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Why So Many Unenthusiastic Reviews for Ovation of the Seas?


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Yeah, should have mentioned we are cruising in Alaska--hope that makes all the difference!

 

 

Please come back and let us know what you think. (And anyone saling Ovation in Alaska, I think this ship will enable my wife to consider an AK cruise.

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Last month we spent 17 days on Ovation. It was our first time on a Qunatum class ship and we loved it. I don't base the ship on the passengers which were extremely rude on the 5 day cruise but more of congenial crowd on the 12 day cruise.

Here is a link to my report I was doing while on board.

 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2620307

 

 

Thanks for that Bill , I've read enough of your reviews to put value in the opinion.

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I have heard that the Mainland Chinese have no manners, compared with those of Hong Kong and Taiwan.

 

It appears they haven’t the social graces of other countries

Wow..talking about manners and social graces....Ethnicity has nothing to do with it...both your posts are good indicators of that :eek::eek:

 

Do either of you have first hand experience :confused::confused::confused:

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There is a pretty big difference in what is considered polite behavior in western countries vs. mainland China. Neither is better than the other, they are just different. Some people can adapt to the differences, others can't. It sometimes takes a lot of flexibility and understanding to travel internationally but it is very much worth it.

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Wow..talking about manners and social graces....Ethnicity has nothing to do with it...both your posts are good indicators of that :eek::eek:

 

Do either of you have first hand experience :confused::confused::confused:

A friend of mine down the pub told me but he had been drinking.

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A friend of mine down the pub told me but he had been drinking.

We have cruised the Asian itineraries and done several land trips. The biggest difference we noticed was not completely understanding the whole line up and wait your turn scenario.

 

Rude and ill mannered people are found everywhere....I'm sure you've experienced some regardless of where you have been.

 

The Chinese tend to get a bad rap on these boards.

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All the reviews are from Westerners who can not survive in a Asian based society.

 

Yeah, thanks for that.

 

As one of the low reviewers of Ovation, how then do you explain my 5 star assessment of Quantum on a previous cruise out of China, and my stays before and after this cruise on land in China and Hong Kong (and also elsewhere in Asia), which were excellent?

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We have cruised the Asian itineraries and done several land trips. The biggest difference we noticed was not completely understanding the whole line up and wait your turn scenario.

 

Agreed. But it was actually more of an issue on my sailing back on Quantum which I rated highly, where pushing, shoving and shouting occurred outside the MDR, and members of security were in place to manage that behaviour. First time I've seen that, and I'd call it out of hand - yet still managed well by crew.

 

This time on Ovation there were fewer locals, more international guests (about 80-20), and I would also say the local behaviour had become more 'internationalised' this time. Though you still had to be constantly vigilant to prevent pushing in.

 

In neither of my experiences onboard Quantum (which I rated high) or Ovation (which I rated low) was my assessment based on the rest of the pax though... though it certainly made it more of an "experience."

 

It was just Ovation's operations, their 'care/interest', their food and moreover their concern for catering for the different guests that caused this latest rating. Unless they want to make this ship Chinese bookings only, they need to pull their finger out.

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I am concerned around the negative reviews we are booked on Nz 12 night cruise in Feb, I understand this is a big ship, but RC really need to be reactive if not proactive to these reviews/complaints, i know it's all about perception, and we all want and expect different things, some of these are un-acheivable and for some people things will never be right, however it seems that something is rotten in Denmark, I hope they respond a send in a team to get the basics right.... come on RC sought it out

 

"In neither of my experiences onboard Quantum (which I rated high) or Ovation (which I rated low) was my assessment based on the rest of the pax though... though it certainly made it more of an "experience."

 

"It was just Ovation's operations, their 'care/interest', their food and moreover their concern for catering for the different guests that caused this latest rating. Unless they want to make this ship Chinese bookings only, they need to pull their finger out".

