As a busy mom, the thought of a family vacation usually involves endless planning and often, a plane ride. But let me tell you, when Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas announced its inaugural sailing from Los Angeles, my family (and my sanity) rejoiced! Being able to drive straight to the port was a game-changer – talk about convenient! And what an adventure it was!
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Thrills, Views, and Delicious Eats!
This ship is absolutely stunning, and we dove headfirst into all the incredible experiences. The iFly indoor skydiving was an absolute highlight for all of us – pure exhilaration and so much fun! For breathtaking panoramic views, the North Star observation capsule offered a perspective you just can’t beat. Seriously, the photos we got were incredible.
And the food? Oh my goodness. My boys, with their discerning palates, were obsessed with the Windjammer Buffet. Unlimited ice cream and chicken fingers were definitely the crowd-pleasers. For us adults, the specialty restaurants were a huge plus. 
We had a delicious Italian feast at Jamie Oliver’s restaurant named Jamie’s Italian, and the unique, immersive experience at Wonderland was truly something special. My tastebuds had a party and the presentation was EVERYTHING!
Entertainment, Relaxation, and Kid-Free Nights!
The entertainment on board was top-notch. The shows in the theaters were so high quality, with incredible sets and production values that rivaled Broadway. We were genuinely impressed with the shows at both the Two70 and the Royal Theater!
For us parents, the Kids’ Camp was a lifesaver. We could check the boys in for three-hour shifts, which meant we still got plenty of family time, but also a chance for a little adult fun. They require kids to do meals with you, which is great for family bonding, but if you want to extend their time, you can pay extra for later stays, giving you a proper night out. And what a night out you can have! The ship has a fantastic two-story music venue called Music Hall, and we absolutely loved dancing the night away to the Journey cover band.
The pools and Solarium areas were perfect for lounging and soaking up the sun while Splashaway Bay is the place to be for family fun! I also indulged in a spa experience, and while they ran about thirty minutes late for my treatment, the staff was incredibly sweet, and the massage itself was fantastic.
We even managed to get two adjoining rooms, which was perfect for our family to spread out while still being close.
Our Ensenada Stop and Future Plans
Our cruise included a stop in Ensenada, Mexico. This is key: make sure to book a tour! There’s not much to do and see at port, especially if you have kids, so a guided tour ensures you make the most of your time.
This was my first time sailing with Royal Caribbean, and I’m officially hooked! The convenience of sailing from Los Angeles was unparalleled, making for such a stress-free start and end to our vacation. I’m already dreaming of a week-long cruise next!
What’s your favorite part about cruising with family? Share your tips below!