OVATION OF THE SEAS MAKES HER STUNNING DEBUT
New Zealand’s newest, biggest and most technologically advanced cruise ship arrives in Auckland, marking the debut of SuperCruising

26 December 2016. Royal Caribbean’s record-breaking Ovation of the Seas arrives in Auckland at 7am on 27 December, marking a momentous occasion for Kiwi cruising. The newest, largest and most technologically advanced cruise ship to be based in Australasia ushers in a new era of holidays for Kiwis – 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 New Zealand – 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 tonnes and with capacity for almost 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 Australasian waters, and she is by far the largest ship ever home-ported in the region.”

Ovation of the Seas will be the largest cruise ship to sail New Zealand waters. At 348 metres long, if stood up end to end she would be more than 20 metres taller than the Sky Tower. With almost 6,500 guests and crew, Ovation of the Seas carries more than the total population of some of the towns that it will visit such as Paihia or Picton, and with 2,090 staterooms onboard she has six times the rooms of the SkyCity Hotel.
“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 Australasia this season.
She will deliver significant economic benefits at each of her ports of call. Her three visits to Auckland are expected to inject over $1.5 million in passenger spend alone, while her maiden New Zealand season is expected to inject more than $9.5 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 New Zealand, 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 restaurant in New Zealand waters
• 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 – One key highlight of the NZD$6.1million, 11,000 piece collection onboardOvation of the Seas the larger than life ‘Mama and Baby’ panda installation, perched atop SeaPlex.

Ovation of the Seas also includes many of the features Kiwis 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-tonne vessel is one of the greenest ships to ever visit New Zealand 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.

“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 New Zealand,” Armstrong concluded.

For further information about Ovation of the Seas, or to book a cruise visit www.ovationoftheseas.com, phone 0800 102 123 or see your local travel agent.

-ENDS-

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