Royal Caribbean is adding the biggest cruise ship ever to sail from Los Angeles, and it's the perfect reason to think about cruising the Mexican Riviera.
Ovation of the Seas is now offering cruises from LA, beginning with its first sailing with paying guests on Tuesday.
Adding a second ship to the market is a big deal, because it's not just a commitment to the west coast cruising market, but new hardware that offers more for cruise ship passengers to enjoy.
When any cruise line enters a market, it usually dips its toe with one ship, but when a big ship gets added, it's a power move.
Royal Caribbean invited me to be their guest on a preview sailing aboard Ovation of the Seas to experience the difference this ship will make.
A new way to go on a Mexico cruise
Starting this week, Ovation of the Seas will begin sailing 3-6-night cruises from the cruise terminal in San Pedro.
Royal Caribbean has been offering cruises on just one ship up until now on Navigator of the Seas. But the script is being updated with a big new ship.
I had an exclusive interview with Royal Caribbean International Senior Vice President of Sales and Trade Support & Service, Vicki Freed, where she talked about how big her cruise line's plans are for the LA cruise market.
"When we come back, we come back in a big way," she proudly said.
"We are going to be introducing five different ships out of the West Coast."
"Our intent was to always come back to the Los Angeles area and soon to be the San Diego area."
California is is one of the top cruising markets, and bookings for the ship did quite well as soon as they went on sale.
I've taken a few cruises from Los Angeles, but a new ship with more to offer is a difference maker.
The 4,905-passenger cruise ship is one of Royal Caribbean's biggest ships, and that means pools, restaurants, signature shows, and plenty of different staterooms to choose from.
By adding another ship, this adds more itinerary variation and prices to consider. Having two ships means you have the choice of short getaways or longer weeklong voyages.
Jennifer Keln is a travel advisor with MEI Travel, and she grew up in California. She said Royal Caribbean's commitment has been a long, but welcome journey back, "Having lived on the West Coast most of my adult life, I’m so excited that we are finally getting newer, fun packed options out of LA!"
"The Quantum class ships will be my go to recommendation for families as they offer everything from bumper cars to the iFly skydiving simulator they are sure to keep the entire family busy and happy!"
Big ship with big features
One thing you'll notice when going on a big ship is how much there is to do onboard. It's what has made Royal Caribbean a market leader and recognizable brand.
Their big ships are the ones that have the greatest "wow" factor, and while the places you go on a cruise are important, the ship is equally important.
Ovation of the Seas has features such as bumper cars, North Star observation pod, Ripcord by iFly sky diving, and an immense theater on the back of the ship that is integrates technology and show.
If you're someone who likes suites, Ovation has a major advantage over Navigator because there are the Royal Suite Class options.
Royal Suite Class has Coastal Kitchen restaurant, Royal Genie services, and a dedicated sun deck. In terms of value for the price of a suite, there's more included with a suite on Ovation.
Plus, Ovation of the Seas has great dining onboard too.
You'll find a number of specialty and included restaurants to choose from, including Jamie's Italian, Izumi sushi, and Wonderland.
I think the difference with moving up to Ovation is you get more space for all of the fun ideas Royal Caribbean has. Newer ships lean into the best offerings, along with more updated amenities.
The aesthetics of the cabin are more modern on Ovation, as well as the amount of storage space and number of outlets you'll find.
More ships coming to the west coast
Ovation of the Seas is just the first foray, as Royal Caribbean has even bigger plans for Southern California.
Quantum of the Seas will also sail from Los Angeles later this year. In fact, for a short period, there will be three ships sailing from LA before Ovation shifts out.
And then in 2026, Royal Caribbean will expand operations to San Diego.
Serenade of the Seas will homeport from San Diego to offer a convenient new place to visit ports along the Baja peninsula.
Perhaps there are even more grandiose plans on the horizon.
During a question and answer event held aboard Ovation of the Seas, a travel advisor asked if Royal Caribbean had any plans to bring an Oasis Class ship to the Los Angeles market or have plans for building a new homeport in the Southern California market.
Immediately, Ms. Freed shot back, "I cannot answer that question," and then later joked she would get in trouble with the the cruise line's public relations department if she talked about that subject.
I later asked her how she foresees the future of cruises from the west coast, and she can imagine quite a lot, "We have big ships and we have bigger ships coming."
"We would love to see a bigger ship out of the West coast. And we see it in our future."
