TheHobbys

I thought you were going to say "this is a Grand Suite idea". That solved any sleeping problem I had...

Hey suite snob (he said respectfully), robes, although maybe not as luxurious, are provided to us lowly non-suite people that are Platinum C&A and above.?

Might want to check on FB to see if there was a group for your specific cruise.

If you can get a good price on the UDP, might want to go ahead and get it.  For us, we like having the option to go to the CK for dinner instead of the WJ or MDR if we don't feel like doing a specialty.  I will say, I really enjoy the CK breakfast every morning.  It's really nice and peaceful and the food has always been excellent #EggsBenedict   Lunch and dinner are always good backups in there if we aren't feeling anything else.

We should have some good OBC, for our upcoming cruise June 6th ... There's OBC from Royal, our TA and some from our RCL card.  Here's what we cashed in.  Didn't have enough for the $500 OBC, but was able to do the $250 + $150

@WAAAYTOOO, we really enjoy the CK for breakfast and lunches, so that'll be our first stop for lunch on embarkation day.  I remember you mentioning that she is very literal, so may have to spell out exactly what we want.  The party in our suite is a possibility only if we find another family that we hit it off with and decide to host them.  But will keep your thoughts in mind  ? 

Hey @Andrew72681 - here's some of our requests to our genie  ?  Our requests to the genie are probably minimal compared to others.  We tend to be easy going but enjoy having our genie make sure that we can experience all the activities that could be challenging to get to.  I'm sure there will be other requests once we get on board that we might have, but for now this is all we have communicated with Yen - our genie.  We did mention what drinks / snacks each of us prefer and to have those stocked in our room.
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Activities
If possible, we would like to schedule a behind-the-scenes of some of the shows for our daughter.  Since she’s been in theater all during middle school and will be working on theater in high school, it would be really cool for her to see some of what the professionals go through before performing.  We tried a tour of one on the Allure a few years ago, but didn’t get to talk to any of the entertainers – so it was just a plain tour.
Our son may be interested in something that would show how the mechanical stuff works for some of the venues.  Such as, how the Two-70’s work or how the robot drink maker works.
Other activities we want to make sure to do:  Flying trapeze, bumper cars, iFly during the first at sea day, escape room, Northstar on embarkation day, we'll defer to your recommendation for the shows, roller skating, Carrie/John for adult comedy, sushi class (all of us)
Dining
John and Carrie want to do the Chef’s table and Wonderland.  Early dining time for these two would be ok.
·       Monday – plan for a reservation at Jamie’s (we have an excursion but then want to hit a few shops in St. Maarten before getting back on board)
·       Tuesday - It appears that lobster night is in the Coastal Kitchen
Our daughter is a vegetarian, so need to make sure there’s always a non-meat option for her.
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We did ask if there was a way to be able to do the escape room with another star class family, but this may be something we'll have to arrange once we get on board.  I'm hoping the kids will meet some cool other kids that maybe we could hook up with their family to do the escape room.  I read in a post somewhere (might have been on FB) that another SC cruiser would 'pay-it-forward' to another family they met on their cruise.  Basically, they would meet another nice family and then treat them to something special that only the genie would be able to pull off.  Something like dinner from a specialty restaurant in our suite so they wouldn't have to pay for it.

