QF&EK J+F off SIN to cruise Ovation OTS

[sydks]

The ship has a very large casino that leads into a 2 story room called the Music Hall that has a live band most nights, pool tables and a big dance floor. This also becomes the night club late at night.

These rooms are both very red and gold!

 

[sydks]

Day 2 we were in Port Klang for Kuala Lumpur but we didn't get off the ship having been to KL before.

We took advantage of a port day special to enjoy massages at the spa and then spent the day relaxing around the indoor adults only solarium pools. In the afternoon we tried out the robotic bartenders at the bionic bar, another bit of fun - shame they serve in only plastic cups!

 

[sydks]

We saw 2 shows on the 2nd evening. These are some pictures from the first show called Spectra's Cabaret which was held in a lounge right at the aft end of the ship called 270. Its a large room with 2 story windows on 3 sides that become screens to provide the backdrops to the shows.

There are also 6 large LED screens on robotic arms that become a moving set piece. The combinations of screens and the technology in the room is quite amazing. The show itself was entertaining enough but I couldn't help think that there was a lot of unused potential in that room that could deliver something really mind blowing.

 

[sydks]

The 2nd show was in the main theatre and was called live, love, legs (or something similar).

Let's just say we thought we were at the latest Victoria's Secret runway launch!

There were a lot of big 'showgirl' numbers with lots of red and gold and yes, lots of legs!

Overall for us RCI seemed to have missed the mark on the entertainment front this time which is unusual as this is normally where they shine. The shows on Allure of the Seas including a full broadway production of Chicago are still the best we have seen at sea.

However it's likely that the entertainment on Ovation has been tailored for the chinese market where she will spend the next few months (which we understand and makes sense). I would be surprised if the shows didn't change for her Australian sailings.

 

[love_the_life]

I think that the Chinese market is the driving force behind the colours scheme, shows and menus on board Ovation. It will be interesting to see what changes (if any) RCI make for its sailings in Australia over the summer.

 

[sydks]

The 3rd day was spent at sea and it was a gorgeous day with very flat conditions, it never felt like we were on a moving ship!

We gave the dodgem cars a go which was a bit of fun! There is a big indoor sports area called the seaplex on the top decks of the ship. It can be used for the dodgems, roller skating or turned into sports courts for basketball etc.

We also had a game of pool (our first on a ship) and another ride up the North Star. We spent the afternoon relaxing by the pool looking forward to a specialty dinner we had booked for the last night called the Chef's Table.

 

[sydks]

The Chef's Table is a 6 course degustation dinner with paired wines offered each night for up to 12 people.

The evening begins with Champagne in the Schooner bar before being seated at a long table in a private section of the Chops Grille restaurant.

The food was very good and I enjoyed all the courses, though the artichoke salad seemed a little out of place. The matched wines were excellent in particular the Chardonnay's and Cab Sav and it ended on a high note with a delicious Chocolate Martini

Overall a great evening!

 

[sydks]

Here was the desert and coughtail that finished off our Chef's Table experience.

That brought our last evening to a close and the following morning we would disembark back in Singapore.

I have added some pictures of our Balcony Stateroom that was very comfortable.

Overall we had a great time on Ovation, we enjoyed some great meals and got to experience the IFly which was an incredible highlight!

We couldn't help feel though that the ship doesn't quite have the wow factor we expected given it's RCIs latest design of ship (the Quantum class). There was no spectacular atrium or royal promenade and no bar high up on the ship with a great view (like the viking crown lounge on their other ships). The lack of the VC lounge in particular meant there was no secluded bar where you could escape the hustle and bustle for a nice quiet drink either before or after dinner and we really missed that!

Perhaps it is just that our last cruise on RCI was on Allure of the Seas which had plenty of wow, but while we would happily do Allure again we probably wouldn't sail the Quantum class again. If only they could add an IFly to Allure!!!

 

[Pushka]

I'm hoping to book Princess Chef's table in December. Hard to get into.

Maybe you are a bit jaded from too much wow? The ship seems fabulous.

 

[sydks]

As we were disembarking the ship in the morning and not flying out until 10.40pm on EK404 we had booked a day room back at the Mandarin Oriental where we soaked up the Singapore heat and had a nice lunch in one of the Cabanas around the pool.

