This was an overnight stay as part of an agent preview before the first cruise.

Ovation of the Seas will ultimately sail from China. Evidence of this is to be seen in the dual English and Chinese signs around the ship.

This is my first Royal Caribbean ship experience and also the largest ship I have been aboard. This was apparent at first sight. The multiple decks seeming almost like a tower block.

The ship is brand new and my stateroom reflected this. It is spacious and furnished and decorated in contemporary fashion. I was particularly impressed with the size of the shower.

There is a central mall area over two levels which offers an assortment of shops, bars and restaurants.

The Ovation offers the usual cruise staples such as a good choice of dining and drinking venues, inside and outside seating areas, theatre, show lounge, library, fitness centre and spa / salon, casino and more shops than usual. The Two70 is located over two decks and offers impressive 270-degree panoramic sea views  and offers evening entertainment.

Families are well catered for.  I am sure the highlight for many will be the SeaPlex which has a basketball court, roller skating, X-box gaming area, teen lounge and probably the most publicised – the dodgems.

I did not get a chance to experience the North Star capsule which ascends to 300 feet above sea level. However, pictures I saw afterwards looked impressive.

For this agents preview, the evening meal was of the same menu served between Silk, Chic, The Grande and American Icon Grill. The meal was of a high standard and on a par with other cruise lines I have experienced.

Royal Caribbean is a popular cruise line with both couples and families and Ovation of the Seas provides something a little different from other ships in the group. Personally, I prefer a smaller ship experience, however I did enjoy my short stay on Ovation.