Free Things To Do Onboard Ovation Of The Seas
Over a dozen free things to do when planning an epic family vacation getaway onboard Ovation of the Seas®.
By Amanda Mesa | Published on March 7, 2023
You don’t need to max out your credit card in order to maximize memories and thrills on your next family getaway. When you book a cruise vacation with Royal Caribbean, you’ll have a seemingly endless list of unforgettable — and free — experiences at your fingertips no matter what ship you choose from the cruise line’s award-winning fleet. And while every class of ship offers its own unique vibe, food scene, entertainment and attractions, Ovation of the Seas consistently ranks high as a favorite among families and couples.
It’s no surprise why — this Quantum Class stunner dazzles with some of the best entertainment at sea, plenty of free places to eat that are totally foodie-approved, futuristic staterooms designed with guests’ comfort in mind and all kinds of adrenaline-amping, record-breaking feats you can experience for yourself at no additional charge. Like soaking up panoramic vistas from the North Star®, which holds the Guinness World Record as the tallest viewing deck on a cruise ship. Taming waves on the FlowRider®, an epic surf simulator that’s become an iconic top-deck attraction. Bumper cars, basketball and even trapeze training at SeaPlex®, the largest indoor activity space at sea. And hard-rocking concerts by some of the best cover bands in the industry at Music Hall, a sprawling, multi-level venue where good times are always on the set list.
That’s all in addition to a massive pool deck, supervised programs for little ones and delicious flavors from all corners of the globe served during breakfast, lunch and dinner — at no additional cost to cruise guests. Is your head spinning from all the free things to do onboard? Check out this guide to included onboard activities and free places to eat when you choose an Ovation of the Seas itinerary.
1. Start The Day On The Rock Climbing Wall
There’s no better way to start your day onboard Ovation of the Seas than a scramble up the ship’s 40-foot Rock Climbing Wall — a Royal Caribbean mainstay that yields some seriously spectacular views of the surrounding scenery. Guests as young as six years old can harness up for this wow-worthy activity, which is totally complimentary for cruise guests and doesn’t require any reservations.
2. Enjoy A Delicious Complimentary Breakfast At Windjammer
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head to Windjammer for a breakfast of tantalizing global flavors included in your cruise fare. You’ll find all kinds of mouthwatering dishes here served across an extensive array of stations — like fluffy omelets made to your specifications, tender carved meats, creamy yogurt served with fresh fruit, decadent pastries still warm from the oven, and so much more. Some of guests’ top picks include Windjammer’s flavorful egg Bhurji served with roti, crispy homestyle chicken and waffles and flaky butter croissants.
3. Snap Up Scene-Stealing Views From The North Star
No matter what time of day it is, you can always count on awe-inspiring views when you go for a ride in the North Star. Unique to Quantum Class cruise ships, this engineering marvel holds the Guinness World Record as the tallest viewing deck on a cruise ship. It’s a transparent observation capsule that gently lifts guests 300 feet above sea level, offering 360-degree views of the world as you sail from one incredible destination to another. Rides are free to guests, so hop in as many times as you like throughout your adventure onboard Ovation of the Seas.
4. Dive Into Epic Activities At SeaPlex
Some of the top free things to do onboard Ovation of the Seas are located at SeaPlex, a massive indoor activity space that offers hours of adrenaline-amping fun and pulse-pounding action. This is where you’ll find the cruise ship’s legendary bumper cars course, where guests can buckle up and put their pedal to the metal as they speed, swerve and crash their way in, around and against each other. SeaPlex is also home to a full-sized basketball court that’s perfect for showing off your dribbling and dunking skills, comfy consoles where guests can show off their video-gaming prowess and even a trapeze school that offers expert training on how to pull off high-flying feats. Access to SeaPlex — and most of the activities there — is complimentary for cruise guests, and you can visit whenever you like during your Ovation of the Seas getaway.
5. Practice Your Carving Skills On The FlowRider Surf Simulator
Almost everybody who has sailed with Royal Caribbean knows about the FlowRider surf simulator. After all — it’s one of the cruise line’s most famous onboard attractions, and it’s completely free for cruise guests. This top-deck wonder lets kids and adults test their skills taming world-class swells all day long, thanks to 30,000 gallons of rushing water and engineering developed by some of the industry’s most brilliant minds. Grab a board and try to stay upright as you coast over the rolling waves, or hit the water on your belly, boogie-style. If you’d rather watch from afar, grab a spot in the stadium seating and cheer on the would-be carvers as they attempt to hang ten. Make sure you wear your bathing suit, though — you’re in the splash zone.
