Ovation of the Seas Arrives in Los Angeles—But Does CA Deserve a Brand-New Cruise Ship?

A Colossus Arrives in Los Angeles - But The West Coast Deserves Innovation, Not Just Leftovers

Royal Caribbean's Ovation of the Seas arrived at the Port of Los Angeles' World Cruise Center in San Pedro on May 31, 2025, becoming the largest ship ever based in the region. The 4,905-passenger Quantum-class ship began its summer season with a variety of 3–6 night cruises to Baja California, Mexico, with stops in Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada. 

Royal Caribbean is expanding its West Coast operations for the 2026–2027 season, which will include adding San Diego as a new home port and enhancing offerings from Los Angeles. 

The company also plans to bring the Quantum of the Seas to the Port of Los Angeles in Fall 2025, making it the largest ship in the L.A. cruise fleet by both size and passenger count. This vessel is a floating city packed with thrill rides, gourmet dining, and entertainment that rivals Las Vegas.

But here’s the question: Is California getting the short end of the stick?

While this ship is undeniably impressive, it’s not new—it’s been sailing elsewhere before being repositioned to the West Coast. Meanwhile, Florida and Europe regularly get cutting-edge, purpose-built cruise ships. So, does California deserve its own brand-new, state-of-the-art cruise ship, or is this giant "hand-me-down" enough?

Our First Travel Experience With Royal Caribbean From LAX to Ensenada 4D/3N

I’ll be honest—cruising isn’t really my style. I’m more of an adventure, hiking, and camping kind of person; it’s what I feel most passionate about. The only reason I take cruises is because my wife is a huge Disney fan. Most of our cruises have been with Disney Cruise Line, traveling to destinations like Alaska on the Disney Wonder, the Bahamas on the Disney Wish, and most recently, the Eastern Caribbean on the Disney Treasure. We’ve also experienced other cruises, such as the Paul Gauguin Cruise to the South Pacific and Bora Bora ( My Review here ). But again, I only went because of my wife. I actually own a tour operator company focused on adventure, hiking, and camping—so cruises are far from my usual preference.

This time, we decided to try Royal Caribbean from LA, but honestly, I was a bit disappointed. Don’t get me wrong—the ship itself was impressive, big, and visually appealing. However, the rooms were much smaller than what I’m used to on other cruise lines, especially when traveling with my two kids.

Rooms That Aren't Clean

The cleanliness was also an issue; the room had a slight odor, and it felt like it could have used a deep clean before we boarded. The room had a strong, unpleasant odor, and there was visible dust. Under the bed, we found extra linens and empty plastic bags stored. It seems like the area hadn't been vacuumed. Hopefully, next time, these issues will be addressed and properly resolved.

That said, the overall experience was enjoyable, though we didn’t have enough time to explore everything the ship had to offer on this trip. Maybe I’ll give it another try in the future and provide a more detailed review.

Overall, I’d describe it as a mixed experience, with noticeable room for improvement regarding the odor in the room and hallway.

Personal Question: Does California Deserve a Brand-New Cruise Ship?

We want to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments below—do you think California should have a brand-new cruise ship? Let us know what you think!

The New Giant in Town: What Makes Ovation of the Seas Special?

Before diving into the debate, let’s look at why this ship is a big deal for LA:

Record-Breaking Size: 

The Ovation of the Seas is a Royal Caribbean cruise ship that holds several record-breaking sizes: 

• Length
  The ship is 348 meters (1,141 ft 9 in) long, making it the largest cruise ship to ever visit Eden, Australia. It also allows ships up to 325 meters long to access the town. 
• Passenger capacity
  In February 2025, the ship carried a record-breaking 4,862 passengers to Eden, Australia, the largest number of cruisers to visit from one ship. The ship has a capacity of 4,905 passengers. 
• Region's largest
  In May 2025, the ship arrived at the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro, becoming the largest ship ever based in the region. 

The Ovation of the Seas is also 16 decks high, 72 meters (236 ft 3 in) tall, and weighs 168,666 tons. It was built in 2016 by MEYER WERFT and is part of Royal Caribbean International's Quantum class of ships.

Next-Level Amenities: 

Ovation of the Seas, a Quantum Class cruise ship, offers a variety of "Next-Level" amenities and experiences designed to provide unique and thrilling moments for its guests. 

Here are some of the key next-level features:

• SeaPlex: The largest indoor activity space at sea, where you can find thrilling activities like bumper cars, roller skating, a full-size basketball court, and even a circus school.
• North Star: A jewel-shaped observation capsule that lifts you 300 feet above sea level for breathtaking 360-degree views, holding the Guinness World Record for the tallest viewing deck on a cruise ship.
• RipCord by iFLY: Experience the sensation of skydiving in a safe and controlled environment with the only skydiving simulator at sea.
• FlowRider: A surf simulator where you can test your skills riding the waves or boogie boarding.
• Two70: A multi-level venue that transforms from a casual lounge with panoramic views by day to a technologically advanced entertainment space with robotic screens and aerialists by night.
• Bionic Bar: Order your customized cocktails from robotic bartenders at this unique, tech-infused bar. 

