9 Night Ovation of the Seas Hawaii Cruise
Thinking about taking a cruise on Ovation of the Seas with Royal Caribbean? Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, I’m here to share my experience on a nine-night Ovation of the Seas sailing through Hawaii, ending in Vancouver, B.C.—plus a few tips I wish I had before setting sail!
Launched in 2016, Ovation of the Seas carries up to 4,905 passengers and sails from Seattle, Singapore, Sydney, and Honolulu. With 16 activity-packed decks, there’s something for everyone. On my cruise, the average passenger age was around 50, though there were families with children on board. If you’re a foodie, the ship offers a mix of main dining options and five signature restaurants (available for an extra cost).
Itinerary & Pre-Cruise Tip
My journey started in Honolulu, with stops in Maui and Kona before five consecutive sea days en route to Vancouver. If your cruise departs from a destination you’ve never visited, I highly recommend arriving a day or two early to explore. I landed in Honolulu with just a few hours before boarding, which left no time to truly experience the city. Many cruise lines offer pre- and post-cruise stay options, and my team at URT can help arrange this for you!
Lahaina
Embarkation & Stateroom
Royal Caribbean’s embarkation process was the smoothest I’ve ever experienced. My key card was waiting at my stateroom door (a bit different from other cruises where it’s handed out at check-in—don’t panic if you don’t receive one right away!). I booked a balcony stateroom, which felt spacious, well-designed, and perfect for enjoying coffee with an ocean view. The bathroom was also larger than I’ve seen on other cruise ships, which was a pleasant surprise. After a long day of travel, I ended the night watching Top Gun: Maverick on the outdoor pool deck under the stars.
Dining & Reservations
I chose the “dine anytime” option, but after my first dinner at 8 p.m., that became my set dining time for the rest of the cruise. The main dining menu changes nightly—if French Onion Soup appears, I highly recommend it! I also tried two specialty restaurants, Chops Grille and Jamie’s, which were excellent. If you plan to dine at specialty venues, make reservations early!
Ports & Excursions
We spent two days in Maui, which was a game-changer for exploring. If possible, book a cruise with an overnight port stay—it allows for a deeper experience. Some passengers even stayed overnight in a resort. I rented a car to drive the famous Hana Highway, which was a highlight.
Kona was a much shorter stop (7 a.m. to 3 p.m.), and since I had a slow morning, I didn’t get off the ship until 11 a.m.—not enough time to explore properly. I grabbed an acai bowl, picked up local coffee and chocolate-covered macadamia nuts (aka “donkey balls”), and relaxed on the beach. By mid-afternoon, the line to return to the ship was long, so I grabbed a drink at Cheeky Tiki, which has a great outdoor seating area.
Sea Days & Onboard Activities
With five sea days, I was never bored. Royal Caribbean offers plenty to do, from Broadway-style shows to unique experiences like the Bionic Bar, where robots mix your drinks. My personal favorite was the adults-only solarium—a peaceful, enclosed pool area with lounge seating, a bar, and a small eatery.
A must-try? The complimentary indoor skydiving experience! Even if you’re not a daredevil, the instructor guides you through the process, making it a fun, safe experience. Just note that after your first free session, additional attempts come at an extra cost.
Cruise Tips & Surprises
If you’re prone to seasickness, bring Dramamine. The ocean was rougher than expected, and while I only felt sick one night, I took Dramamine daily afterward as a precaution.
Unlike other cruises, Ovation of the Seas doesn’t offer free on-demand movies in staterooms. I recommend downloading movies onto a tablet before your trip, especially for long sea days.
The ship’s Wi-Fi is spotty. If you need to work, expect interruptions, and avoid scheduling Zoom calls.
Things to Do Onboard
Rock climbing
Casino & bingo (bingo costs $30–$60 per session)
Surfing simulator (FlowRider)
North Star observation pod
Live game shows (Love & Marriage was a highlight!)
Spectacular nightly performances, including Spectra’s Cabaret, a Vegas-style show with cutting-edge robotics
Final Thoughts
I had an amazing time aboard Ovation of the Seas, and experiencing the cruise firsthand allows me to better assist my clients. Whether you’re new to cruising or looking for your next adventure, I’d love to help you plan the perfect voyage. Let’s book your dream cruise today!
