Day 1 of our Alaska Cruise - Boarding Ovation of the Seas - Royal Caribbean Cruise Vlog

Date recorded: 9/3/21
In this new cruise vlog series, it's boarding day and we tour Royal Caribbean's Ovation of the Seas for the first time! We give a room tour of our Spa Junior Suite (7638), eat at Windjammer for lunch, and have dinner at Coastal Kitchen. Our ports for this Alaska cruise are Juneau, Sitka, and Skagway.
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Views & Queues FAQs
Where did you get that Royal Caribbean scratch off poster? We make it and sell it ourselves on Etsy! Here’s the link: viewsandqueues...
Do you two have jobs? Yes! We both have full time careers. Brian is a Software Engineer and Kerry is a Graphic Designer.
Is this vlog a paid promotion with the cruise line? No, we have never worked with a cruise line before (I doubt they even know who we are 😂). If that ever changes, we will be sure to let you know in the video.
What are those black pouches around your neck? We use the lanyards to carry some camera equipment, but many cruisers like to wear lanyards to hold their room key card.
What camera do you use? We typically use the DJI Pocket II, however, when we are in the water we use the Go Pro Hero 9, and in Alaska we occasionally used the Nikon P1000 for wildlife shots. You can find these linked in our Amazon storefront: www.amazon.com... (Full disclosure, these are affiliate links. It costs you nothing more, and we earn a small commission.)
What is a GUSS? GUSS is our name for a Towel Animal! It is a childhood memory for Brian that has lived on for years. You can see the home video moment where GUSS was born in Adventure of the Seas Day 6 (We Made the News) and Allure of the Seas Day 3 (Sea Day).
Is that one thing you said serious? Almost certainly not. If you’re new to the channel, we have really dry, sarcastic senses of humor. So if you’re questioning if it’s sarcasm - it probably is.
How do I ask a dinner time question? Leave a comment on any video and let us know it’s supposed to be answered at dinner time. We’re always looking for new questions (even if the next cruise we can answer it on is a long long way out).
Is it really pronounced CoCo “Key”? Royal Caribbean has said itself that it is pronounced “Key” in a FAQ of their own here: creative.rccl..... To each their own on this pronunciation!
When and how did you meet? We met in February of 2020 via a dating app. We answer this question in more detail in our Independence of the Seas Day 2 (Swimming with Pigs) video.
Where did you get XYZ clothing item, Kerry? I do most of my shopping on Amazon and you can find those items linked in our storefront here: www.amazon.com... (Full disclosure, these are affiliate links. It costs you nothing more, and we earn a small commission.) My sunglasses are a mix of Knockarounds and Blenders. My luggage is Bric's by Ulisse. Those fun flowy pants are from Shein. Other than that, it’s usually TJ Maxx, Kohl’s, JCPenny or Old Navy.
How can we support your channel? You can join our KZbin Membership! You pay $10/month and we upload video content that is exclusive for our members. / @views-and-queues
Will Brian ever propose? He says he will, but 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@aliyadaghestani4162]

I just found your channel yesterday and am loving the videos so far! I CANNOT believe you met Danny!! I'm jealous

[@Views-And-Queues]

We were starstruck! 🤩

[@edvaira6891]

According to what I’ve heard, the reason why they do the glaciers so early is because it’s the only way they can fit in a full day in Juneau Alaska, which from the level of activities that are there you need the whole day../The only other option would be probably to skip one of the other ports, either Sitka or Skagway

[@alexs3424]

Please go on the fantasy me and my family did it was so fun but don’t go on the Norwegian jade we were on the boat for 2 hours and we missed our excursion on the private island

[@marissacafe]

13:20 would you say cafe 270 is the OG icon aqua theatre?

[@borenkd]

It doesn’t feel like it’s been two years now since this cruise.

[@Hi-pm5is]

If you hit the 4 corner butterflies starting from the top right going counter clockwise they will all start flying.

[@curseknight5]

Where is the review of Coastal Kitchen! Haha was it worth it?

[@mistybethune9116]

Act no Alaska is 4 hours behind the eastern Time zone

[@cml101495]

love all your videos. When is the next cruise! #ChickenSandwich

[@ty-and-britt]

How did the P1000 work out for Alaska? Anything clothing or gear wise that ya'll wish you had for Alaska that you did not have with you? Starting to plan out ours.

