Royal Caribbean's homebase is always going to be Florida, but it's ready to bet big with adding more ships in California.
While west coast cruises may never become as popular as their east coast compliment, we're about to see a shift in adding more ships than it's ever had there.
The Australia cruise season is coming to an end, and that signals the migration of cruise ships across the Pacific Ocean.
While many will head to Seattle and Vancouver to begin Alaska cruises, Royal Caribbean is ready to invest more further south.
Welcome to LA, Ovation
Ovation of the Seas will head to Los Angeles soon to start her summer season.
Up until now, Royal Caribbean has only had one ship in the LA cruise market, and that came after a decade of completely omitting sailings from there.
Navigator of the Seas had been the only ship operating from Los Angeles ever since the cruise industry restarted operations in 2021.
Ovation will not only add another ship to the California cruise roster, but it's no slouch of a ship either.
This is one of Royal Caribbean's newer and bigger ships. Ovation of the Seas is less than a decade old and is over 30,000 gross larger than Navigator.
The Quantum Class ships first entered service in 2014, and are known for being big ships with innovative features. They have an observation pod, sky diving simulator, robots that are part of a show, and more climate controlled pool space.
There are even bumper cars on this ship, which are included in the cruise fare and it's a fantastic family activity.
My favorite spot on these ships is the theater at the back, with sweeping views of the ocean called Two70. It's anything but a conventional theater, as there are robot arms and moving platforms that can transform the show immediately. There are some shows that use the roboscreens to project fun and imaginative scenes that are captivating to watch.
When there isn't a show, it's a beautiful lounge for enjoying coffee, reading a book, or talking with friends.
Her arrival for summer 2025 will offer sailings down Baja California, including destinations like Ensenada and Cabo San Lucas.
Fares for these new LA cruises on Ovation of the Seas for her 2025 season start at $309 per person based on double occupancy, for a quick 3-night cruise to Ensenada, Mexico. Five or six night sailings begin at around $600 per person.
More ships are coming soon
Ovation's arrival marks a turning point in Royal Caribbean's attitude towards west coast cruises.
The cruise will bring two more ships to California soon.
Quantum of the Seas will also sail from Los Angeles, and for a short period, become the third ship to operate there at the same time.
Navigator paved the way for Royal Caribbean's return, and business has been so good that they wanted to add more ships.
Vicki Freed, Senior Vice President of Sales and Trade Support & Service for Royal Caribbean International, is just as excited as future passengers to have so many ships sailing from the west coast, "As a Los Angeles native, I'm thrilled about this, but what excites me the most is the announcement that Royal Caribbean will have a brand new home port in San Diego starting Fall 2026. San Diego holds a special place in my heart since I went to college there, so I can't wait to go back soon to experience the new adventure for myself."
Beginning in October 2026, Royal Caribbean will homeport a ship in San Diego.
One advantage a cruise from San Diego has over LA is the convenience factor, as the cruise terminal is just 3 miles from the airport. Plus, it's convenient for many residents of Southern California to easily drive to without dealing with notoriously bad LA traffic.
Serenade of the Seas will offer a variety of sailings from San Diego to Ensenada, Mexico and the Mexican Riviera.
This many ships operating out of California means more choices in itineraries and ships for consumers. And it offers those on the west coast far more convenient options.
