Two Ships, Two Vibes: Ovation vs. Navigator of the Seas
- Lisette Ruesch Wang
- Jun 7
- 3 min read
I recently had a chance to walk through both Navigator of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas, and let me tell you—these two ships could not be more different. Same cruise line, totally different personalities.
Navigator of the Seas

Navigator was the first one I stepped onto, and right away it felt fun and familiar. It's one of Royal Caribbean’s older ships, but after its 2019 refresh, it feels anything but outdated. It’s smaller than some of the newer ships, which actually makes it easier to get around. There’s a real party vibe up on the pool deck, thanks in no small part to the Lime and Coconut bar, and the waterslides are no joke. The Blaster is basically a water coaster, and Riptide is one of those headfirst mat slides that looks wild.

You still get the Royal Caribbean staples like FlowRider, ice skating, and laser tag, and the ship just feels lively. I actually liked the main dining room a lot—it had that old-school cruise ship feel with high ceilings and a bit of grandeur that’s kind of missing from some of the newer designs.

Just a quick note—this wasn’t my first time on Navigator of the Seas. I actually sailed her back in May 2022, so stepping back on board felt a bit like a reunion. A few things have stayed the same, but it was great to see how well she’s holding up and where she still shines.

Ovation of the Seas
Just a few days later, I stepped onto Ovation, and the contrast was immediate. This ship is sleek, modern, and seriously high-tech. Everything feels bigger—more open spaces, more vertical scale, more everything.

The North Star, that glass pod that lifts you over the ocean, is something you don’t forget. And then there’s the skydiving simulator (yes, really), plus the SeaPlex, a massive indoor space where you can go from bumper cars to basketball to roller skating in one loop. It’s a ship made for people who want to do things.

I really liked Two70, which is this panoramic lounge that transforms into a high-tech theater space. And the Bionic Bar is just plain cool—watching a robot mix drinks never gets old. For anyone who loves techy experiences, this ship checks a lot of boxes.

The spa and Solarium are where Ovation really leans into that resort feel. The Solarium especially—with its glass atrium and tropical vibes—is a perfect little hideaway. The spa itself feels more premium than what you’ll find on Navigator, with a legit thermal suite and all the upscale touches.

Food-wise, Ovation has more variety when it comes to casual, complimentary spots. But Navigator wins for me on dining room ambiance. And if you want a themed dining experience, Wonderland on Ovation is straight out of a dream—playful, a little weird, and totally memorable.


So Which One Wins?
Honestly, it depends on the trip.
If I’m looking for a quick, high-energy escape, Navigator is my pick. It’s easier to get around, has great water features, and the overall vibe is just fun.
But if I’m going for a longer cruise where the ship is part of the destination, I’m choosing Ovation. The experiences, the design, the tech—it’s all just next level.
Two ships, two totally different feels—and I’m glad I got to explore both.
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