I have been fortunate to travel all around the world and on many cruise ships, and have expirienced many cultures, and some are very different to mine but it doesnt make it wrong,just different, different doesnt equal less quality of proffessionliasm

Being in the minority or of a different culture, doesnt mean quality and standards have to slip especially when delivering a service.:confused:

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Rude and ill mannered people are found everywhere....I'm sure you've experienced some regardless of where you have been.

That’s for sure. It is worse, thought, when (and where) people just assume their behavior (and culture) is the standard to which all others must conform.

 

Regarding the OPs question of why so few positive reviews, my guess would be the majority of Cruise Critic members and reviews are US based, and that ship is not.

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That’s for sure. It is worse, thought, when (and where) people just assume their behavior (and culture) is the standard to which all others must conform.

 

Regarding the OPs question of why so few positive reviews, my guess would be the majority of Cruise Critic members and reviews are US based, and that ship is not.

 

I always wonder what the other cultures must think of us as we stand and let everyone cut in front of us. They probably view us as weak and passive, or something along those lines.

 

It is just incredibly hard no matter how hard I try, to overcome the cultural upbringing of standing in an orderly line. We have been programmed to do it, and to overcome it is going against our programming since birth.

 

Much in the same way we HAVE to tip, even when we are in a different culture where tipping is not expected.

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Regarding the OPs question of why so few positive reviews, my guess would be the majority of Cruise Critic members and reviews are US based, and that ship is not.

 

As they marketed sales towards Australian cruisers, you will actually find the majority of recent negative reviews are from Australian guests. Though I noticed one of the latest was from a Hong Kong (Chinese descent) guest as well.

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That’s for sure. It is worse, thought, when (and where) people just assume their behavior (and culture) is the standard to which all others must conform.

 

Regarding the OPs question of why so few positive reviews, my guess would be the majority of Cruise Critic members and reviews are US based, and that ship is not.

That's the real answer...the rest in this thread is mostly noise.

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I take all reviews with a grain of salt as dissatisfied people are more likely to complain than happy people are to leave a compliment.

 

I’ve spent 14 nights on Ovation and would happily cruise her again. The solarium is amazing! We also very much enjoyed the 270 lounge. The entertainment is quite good overall. Music hall is a unique venue. I found the food good in MDR, windjammer and cafe 270. Also did the 3 night specialty restaurant deal enjoying wonderland and 2 visits to Chops. We had fun on the bumper cars and watching the crew vs guests cricket. Our server in the MDR Sandeep was great as was Jason at the bionic bar.

 

Of course there’s always a few negative things. I didn’t care for cruise director Mike Hunnerip who was pretty absent. It was crowded at times especially getting in and out of shows. For some people I spoke to it was their first time on a really big ship and they just found it too big. It has the same issue as Oasis class in that you can start to feel like you’re in a hotel or mall with less connection to the sea (hanging out in the solarium or 270 is an instant cure for this!)

 

Overall we ha a great trip and I would recommend it outside of the chinese based cruises. It’s not racism to recognise that there are significant differences in what is considered acceptable behaviour in western culture and Chinese culture. Many behaviours fully accepted in China are very challenging for western guests.

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Given the location of the reviewers differs from that answer, clearly that isn't the answer... but has added to the noise.

Yeah...right... :rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

I take all reviews with a grain of salt as dissatisfied people are more likely to complain than happy people are to leave a compliment.

 

I’ve spent 14 nights on Ovation and would happily cruise her again. The solarium is amazing! We also very much enjoyed the 270 lounge. The entertainment is quite good overall. Music hall is a unique venue. I found the food good in MDR, windjammer and cafe 270. Also did the 3 night specialty restaurant deal enjoying wonderland and 2 visits to Chops. We had fun on the bumper cars and watching the crew vs guests cricket. Our server in the MDR Sandeep was great as was Jason at the bionic bar.