Later in the afternoon when it had cooled somewhat we took a walk around the bay before having a shower and closing up the bags one last time back at the MO.

We were picked up by the Chauffeur Drive service at 7.30 and whisked off to Changi for our flights home Emirates A380 Business SIN-MEL and QF A330 Business MEL-SYD. I was keeping my fingers crossed that there was no QF equipment change because we had a refurbed A330 and were looking forward to experiencing the new J suites for the first time and see how they compared to the EK A380 J seats.

 

[sydks]

Our first stop at the airport was the always great QF Singapore Lounge.

We enjoyed the fresh cooked to order dishes (the crispy pork belly was served like a duck pancake and was excellent!!) and then the wonderful creme caramels, yummy as always!

Wine selection was good and we enjoyed the Bin 2 before we moved on to check out the Emirates Lounge.

 

[sydks]

The Veuve was calling us in the Emirates lounge where we could also relax with our bubbles knowing they would make a call when our flight was ready.

The lounge is a typical overseas EK lounge, a great standard for a J lounge with real champagne and an extensive buffet style food offering - although this one is showing a little wear and tear so not sure when it's last refurb was.

Our flight was due to be called for boarding at 10 but we weren't called until about 20 past, time for more bubbles! I am still perplexed as to why EK serve Veuve on the ground at O/S ports and yet Moet in the air and on the ground in DXB - you would think they would stick with a single J champagne? Be nice if it was Veuve everywhere!

So at 10.20 we were off to board our A380 to Melbourne!

 

[love_the_life]

I'm hoping to book Princess Chef's table in December. Hard to get into.

Maybe you are a bit jaded from too much wow? The ship seems fabulous.

OT I know but it's a bit of a pain that you cannot book specialty restaurants on Princess until you are on the ship. I like to be able to have that all sorted and paid for before boarding. That will be your first 'port of call' so to speak when you board. Luckily you have a few nights up your sleeve to get into Chef's Table.

Great report sydks, thanks. I have never had anything other than millpond conditions in the Straits of Malacca; the island of Sumatra protects the area from weather from the west, always boringly flat.

 

[Justinf]

Loving this TR. Thank you.

 

[Pushka]

OT I know but it's a bit of a pain that you cannot book specialty restaurants on Princess until you are on the ship. I like to be able to have that all sorted and paid for before boarding. That will be your first 'port of call' so to speak when you board. Luckily you have a few nights up your sleeve to get into Chef's Table.

Great report sydks, thanks. I have never had anything other than millpond conditions in the Straits of Malacca; the island of Sumatra protects the area from weather from the west, always boringly flat.

Agree with that totally. Its a pain.

 

[love_the_life]

I'm not so fond of the EK lounge in SIN. I prefer QF but it is more convenient when flying EK as they announce boarding, rather than having to keep an eye on the clock all the time. Splitting time between them is the way to go.

 

[kermatu]

I'm not so fond of the EK lounge in SIN. I prefer QF but it is more convenient when flying EK as they announce boarding, rather than having to keep an eye on the clock all the time. Splitting time between them is the way to go.

I used to feel the EK lounge was vastly superior to QF's but my most recent few QF experiences have been far better than my first couple. Still marginally prefer EK for food (and it is far quieter). Having both (plus the new BA lounge) is ideal!

 

[sydks]

Sounds like the ship could just stay berthed and keep people happy.

For 90% of people this could be very true but for me a ship doesn't really come alive until you set sail, we love days at sea and it just wouldn't be as fun being tied up alongside!

 

[sydks]

We boarded the flight and found the J cabin to be pretty lightly loaded, I would guess about 40% - which made for some much more personalised service than I have had previously in EK J.

I was in 7K which I found to be a great seat with no pax traffic and a big open shelf which would normally be the back of the console of the seat in front. Service also started at the front of the cabin so was very quick after take off. Crew were very friendly too.

I decided to start with a Cosmo to go with the warmed nuts and olives after take off. Hot towels were distributed before dinner orders were taken.

 

[sydks]

For dinner I started with the tuna which was excellent in quality and flavour! Washed down with the french white.

I then had the Singapore chicken which was less impressive but still tasty and moved onto the Margaret River shiraz.

Finishing with the cheese plate, which was a good selection.

Was very happy with the dinner service which was very attentive. They also offered hot towels again after dinner which was a nice touch!