We booked a Star Class cabin on Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Class Ovation of the Seas eleven months in advance of the embarkation date for four reasons: (1) We wanted to make a first visit to Australia and Tasmania (2) We wanted to experience a Quantum Class ship, (3) We wanted to sample the Royal Star Class service, and (4) my wife wanted to see a Tasmanian Devil. All four were accomplished! We also stayed on board for the following fourteen-day New Zealand cruise to meet our visit New Zealand goal.
Travel: The trip from Florida to the ship in Sydney, Australia took over 30 hours; A shuttle, three airplanes, two taxis and a hotel. Travel must be a huge consideration for an adventure like this. We went two days early to help with jetlag adjustment, but the adjustment actually took longer. We stayed at the Rydges World Square hotel in Sydney, a location selected because it was adjacent to restaurants and shopping. It was a good choice. Hint: Book early! We booked 11 months in advance and had difficulties getting the cabin we wanted. The same cabin was not available on consecutive cruises forcing us to move.
Australia & Tasmania: Sydney is beautiful. The port and port area are very active. The famous Opera House and bridge are both close to the ship pier. There are a lot of good restaurants nearby. Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Australian themed restaurants are abundant. Traffic in Sydney is an adventure and they drive on the left side of the road. The people were nice and friendly. Met a lot of them in the city and on the ship. G’day mate.
10722, a sky loft suite, is a two story cabin at the rear of the ship. It has two bathrooms, one on each story, an upstairs bed with a super view over an interior balcony rail out a two story glass window. Downstairs has a dining table, recliner, sofa and TV. The balcony is large with a very wide view. The cabin has all the amenities of balcony cabins plus very large spaces, lots of storage and nice decorations.
Sydney is a modern, active city with excellent tourist services. The ship docks in near the Opera House and major bridge.