sailing on her in September. Your video is really getting me excited for it! We are checking out the virtual balcony this time. Question: Is it a fixed view or is there an option to change to a different camera view?
Then Norwegian comes along with the Bliss. I just booked the Ovation for Alaska, can't wait! Thanks again Jim, you helped me avoid the MSC. The Carnival Magic wasn't that great but we have high hopes for Royal. I think we were spoiled by our first cruise with Princess.
I've been on 13 Royal Caribbean cruises. I've got to admit that the Anthem would be in the middle of my list. A very impressive ship in terms of technology, but not my favorite. I don't personally see what you liked about her so much, particularly since you did the Harmony. However, I am very impressed that Ovation is going to Alaska. I think that she is the perfect ship for that market and really is a step up over the competition. Alaska is on my list, and maybe the fact that Ovation is going there might seal the deal.
The #1 thing that impressed me was the Solarium and the covered pool, because we sailed out of New Jersey and there were two days at the beginning of the cruise and two days at the end of the cruise where the weather was really not nice outside. That was four days out of the cruise that were saved because Anthem had a fully enclosed Solarium and a covered pool. Also, Two70... I've never seen anything as brilliantly creative as that! The Oasis-class ships don't have anything like it.
Forgot to mention that for some odd reason, and I don't understand why it's this way, but it is... the buffet on Anthem Of The Seas was quite a bit better than the buffet on the Oasis-class ships I've been on. I noticed the same thing on Independence Of The Seas and Liberty Of The Seas... they had a much better buffet than on the three Oasis-class ships I've been on.
Jim, I want you to know that I have been begging my mother to cruise with me. She went on one once and didn’t seem to care for it much (Carnival Ecstacy). My husband and I have been telling her there are a lot nicer cruises out there. I sent her your video and I believe she is finally sold! Yay! Her response was “wow! That looks very nice!” Just thought I’d share that with you.
Oh, yeah, those old Carnival Fantasy-class ships are not at all in the same league as the newer ships that all the big cruise lines have come out with over the last few years. She'll have a totally different experience this time around!
Great news Jim. This and just finding out NCL is moving Joy to Alaska with Bliss has me pumped for 2020. This year going on Grand Princess Wesrtern Coastal cruise and next year on a Celebrity Infinity Western Mediterranean via Israel. Have you done any Celebrity ships? I've noticed its usually NCL, RCI or CCL reviews. Thanks.
A lot of people have suggested Celebrity to me, but I haven't cruised with them yet. One thing to be aware of regarding the Norwegian Joy: It does NOT have a thermal suite in the spa, like all the other recent NCL ships do.
Katia, Don't wait. Go on the NCL Bliss this year. Brand new ship built for Alaska. Check it out. All NCL ships have "Freestyle Cruising". Not regimented like other cruise lines.
Thank you for this upload Jim. I'm going on a northbound Alaskan cruise on the newly renovated Celebrity Millennium next month and I'm so excited. Would you have any info on Celebrity cruises?
Ten of us were on this ship for 14 day maiden exotic Asian cruise in June 2016. It’s a really hitech ship. Shows and ifly were good. Internet speed as amazingly fast compare to other ships I have been on. No problems doing FaceTime with someone back in the USA. Food was great, especially all the speciality restaurants. Even though this ship is relatively big, I still like the Oasis class more. Can’t wait for my June Harmony if the Sea Mediterranean maiden cruise.
Hey! Jim Zimmerlin, Royal Caribbean is going making Spectrum Of The Seas! Which is the first Quantum Ultra Class ships! I think you should talk about it since it's hugeee and looks so fun! Plus it's a new ship for china after Norwegian Joy is going to leave for Alaska with Bliss! :D By the way I Love your videos! Keep it up!
That is a huge ship. It’s due back here in Sydney this week. I have watched it sail down the Harbour on several occasions. It makes some of the surrounding headlands look quite small
Ovation of the Seas is a marvel with the latest billion-dollar tech stuff inside. I cruised on the Ovation from Singapore to Australia back in end-2016 and enjoyed each day on-board. The ship is good but the only let down was the average service onboard. If you're more interested in being pampered by the staff onboard, you should cruise on HAL, Princess or Celebrity.
I went on a Royal Caribbean ship for a weeklong Caribbean cruise. It was really nice! Food was meh for a cruise line, but shows and other amenities were amazing!
