Meyer Werft hands over a 'stunner,' Ovation of the Seas

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. chairman and ceo Richard Fain received the ship from Meyer Werft managing partner Bernard Meyer.

'Ovation of the Seas is magnificent,' Fain said. 'Our thanks to the Meyer Werft team for their ongoing partnership in designing and building awe-inspiring ships with us.'

'It’s wonderful to welcome Ovation of the Seas to the Royal Caribbean family of ships,' added Michael Bayley, president and ceo of RCI. He said the ship has been built for the China market, 'a market we continue to demonstrate our commitment to expanding.' Bayley said the Quantum-class ships have 'redefined the status quo, and we are excited for our guests in China and Australia to enjoy their extraordinary vacations on board this stunner.'

Ovation of the Seas will now sail to Southampton for a series of short getaways before embarking on a 52-night 'Global Odyssey' repositioning cruise to Tianjin, China. The first cruise from Tianjin will be in June.

Ovation joins Quantum of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas, Voyager of the Seas and Legend of the Seas in China.

After its China season, the ship will give Australians their first taste of home-based Quantum cruising.

With Ovation's delivery, the cruise ship orderbook goes from 59 to 58 ships.