Ovation Of The Seas Debut in Hobart

Ovation Of The Seas Debut in Hobart

Australia's newest, biggest and most technologically advanced cruise ship arrives in Hobart on 13 December 2016, marking the debut of SuperCruising.

Royal Caribbean's record-breaking Ovation of the Seas arrives in Hobart on 13 December, marking a momentous occasion for Australian cruising.  The newest, largest and most technologically advanced cruise ship to ever call Australia home ushers in a new era of holidays for Australians – known as SuperCruising.

'Ovation of the Seas is an absolute game changer for cruising down under. SuperCruising is a holiday experience unlike anything else you can find in Australia – and it can only be found on Royal Caribbean," said Adam Armstrong, managing director, Australia & New Zealand. 

'Over the last decade we have committed to bringing the biggest and best cruise ships to our doorstep – and today is the climax of that story. This occasion marks the first time that a cruise line has ever based a brand new ship in this market."

'At 348m long, 18 decks high, weighing in at 168,666 tons and with capacity for 5,000 guests and 1,500 crew, Ovation of the Seas is the fourth largest cruise ship in the world, making her the largest cruise ship to sail Australian waters, and by far the largest ship ever home-ported here."

Ovation of the Seas' 6,500 passengers and crew makes her bigger than the towns of Wynyard, New Norfolk and Georgetown.

'With that size comes unprecedented variety: more space for relaxation, 18 different dining options, and more of the big unique amenities that Royal Caribbean is famous for, like iFly, North Star and bumper cars. Whether you're an adventure-seeker or looking for some R&R, there is truly something for everyone, all in one magnificent megaliner," Armstrong added.

Ovation of the Seas becomes Royal Caribbean's fifth locally-based cruise ship, joining sister ships Voyager of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas and Legend of the Seas, and making Royal Caribbean the single largest cruise line operating in Australia this season.

She will deliver significant economic benefits at each of her ports of call.  Her visit to Hobart is expected to inject over $733,000 in passenger spend alone, while her maiden Australian season is expected to inject more than $35 million into the national economy.

Royal Caribbean has long had a reputation for challenging what is possible on a cruise holiday and Ovation of the Seas continues this tradition. With a price tag of US$1 billion, she offers incredible entertainment and activities that can only be found on Royal Caribbean, or have never been seen at sea down under.  For the first time in Australia, holidaymakers will be able to:

Feel the thrill of sky diving at sea with the Ripcord by iFly sky diving experience

Soar to new heights in North Star, hovering 90 metres above sea level in a jewel-like capsule for incredible 360 degree views

Relax at Two70 by day – a stylish lounge area with 270 degree views from enormous windows – and by night, be immersed in spectacular multimedia entertainment by robotic dancing video-screens, dramatic digital projection and high-flying aerialists and performers

Enjoy action-packed fun at SeaPlex, the largest indoor activity space at sea with bumper cars, roller skating, a full size sports court, a circus school and more

Enjoy a perfectly mixed cocktail from two robotic bartenders at the Bionic Bar

Dine at Jamie's Italian – Jamie Oliver's first Australian restaurant at sea

Choose from a further 17 other incredible dining experiences including the enchanting Wonderland, Michael's Genuine Pub and Royal Caribbean favourites like Chops Grille Steakhouse and Izumi Japanese

Stream and share as you would on land thanks to VOOM – the fastest internet at sea

Choose from the largest and most advanced variety of staterooms yet – every room has a view with all interior staterooms fitted with virtual balconies; Family-Connected staterooms are perfect for multi-generational families or groups of friends; new balcony and interior Studio staterooms for single travellers; and luxurious multi-level Loft Suites

Be inspired by a world class art collection – Around 20 percent of the extensive AUD $5.9million, 11,000 piece collection onboard Ovation of the Seas is Australian. The highlight is the larger than life -Mama and Baby' panda installation, perched atop eaPlex

Ovation of the Seas also includes many of the features Australians have come to know and love on other Royal Caribbean ships:

Surf the high seas on the FlowRider – a huge surfing simulator

Ascend to new heights on the Rock climbing wall

Walk the ship's length on an indoor promenade lined with shops, restaurants and bars

Meet family-favourite DreamWorks characters like Shrek, Puss in Boots and Po from Kung Fu Panda

Swim in the sun-drenched adults-only indoor pool

Watch movies outdoors with the oversized pool screen

The 168,666 ton vessel is one of the greenest ships to ever visit Australian shores, setting a new standard in environmental stewardship technology. The ship is equipped with next-generation technologies such as air lubrication systems on the hull to reduce fuel consumption.  Plus Royal Caribbean has removed all incandescent lighting. She was designed and built only to use LED or fluorescent lights, many of which are operated by motion sensors, only operating when needed.

Ovation of the Seas arrives in Hobart at 10am as part of a special charter by Australian travel agent Cruiseco, cruising from Singapore to Sydney with 4,286 guests onboard hailing from more than 10 different countries including Great Britain, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and China. She will depart at 6pm, making her way to her new homeport for her historic maiden arrival in Sydney on 15 December.

'SuperCruising on Ovation of the Seas marks the dawn of a bold new era of cruising down under – and we're so proud to share this momentous occasion with the people of Tasmania," Armstrong concluded.

For further information about Ovation of the Seas, or to book a cruise visit www.ovationoftheseas.com.au, phone 1800 754 500 or see your local travel agent.