Yes, of all the cruise lines I've sailed with, Royal Caribbean has had, by far, the best shows. Also, I sense that the folks who design their ships have actually sailed on their previous generations of ships and stayed in "normal" cabins. You can see with each new ship that small improvements are made in the cabin designs. Very minor things... but things that subtly improve cruise ship life. For example, Royal Caribbean's newest ships all have electrical plugs by the bed in addition to having them at the desk. It's surprising how many of the other cruise lines have not figured out yet that people like to charge their phone on the nightstand next to the bed, so they get to it easily. Also, curtains that completely block out all light from outside so that it's possible to sleep in past sunrise. Little things like that... you see them on Royal Caribbean and it seems like the other cruise lines just haven't quite figured it out yet.
Outstanding video! Keep up the amazing content. I'm going on the Carnival Dream this summer. Any thoughts on the ship? Anyway it'll be my first Caribbean Cruise and first time leaving the United States (my first cruise was on the Norwegian Pride of America in Hawaii).
The Dream is a fantastic ship. They did some renovations about a year ago that fully brought it up to par with the newest ships in the fleet. You'll really enjoy your cruise on the Dream, I'm sure. Will you be sailing from New Orleans?
Yes I'll be leaving out of New Orleans this July for the western Caribbean. I will have to disagree on what the best cruise ship at sea is in my opinion. Trust me, the Anthem of the Seas is one of the front runners, but I think Symphony will top it IMO. Though it's close. Both the Quantum and Oasis-class ships are incredible. Though Anthem sails outta New York where it can get to -10 degrees so the enclosed Solarium and indoor pools definitely give it some advantage over other ships. Though I agree, Ovation will certainly be the finest Alaskan cruise ship at sea. Although I think the Norwegian Bliss will be a serious competitor.
UPDATE. Recently got off the Dream and it was awesome. I had an amazing time with my family. We had such a good time that we just booked the Horizon almost immediately after we got off of the Dream. I’m leaving on June 29th outta Miami and I cannot wait!
That does look nice! And you’re right about most of the other ships going to Alaska being old - although I think NCL recently added a new one going there.
You'll want to start your search by looking at the cruise port closest to your house... because you sure don't want to pay airfare for 4 people if there's a port you can drive to. Use Expedia or Cruises.United.com to find all available cruises on all cruise lines that sail out of the port near you.
I hope you are right about the internet. Liberty of the Seas touted the amazing internet and we could not connect for 2-3 days of our Caribbean cruise in November 2017!
Is the solarium like a chlorine gas chamber? If the fumes are too strong, we will consider the Norwegian ships with the Observation lounge at the frobt if the ship instead. Your cruise videos are fabulous, Jim! Thank you and we hope you will share more. 😊
No, not at all. It's delightful in the Solarium. Royal Caribbean was really smart to design the area of the front of the ship like this. It's a fantastic place to relax for hours at a time.
How the hell ships of the size of the Ovation (quantum class) can fit passages like the Sawyer Glacier? I seen ships like the Grand Princess struggle to navigate when the tide is low o_o Even worse when the passage is crowded (Disney when I was on Wonder, there was a NCL and a Princess returning one after another and certain areas are very narrow)
Sorry for being slow to respond to your question. I was out on a cruise. Both of those decks are excellent choices, as both have a deck of cabins above and a deck of cabins below. What you don't want is a room on a deck where there is a noisy public area above or below... And neither deck 8 or 12 have that... so, either one would be good. There's a lot of great stuff on deck 5... so, if you get a cabin on deck 8, it's an easy walk down three sets of stairs to get there. On the other hand, there's a lot of great stuff on deck 14... so, if you get a cabin on deck 12, it's a do-able two flights of stairs up to get to that. If it was me, I would book a cabin on deck 12, in the vicinity of (but not too close to) the mid-ship stairs and elevators. The reason for that is that I like to be within easy walking distance of the buffet... because that's where you can get soft drinks and snacks (and obviously meals). A quick walk to the mid-ship stairs, and then up two flights of stairs, and you're at the buffet. Just be careful not to get too close to the stairs and elevators... because there would be noise there. In a perfect world, I'd book cabin 12616, or something nearby... as that is near the stairs, but not too close... and it is mid-ship... so, you are never walking the entire length of the ship to get to anything. Also, mid-ship like that will have the least amount of motion in rough seas. This is the kind of stuff that an experienced travel agent is excellent at helping with... advising you on the kinds of things you might not have thought of before. Feel free to use my travel agent... she's great! Caitlin Gallagher with Ambren Travel. www.ambrentravel.com
Jim Zim - when I cruise to Alaska (been 8 times) I prefer to bundle up & feel the cold air on my face & I love sailing thru Glacier Bay - so Princess & HAL are my favorites! I don’t go to Alaska to see a bionic bar or anything like giant slides!! Much prefer floatplanes & salmon bakes, helicopters to the glaciers & dog sleds, balcony views of real gorgeous sunrises & totem poles & lumberjack shows!! Have done Alaska with NCL & wasn’t impressed! Last RCCL Cruise was to the Caribbean!! Thanks for sharing the info on the Ovation!
