Cruising Australia & New Zealand on Ovation of the Seas

There’s nothing quite like exploring Australia and New Zealand by cruise ship. We spent 10 nights on Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas, and it was a journey filled with breathtaking landscapes, family-friendly adventures, and a few lessons learned along the way.

Boarding in Sydney

Our adventure began in Sydney, Australia, where we boarded the Ovation of the Seas. Check-in was fairly smooth, though there was one hiccup: there wasn’t much help with luggage at the pier. Maneuvering heavy bags to the drop-off point was a bit of a workout, so here’s a tip: if you’re cruising from Sydney, consider arriving early or arranging porter assistance in advance.

Our Suite Life at Sea

We splurged on the Owner’s Suite, part of Royal Caribbean’s Royal Suite Class. And let me tell you, it was worth it.

Highlights of the suite experience included:

• A spacious one-bedroom layout with 1.5 bathrooms.

• A living and dining area with a sofa bed, perfect for family time.

• A wrap-around balcony with a separate lounging space.

• Access to exclusive perks like the concierge lounge, Coastal Kitchen restaurant, and priority boarding and departure.

Our stateroom was on Deck 11, conveniently located near Adventure Ocean, the kids’ club. For parents, this is a game changer. Adventure Ocean takes kids as young as 6 months, and for a small fee ($6–8 USD per hour), you can use the ship’s daycare service during select hours. My 3-year-old loved it, and it gave us parents a chance to enjoy some downtime too.

Port Highlights in New Zealand

Wellington

Wellington greeted us with strong winds and chilly weather. Since the port wasn’t within walking distance, Royal Caribbean offered a free shuttle into town. We decided to keep it simple, stretched our legs at the port and then headed back onboard to enjoy the ship’s amenities. Sometimes that’s the best choice when traveling with little ones.

Napier

Napier, on the other hand, was warm and welcoming. A free shuttle dropped us about 10 minutes into town, where we discovered a family-friendly paradise:

• Playgrounds

• An aquarium

• A park with open space to run

• Shops and restaurants

• And the highlight — walking on the black sand beaches of Hawke’s Bay.

The scenery was stunning, and it was a destination that offered something for everyone in the family.

Picton

Picton turned out to be a kid’s dream stop. The weather was perfect, the town friendly, and the activities endless:

• A massive play area for children.

• Water play fountains to cool off.

• A charming train ride that delighted the kids.

• And yes — we couldn’t resist grabbing a frozen yogurt cone that tasted as good as the sunshine felt.

What stood out most in New Zealand was the warm hospitality. Locals were friendly and welcoming, and each port smelled fresh with the scent of pinewood.

Life at Sea

The Tasman Sea can be rough, and we definitely felt it during our sea days. If you’re prone to seasickness, make sure you pack plenty of motion sickness remedies, you’ll be glad you did.

On the bright side, sea days gave us time to enjoy the suite perks, kid’s club, and onboard entertainment. The ship itself offers enough activities to keep families busy without ever stepping off.

Debarkation & Sydney Excursion

When we returned to Sydney, our flight wasn’t until later in the day, so we booked a post-cruise excursion. It included a tour of Manly Beach and Northern Sydney, lasting about 4 hours.

The excursion was mostly a scenic ride, with one hour to stroll around Manly Beach, a perfect way to spend time instead of sitting at the airport. Afterward, the tour conveniently dropped us off at the airport for our flight home.

Final Thoughts

Our Australia & New Zealand cruise was a memorable family adventure. From exploring black sand beaches in Napier to playground fun in Picton, there were plenty of autism-friendly and family-friendly moments along the way.

There were a few small bumps on board, but overall, it was an amazing trip that combined comfort, culture, and adventure.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Just remember to:

• Pack motion sickness medicine.

• Plan for unpredictable weather (from windy Wellington to sunny Napier).

• Use the kids’ programs to give everyone a balance of fun and relaxation.

This cruise gave us unforgettable memories and a fresh appreciation for exploring the world together.