 

Of course there’s always a few negative things. I didn’t care for cruise director Mike Hunnerip who was pretty absent. It was crowded at times especially getting in and out of shows. For some people I spoke to it was their first time on a really big ship and they just found it too big. It has the same issue as Oasis class in that you can start to feel like you’re in a hotel or mall with less connection to the sea (hanging out in the solarium or 270 is an instant cure for this!)

 

Overall we ha a great trip and I would recommend it outside of the chinese based cruises. It’s not racism to recognise that there are significant differences in what is considered acceptable behaviour in western culture and Chinese culture. Many behaviours fully accepted in China are very challenging for western guests.

Best post in this thread to date.

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:confused: is the person a bartender or tech support and how do you evaluate such a person?

 

A little bit of both. He is there to help people work the iPads that you order on, change out empty bottles, make drink suggestions and fix malfunctions. He was always smiling, polite, happy to help, ready for a chat about your day (if it wasn’t too busy). Just all around a very pleasant and helpful staff member. We took the time to recognise him on our post cruise survey.

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Many Western passengers feel like a minority when they are on an Asian cruise doing an Asian season that predominantly caters for locals. When that same ship re locates to Australia or Alaska or wherever there is usually some form of re furbishment or venue upgrades that cater to the needs of Westerners. I have the same concern for Majestic Princess which reportedly has a large casino for Chinese gamblers but currently has no casino bar. Princess have already announced changes will take place for that ship before it re locates from Asia in August to do a full Australian season. I would expect that similar arrangements will be made for Ovation before it goes to Alaska.

 

We sailed the Majestic in the Med before she shipped to China. There were a lot of useless grumbles about layout of the ship (which to me was no big deal- I understood those changes were because the ship was made with an Asian culture in mind) and such. She was a one and done for us- not because of that, just was not wowed by the ship, staff, or food. Greek

isles were amazing though.

 

That said, what would be daunting for the average Westerner is when they are in Asia sailing with an Asian crew and an Asian clientele. There is a lot in Chinese (because I believe that was whom the ship was targeted for?) culture that we Westerners may not be used to if we've never been exposed to it.

 

Having not read the reviews for the Ovation, do you think more of the complaints stem from the culture clash between east and west? Or do you think they are legitimate (not that the above are not) concerns?

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For what it is worth my family has been traveling predominately in Asia for the last 2 1/2 years and we have one more land vacation in Asia (2 weeks in Japan) before our next cruise. We absolutely love traveling in Asian countries and cities. Thailand is my favorite country I have ever visited. We lived in Europe for 4 years and I never thought I would love traveling anywhere else but I was very wrong. We have not run into too many language barriers. We attempt to learn a few phrases (and my older two kids speak some Mandarin) but we mostly just use google translate and a whole lot of gestures and smiles. We have not done a cruise out of a an Asian port but we have done several land vacations in different areas from cities and theme parks to the country side and park reserves. All the trips have been wonderful so far. So my advice would be do your research and go in with realistic expectations and a open mind and you just may enjoy it! :)

 

I agree. As long as you can go with the flow it will be fine, and keep in mind each Asian culture is notably different than others. Singapore is incredibly regimented, way more so than the US and punctuality is king. For the Philippines... not so much. (I am Filipino) The Philippines runs on Filipino time. Also the level of organization and orderliness varies greatly as well. If you are incredibly OCD and demand everything run in a set way, however, cruising out of China could prove to be difficult.

 

 

I could not have said it better myself than you two did. I had to do research on my trips to Japan and China because each culture is remarkably different. I feel like even though I am of the mindset that if in another country you should never expect that things will be done the same as in our own; had I not had that research to go on? China would have been very very frustrating. Thankfully that wasn't the case, and I went in eyes wide open in both cases and had an amazing time!

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  • 2 weeks later...
I was actually thinking about Alaska on the Ovation for summer 19 as well. I am concerned about the reviews too.