I've got a new model train video in my mind... just waiting for the weather to warm up a bit, so I can leave a few doors open and let the trains run in and out of the house. Until then, cruise videos!
We did a five day land tour after our seven day Alaska cruise a few years ago. You can read all about the entire experience at www.jimzim.net/CoralPrincess.html
Thank you going to book a Suite. What are your thoughts on these suite rooms? First time cruiser by the way but have wanted to sail Alaska for many years.
If you think you might want to stay in a suite, the one other ship you should look at for your Alaska cruise is the Norwegian Bliss. There are some really great perks for suite guests on NCL... better than the perks suite guests get on Royal Caribbean.
Hi Jim!! Great video. Is there any secret on how to get a balcony room where the couch/sofa is first & the bed is close to the balcony?? Thank you in advance!!
Enjoying the Ovation of the Sea's solarium on an Alaskan cruise sounds incredible. I'm reading a few conflicting things about who can use it and the age restriction. I thought I read somewhere that only Junior level suites and above could use the solarium. True? Also, is it true that passengers 16 and older can use the solarium? (Assuming it's not limited to junior level suite guests and above.)
It's definitely not limited to suite guests. All adult passengers are welcome in the solarium. I can't remember exactly what the age restriction is. 16 sounds right, but I'm not sure.
I'll be cruising on the Bliss in a couple of months. Believe me, after I come back home with the videos I'll be shooting onboard, you'll be begging me to stop talking about the Bliss. I think she's going to be pretty spectacular. But today it's time to tell Royal Caribbean's story. We'll definitely be getting to Bliss in good time.
Jim, I don't get it either. You're talking up the Ovation (which is not a "new" ship) for 2019, while the NEW Bliss (built for Alaska) will be plying the Alaska waters this year. I'll be anxious to see what you have to say after the Canal trip.
I am located in Victoria BC. Norwegian Bliss is coming to Victoria on the June 8th. I will go down and take some pictures at least. Have fun you lucky people on board.
One thing I notice, none of the activities-bumper cars!roller skating!ect. Come at no extra charge but Norwegian charges for this type of activities and consider it “extra”. Even the shows are extra and you have to pay for them. Let me know if this is not so.
headed on Ovation July 2020 . Will be my third trip but haven't been in 20 years!!! I'm a diamond member on RCCL but I've never been on this class of ship . Only the bigger ones and smaller ones. How often do they close the retractable roof over the pool? I'll be traveling with my two kids and they love to swim on a cruise. I realize it will be much colder but thinking it might even be a heated pool. Does anyone know?
On an Alaska cruise on Ovation of the Seas, the pools will definitely be heated and the roof over the pool will most likely be fully closed for the entire cruise. Only if there's a really warm day might they open up the glass above the indoor pool.
Does it go to see the glaciers? I've heard only a couple of ships go there. Internet and those video walls on the cheeper inside cabins are what got my interest.
On the 7-day cruise, you can view Dawes glacier right from the ship... and you can do shore excursions to Mendenhall Glacier and Laughton Glacier. On the 11-day version of the cruise, you get all that plus the you can view Hubbard glacier right from the ship.
I am close to booking this ship for next year July. When booking I started to think.... Which side of the ship would be best for an Alaskan cruise from Seattle? Right side? Left? Front? Mid? Back? I’m getting a balcony. Also do I go super high on the ship? Or low? In terms of deck.
Right side. Mid ship, or towards the front... definitely not towards the back. Better high than low, but make sure there are cabins above you and below you... not some public area directly above or below you.
We have the Norwegian Joy booked for June 2019 but we have an opportunity to take the OAS for almost half price from what NCL is costing us. How would you compare the 2? the itineraries are similar
7 night Alaska cruises on Ovation Of The Seas start at $1044 per person plus taxes and fees of $163 per person... so that's $2413 total for a couple... or $345 per night. And for that price, you'd be in one of those cabins with the cool "virtual balcony" as shown in the video. Of course, prices will vary depending on the date you want to sail and the cabin that you choose.
