Asia's Largest Cruise Ship Ovation Of The Seas Makes Double Maiden Call at Subic Bay and Manila

Royal Caribbean International's cruise ship Ovation of the Seas, which is Asia's largest and most revolutionary, arrived at Subic Bay for the first time last June 8, Friday, and in Manila last June 9, Saturday. Known as the largest ever cruise ship to call at any Filipino port, and with the highest number of guests onboard totaling over 4,700 from around the world. Ovation of the Seas is currently on a 5-night cruise from Hong Kong.


To celebrate the maiden call at Subic Bay, a traditional plaque exchange ceremony was held onboard between Ovation of the Seas' Captain Flemming Nielsen and local officials namely Atty. Wilma Eisma, Chairman and Administration of Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority and Mr. Roberto Alabado III, Assistant Secretary of Department of Tourism. Senator Richard "Dick" Gordon and Ms Ma. Cristina Garcia, Vice Governor of Bataan were present at the event as well.

Atty. Wilma Eisma, Senator Richard "Dick" Gordon and Ovation of the Seas' Captain Flemming Nielsen

The same ceremony was also held as the ship made it's maiden call in Manila, with Captain Nielsen and Mr. Mancile Francisquiel, Port Manager of Philippine Ports Authority, Mr. Pocholo Joselito Paragas, Chief Operating Officer of Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) - Department of Tourism, and Atty. Solfia Arboladura, Director of Manila Tourism and Cultural Affairs Bureau who will present  the "Key to the City of Manila".


At 347m long, 168,666 gross registered tone and filled with first-at sea features and technologies, Ovation of the Seas is the largest cruise ship to enter the Philippines. She has a total capacity of 4,905 guests staying in 2,091 staterooms and hosted by 1,500 crew.


Subic Tour
While Ovation of the Seas is in port at Subic Bay, guests had the opportunity to discover and experience local attractions on Royal Caribbean's shore excursions. Guests can marvel at the craftsmanship  of antique and replicated mansions from the Spanish colonial-era during the Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar Heritage Tour, travel through breath taking river valleys then soak in the steamy Puning Hot Spring and watch a variety of marine animals at Ocean Adventure.

Manila Tour
In Manila, guests can choose to go for shore excursions such as the Tagaytay Tour and the Manila City Tour. During Tagaytay Tour, guests will see the remarkable panoramic view of Taal Lake and Volcano and have the chance to visit a pineapple plantation to try sweet pineapple or buy souvenirs from the furniture and wood carving shops. Meanwhile, the Manila City Tour will present guests the opportunity to witness Roman Catholic and Spanish-colonial era landmarks such as the historic Basilica Manila Cathedral, San Agustin Church which has a museum run by the Augustinian order featuring antique vestments and colonial-era furniture and the centuries old "The Walled City" that consists of torified walls, church ruins and relics from Spain's Conquistadores.

More about Ovation of the Seas
Guests onboard the 18-deck Ovation of the Seas will enjoy the 'North Star', an observation capsule that rises 92 meters over the ocean; 'Two70'- a hi-tech entertainment venue; cocktails served by robotic bartenders at the 'Bionic Bar' ; skydiving and surfing simulation experiences; interior virtual balcony staterooms with real-time ocean views; luxurious Loft Suites with large living areas and private concierge service; and 'SeaPlex', the largest indoor activity space at sea housing roller-skating, bumper cars and more. The ship also features 18 dining venues with cuisines from around the globe, including Jamie's Italian by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver.

Highlight of Ovation of the Seas' upcoming cruise are the 6-night cruise from Hong Kong to Tianjin with calls at Fukuoka and Shimonoseki on June 15; the 12-night cruise from Tianjin to Singapore visiting Okinawa (Naha), Taipei (Keelung), Hong Kong, Hue/ Danang (Chan May), Nha Trang and Ho Chi Minh City (Phu My) on October 7; and the 14-night cruise from Singapore to Sydney visiting Perth (Fremantle), Adelaide and Hobart on October 19.

The cruise line sails 25v of the world's most innovative cruise ships to the most popular destinations in Bermuda and the Caribbean, Europe, Canada and New England, Alaska, South America, Asia, Australia and New Zealand.



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