Jamesszy94 Posted March 9 Report Share Posted March 9 Two more days until we board Ovation of the Seas... this will be my third time on her, but I don't mind, she's a great ship, and it's not like we (people who live in Australia.. ) have any other choice that doesn't involve flying.. Our itinerary goes: DAY 1 (TUE 12 MAR) - Sydney, Australia DAY 2 (WED 13 MAR) - CRUISING DAY 3 (THUR 14 MAR) - CRUISING DAY 4 (FRI 15 MAR) - Picton, New Zealand DAY 5 (SAT 16 MAR) - Napier, New Zealand DAY 6 (SUN 17 MAR) - Wellington, New Zealand DAY 7 (MON 18 MAR) - CRUISING DAY 8 (TUE 19 MAR) - Dusky Sound (8:00am - 9:00am), Doubtful Sound (11:00am - 12:00pm), Milford Sound (5:00pm - 6:00pm) DAY 9 (WED 20 MAR) - CRUISING DAY 10 (THUR 21 MAR) - CRUISING DAY 11 (FRI 22nd MAR) - Sydney, Australia Not entirely sure why Royal are doing it this way but lol okay... you'd think they'd go through the Sounds first, up to Picton, over to Wellington, then over to Napier and then north past Auckland back to Sydney, but I'm not questioning it.. as long as Royal gets me to the places, I'll be a happy camper. WHO: Myself and my father (my mum doesn't like cruising, cause she gets seasick often) CABIN: Oceanview on Deck 3 right next to the Music Hall (upgraded from an Interior through Royal Up) - I wish I could afford staying in a suite... maybe later this year when I turn 30... I'll treat myself. My house to the Overseas Passenger Terminal is ~35-40 minute train ride. It's a 5 minute walk over from Circular Quay to get to the port.... Let's hope they reserved us a table for 2 in the MDR like I requested... Sweety, KristiZ, JohnK6404 and 3 others 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GatorCruiser Posted March 10 Report Share Posted March 10 Looks absolutely incredible! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sweety Posted March 10 Report Share Posted March 10 Have a happy cruise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jamesszy94 Posted March 10 Author Report Share Posted March 10 I would have also liked to visit Dunedin.. but alas, this one didn't include Dunedin. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnK6404 Posted March 10 Report Share Posted March 10 Have an amazing cruise!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jamesszy94 Posted March 10 Author Report Share Posted March 10 1 day before boarding day! I've started packing... finally just throw a bunch of clothes, underwear, socks, pants and shorts into a suitcase and call it a day! JohnK6404, MaryS and WAAAYTOOO 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WAAAYTOOO Posted March 10 Report Share Posted March 10 6 minutes ago, Jamesszy94 said: just throw a bunch of clothes, underwear, socks, pants and shorts into a suitcase and call it a day! This is also my packing philosophy. Jamesszy94 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jamesszy94 Posted March 12 Author Report Share Posted March 12 Boarding Day! 2 hours until we board! Just waiting for a lift to the station now then catching the train to Circular Quay to get to the Overseas Passenger Terminal. F1guynz, PPPJJ-GCVAB, Yesiamthere6 and 1 other 1 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jamesszy94 Posted March 12 Author Report Share Posted March 12 Taking the train to Circular Quay now. T Minus 1 hour to go! MaryS 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jamesszy94 Posted March 12 Author Report Share Posted March 12 Boarding soon! JohnK6404, PPPJJ-GCVAB, WAAAYTOOO and 1 other 3 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jamesszy94 Posted March 12 Author Report Share Posted March 12 Overseas Passenger Terminal is relatively empty.. I guess that's expected when you choose a late check in time. WAAAYTOOO, MaryS and PPPJJ-GCVAB 1 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jamesszy94 Posted March 12 Author Report Share Posted March 12 Alas.. the Windjammer closed right when we got onboard. Oh well. Lucky Fish and Ships is right outside.. Oceanview Room... MaryS, WAAAYTOOO, Yesiamthere6 and 1 other 3 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jamesszy94 Posted March 12 Author Report Share Posted March 12 Got a new cruise director, he's different to the last one. We had Steve from Canada last time and he was way more enthusiastic. The one we have now, I think his name is Michael? Or Mike? Is also good, and he speaks clearly and is well informed, but he doesn't seem nearly as enthusiastic as Steve from Canada. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PPPJJ-GCVAB Posted March 12 Report Share Posted March 12 3 hours ago, Jamesszy94 said: Got a new cruise director, he's different to the last one. We had Steve from Canada last time and he was way more enthusiastic. The one we have now, I think his name is Michael? Or Mike? Is also good, and he speaks clearly and is well informed, but he doesn't seem nearly as enthusiastic as Steve from Canada. Hopefully his enthusiasm and energy will expand as your 10 days commence! Every cruise needs excitement from the CD! Jamesszy94 and WAAAYTOOO 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jamesszy94 Posted March 12 Author Report Share Posted March 12 Dinner night 1 The chicken (pie) - I didn't eat the pastry - was good.... but it just looked so sad with the one single broccoli. The spag bol was nice I suppose, a little bit salty for my liking. I've got a little observation I wanted to point out - the waiters in the MDR were extremely friendly, however, they were also a little bit ... I don't know the word - they'd come up to you every 5 seconds and ask you how the food was or the