Very nice narration on this video sir. My wife and I are franchise owners of Cruise Planners. We actually are planning a group cruise to Alaska in 2021 on Ovation of the Seas. When our guests of over 125 people heard your eloquent, well articulated description of cruising on Ovation they were sold. We booked 25 cabins in less than 24 hours. Never in our 16 years had we ever achieve such level of success in a short time span. Thank you much for sharing.
That's really great to hear! I'm glad my video was so well received by your people. It's a great ship, and they will love it.
The Ovation is an amazing ship! It doesn’t feel overcrowded, it has fantastic venues, great food and plenty to do. Big trick to Ovation along with any Quantum class ship is pre book everything you can to avoid disappointment. She rides well in rough seas but can also be the other extent and be that smooth you have to look out a window to see if you are actually moving!
I just wanted to thank you for making this video. It's what convinced me to book this ship for my girlfriend and I when we were looking at Alaskan cruises last year. We're going to be sailing May 22nd to the 29th, and we are both super excited. Thanks again for posting this, and for making a difficult decision much easier.
The best review of Ovation I've seen...thanks Jim!
Jim we are booked to go on the Ovation next year. I always have fun showing your videos to our friends.
That ship looks amazing!!! I’m going to Alaska all the way in summer of 2023, but I can’t be more excited and board this ship!!! Great video by the way😊
Jim I just shared this video on our FB cruise page. We are finally going to cruise in Alaska. We will be thinking of you when we are in the Solarium.
Hey Jim, i really enjoy your cruise videos. My girlfriend and I watch it all the time together while we daydream about cruising. Please continue to make more!
It is wonderful clip, thank you so much for this clip. Far better than many Alaska cruise. We are going to book this vacation this week after vacation time approve.
Thanks for the great video tour of the ship. I am booked for Ovation of the Seas to Alaska in Sept 2022. I have been to Alaska 5 times now but this will be my first trip on RC. OMG I can not wait to try all the fun things on the ship, WHEN IM NOT WATCHI
Excellent scenery thank you for sharing nice video
I booked last week for Alaska on this ship because it has solo balcony cabins. Woohoo!
This is awesome! Thank you! I’m going on this ship this summer and this is making me excited seeing what’s to come!!!
Just got back from this cruise.. it was my first cruise, I think it was my best trip ever.
Awesome! I was trying to decide on a ship. This is it! Thank you Jim
Royal Caribbean is the best. That is our preferred cruise line. They just seem to design the best, most interesting and innovative ships. They have the best passenger flow in the industry.
It really is amazing that the boarding process is smoother on a Royal Caribbean ship with four or five thousand passengers than it is on some of the other cruise lines with ships that carry far fewer passengers. Royal Caribbean is REALLY good at figuring out "how could we do this better?" and just about each time I sail with them I see something that they've made an incremental improvement on since the last time I sailed with them.
Jim Zimmerlin Yes sir they are the best with boarding, we sailed Anthem last September to Canada/NE and we were on the ship in 15 minutes.
Im goin on harmony 2019. First time on oasis class. Im curious also about embarkation process wit that many folks
15 minutes from the time you step out of your Uber to the time you cross the gangway. 20 minutes at most. They have really done an amazing job of streamlining the process.
Same with Anthem of the seas out of NJ. It was about 15 minutes and that included a bathroom stop by my wife.
That does look like a great ship... definitely gonna check it out. Thanks for the tip.
Great video Jim! We're sailing on her in September. Your video is really getting me excited for it! We are checking out the virtual balcony this time. Question: Is it a fixed view or is there an option to change to a different camera view?
Just came back from a Ovations Alaska cruise , just perfect!
This ship looks nice! Thanks for mentioning the internet connection. I know it can sometimes be hit or miss on a cruise ship!
Family Toy Report - sailed on the Regal Princess in January! I’m a Platinum cruiser so I had FREE WiFi & it was great!! Fast & reliable!
Then Norwegian comes along with the Bliss. I just booked the Ovation for Alaska, can't wait! Thanks again Jim, you helped me avoid the MSC. The Carnival Magic wasn't that great but we have high hopes for Royal. I think we were spoiled by our first cruise with Princess.
I've been on 13 Royal Caribbean cruises. I've got to admit that the Anthem would be in the middle of my list. A very impressive ship in terms of technology, but not my favorite. I don't personally see what you liked about her so much, particularly since you did the Harmony. However, I am very impressed that Ovation is going to Alaska. I think that she is the perfect ship for that market and really is a step up over the competition. Alaska is on my list, and maybe the fact that Ovation is going there might seal the deal.
