Los Angeles residents are in for an exciting new travel option; they can now embark on luxurious cruises to Mexico aboard the magnificent Ovation of the Seas. This significant change was heralded on May 31 when Royal Caribbean repositioned its impressive ship to the Port of Los Angeles, encouraging adventure and exploration along the sunny coasts of Mexico.
At a recent Q&A session during a preview sailing, Vicki Freed, Royal Caribbean’s senior vice president for sales, emphasized the company’s commitment to the area, stating, “We are here in a big way.” This declaration encapsulates both the physical might of the ship and the strategic significance of this new route.
Weighing in at 168,666 gross tons, the Ovation of the Seas is not only Royal Caribbean’s first Quantum Class ship stationed in Los Angeles but also the largest vessel to ever depart from this port based on passenger capacity— accommodating a staggering 4,182 guests! Its impressive dimensions put it on the brink of size rivalry with the Norwegian Encore, which is marginally larger.
Originally launched in 2016, Ovation of the Seas is packed with a plethora of unique amenities designed to enhance the cruising experience. Imagine floating on the ocean while trying indoor skydiving, enjoying thrilling rides on bumper cars, or marveling at panoramic views from the North Star observation capsule, which ascends 300 feet above sea level—truly an experience unlike any other.
The new cruise itineraries promise a delightful blend of relaxation and adventure, offering trips ranging from three to eight nights. Passengers can look forward to stops at gorgeous destinations like Catalina Island, California, and popular Mexican ports such as Ensenada and Cabo San Lucas, enhancing the allure of maritime travel.
This repositioning signals a significant expansion for Royal Caribbean on the West Coast. Previously, the cruise line only operated the 3,368-passenger Navigator of the Seas on voyages from Los Angeles to Mexico, but with the introduction of Ovation, travelers now have double the exciting options. Not only does this offer more choices for eager cruise-goers, but it also illustrates Royal Caribbean’s dedication to making the West Coast a pivotal point in the cruise industry. “When we say the West Coast is the ‘best coast,’ we’re coming out strong,” Freed stated, reinforcing this sentiment.
Looking ahead, the excitement continues! In October, Quantum of the Seas, another Quantum Class vessel similar in size to Ovation, will join the fleet sailing from Los Angeles to Mexico. Additionally, the slightly smaller 3,602-passenger Voyager of the Seas is slated to begin its journeys from Los Angeles starting October 2026.
Freed also revealed that the lovely 2,143-passenger Serenade of the Seas will set sail from San Diego to Mexico beginning October 2026, marking Royal Caribbean’s exciting return to the southern California city after a long hiatus. With three-to-seven-night itineraries available, passengers will be able to visit Cabo San Lucas, Ensenada, and a new destination for the brand: La Paz, Mexico.
Interestingly, the Ovation of the Seas was initially projected to embark from Tianjin, China, this summer. However, as part of Royal Caribbean’s West Coast expansion, the decision was made to bring it to Los Angeles instead, capitalizing on the vibrant cruise culture this region fosters.
Post its summer season in Los Angeles, Ovation will move to its designated Asian docking point in Singapore from October 2025 to March 2026. Following that, it will sail to Alaska during the summer months of 2026, with a slight change in embarkation ports, now departing from Seward, Alaska, and Vancouver, British Columbia. Afterward, the ship will return to Los Angeles in September 2026, ready for the cruise season once more.
Royal Caribbean is not the only cruise line making waves in Los Angeles; the ever-innovative Virgin Voyages plans to launch its first Los Angeles sailings in 2026. The brand-new ship, Brilliant Lady, will accommodate 2,770 guests, further diversifying the cruise offerings in this area. Similarly, Carnival Cruise Line has already begun sailing one of its newest ships, *Carnival Firenze*, from the nearby Port of Long Beach since 2024.
With this upcoming surge of cruise lines and itineraries, the West Coast cruise market to Mexico is certainly heating up. Such expansion is bound to lead to better deals and more convenient sailing dates for passengers, making this an enticing time to consider setting sail on a tropical getaway.
Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:
