The thought of going on holiday on a cruise ship comes with its fair share of inevitable, dated stigmas. We imagine decks crammed with semi-broiled elderly people waddling slowly to nowhere in particular, while any time away from the poolside involves either queuing up for uninspired buffets, lost in a sea of slot machines or listening to a Euro-tuned version of Sinatra’s “My Way” being sung half-heartedly by a two-bit performer on his ninth crossing of the Atlantic.
We think that, but we would be wrong.
This year sees the maiden voyage of one of the biggest cruise ships ever built, the Ovation of the Seas. As part of Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Class of boats, this 350m-long, 18-deck behemoth of a vessel comes kitted out with enough resources and activities for its 4,000 guests, deservedly earning it the title of the most technologically advanced passenger ship on water.
During its recent stopover in the UAE (on its way to Singapore from Barcelona), our little sojourn aboard did plenty to dispel any previously held misconceptions, and instead had us mentally planning the perfect getaway for our mates.
Imagine rounding up your best friends and spending four days aboard a boat that boasts an on-deck skydiving simulator, a flow-rider surf-pool, basketball courts, bumper cars, video-game arcades, a casino, outdoor (and indoor) cinema screens, four swimming pools, state-of-the-art gym and spa, plus 22 restaurant and bar options (including a Jamie’s Italian and a robotic bartender who mixes drinks for you).
Changed your mind yet? We thought so.