The #1 thing that impressed me was the Solarium and the covered pool, because we sailed out of New Jersey and there were two days at the beginning of the cruise and two days at the end of the cruise where the weather was really not nice outside. That was four days out of the cruise that were saved because Anthem had a fully enclosed Solarium and a covered pool. Also, Two70... I've never seen anything as brilliantly creative as that! The Oasis-class ships don't have anything like it.
Forgot to mention that for some odd reason, and I don't understand why it's this way, but it is... the buffet on Anthem Of The Seas was quite a bit better than the buffet on the Oasis-class ships I've been on. I noticed the same thing on Independence Of The Seas and Liberty Of The Seas... they had a much better buffet than on the three Oasis-class ships I've been on.
Thanks for this info! This just might be what we do next summer. I think it is a great choice, plus a year to prepare to go
We'll be onboard for Alaska in June 2019! WOO HOO!!!
is it cold?
Jim, I want you to know that I have been begging my mother to cruise with me. She went on one once and didn’t seem to care for it much (Carnival Ecstacy). My husband and I have been telling her there are a lot nicer cruises out there. I sent her your video and I believe she is finally sold! Yay! Her response was “wow! That looks very nice!” Just thought I’d share that with you.
Oh, yeah, those old Carnival Fantasy-class ships are not at all in the same league as the newer ships that all the big cruise lines have come out with over the last few years. She'll have a totally different experience this time around!
I am watching this video on the ovation of the seas right now just got into New Zealand
Great news Jim. This and just finding out NCL is moving Joy to Alaska with Bliss has me pumped for 2020. This year going on Grand Princess Wesrtern Coastal cruise and next year on a Celebrity Infinity Western Mediterranean via Israel. Have you done any Celebrity ships? I've noticed its usually NCL, RCI or CCL reviews. Thanks.
A lot of people have suggested Celebrity to me, but I haven't cruised with them yet.
One thing to be aware of regarding the Norwegian Joy: It does NOT have a thermal suite in the spa, like all the other recent NCL ships do.
Hey Jim! Today I got my first “O gauge rail roading” and it shows off many o gauge layouts from old post war trains to newer trains
Wow this cruise ship is Beyond Amazing!!!
New Subscriber! I was on a real vacation!! Thank you 💟💞😊😎💚
Great video and review jimbo.
Just booked our Alaskan cruise on this ship for August 2019!!
How was it?
I can’t wait go to Alaska on her in May 2019!
Katia Simonvil Me too! I booked 11-nighter that sails on May 13th. Is that the same sailing you are going on?
Yes!
Katia,
Don't wait. Go on the NCL Bliss this year. Brand new ship built for Alaska. Check it out. All NCL ships have "Freestyle Cruising". Not regimented like other cruise lines.
Bob Cromley I don't care for NCL ships. RC Ovation will do 11 night cruise in Alaska with good itinerary. That's why Katia and I booked this sailing.
Got it, Lizzy.
Anything in particular that you dislike about NCL?
GReat video thanks!
Thank you for this upload Jim. I'm going on a northbound Alaskan cruise on the newly renovated Celebrity Millennium next month and I'm so excited. Would you have any info on Celebrity cruises?
I haven't ever been on a Celebrity cruise. Sorry!
We are already booked out for 2019. If they are still using Ovation in 2020 for Alaska, we will strongly consider this. Another excellent review!
It's a go for 2020. We just booked her for July 2020. :)
I have been on ovation and it is amazing
Excellent video Jim
Ten of us were on this ship for 14 day maiden exotic Asian cruise in June 2016. It’s a really hitech ship. Shows and ifly were good. Internet speed as amazingly fast compare to other ships I have been on. No problems doing FaceTime with someone back in the USA. Food was great, especially all the speciality restaurants. Even though this ship is relatively big, I still like the Oasis class more. Can’t wait for my June Harmony if the Sea Mediterranean maiden cruise.
Hey! Jim Zimmerlin, Royal Caribbean is going making Spectrum Of The Seas! Which is the first Quantum Ultra Class ships! I think you should talk about it since it's hugeee and looks so fun! Plus it's a new ship for china after Norwegian Joy is going to leave for Alaska with Bliss! :D By the way I Love your videos! Keep it up!
