First time cruiser - ovation vs serenade

[latebuyer]

Right now i am booked on serenade of the seas to alaska for 7 nights as i thought a smaller cruiseship was better for first time. However there is a short 3 night pacific coastal cruise on ovation. I'm not sure if a shorter cruise would be better for first time. There also doesn't seem to be a lot of chatter about ovation of the seas on these boards. I am a solo cruiser if that makes a difference.

[Biker19]

4 minutes ago, christinand said:

Right now i am booked on serenade of the seas to alaska for 7 nights as i thought a smaller cruiseship was better for first time. However there is a short 3 night pacific coastal cruise on ovation. I'm not sure if a shorter cruise would be better for first time. There also doesn't seem to be a lot of chatter about ovation of the seas on these boards. I am a solo cruiser if that makes a difference.

Assuming you have a non-refundable booking stay with Serenade - the Ovation 3 day covers different ground, though she is a much nicer ship. Ovation doesn't sail out of US (till May for the first time) so gets little feedback on these boards.

[SHIP TRAVELER]

If you have not been to Alaska I would do it.  Ovation is a "cold" weather ship and IMO does not have a lot of sea views.  There is no wrap around promenade deck for viewing the sea and glaciers.  The Serenade is a Radiance class and has an open promenade and a lot of windows in the public areas.  It also has a lot less passenger to get on and off the ship at ports.

The Alaska cruise is usually very smooth and you will see wonderful things. 

IMO the pacific coast is better visited from a car driving  Highway 1.  Alaska is best seen from the water.

ust my 2 cents worth.