Royal Caribbean's biggest ship to sail from Los Angeles has begun its first-ever cruises to the Mexican Riviera.
Ovation of the Seas, a Quantum Class ship launched in 2016, arrived in California last week. After a short 3-night media cruise, she began offering regular voyages to Baja Mexico and the Mexican Riviera. The first was a short getaway to Ensenada and will be followed by a 5-night cruise to Cabo on June 6.
Before Oviation, Navigator of the Seas was the largest (and newest) ship to be deployed in Los Angeles.
Although Ovation's placement in California isn't permanent, the itineraries add an exciting twist to Royal Caribbean's presence on the West Coast. Additionally, introducing another ship to the market emphasizes the cruise line's dedication to the Mexican Riviera, offering new amenities for guests to enjoy.
Most voyages on Ovation range from 3 to 6 nights, with many including an overnight stay in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
Ovation's current stint in Los Angeles will come to an end in September, but Royal Caribbean isn't planning on scaling back its West Coast operations anytime soon.
Quantum of the Seas will take over for Ovation in the fall, remaining in Los Angeles through September 2026.
That said, Ovation will return in September 2026, effectively replacing Quantum as she repositions to Sydney, Australia.
All the while, Navigator of the Seas will continue to offer cruises to Baja Mexico and the Mexican Riviera. She'll finally leave California after nearly five years in late 2026 for a new deployment in Asia.
Not only that, but Royal Caribbean is bumping up operations in California as a whole. In 2026, the company is moving Serenade of the Seas to San Diego. This will add a new convenient homeport to visit ports along the Baja Peninsula.
Serenade will embark on her first revenue cruise from San Diego on October 2, 2026. The short 2-night cruise will visit Ensenada, Mexico. Then, she will alternate between offering weeklong cruises to the Mexican Riviera and 3- and 4-night voyages to Baja Mexico.
Read more: Royal Caribbean ships by size
Ovation of the Seas is one of Royal's newest and largest ships
Ovation isn't quite as large as mega-ships like Wonder and Icon of the Seas, but she's part of a class designed for adventure and innovation.
When Quantum of the Seas debuted in 2014, she was dubbed the world's first "smart ship." Naturally, other vessels within the class followed suit and incorporated new technology and unique features that redefined modern cruising.
Measuring 168,666 gross registered tons (GRT), Ovation is larger than Navigator, which comes in at 139,999 GRT.
Not only that, but Navigator is 14 years older, meaning that there are newer concepts for guests to choose from aboard Ovation — ranging from innovative stateroom designs to signature shows, restaurants, and more.
Ovation of the Seas, for example, features amenities like an indoor bumper car rink, North Star observation pod, and a skydiving simulator.
It's also a better ship for travelers who value exclusive perks. Unlike Navigator, Ovation of the Seas features the Royal Suite Class. Guests staying in the high-end cabins will receive access to a private dining room, Royal Genie services, and a dedicated sun deck.
Read more: Royal Caribbean ships by age — from oldest to newest
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Growing up, she traveled frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas during her freshman year of high school. Having sailed on over 30 cruises across different lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC, Margaritaville at Sea, and Princess, she loves sharing her insight and expertise on all things cruising!