That is a huge ship. It’s due back here in Sydney this week. I have watched it sail down the Harbour on several occasions. It makes some of the surrounding headlands look quite small
Ovation of the Seas is a marvel with the latest billion-dollar tech stuff inside. I cruised on the Ovation from Singapore to Australia back in end-2016 and enjoyed each day on-board. The ship is good but the only let down was the average service onboard. If you're more interested in being pampered by the staff onboard, you should cruise on HAL, Princess or Celebrity.
I went on a Royal Caribbean ship for a weeklong Caribbean cruise. It was really nice! Food was meh for a cruise line, but shows and other amenities were amazing!
Yes, of all the cruise lines I've sailed with, Royal Caribbean has had, by far, the best shows. Also, I sense that the folks who design their ships have actually sailed on their previous generations of ships and stayed in "normal" cabins. You can see with each new ship that small improvements are made in the cabin designs. Very minor things... but things that subtly improve cruise ship life. For example, Royal Caribbean's newest ships all have electrical plugs by the bed in addition to having them at the desk. It's surprising how many of the other cruise lines have not figured out yet that people like to charge their phone on the nightstand next to the bed, so they get to it easily. Also, curtains that completely block out all light from outside so that it's possible to sleep in past sunrise. Little things like that... you see them on Royal Caribbean and it seems like the other cruise lines just haven't quite figured it out yet.
This is awesome and i live in Alaska! Plus i too have an HO collection, mostly Southern Pacific. Thanks Jim for this news.
Love this! Booked on the Ovation in September to Alaska!
Amazingly Perfect Video
Outstanding video! Keep up the amazing content. I'm going on the Carnival Dream this summer. Any thoughts on the ship? Anyway it'll be my first Caribbean Cruise and first time leaving the United States (my first cruise was on the Norwegian Pride of America in Hawaii).
The Dream is a fantastic ship. They did some renovations about a year ago that fully brought it up to par with the newest ships in the fleet. You'll really enjoy your cruise on the Dream, I'm sure. Will you be sailing from New Orleans?
Yes I'll be leaving out of New Orleans this July for the western Caribbean. I will have to disagree on what the best cruise ship at sea is in my opinion. Trust me, the Anthem of the Seas is one of the front runners, but I think Symphony will top it IMO. Though it's close. Both the Quantum and Oasis-class ships are incredible. Though Anthem sails outta New York where it can get to -10 degrees so the enclosed Solarium and indoor pools definitely give it some advantage over other ships. Though I agree, Ovation will certainly be the finest Alaskan cruise ship at sea. Although I think the Norwegian Bliss will be a serious competitor.
UPDATE. Recently got off the Dream and it was awesome. I had an amazing time with my family. We had such a good time that we just booked the Horizon almost immediately after we got off of the Dream. I’m leaving on June 29th outta Miami and I cannot wait!
That does look nice! And you’re right about most of the other ships going to Alaska being old - although I think NCL recently added a new one going there.
Yes, NCL has a brand new state-of-the-art ship in Alaska this year and it's been so popular that they're sending a second one next year.
Fantastic ship, thanks for sharing.
Thank you! Booking this ship on Monday. Have not sailed on Royal Caribbean before -- only Carnival... More tips?
Jim is there any tips you have for finding an affordable weekend getaway for a family of 4 thanks / love the videos keep up the good work
You'll want to start your search by looking at the cruise port closest to your house... because you sure don't want to pay airfare for 4 people if there's a port you can drive to. Use Expedia or Cruises.United.com to find all available cruises on all cruise lines that sail out of the port near you.
Jim Zimmerlin thank you for your help
Chad Evans b
Im glad that i have an experience to go cruise in ovation of the seas last june 2018
You went to Alaska ??
This video is awesome. thanks..I'm convinced
Booked to Alaska on the Norwegian Bliss! Excited!
When is that going to be?
May 2019 :)
Wooow what a beautiful ship! I hope it sails around Scandinavia too, I'll definitely go on a cruise on this! 😘
I hope you are right about the internet. Liberty of the Seas touted the amazing internet and we could not connect for 2-3 days of our Caribbean cruise in November 2017!
Been there done this. Alaska is amazing
This looks amazing.
Is the solarium like a chlorine gas chamber? If the fumes are too strong, we will consider the Norwegian ships with the Observation lounge at the frobt if the ship instead. Your cruise videos are fabulous, Jim! Thank you and we hope you will share more. 😊
No, not at all. It's delightful in the Solarium. Royal Caribbean was really smart to design the area of the front of the ship like this. It's a fantastic place to relax for hours at a time.
4:18 I did it recently in Canada- but not Ripcord. Awesome Vid.
Thank you 😊
I’ll be on ovation to Alaska September 2020!
