By
Rebecca Gibson |
Chinese actress Fan Bingbing officially named Royal Caribbean International’s newbuild Ovation of the Seas in Tianjin, northeast China on 24 June.
Marking the first time Royal Caribbean has named a ship in China, the ceremony included a traditional blessing and concluded with a bottle of champagne being broken on the hull to bring good fortune to the ship and all who sail on her.
Ovation of the Seas, which was delivered by shipyard Meyer Werft at its Papenburg, Germany yard on 8 April, hosted a variety of UK visitors in Southampton, UK on 11-12 April. The ship then departed on a 52-day Global Odyssey cruise to Hong Kong where she sailed a one-month season before heading to Tianjin.
Royal Caribbean’s third Quantum-class ship will now homeport in Tianjin, and together with Quantum of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas, Voyager of the Seas and Legend of the Seas, will make up the largest fleet of any cruise line sailing in China. The vessel will reposition to Australia in December 2016.
“We are excited to bring our newest and most technologically advanced ship to China,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International, said. The unprecedented first-at-sea experiences will provide an incredible vacation adventure to our guests in the region. Chinese consumers have grown to expect the best the world has to offer, and this ship meets that standard like no other – this is a cruise from the future.”
Ovation of the Seas is one of the largest cruise ships ever built and accommodates 4,180 guests at double occupancy, as well as 1,500 crew. The 167,800gt vessel features Royal Caribbean’s largest staterooms, cabins with Virtual Balconies, and the Dynamic Dining concept, which comprises 18 restaurant concepts and speciality restaurants created with partner-chefs Jamie Oliver, Devin Alexander and Michael Schwartz.
In addition, guests benefit from a series of onboard experiences including the new Bionic Bar where guests can place orders via tablets and then watch robotic arms mix their drinks; the Ripcord by iFly skydiving experience; SeaPlex, the largest indoor active space at sea; Two70°, which spans three decks at the stern of the ship; and North Star, a glass pod that extends more than 300 ft above the ship.
“Now, Chinese guests can enjoy a wider variety of world-class cruise experiences and destinations right from their home market,” said Zinan Liu, president of Royal Caribbean International – China and North Asia Pacific. “We believe that this ship will continue to take cruisers to new heights with our extraordinary activities, creative entertainment and diversified dining options. We can provide the unforgettable and unexpected cruise experience that the Chinese market deserves.”