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Sushi, Skating, Surfing & Suites: Ovation of the Seas Delivers WOW'

FlowRider on the Ovation of the Seas. Photo Jill Weinlein

Royal Caribbean is expanding its West Coast presence by sailing this summer from the Port of Los Angeles to Baja California on 3, 4, 5 and 6-night cruises. Ports of Call include Ensenada, Cabo San Lucas and Catalina Island.

The sleek design and colorful Quantum-class ship is a floating city worthy of an ovation. Cruise in luxury, staying in one of the spacious and stunning balcony suites. It's not just a shuffleboard and buffet cruise; it is so much more by offering 'wow' adrenaline-thrilling opportunities. Rollerskate with others or drive a bumper car while at sea. Culinary opportunities include a sushi-making class, and family-style Italian meals at Jamie's Italian by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver.

Ovation of the Seas offers unique cruise activities such as FlowRide, providing 30,000 gallons of rushing water along a 40-foot-long surf simulator. Grab a boogie or surfboard and follow the expert's lead for a thrilling ride at the back of the ship.

Midnight Balloon Drop. Photo Jill Weinlein

The first night onboard a Royal Caribbean ship is always a high-energy fiesta atmosphere. Before midnight, a DJ spins tunes while entertainers get everyone on their feet dancing in the multi-level Royal Promenade. Just like a New Year's Eve celebration, the entertainment staff and eager passengers count down from 10 to 1, before brightly colored balloons drop from the ceiling for a lively party atmosphere.

It's one of many “Instagrammable” moments created to enhance guest engagement.

RIpCord by iFly. Photo courtesy of Jill Weinlein

Another experience one will never forget is skydiving at sea without having to jump from a plane. RipCord by iFLY offers an awe-inspiring vertical wind tunnel that allows passengers to fly while floating in the air. A seasoned staff member is in the tunnel with you, guiding and directing you to enjoy the rush.

Skating at Sea. Photo by Jill Weinlein

SeaPlex is the largest indoor activity complex on a ship. The two-level space has bumper cars, roller skating, and a full-sized basketball court. It's a floating playground for all ages. Try your hand at archery, cornhole, and ping-pong.

Outside of SeaPlex is a rock climbing wall for beginners to speed climbers. Take in the unobstructed views 40 feet above deck. It's included in your cruise fare and no reservations are required.

Bionic Bar. Photo Jill Weinlein

Order a drink on a tablet at the Bionic Bar and have one of the two robotic mixologists custom-make your shaken or stirred drink with exact precision. This is a popular spot for Instagram-worthy entertainment.

Culinary Delights. Photo Jill Weinlein

From sushi and sashimi at Izumi to pasta and pizza at Jamie's Italian, and molecular gastronomy at Wonderland, Ovation of the Sea's dining options go way beyond typical cruise fare. The ship's signature steakhouse Chops Grille provides a world of flavors in every bite and sip of wine.

North Star Observation. Photo Jill Weinlein

Step inside North Star Observation Capsule to soar 300 feet above the sea and ship. The glass gondola-style capsule lifts up to 20 guests at a time for panoramic ocean and port views. It's smooth, quiet and as thrilling as a Ferris wheel ride.

Suite Life Onboard. Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean

Splurge for a suite life in one of the three class tiers. Sea offers a dedicated check-in line, priority boarding, dinner at Coastal Kitchen and all-day access to Star, Sky and Sea Dining. Don the Royal Caribbean plush bathrobes for use onboard. Sleep in a luxury pillow-top mattress with luxury linens. Larger bathrooms have luxury amenities.

Use VOOM, the fastest internet at sea and enjoy a reserved seating section in select entertainment venues. Suite guests have lounge access and complimentary hors d'oeuvres and cocktails each evening. 

Interior Virtual Screen. Photo Jill Weinlein

Smart staterooms provide real-time video feeds inside the interior cabins displaying what is happening outside. The smart technology on a virtual balcony screen gives the stateroom an elevated viewing experience.

Ensenada. Photo by Rick Weinlein

Be sure to get off the ship at each port to explore the sun-kissed destinations. Royal Caribbean provides immersive excursions on the beach, in the water, and culinary opportunities for foodies to learn more about the exciting flavors of the region.

Royal Caribbean Ovation of the Seas delivers 'wow' moments from the moment you board and set sail to Mexico to the moment you return back to home port.

Jill Weinlein

Los Angeles based Jill Weinlein covers travel, food and lifestyle destinations for multiple newspapers, magazines and websites. Her areas of expertise include, luxury travel, culinary reviews, cruising and family travel destinations. Born in Los Angeles, Jill studied Communications and Theatre Arts at UCLA. She has a a Dine and Travel blog - www.dineandtravel.me and she writes a weekly restaur...(Read More)