6. Savor Crave-Worthy, Complimentary Eats At Dog House, Sorrento’s Pizza Or Cafe Promenade
Three of the best fast-casual dining options onboard Ovation of the Seas are also complimentary for guests — Dog House, Sorrento’s Pizza and Cafe Promenade. At Dog House, you can savor a range of gourmet brats inspired by different culinary capitals. Like the Coney Island, a traditional sausage made with classic American beef. Or the Big Apple, a chicken sausage cooked with apple that lends it a subtle hint of sweetness. At Sorrento’s, it’s all about goodness by the slice. Opt for a classic cheese, pepperoni or margherita pie, or get creative with the meat-loaded Carnivore or the sweet-and-tangy Caribbean Dream. And at Cafe Promenade you’ll find aromatic pastries, cool antipasti, fresh-pressed paninis, crisp salads and more served around the clock, making it the perfect pit stop for early-morning bites or late-night eats.
7. Let The Kids Play At Adventure Ocean® Or Splashaway Bay
Kids will have a blast Splashaway BaySM, a colorful aqua park located right on the pool deck that offers epic thrills for little ones. It’s home to water cannons, interactive fountains, whirlpools and waterslides for tots to tweens. There’s even a drench bucket that makes for the perfect photo opportunity. Similarly, the award-winning Adventure Ocean Youth Program offers endless fun for adventure-seekers aged 3-11. They’ll be broken out into groups — Aquanauts, Explorers and Voyagers — depending on their age, and given all kinds of educational and engaging supervised activities, from arts and crafts to scavenger hunts, themed parties and more. The program is free for cruise guests, and gives parents some time alone to reconnect and enjoy a little well-deserved grown-up time.
8. Enjoy Some Adult Time At The Solarium
While your little ones are having the time of their lives at Adventure Ocean, escape to the Solarium — an idyllic adults-only space with whirlpools, dazzling views and plenty of room to unwind in the shade or the sunshine. Onboard Ovation of the Seas, it’s also home to a full bar helmed by talented mixologists. Elevate your afternoon with a flavorful cocktail, sip a refreshing glass of white wine or rosé or cool off with an ice-cold mug of your favorite beer. Access to the Solarium is free for guests aged 18 and older throughout your cruise, so you can linger as long — and visit as often — as you like.
9. Gather For An Unforgettable Family Dinner In The Main Dining Room
Elevate mealtime every night with wow-worthy flavors and five-star service in the Main Dining Room. This upscale, multi-level venue serves as the perfect backdrop for a spectacular family meal, and the food never disappoints. Menu items run the gamut from tried-and-true classics to rotating global delicacies. Think savory duck terrine layered with apricot chutney, flaky Vidalia onion tarts baked with smoked bacon and fluffy cream, Moroccan spiced ahi tuna served over mint couscous and mojo-marinated bone-in pork loin. If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll be pleased to know dessert is always a class act. Guest favorites include a decadent tres leches soaked in sweet cream, homestyle carrot cake finished with rich cream cheese frosting and a Grand Marnier soufflé that’s simply extraordinary. Every dish on the menu is included in your cruise fare, and there are no limits to how many nights you can dine here.
10. Level Up Every Night Onboard With Wow-Worthy Musical And Theatrical Performances
The thrills don’t end after dark when you sail onboard Ovation of the Seas. This award-winning cruise ship offers lots of free things to do onboard once the sun goes down. Head to the Royal Theater for Broadway-style performances everyone in the family will love — all complimentary for guests. Settle in for a free, futuristic spectacular that blends show-stopping music, electrifying choreography and cutting-edge technology at Two70® — a state-of-the-art multimedia venue that’s exclusive to Quantum Class cruise ships. Snuggle up with your loved ones and some buttery popcorn during poolside movie nights under the stars. Or jam out to cover bands that rock like the real thing at Music Hall, the cruise ship’s sweeping, multi-level concert venue. Keep in mind that these are just some of the many free things to do onboard Ovation of the Seas. No matter how long your sailing is or what you’re in the mood for, you’ll never run out of included onboard activities when you choose this acclaimed fleet-favorite. Discover even more deckside thrills, attractions and dining on the cruise ship overview, and start planning the best family vacation this year.
Disclaimer: Complimentary activities are subject to change and may vary by market and sailing.
