Ovation of the Seas is the latest Royal Caribbean International Quantum Class ship – and Wow, it’s a truly awesome ship with all of the refinements we have come to expect from the RCI brand. One of the mainstays of the Quantum Class is the NorthStar viewing capsule, which is the ‘London Eye’ of the seas. Rising on a hydraulic arm up to 300 feet above sea level, this ride provides a new dimension to cruising for both young and old and of course the 360 degree view changes with every destination.
NorthStar on Ovation of the Seas, Southampton, 11 April 2016
KidzCruises was invited to experience the NorthStar on board Ovation of the Seas … we then discovered we were the first ever guests! Filled with excitement, we were a teeny bit surprised to be weighed before the experience (eek!) … but apparently this is just to test if you have eaten enough breakfast. Only kidding, health and safety strikes again. We then climbed a few steps to the launching platform where we were greeted by our NorthStar attendant, the rather lovely Ryan from Canada.
The ‘Pod’ which measures 3.6m by 4.5m
The capsule, which can take 14 passengers and the attendant, was then slowly extended above the deck to around 91 m (300 ft) and we were able to view sunny Southampton, UK. Actually, it was actually a pretty naff day weather-wise … just look at those angry clouds!
Sunny Southampton, UK, from the top of the NorthStar
The arm actually swings the capsule over the side of the ship as well to give a true view of the all of the surroundings and make it even more interesting. Just imagine viewing Singapore or Hong Kong harbour from this high up? Unfortunately, when in port the NorthStar is only allowed to go up and down – no swinging over the side, so we missed this treat.
Of course, being the practical and cautious people that we are, we did ask what would happen if the NorthStar got ‘stuck’. Attendant Ryan assured us that there is a zip wire escape (just hoping it doesn’t need to be used that often – but hey, another future attraction perhaps?!)
The NorthStar is located at the forward end of the top deck, above the Sky Bar
Seriously though, the ride was great – very smooth, so not a ‘thrill ride’ as such. It is also wheelchair friendly, with an elevator up to the loading platform. With 14 other guests in the pod, you have plenty of room to walk around to ensure you see absolutely everything.
Now Southampton was, well, lovely (for an overcast, dull and somewhat damp day) … but we want to view Hong Kong harbour, at night, from 300 ft above sea level now!
Key Facts
- Situated at the forward end of the top deck the NorthStar is near the Sky Bar (so you can get a drink while you wait)
- The NorthStar was inspired by The London Eye
- It uses a 7.1 tonne glass-walled viewing capsule
- The capsule is 3.6m by 4.5m and has no seats
- It is attached to a 41m (135ft) crane arm
- When in port the arm is only allowed to go up and down and not out to the sides
- There is a zip wire escape system
- The NorthStar was designed by Wilson Butler Architects, Atkins Global, Tom Wright and Design 5