service or if you'd like anything else. Like don't get me wrong. I know they're just being friendly, and I personally don't mind, but other people would be very bothered by this. Day 2 soon. Lovetocruise2002, MaryS, Yesiamthere6 and 3 others 5 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jamesszy94 Posted March 13 Author Report Share Posted March 13 Day 2: pretty standard for us non-suite people Breakfast in the Windjammer: I've recognized 3 people from the last cruise I was on last year. Good to know the selection hasn't changed /sarcasm Pretty rough seas at the moment. Didn't really feel too well to go to trivia. Hopefully once we're out of the Tasman Sea it'll be better. MaryS, JohnK6404, PPPJJ-GCVAB and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jamesszy94 Posted March 13 Author Report Share Posted March 13 If only I was a top tier member.... Speaking of.. when I boarded the ship they printed Gold status for me under Crown and Anchor, but the Royal Caribbean app said apparently I'm Plat.. so I went to the Loyalty Ambassador desk to clear it up and he gave me a new Seapass Card! JohnK6404, PPPJJ-GCVAB, Lovetocruise2002 and 2 others 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jamesszy94 Posted March 13 Author Report Share Posted March 13 Also speaking of Crown and Anchor.. There was no welcome aboard letter in my room when I boarded so I don't know about anythint Crown and Anchor related on my account. Also, how are the robes we can request? Comfy? Like every other robe you get at department stores? Another thing I noted that's changed a bit: You can no longer order Room Service on your TV. On my cruise last year we were able to order on our TV. PPPJJ-GCVAB and Lovetocruise2002 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AshleyDillo Posted March 13 Report Share Posted March 13 7 minutes ago, Jamesszy94 said: Another thing I noted that's changed a bit: You can no longer order Room Service on your TV. On my cruise last year we were able to order on our TV. I hate, hate, hate that they've taken away this feature! Jamesszy94 and PPPJJ-GCVAB 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jamesszy94 Posted March 13 Author Report Share Posted March 13 23 minutes ago, AshleyDillo said: I hate, hate, hate that they've taken away this feature! Same! It was one of the best features of the TV. I hate having to call now and be like "yeah can I get it tomorrow morning" AshleyDillo 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jamesszy94 Posted March 13 Author Report Share Posted March 13 47 minutes ago, AshleyDillo said: I hate, hate, hate that they've taken away this feature! When was this feature taken away? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jamesszy94 Posted March 13 Author Report Share Posted March 13 Some thoughts so far: Ovation has been well maintained - all her public spaces still look really nice. One thing I will say is that there's never enough chairs inside the music hall whenever there's a trivia or a gameshow in there, I get that it's multi-leveled, but when everyone is fighting for chairs/a table... it can get pretty hectic at times. Is it just me or has the elevator wait times gotten worse? I don't remember the elevator wait times being this bad, when we sailed on her last year, we only had to wait ~1-2 minutes for the elevator, but this time we waited about 5-6 minutes... granted, we were on Deck 10 last time and this time we're on Deck 3, so I guess its expected. Our Room Steward is nice and he introduced himself on day 1. I really hate the once a day turndown service! But alas, not much we can do about it. The bellyflop competition got postponed because of rough weather... shame. PPPJJ-GCVAB and MaryS 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jamesszy94 Posted March 13 Author Report Share Posted March 13 Dinner - Night 2 French Onion Soup - why do they put SO much cheese on top... it's like they want you to get diabetes or something, I've never been a fan of french onion soup though... The Seafood Linguine was the best part of the dinner, it was pretty good. And the desert - Strawberry Icecream was also good.. Mexican tomorrow. I decided I would treat myself this time around and booked for Izumi's for Night 6... Lovetocruise2002, JohnK6404, MaryS and 2 others 4 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
F1guynz Posted March 13 Report Share Posted March 13 4 hours ago, Jamesszy94 said: Is it just me or has the elevator wait times gotten worse They were bad on Quantum as well, they always seem to be at deck 14 or deck 5. Hmm I wonder what could be on those decks that is so enticing, could it be the food PPPJJ-GCVAB, WAAAYTOOO, Jamesszy94 and 1 other 1 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jamesszy94 Posted March 13 Author Report Share Posted March 13 Day 3: Rough seas again. Tonight is Mexican night. The Windjammer during lunch times is absolutely ratchet!! I do not recommend it. Top Tier event soon... let's see how many Pinnacles on this cruise. I wasn't feeling too well yesterday so I didn't really do much. Another observation: Not too many children on this cruise, I guess cause it's still during school time so most? Kids should be in school PS. I am slowly migrating from being an interior only cruiser to still an interior only cruiser but willing to splurge on an Oceanview occasionally depending on the destination and maybe will book balcony and suites one day type of cruiser It's been so nice having natural light come in from the window and being able to see the ocean! Feels less claustrophobic. Destinations like Alaska, New Zealand (epsecially the Sounds) and Scandinavia are definitely places I would say a Balcony/Oceanview is worth it. Other times, I'd personally just book an interior MaryS, JohnK6404 and PPPJJ-GCVAB 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jamesszy94 Posted March 13 Author Report Share Posted March 13 I take back what I said about Mike. He's pretty funny but he is also very enthusiastic, but in his own way! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jamesszy94 Posted March 13 Author Report Share Posted March 13 Waiting for the morning trivia in the Music Hall. MaryS, Lovetocruise2002 and OCSC Mike 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OCSC Mike Posted March 13 Report Share Posted March 13 8 minutes ago, Jamesszy94 said: Music Hall I've never been on Q-class (and know very little about it)... Music Hall on Wonder looks nothing like that. Do they do a lot of trivia there? One of my few complaints is that the venues used for trivia on Oasis class (usually the bars or Karaoke place) can be extremely overcrowded. jbrinkm 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jamesszy94 Posted March 13 Author Report Share Posted March 13 3 minutes ago, OCSC Mike said: I've never been on Q-class (and know very little about it)... Music Hall on Wonder looks nothing like that. Do they do a lot of trivia there? One of my few complaints is that the venues used for trivia on Oasis class (usually the bars or Karaoke place) can be extremely overcrowded. Trivia on Q-class is usually in the Music Hall or Schooner Bar. (At least on Ovation, not sure about other Q-class) It can get pretty crowded depending on the trivia. If it's something like Harry Potter - you bet everyone and their grandmother will show up for it. Or if it's something like Star Wars/Game of Thrones. The Music Hall is 2 levels on Ovation (probably the same on other Q-class) and is connected to the Casino Royale. OCSC Mike 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OCSC Mike Posted March 13 Report Share Posted March 13 1 minute ago, Jamesszy94 said: Trivia on Q-class is usually in the Music Hall or Schooner Bar. It can get pretty crowded depending on the trivia. If it's something like Harry Potter - you bet everyone and their grandmother will show up for it. Or if it's something like Star Wars/Game of Thrones. The Music Hall is 2 levels in the Q-class and is connected to Casino Royale. OK, so not all that different. It's 2 stories on Wonder too but nowhere near the casino and just looks different from your pic. They do have certain trivias and name that tunes there but the others seem crowded no matter what the topic. Jamesszy94 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jamesszy94 Posted March 13 Author Report Share Posted March 13 1 minute ago, OCSC Mike said: OK, so not all that different. It's 2 stories on Wonder too but nowhere near the casino and just looks different from your pic. They do have certain trivias and name that tunes there but the others seem crowded no matter what the topic. They also have Game Shows and other trivias here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jamesszy94 Posted March 13 Author Report Share Posted March 13 Does the Music Hall on Wonder have a bar? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jamesszy94 Posted March 13 Author Report Share Posted March 13 This is cute... but $15 for a cocktail.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OCSC Mike Posted March 13 Report Share Posted March 13 9 minutes ago, Jamesszy94 said: Does the Music Hall on Wonder have a bar? Yes with a bunch of music-themed cocktails. Other Oasis-class ships basically have the same venue but it's called Dazzles. We never really spent any time there but when I was with extended family on Wonder last June they wanted to go so we listened to music for like an hour. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jamesszy94 Posted March 13 Author Report Share Posted March 13 Apparently 23 is a high number of Pinnacle...came to see what this is about. They don't even check your SeaPass card, they literally just let you walk in. How many non C&A members are here Lovetocruise2002, OCSC Mike and MaryS 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jamesszy94 Posted March 13 Author Report Share Posted March 13 Two new Pinnacles. Next 3 people are at 1050 points Lovetocruise2002 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jamesszy94 Posted March 13 Author Report Share Posted March 13 A couple from Brisbane whose favourite ship is Ovation.... not Quantum? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jamesszy94 Posted March 13 Author Report Share Posted March 13 Okay that was anti-climactic.... OCSC Mike 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OCSC Mike Posted March 13 Report Share Posted March 13 19 minutes ago, Jamesszy94 said: Okay that was anti-climactic.... I can't remember the last time I went to one of those. But hey, you got a glass of really cheap champagne, right? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jamesszy94 Posted March 13 Author Report Share Posted March 13 30 minutes ago, OCSC Mike said: I can't remember the last time I went to one of those. But hey, you got a glass of really cheap champagne, right? No, I got a samosa.. which tasted disgusting but also... I don't drink either way. But good news is.. Star Wars Trivia is happening atm. Bad news is. I've not seen a single Star Wars film so know absolutely nothing about the franchise. OCSC Mike 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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