By Amanda Mesa | Published on August 3, 2023
There’s no doubt about it — the best family cruises are offered by Royal Caribbean. This award-winning cruise line never fails to deliver on thrilling attractions, spectacular entertainment, delicious dining and world-class activities for guests of all ages. You’re sure to have a wow-worthy getaway no matter which cruise ship — or cruise ship class — you choose to sail with. That said, Ovation of the Seas has been a favorite among parents and kids since it debuted, and with good reason.
The third cruise ship in the acclaimed Quantum Class, Ovation of the Seas checks all the boxes for an adventure-fueled family getaway you’ll be talking about for years to come. Whether you’re into sun-soaked days spent relaxing by the pool, panoramic views from the tallest viewing deck on a cruise ship, adrenaline-amping activities like bumper cars and trapeze training or nightly whirls on the dance floor to the hottest cover bands in the industry, this epic ship was designed to keep the vacation vibes going strong every moment of your getaway. Here are just some of its top hits for families.
The pool is always a great place to spend a day onboard any Royal Caribbean cruise ship — especially Ovation of the Seas. This Quantum Class favorite is home to the cruise line’s iconic Splashaway BaySM, a fun-filled aqua park built for little ones and located right on the pool deck. Kids will find all kinds of unforgettable thrills here, including interactive water cannons and fountains, tot-friendly whirlpools and mini waterslides — plus a drench bucket that doubles as the perfect photo opportunity onboard.
Parents will also be pleased to know that Ovation of the Seas is home to Adventure Ocean, an award-winning youth program by Royal Caribbean designed exclusively for kids aged 3-11. Little ones who join the program are broken out into groups depending on their age, then kept busy and engaged with all sorts of fun, hands-on, educational activities supervised by vetted childcare professionals. From arts and crafts to scavenger hunts, science experiments and themed parties, it’s the perfect way to keep your tots or tweens occupied onboard. Meanwhile, young adults and parents can relax and unwind at the tranquil Solarium, open to guests aged 16 and older. This idyllic hideaway offers plenty of room to unwind in the sun or the shade, as well as whirlpools with dazzling views and a full bar serving delicious wines, beers and other adult libations. Access to both Splashaway Bay, Adventure Ocean and the Solarium is totally complimentary for cruise guests, so you can visit as often as you like during your cruise getaway.
Royal Caribbean is known for its amazing entertainment, and you can count on spectacular nightly performances when you cruise onboard Ovation of the Seas. Gather up the family for a night out at the theater — you’ll find several options to choose from when sailing onboard this one-of-a-kind cruise ship. There’s the thrilling, tech-infused original production, Live. Love. Legs. — a high-octane extravaganza that combines aerial stunts, electrifying choreography and mesmerizing multimedia displays. There’s also The Beautiful Dream, a haunting love story that takes viewers on a fantastical journey into human hopes, fears and — you guessed it — dreams. And there’s Pixels, a one-of-a-kind experimental showcase that blends live performance with music and cinematography. Catch a different show every night of your stay — all you have to do is reserve seats via the Cruise Planner app or onboard at the box office.
If you’re in the mood for something a little more low-key, you can snuggle up with your family during a laid-back movie night poolside with popcorn under the stars. Or leave the little ones with their grandparents and hit that always-buzzing Music Hall, a sweeping, multi-level concert venue where cover bands specializing in multiple genres rock out each and every night. No matter what kind of evening you’re in the mood for, Ovation of the Seas beckons with all kinds of nightlife and family entertainment.
These are just some of the best cruise activities for families sailing onboard Ovation of the Seas — there are plenty more thrills, experiences, entertainment and dining waiting for you on your unforgettable cruise getaway. Check out everything this award-winning cruise ship has to offer along with all the things to do while onboard and start planning the perfect family escape.