Full Steam Ahead to New Zealand

Embarking on the Ovation: A Grand Beginning

Everyone was excited to gather at the international cruise terminal and meet up in the shadow of the giant Royal Caribbean ship ‘Ovation of the Seas’.

It wasn’t just our first time on the Ovation of the Seas, but our first time on a Royal Caribbean cruise, and for many of us, the first trip to New Zealand, making it twice as exciting!

Exploring the Marvels of the Ovation

The Ovation of the Seas has all the things that make cruises so much fun, like endless amounts of fantastic food, swimming pools, spas, trivia, bingo, karaoke, learn-to-dance sessions, comedy, and music sessions, plus awesome live shows. But it also has a few things we have never seen before.

It has a surf simulator called Flowrider, which blasts 100,000 litres of water at you like real waves, a 40-foot outdoor rock climbing wall, an iFly skydiving simulator, and the huge North Star capsule that lifts you nearly 100 meters straight up above the ship for incredible views.

It also has an amazing sports facility called Seaplex, which, on the upper levels, has the usual games like table tennis, soccer tables, air hockey, and bag throwing. But in the middle is a full-size court which switches from multiple basketball, indoor soccer, and dodgeball courts into a roller skating rink and even a dodgem car track!

Arriving in Aotearoa: Discovering New Zealand

After keeping ourselves very busy for our first few days at sea, suddenly, on the horizon, we could see the shapes of land and clouds. We had made it to Aotearoa, or ‘the land of the long white cloud,’ or what’s most commonly called New Zealand!

Our first stop was Picton, a beautiful port town in the heart of the Marlborough Sounds, home to amazing scenery, cafes, and galleries—a great place to get off the ship, stretch our legs, and walk around saying the Maori greeting of Kia Ora to those we met.

Arriving in Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, we found ourselves immersed in a vibrant cityscape nestled between rolling hills and a picturesque harbor. From the iconic Cable Car to the bustling waterfront area of Te Papa Tongarewa, New Zealand’s national museum, Wellington offered a blend of culture, history, and natural beauty that captivated us at every turn.

Making our way to Christchurch, the Garden City, we were greeted by greenery and floral displays that adorned the streets and parks. Despite the challenges it has faced in recent years Christchurch’s vibrant arts scene and innovative architecture symbolises a city on the rise. From the serene Botanic Gardens to the historic Tramway, Christchurch offered a blend of old-world charm and modern sophistication that left a lasting impression on our journey through New Zealand.

Continuing our journey, we made our way to Dunedin, a city known for its Scottish heritage and stunning landscapes. Stepping ashore, we were greeted by the charming Victorian and Edwardian architecture, a testament to the city’s rich history.

Our final stop took us to the awe-inspiring Milford Sound, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its towering fiords, cascading waterfalls, and lush rainforests. As we cruised through the serene waters, surrounded by sheer cliffs rising from the depths, we were reminded of the raw beauty and tranquility of New Zealand’s natural wonders.

Revelry and Return: Farewell to the Ovation

We returned to Sydney in the evening, and the morning people got to watch the sun rise over the opera house. It doesn’t matter if it’s your first or 100th time arriving in Sydney Harbour; it always takes your breath away.

And just like that, 11 days had passed, we said our goodbyes, and all can’t wait for the next one.

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