Ovation of the Seas

The pool deck was completely revamped in the amplification. Splashaway Bay got a big expansion, with new slides, a kids' hot tub and several splash pad zones. The main pool is deeper in the middle with a shallow ledge for dipping your toes, ringed by day beds, loungers and large hot tubs. A big screen with a stage shows movies and sports. New private casitas add a day bed, a cooler and drink service, and Fish & Ships and Sprinkles soft serve sit close by.

The North Star is a climate-controlled glass capsule on the end of a giant crane arm. It lifts guests high above the ship and out over the side for 360-degree views, which Royal Caribbean calls the tallest viewing deck on a cruise ship. It works for every member of the family, and Danny has heard it's a great place to propose. Right below it, the North Star Bar is a good stop any time, whether you ride or not.

The back of the ship is built for thrills. The rock climbing wall is one of the better ones in the fleet, with three zones and easier routes for younger climbers. The FlowRider surf simulator is complimentary, with surfing, boogie boarding and private sessions. RipCord by iFLY takes guests skydiving in a wind tunnel, and it suits most of the family. Danny's whole family, and their friends who've sailed Ovation, have loved it.

The SeaPlex is a massive indoor sports court, and it's climate controlled, so it works anywhere in the world. Full basketball courts host pickleball, dodgeball and all kinds of competitions, then the floor turns into a track for bumper cars, a kids' favorite. The upper level has roller skating, ping pong, an Xbox lounge, seating to watch the action and an arcade. The SeaPlex Dog House is close by, and a walking track circles deck 15.

All the way forward, perched like a crown on top of the ship, the Solarium is a dedicated adults-only space. Day beds and loungers wrap around the windows, and Danny's favorite loungers face straight out the front for scenic cruising. The Sunshine Bar serves drinks throughout, a stepped water feature has seats in the water, and hot tubs face the bow. Just inside, the Solarium Bistro serves breakfast and lunch, then a complimentary Mediterranean dinner.

Chops Grille is a Royal Caribbean classic, an unapologetic steakhouse with prime beef, bacon as an appetizer and shrimp cocktail. The wine-paired Chef's Table is tucked in the back. Giovanni's Italian Kitchen was updated in the amplification and now has a pizza oven, and the Giovanni's Italian Wine Bar next door serves its appetizers. Izumi is Danny's favorite place to dine, with sushi and an expanded Japanese menu. Specialty dining carries an extra cost.

Two70 is named for the 270-degree wall of windows, several stories tall, that wraps around the back of the ship. By day it's a lounge for scenic cruising, with a full bar and a library tucked upstairs. At night it becomes a theater, with performers coming out of the ceiling and six robotic screens. Café @ Two70 next door is complimentary, with Starbucks drinks, pastries, a salad bar, soups and hot paninis.

The Royal Esplanade runs down the center of the ship like a city street, with pop-up shops, duty-free and a brand-new Starbucks added in the amplification. Café Promenade and Sorrento's pizza are complimentary and open late. Amber & Oak is a classic English pub with live music every evening, and Boleros is a Latin-themed club with a live band. The Casino Royale was expanded in the refit, with slots and table games from blackjack to craps.