These are just a few examples of the exciting and innovative features that make Ovation of the Seas a truly next-level cruise ship experience.

Economic Boost: 

More passengers = more tourism dollars for LA, Long Beach, and Mexican Riviera ports like Cabo and Ensenada.

But while this is exciting, it’s worth noting that this ship wasn’t built for California—it was moved here after sailing in the Caribbean or Europe. Which brings us to the real debate…

The Case for a Brand-New Cruise Ship in California

1. The West Coast Deserves Innovation, Not Just Leftovers

Florida gets first dibs on Royal Caribbean’s newest ships (like Icon of the Seas), while California often gets redeployed vessels. A brand-new ship designed specifically for West Coast itineraries could offer:

• Customized routes (e.g., longer Mexican Riviera voyages, Pacific Coastals, or even Hawaii trips).
• Better seasonal adjustments (optimized for California’s climate vs. Caribbean-focused designs).

2. Newer Ships = Greener & More Efficient

Cruise ships are under pressure to reduce emissions, and newer models are far more eco-friendly. If California wants to lead in sustainability, it should push for ships with:

• LNG propulsion (like AIDAnova).
• Advanced wastewater systems (to protect Pacific marine life).
• Shore power compatibility (to cut emissions while docked in LA/Long Beach).

3. A Flagship Ship Could Boost California’s Cruise Industry

Right now, the West Coast is a secondary market for cruise lines. A new, exclusive ship could:

• Attract more first-time cruisers with fresh, Instagram-worthy features.
• Compete with airlines & resorts by offering a truly unique West Coast vacation.
• Justify higher prices (why pay premium fares for an older ship?).

The Counterargument: Why a Giant ‘Used’ Ship Might Be Enough

1. It’s Cheaper for Cruise Lines (Which Means Cheaper Fares)

Building a new ship costs over $1 billion—redeploying an existing one saves money, keeping ticket prices competitive.

2. These Mega-Ships Are Already Proven Hits

Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class ships are floating legends—passengers love them, and they’ve been perfected over years of service. Why fix what isn’t broken?

3. Does LA’s Infrastructure Even Support a Newer, Bigger Ship?

• Port upgrades (like longer piers or stronger docks) might be needed.
• Crowding concerns—can LA handle even more passengers?

What Do California Cruisers Actually Want?

A few key trends suggest demand for something fresh:

• Virgin Voyages’ success (their adults-only, boutique-style cruises show appetite for new concepts).
• Disney Cruise Line’s expansion (the Disney Treasure proves new ships sell).
• Luxury cruise growth (lines like Seabourn and Silversea are adding West Coast sailings).

Would Californians prefer:
A brand-new ship built just for them?
Or is a redeployed giant (with tons of amenities) good enough?

The Future: Will California Ever Get Its Brand New Cruise Ship?

The cruise industry is booming, but California remains an afterthought compared to Florida or Europe. However, with rising demand for:

• Unique itineraries (Baja wine tours, Pacific coastal cruises).
• Eco-conscious travel (younger travelers want sustainability).
• Post-pandemic “revenge travel” (more splurging on big trips).

…the time might be right for a cruise line to take a gamble on a West Coast-exclusive megaship.

What's Next for Cruising in California?

Looking ahead, the question remains whether California’s cruise industry is being treated as a long-term opportunity or a temporary experiment. With global trends pointing to increased investments in sustainability, innovation, and personalized travel experiences, California is well-positioned to become a leading player in the cruise industry. But to reach its full potential, the state must advocate for more than hand-me-down ships.

Cruise lines that prioritize California now could significantly shape the region’s future, creating jobs, boosting tourism, and meeting the evolving expectations of modern travelers.

California at a Crossroads

Royal Caribbean’s massive ship docking in LA is a spectacle to behold, a signal of the West Coast’s growing influence in the cruising world. But is this enough for California’s dynamic and demanding market? As the state continues to cement its reputation as a global destination, perhaps it’s time for cruise lines to commit fully, designing ships tailored to California’s harbors and its people.

What do you think? Should California settle for giant, tested ships, or raise the bar for innovation and demand brand-new vessels? Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear from you.

Final Verdict: Should California Demand More Than Ovation of the Seas Cruise Ship?

There’s no denying that Royal Caribbean’s giant ship is a huge win for LA. But if California wants to compete with other cruise hubs, it shouldn’t settle for secondhand giants—it should push for a next-generation ship designed for the Pacific.

What do YOU think?

Should California get a brand-new cruise ship?
Or is a redeployed mega-ship enough?

Drop your vote in the comments—and let’s see if cruise lines are listening!