Maybe...
bruh mine got cancelled too, sorry
great vid Jim
We will be travelling on her from Sydney to Hawaii in 2019....very excited, next time to Alaska :-)
Ive always wanted to see Alaska but WOW that ship!
Chuck, this was excellenT
,
How the hell ships of the size of the Ovation (quantum class) can fit passages like the Sawyer Glacier? I seen ships like the Grand Princess struggle to navigate when the tide is low o_o
Even worse when the passage is crowded (Disney when I was on Wonder, there was a NCL and a Princess returning one after another and certain areas are very narrow)
So excited to hear they’re bringing a nice ship for Alaska... I want to do that trip but all the ships are so boring
We are planning to go. We want a room with a balcony. What are the pro's and cons staying on Deck 8 vs. Deck 12 if any?
Sorry for being slow to respond to your question. I was out on a cruise.
Both of those decks are excellent choices, as both have a deck of cabins above and a deck of cabins below.
What you don't want is a room on a deck where there is a noisy public area above or below...
And neither deck 8 or 12 have that... so, either one would be good.
There's a lot of great stuff on deck 5... so, if you get a cabin on deck 8, it's an easy walk down three sets of stairs to get there.
On the other hand, there's a lot of great stuff on deck 14... so, if you get a cabin on deck 12, it's a do-able two flights of stairs up to get to that.
If it was me, I would book a cabin on deck 12, in the vicinity of (but not too close to) the mid-ship stairs and elevators. The reason for that is that I like to be within easy walking distance of the buffet... because that's where you can get soft drinks and snacks (and obviously meals). A quick walk to the mid-ship stairs, and then up two flights of stairs, and you're at the buffet. Just be careful not to get too close to the stairs and elevators... because there would be noise there. In a perfect world, I'd book cabin 12616, or something nearby... as that is near the stairs, but not too close... and it is mid-ship... so, you are never walking the entire length of the ship to get to anything. Also, mid-ship like that will have the least amount of motion in rough seas.
This is the kind of stuff that an experienced travel agent is excellent at helping with... advising you on the kinds of things you might not have thought of before. Feel free to use my travel agent... she's great!
Caitlin Gallagher with Ambren Travel. www.ambrentravel.com
Jim Zim - when I cruise to Alaska (been 8 times) I prefer to bundle up & feel the cold air on my face & I love sailing thru Glacier Bay - so Princess & HAL are my favorites! I don’t go to Alaska to see a bionic bar or anything like giant slides!! Much prefer floatplanes & salmon bakes, helicopters to the glaciers & dog sleds, balcony views of real gorgeous sunrises & totem poles & lumberjack shows!! Have done Alaska with NCL & wasn’t impressed! Last RCCL Cruise was to the Caribbean!! Thanks for sharing the info on the Ovation!
Jim Zimmerlin is to cruise ships as Huell Howser was to California's Gold show. Love watching it. Thanks Jim!
I like that analogy a lot... I'm a Huell fan!
I like this conversation a lot... I’m a Jim Scott fan!
It’s coming home to Australia in November!
Let's see them do the cruise in January!
Cruised on anthem o t s out of New Jersey is the same layout great ship loved the solarium. A great idea for colder weather cruising
4 cruise videos in 2 weeks! Christmas came early!
I've got a new model train video in my mind... just waiting for the weather to warm up a bit, so I can leave a few doors open and let the trains run in and out of the house. Until then, cruise videos!
Just starting planning for our first Alaska Cruise and can’t decide if we should add a land tour. Your thoughts.?
We did a five day land tour after our seven day Alaska cruise a few years ago. You can read all about the entire experience at www.jimzim.net/CoralPrincess.html
AWESOME!!!
July 26th 2019 can't get here fast enough....
NICE! I LOVE IT!
Thank you going to book a Suite. What are your thoughts on these suite rooms? First time cruiser by the way but have wanted to sail Alaska for many years.
If you think you might want to stay in a suite, the one other ship you should look at for your Alaska cruise is the Norwegian Bliss. There are some really great perks for suite guests on NCL... better than the perks suite guests get on Royal Caribbean.
Jim Zimmerlin thank you, so Norwegian vs RC for Alaska cruise? Thanks and great channel
I am booked on this for June next year
Hi Jim!! Great video. Is there any secret on how to get a balcony room where the couch/sofa is first & the bed is close to the balcony?? Thank you in advance!!
I think the trick would be to tell your travel agent that this is what you want, and let it be his/her problem!
