Ovation of the Seas Review

Great entertainment, pity about the smoking

Review for the South Pacific Cruise on Ovation of the Seas
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KiwiCoral
2-5 Cruises • Age 40s

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Additional details

Sail Date: Jan 2020
Cabin: Obstructed Ocean View Balcony

Overall our holiday was good, but there were a few things that brought down the enjoyment.

Our stateroom was assigned by RC on the starboard forward part of deck 6 and was above the deck 5 smoking area. This meant when we wanted to use the balcony, we got cigarette smoke in the air. Fresh air was why we picked a balcony in the first place. We also were deluged in cigarette smoke when waiting in line for the North Star on deck 15.

In the stateroom, while it was small, the bathroom was extremely functional. Having USB ports and magnetic walls was also convenient. However we would have preferred to have a curtain or room divider so that a person sleeping wouldn’t be disturbed by someone reading or coming in late. Having all the overhead lights on the same switch also contributed to this issue.

Cabin Review

Obstructed Ocean View Balcony

Our stateroom was assigned by RC on the starboard forward part of deck 6 and was above the deck 5 smoking area. This meant when we wanted to use the balcony, we got cigarette smoke in the air. Fresh air was why we picked a balcony in the first place.

The stateroom was only one or two flights of stairs away from the main public areas, so we could avoid busy lifts most of the time.

In the stateroom, while it was small, the bathroom was extremely functional. Having USB ports and magnetic walls was also convenient (pro tip - magnetic clips are handy for hanging things on the walls like hats and drying swimwear). However we would have preferred to have a curtain or room divider so that a person sleeping wouldn’t be disturbed by someone reading or coming in late. Having all the overhead lights on the same switch also contributed to this issue.

Port Reviews

Sydney (Australia)

Can’t fault the location of the cruise ship terminal - it’s right at Circular Quay. Easy walk from public transport or dropped at the door by taxis. Gorgeous views to the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House.

Noumea

Great little market. We were there in Monday, which meant the aquarium was closed. Didn’t spend much time. Starboard side view of the port was to a nickel refinery.

Mystery Island

Gorgeous little island - tropical paradise. We did our own snorkelling.the fringing reef coral cover was poor, but we saw lots of good tropical fish. On island toilets and freshwater rain shower were simple but clean and appreciated.

Brisbane

The port is a 45 min US$25 shuttle ride to the central city. We previously lived in Brisbane, so simply spent a few hours running errands and having lunch at South Bank.

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