Cruise Summary
Wow!  What an awesome Alaska experience.
There is a part of me that wants to say this was my best cruise to Alaska.  However looking back I thought the same thing on every Alaska cruise I've taken.  
There are a couple of ways to interpret that sentiment but the truth is that Alaska is such an amazing destination that each cruise can top the last one.  Every visit to Alaska is different. 
I chose to focus on Alaska on this cruise and in writing this trip report.  The ship itself is very similar to Anthem from a core ship experience.   Anyone who has sailed Anthem will feel right at home on Ovation.  Apologize for no menus and less about the on-board experience of Ovation, but I took this cruise for Alaska so that became the focus of this thread.
There were some special aspects of this cruise and it starts with the itinerary.  This itinerary may never be repeated.  That would be a shame because it included a lot I love about Alaska.
I was curious how an early season cruise would compare but now I'm sold on the idea that any time for an Alaska cruise season is the perfect time for an Alaska cruise.  
I was also curious how Ovation of the Seas would compare to Radiance and Voyager class or Celebrity's Millennium class for an Alaska cruise, the ships I've sailed before to Alaska.  Each has features I like.  Looking back over this experience there is a lot to like about Quantum class in Alaska.  
Great indoor pool space for families Great indoor Solarium for adults, one of the best in the fleet North Star (more on this below)   Two70° SeaPlex Flowrider New ship feel, new technology, new decor Great Windjammer experience (I have always liked the WJ on Quantum class) Great entertainment Better suite amenities including Coastal Kitchen Affordable balcony options for a reasonable fare difference I was curious how viewing angles would work out for glacier visits.  I prefer to move around during glacier visits and seeing everything from multiple perspectives.  I was very pleased with how this worked out on Ovation, better than I thought it would.  I didn't think I'd like the glass dividers in places on the top decks but they were a blessing at times to block the wind with large spaces between them I could still take pictures.
Not everything was perfect.  These are areas that I felt had some room for improvement:
The crew pressure wash the outer decks from 5am to 7am.  During this time they are closed.  This is a required maintenance exercise but they could have adjusted times to recognize the long days of Alaska.  Sunrise is around 5am.  Runners want to run.  Arrival into ports is often occurring at this time.   I don't recall this being an issue on any ship I've sailed before including three cruises on sister ship Anthem.   Smokers were complaining there was no where to smoke.  I don't smoke but I know if you close all the outdoor smoking areas at the same time to wash them down guests are going to break the rules and some did.   The Cruise Director lost an opportunity to hype certain events like sailing under the bridge in Vancouver or the fact that every port of call was an inaugural port of call.  The CD and staff seemed unaware that this was a special cruise itinerary or the ship's first ever visit to Alaska. Voom internet was a disappointment but if you have read this thread I've covered this already. North Star Experience.   North Star brings a new aspect to Alaska cruising allowing guests to see things from a very different angle.  This really sets Ovation apart from other ships that have sailed in Alaska.   Despite a single complimentary reservation for North Star I found great availability to enjoy it on standby basis.  Groups larger than 2 may find less enjoyment in the standby line unless they are willing to split up.  While the $49 charge during glacier visits was higher than I expected I understand why a charge is required.   Having done that extra cost version of the North Star Alaskan Experience I might even do it again. 
I've devised some ideas how to reduce glare from the curved windows in my North Star photos that I look forward to trying in North Star in other regions before I return to Alaska and enjoy North Star there again.  For me North Star really has value in Alaska where in other regions it's simply a cool activity to do.  You get a bird's eye view just like an Eagle soaring in the sky above the ship.
When I cruise Alaska my focus is Alaska and not ship entertainment or activities.  I have more cruises booked on Ovation in other regions some with many sea days.  This allowed me to skip entertainment or activities on this sailing knowing I can try them another time. 
I did not visit the MDR once.  For my needs and a desire for a quick meal experience the Windjammer fulfilled my needs perfectly.  Despite some cool meals I ate most of them on the aft outdoor seating area for the Windjammer.  Daily complimentary room service breakfast was appreciated with a balcony to enjoy a coffee while watching marine life below or an incredible sunrise unfold in front of me.
For Diamond Happy Hour the use of the entire Music Hall worked well but I still missed access to the Concierge Lounge, a stated benefit for Diamond Plus members.  I understand the reasoning offered for blocking access to the Concierge Lounge but it remains a disappointment.  
If you've enjoyed my pictures in this thread what you may not understand is that mere photos don't do it justice.  To experience Alaska you have to go to Alaska.   I know Royal offers great entertainment and activities but I feel like Alaska is a destination where you shouldn't try to do everything on the ship just because it's offered and available for you.  A number of times I found myself nearly alone enjoying incredible scenery, peace and tranquility.  Apologies to Nick Weir and his incredible team that produce awesome Royal entertainment but I came for Alaska.  
At times I put the camera down and just enjoyed the moment live and in person.  What you don't see in this thread are those moments.  Those are some of my best memories and for you to experience them you'll need to book a cruise to Alaska for yourself.
Thanks for following along and I thank you for viewing.  

#gasp   you mean you would actually stay in a non-suite now?  lol

Countdown days - 7  (or maybe I can say 6, since 'technically' we leave next Wednesday)  With all the excitement building about the cruise, it's hard to try and not get started packing.  Yeah, that mean we wouldn't have much to wear until next week.  #DirtyClothes   
Well, the house has been cleaned - a few times - since we can't do our packing, might as well clean, huh.   I think I've picked up / moved / rearranged the empty suitcases a few times now.
We decided to stay at the Hyatt Regency on the Hudson thanks to some of that cash back stuff on one of our credit cards.  It is a little further from the port than I like, but we plan to do some walking around NY.  When we cruise out of Ft. Lauderdale, the only walking we do is to the Starbucks and back  ?  Only downside to this place is that there isn't a SB within walking distance.

#gasp   you mean you would actually stay in a non-suite now?  lol

#gasp   you mean you would actually stay in a non-suite now?  lol

Totally agree with this one.  The ambiance / service we experience in the CK has us making sure to always have a room that include the CK all day access.

What?? Joe, you're getting way to techie  with your posts. 

No, you gotta wait until after mine - you'll steal all the readers - lol

11 days to go and finished up most all our pre-cruise shopping yesterday.  All new snorkel gear/fins, shorts, shirts, bathing suits, new shoes ... damn near feels like we had a good reason to just restock all our crap.  Oh well, most of us needed some new digs.  Since we don't have a real good place to hold all our packing, some of it just sits out in the living room. 
And before ya'll say anything - this is only our son's ?  packed for 12 nights - but knowing we get laundry service that we'll make sure to use.  That'll allow us to not have to pack as much.

Since we still have time and if I get bored, I may lay out all our non-essential type stuff just to give people a picture reference of packing stuff.
There have been a couple of emails between us and Yen (our genie).  She's been extremely responsive, I think she's answered all of our emails the same day.  We have scheduled our boarding for 10:30/45, but will be there a little early since this is our first time and not sure of the 7 miles worth of 'stuff' between our hotel and the port.  May not be any traffic, but still will make sure we give extra travel time.

We do, but he prefer's bbq sauce - lol

No, you gotta wait until after mine - you'll steal all the readers - lol

As a developer, I can tell you unintended consequences are a "feature" 

No, you gotta wait until after mine - you'll steal all the readers - lol

Nice - if you are on one of the O-classes, you'll get access to the Coastal Kitchen.  That's one of the best perks of suite classes IMO  ?   just ask @Lovetocruise2002 about it - lol

Nice - if you are on one of the O-classes, you'll get access to the Coastal Kitchen.  That's one of the best perks of suite classes IMO  ?   just ask @Lovetocruise2002 about it - lol

We do, but he prefer's bbq sauce - lol

We do, but he prefer's bbq sauce - lol

We do, but he prefer's bbq sauce - lol