The highest and forward-most publicly accessible point on Ovation of the Seas is the North Star observation capsule, which extends to approximately 300 feet (91 meters) above sea level and swings out over the ship's bow — though the forward open deck area on Deck 15 near the bow is the highest fixed walking point you can access for free.
Photo: Royal Caribbean International
Most people board Ovation of the Seas and never figure out where the actual highest, furthest-forward point is. There are two answers — one costs you money to access, one is free — and knowing the difference is the whole game.
The Highest and Forward-Most Accessible Points on Ovation of the Seas
Royal Caribbean's Ovation of the Seas is a Quantum-class ship, and that class was specifically designed with some of the most dramatic observation perches at sea. Here's how the key elevated forward areas stack up:
Dave's take: Quantum-class ships like Ovation nail the observation-deck game better than anything else out there — North Star actually delivers on the "highest point" promise instead of just marketing it, and the forward decks on 15 and 16 are genuinely designed for that view rather than feeling like an afterthought.
— Dave Giovacchini, Travel Mutiny
| Location | Deck | Approx. Height Above Sea Level | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Star Capsule (extended forward position) | 15 (launches from) | ~300 ft / 91 m | Free (included in cruise fare, reservations required) | Highest point on the ship; extends over the bow when fully deployed |
| SeaPlex / Forward Upper Decks (Deck 15–16) | 15–16 | ~140–150 ft | Free | Highest fixed walking deck toward the bow |
| Sky Pad (Bungee Trampoline) | 15 | ~150+ ft when bouncing | Free (reservations required) | Located aft, not forward, but elevated |
| Two70 Viewing Lounge (forward, aft of bow) | Deck 5 | ~45 ft | Free | Floor-to-ceiling glass views forward and aft — great sea-day option |
The North Star is your definitive answer. It's a jewel-box glass capsule mounted on a robotic arm that lifts you approximately 300 feet above the ocean and, crucially, swings out over the ship's bow. When fully extended forward, you are literally hanging over the front of the ship with nothing below you but open ocean. There is no higher, further-forward publicly accessible point on Ovation of the Seas — full stop.
Photo: Royal Caribbean International
What Drives Access to These Areas
North Star reservations fill fast. Royal Caribbean offers North Star rides included in the cruise fare, but slots are time-limited and book out quickly — especially on sea days when everyone has the same idea. Here's what affects your access:
- Weather: The North Star is shut down in high winds or rough seas. If you're sailing Alaska, expect closures. Caribbean sailings have better odds.
- Suite perks: Suite guests on some Quantum-class sailings get priority or dedicated North Star access times — worth checking if you're considering an upgrade.
- Reservation timing: Book your North Star slot as soon as the Royal Caribbean app opens reservations, typically 30–90 days before sailing via the Cruise Planner.
- Sea days vs. port days: Sea days see the highest demand. If you have a port day with low attendance, try walking up without a reservation — staff sometimes allow it.
For the fixed forward deck access, Deck 15 near the bow (forward of the SeaPlex) is your best free option. It's open to all guests, exposed to wind, and provides an unobstructed forward view — ideal for sailing into ports like Sydney, Juneau, or Bali if Ovation is on that itinerary.
Photo: Royal Caribbean International
How to Make the Most of the North Star (and Not Miss It)
- Book the North Star the moment reservations open — log into the Royal Caribbean app or Cruise Planner and snag a sea-day slot immediately.
- Target the first sea day, early morning — crowds thin out before 9 a.m., and the light for photos is better.
- Have a backup slot. Book two times if possible. Weather cancellations happen, and rebooking onboard is chaotic.
- Bring a wide-angle lens or use your phone's ultrawide mode — the capsule windows distort slightly but the forward bow view is still stunning.
- For the best free forward view, head to the open deck at the very bow on Deck 14–15 (accessible through the SeaPlex area). Wind will be strong underway, but the perspective is worth it.
- Two70 on Deck 5 is the best forward view in a sheltered, climate-controlled space — floor-to-ceiling windows wrapping around 270 degrees. Grab a seat here for sailaways and it costs you nothing but the time.
Royal Caribbean Quantum-Class: What Makes Ovation Different
The Quantum-class ships (Quantum, Anthem, Ovation, Spectrum, Odyssey) all share the North Star platform, but Ovation of the Seas is one of the larger deployments and has served markets including Australia and Asia where itineraries frequently include dramatic coastal approaches — making that forward bow view even more valuable than on a Caribbean loop. If your sailing includes a scenic approach (think entering a fjord, a harbor, or a coastline at sunrise), being at the forward-most point is legitimately one of the best experiences Royal Caribbean offers — and it's included in your fare.
The only real money you might spend chasing the best views is if you upgrade to a suite for priority North Star access, or if you're comparing the value of a balcony cabin (which gives you a private forward/side view depending on cabin location) versus an interior. A forward-facing balcony on Decks 9–12 can also give you a semi-private forward view, but nothing touches the North Star extended over the bow.
Want to compare what Ovation's included experiences are actually worth against other Quantum-class ships before you book? Run the numbers with CruiseMutiny — it'll show you exactly what's included, what costs extra, and whether the itinerary you're eyeing is actually a good deal.