Enjoying the Ovation of the Sea's solarium on an Alaskan cruise sounds incredible. I'm reading a few conflicting things about who can use it and the age restriction. I thought I read somewhere that only Junior level suites and above could use the solarium. True? Also, is it true that passengers 16 and older can use the solarium? (Assuming it's not limited to junior level suite guests and above.)
It's definitely not limited to suite guests. All adult passengers are welcome in the solarium. I can't remember exactly what the age restriction is. 16 sounds right, but I'm not sure.
Did you forget about the Norwegian Bliss? This ship will be competing in Seattle for Alaska.
I'll be cruising on the Bliss in a couple of months. Believe me, after I come back home with the videos I'll be shooting onboard, you'll be begging me to stop talking about the Bliss. I think she's going to be pretty spectacular. But today it's time to tell Royal Caribbean's story. We'll definitely be getting to Bliss in good time.
And not even in 2019... It will be this year.
Jim,
I don't get it either. You're talking up the Ovation (which is not a "new" ship) for 2019, while the NEW Bliss (built for Alaska) will be plying the Alaska waters this year. I'll be anxious to see what you have to say after the Canal trip.
I am located in Victoria BC. Norwegian Bliss is coming to Victoria on the June 8th.
I will go down and take some pictures at least. Have fun you lucky people on board.
One thing I notice, none of the activities-bumper cars!roller skating!ect. Come at no extra charge but Norwegian charges for this type of activities and consider it “extra”. Even the shows are extra and you have to pay for them. Let me know if this is not so.
headed on Ovation July 2020 . Will be my third trip but haven't been in 20 years!!! I'm a diamond member on RCCL but I've never been on this class of ship . Only the bigger ones and smaller ones. How often do they close the retractable roof over the pool? I'll be traveling with my two kids and they love to swim on a cruise. I realize it will be much colder but thinking it might even be a heated pool. Does anyone know?
On an Alaska cruise on Ovation of the Seas, the pools will definitely be heated and the roof over the pool will most likely be fully closed for the entire cruise. Only if there's a really warm day might they open up the glass above the indoor pool.
This is my life time dream
Does it go to see the glaciers? I've heard only a couple of ships go there. Internet and those video walls on the cheeper inside cabins are what got my interest.
On the 7-day cruise, you can view Dawes glacier right from the ship... and you can do shore excursions to Mendenhall Glacier and Laughton Glacier. On the 11-day version of the cruise, you get all that plus the you can view Hubbard glacier right from the ship.
I am close to booking this ship for next year July. When booking I started to think.... Which side of the ship would be best for an Alaskan cruise from Seattle? Right side? Left? Front? Mid? Back? I’m getting a balcony. Also do I go super high on the ship? Or low? In terms of deck.
Right side. Mid ship, or towards the front... definitely not towards the back. Better high than low, but make sure there are cabins above you and below you... not some public area directly above or below you.
Jim Zimmerlin THANK YOU!!!!!!
We have the Norwegian Joy booked for June 2019 but we have an opportunity to take the OAS for almost half price from what NCL is costing us. How would you compare the 2? the itineraries are similar
Sorry... I don't know what you mean by OAS.
@@JimZim The Ovation of the Seas :)
The Joy isn't worth double the price of Ovation, unless you're booked in The Haven... and then it would be.
indeed a good video
Nice video Jim but how much does it cost for all the wealth of design?
7 night Alaska cruises on Ovation Of The Seas start at $1044 per person plus taxes and fees of $163 per person... so that's $2413 total for a couple... or $345 per night. And for that price, you'd be in one of those cabins with the cool "virtual balcony" as shown in the video. Of course, prices will vary depending on the date you want to sail and the cabin that you choose.
I would love to go on this
for anyone who has been on the cruise, what would you say are essential for packing and for clothes?
The Italian restaurant on the ship is part of Jamie Oliver's chain (famous British chef) and his restaurants are meant to be really good.
best cruise ship for alaska
Is this ship only going to be in Alaska 2019?? We were planning a 2020 cruise
I don't know. You could go to their web site and see how far ahead the schedule has been set for that ship.
Yeah i tried ...didn't see anything . Thanks
It is doing Alaska in 2020. We just booked for July 2020.@@julierenee523
I know about this ship Jim as im in Australia.. also one id like to go on.. so thx for this vid also
wow this ship is so cool RR :)
why am I watching random cruise videos when I am not going on a cruise
When will booking start for this ship?
You can book the 2019 Alaska cruises right now, at Royal Caribbean's web site. Or call your travel agent.