 

 

Well I think you should go on Ovation for Alaska. They have enclosed pools and there is Two 70 in the back of the ship. I have been on Anthem twice ( ya know the ship with bad luck) and still like it. I did Alaska with Radiance and loved it. I did Alaska with Explorer and ... well it was just okay. Pools not covered at all. Unhappy folks on that trip

 

I just got off the NCL Bliss doing Panama Canal. That ship is doing Alaska, with no enclosed pools. Yea they have race track but Ovation has NorthStar and the enclosed Seaplex with bumper cars. Ovation will give Bliss a run for their money you watch and see

 

So do the Ovation in Alaska and you won't regret it. Very innovative ship. I am so sad the darn Spectrum of the seas is going to Asia. What the heck gives with that. Quantum class ships are great for all year round weather.

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I take all reviews with a grain of salt as dissatisfied people are more likely to complain than happy people are to leave a compliment.

 

I’ve spent 14 nights on Ovation and would happily cruise her again. The solarium is amazing! We also very much enjoyed the 270 lounge. The entertainment is quite good overall. Music hall is a unique venue. I found the food good in MDR, windjammer and cafe 270. Also did the 3 night specialty restaurant deal enjoying wonderland and 2 visits to Chops. We had fun on the bumper cars and watching the crew vs guests cricket. Our server in the MDR Sandeep was great as was Jason at the bionic bar.

 

Of course there’s always a few negative things. I didn’t care for cruise director Mike Hunnerip who was pretty absent. It was crowded at times especially getting in and out of shows. For some people I spoke to it was their first time on a really big ship and they just found it too big. It has the same issue as Oasis class in that you can start to feel like you’re in a hotel or mall with less connection to the sea (hanging out in the solarium or 270 is an instant cure for this!)

 

Overall we ha a great trip and I would recommend it outside of the chinese based cruises. It’s not racism to recognise that there are significant differences in what is considered acceptable behaviour in western culture and Chinese culture. Many behaviours fully accepted in China are very challenging for western guests.

 

BekkaW...absolutely agree. Must also say that Sandeep or "Sandy" was outstanding in many ways. He was even friendlier when we saw him off the ship at one of the ports.

We were on the Ovation for 34 days. We saw the passengers change from Asians to Aussies. Yes, the Diamond Lounge was a high-roller gambling room during the Asian itineraries. Wonderland was a Chinese restaurant specializing in Peking duck.

Funny, when the Ovation was in Asia, the bars were empty but gambling was popular...In the Australian itineraries, drinking was heavy and the casino was empty. Note: The Music Hall was used as an extension to the Diamond Lounge during the Aussie run.

During the Asia cruises, the noodle bar in the Windjammer had long lines...not so much in the Aussie sailings. Most glaring difference was the chaos outside the MDR during dinner during the Asian sailings...a bit more orderly during the Aussie sailings. And yes, during the Asian sailings, you had to pay to use the flowrider, the IFly, and Northstar...no charge during the Aussie sailings.

The concierge, Deck 12, aft, was almost empty during the Asian sailings....standing room only on numerous nights during the Aussie sailings. Special thanks to Bing, one of the best concierge we have ever met...the room was always bright...because she was a star.

We prefer the smaller ships, but the Ovation was wonderful. Although it felt crowded at times (during sales event in the Royal Esplanade), there were always quiet places to go to. The Two70 had great shows in the evening and peaceful during the day...oh, with stunning views of the ocean from the floor to ceiling windows...and while you're there, don't forget to visit the Cafe Two70 where they have the best roast beef sandwiches...secret: Cafe Two70 also serves a nice breakfast.

The differences in cultures are obvious...some bad, some good...but if you don't let it bother you and just simply smile....you will have a great cruise on the Ovation. Wish we had the time to sail her in Alaska...the Ovation may perhaps be the perfect ship for the cold weather in Alaska...that beautiful solarium will be popular...and the Seaplex, is all indoors.:)

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