Cruise Guides

Illustration of the North Star capsule rising above Ovation of the Seas in Alaska

Ovation of the Seas: Alaska, North Star and Thrills

Leo Sotropa

The thrills on Ovation of the Seas in Alaska: riding the North Star over glaciers and fjords, RipCord skydiving, SeaPlex, Two70, and how to book them early.

Illustration of a seasoned cruiser sharing advice beside a deck map on Ovation of the Seas

Ovation of the Seas Tips: Alaska Insider Secrets

Leo Sotropa

Insider Ovation of the Seas tips for an Alaska cruise: what to book early, beating the lines on the North Star, packing for the cold, and planning port days.

Cutaway illustration comparing interior, ocean view, balcony, and suite cabins on Ovation of the Seas

Best Cabins on Ovation of the Seas (and Which to Avoid)

Leo Sotropa

Which cabins on Ovation of the Seas to book and which to avoid, why a balcony pays off in Alaska, and a full deck-by-deck guide to every category.

Illustration of the Royal Esplanade and atrium aboard Ovation of the Seas

What to Expect on Ovation of the Seas

Leo Sotropa

What to expect on Ovation of the Seas: the North Star, RipCord skydiving, SeaPlex, Two70, the glass-roofed indoor pool, and why she's ideal for Alaska.

Illustration of Ovation of the Seas at the pier with travelers looking up at the ship

Ovation of the Seas Cruise Guide: What to Know

Leo Sotropa

A complete guide to Ovation of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's amplified Quantum-Class ship and one of the best ships for an Alaska cruise from Vancouver or Seward.

Illustration of guests boarding Anthem of the Seas on embarkation day

First-Time Cruise on Anthem of the Seas: A Guide

Leo Sotropa

A first-time cruiser's guide to Anthem of the Seas: booking, sailing from Sydney, embarkation, your first hours aboard, dining, and mistakes to avoid.

Illustration of Milford Sound and New Zealand scenery seen from Anthem of the Seas

Anthem of the Seas: New Zealand and South Pacific

Leo Sotropa

A guide to Anthem of the Seas' New Zealand and South Pacific cruises from Sydney: the Bay of Islands, Milford Sound, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, and more.

Illustration of the North Star capsule rising above Anthem of the Seas

Anthem of the Seas: North Star, RipCord and Thrills

Leo Sotropa

A guide to the thrills on Anthem of the Seas: the North Star observation capsule, RipCord skydiving, the FlowRider, SeaPlex, and how to book them early.

Illustration of Sydney Harbour with the Opera House on an Anthem of the Seas cruise

Anthem of the Seas Tips: Sydney Insider Secrets

Leo Sotropa

Insider Anthem of the Seas tips for sailing from Sydney: what to book early, beating the lines on the North Star and RipCord, port-day planning, and more.

Cutaway illustration comparing interior, ocean view, balcony, and suite cabins on Anthem of the Seas

Best Cabins on Anthem of the Seas (and Which to Avoid)

Leo Sotropa

Which cabins on Anthem of the Seas to book and which to avoid, including the value Virtual Balcony, with a full deck-by-deck guide to every category.