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Ovation of the Seas will ‘redefine’ Alaska itineraries

The UK boss of Royal Caribbean believes Ovation of the Seas will “redefine capabilities” in Alaska when it sails there next year.

Royal Caribbean confirmed last year it would send its first Quantum-class ship, the 4,905 passenger Ovation of the Seas, to Alaska.

Ben Bouldin, Royal’s managing director for UK and Ireland, hailed the move, adding it would give the UK market “another string” to its bow.

He told Travel Weekly: “I am delighted Ovation is in Alaska because it allows us to really take a chunk of market share there.

“All of a sudden we are going from not having the best hardware in the market versus some of our strong NCL competitors, to having the best.

“The ship will redefine capabilities in Alaska. From a UK sourcing point of view, I am very excited about that

“It gives us another string to our bow.”

Norwegian Cruise Lines’ new vessel Norwegian Bliss will sail seven-day Alaska voyages during the 2018 season.

Bouldin said Ovation’s North Star, an observational pod 300ft above sea level, was well-suited for Alaska sailings.

He said: “The North Star allows you to go 300ft above sea level. You can’t do that on any other ship.

“It is first time we have put a ship there and it is the perfect ship for that environment.

“No question: ‘Step aside: Royal is in Alaska properly, everyone else needs to be running for cover’.”

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