When Royal Caribbean announced that they were bringing their brand new ship to Australia in its first year of service, cruise fans went into meltdown. Ovation is the biggest ship (at the moment) that has been based in Australia for a season. Its maiden season booked out fast but I was lucky to snag a cabin on one of its departures. The ship is magnificent and the couple of thousand extra passengers didn’t bother me as the ship is built obviously to accommodate the volumn. The cabins were well laid out and I particularly loved my inside cabin with virtual balcony. Fav spot on the ship would have to be Lounge 270 with its adjoining Café 270 serving breakfast, lunch and snacks from early morning to late afternoon (and included in your fare). Here also you can get either the free tea/coffees or a barista coffee (extra cost). -Monique Monsees