[@Views-And-Queues]

Loved using it! It’s a lot of fun! The only issue is that it’s very hard to keep steady when zoomed in far, which a tripod could solve. We wish we had more waterproof clothing. And it would have been nice to have a spare pair of shoes, so that you can put on a dry pair when you get back onboard.

[@ty-and-britt]

@@Views-And-Queues I will probably rent a camera and like the idea of a point and shoot. Going between the P1000 and the Sony RX10-IV currently. I wasn't sure how handy a tripod would be on a cruise ship, since it's unsteady by its nature.

[@outk2st77]

Is it better to be on the Port or Starboard Side on an Alaska Cruise from Seattle on this same Ovation Ship? We're going in September

[@Views-And-Queues]

we were on starboard side and liked it, but we don’t think there’s much of a difference

[@carlyvaldez8921]

What is the best time of year to take an alaskan cruise.

[@Views-And-Queues]

Our tour guides told us July

[@orlandopotts4819]

How many days u guys where there before the cruise

[@Views-And-Queues]

We arrived in Seattle around noon the day before the cruise

[@kelleyoneal2578]

Does deck 7 have cabins above and below you?

[@hawkeye-d1m]

My wife is asking what the little black bags around your neck are for?

[@ty-and-britt]

I think it is external microphones for the Pocket2, but I've wondered the same thing.

[@shamkhalhuseynli964]

Diner time question, what is your favorite cruse and not favorite cruse

[@americangal49]

Loved your Alaska videos! I am s Senior Citizen and have always wanted to go on an Alaskan cruise. Now I wonder if I could do all that walking. Even from the ship to the dock. Loved that you young people are able to travel like that. I had to laugh about most of your meal choices. Pizza, hotdogs, burgers, tacos, fries. 😂 All those award winning chefs cooking for you too. 😉

[@TinnekeVDE]

They have special lines or short cuts for people with mobility issues. You could always get a wheelchair as well for long parts. In every port with a ramp and stuff they provide alternative for the elder. Cruising can be done at any age.

[@Pincher24]

I GOT OFF THAT CRUISE YESTERDAY IT WAS SO GOOD

[@rebeccabooo4719]

Do you still like the blanket?? Was it worth it? I’m considering getting one for my Alaskan cruise!

[@JohnGettler]

The free North Star is a short ride that you can sign up for in the app once on board, just goes up and down over the ship, when the ship is in port. But the paid "Extended North Star Experience" is a longer ride you can reserve before the cruise begins, which can only happen when at sea, that also moves the arm left and right and goes out over the edge of the ship so you are over the water.

[@car_tar3882]

I was looking at this cruise our family is doing symphony in march and it’s our first cruise on royal were a Disney family but I think after this cruise I can get some convincing done

[@utubeaf3c0]

We boarded on 9/9/2022 and the boarding process was almost too fast 😃 We were on in like 20 minutes after arrival. Folks went right through security too with 12-packs of soda. Windjammer was busy but manageable.

[@paul_and_ashley]

We’re 3 weeks out from sailing Quantum to Alaska. Any additional tips you guys may have not have shared in your vlogs? We love you guys

[@paul_and_ashley]

Thanks again for this Vlog series guys! We just got back from an amazing trip to Alaska! We gave you guys a special shout out in our videos when we came back to our room and found our “Guss.”

[@CruisingIsTherapy]

We found your channel a few weeks ago looking for what to pack for an Alaskan cruise. We head there in a month. I just wanted to let you know we have enjoyed watching your cruise videos. My daughter has autism and loves watching your videos so we have watched them all multiple times. We also love the RC cruise scratch off you guys made and plan to buy it soon! April

[@luddiemcups4655]

You should do a video on the different classes of ships.

[@janetcarson509]

What room number is this? What airline did you take? My friend is coming from Orlando to be there next May. I live in Reno. I love love love all your videos. You guys are amazingly compatible and I love all of a little funny things that you both say

[@josephloibissio4818]

We just got back from our Alaska cruise on the Ovation and had an awesome time! Your videos were very helpful and informative. Thanks!

[@Views-And-Queues]

Glad you had a great cruise! We can’t wait to go back to Alaska 😁

[@sandymetz8527]

I was supposed to take this same cruise… in 2020… and it was free. Covid got in the way and it was cxl. So sad, it would’ve been my first time to Alaska. Thx for taking us along on yours.

[@alivewerehereforyou]

would you be willing to post a template link to that spreadsheet? I’m an overplanner and i would love something like that!

[@bobamaden]

I've sailed on 8 cruise ships so far, and Ovation has been my favorite! Cool video!

[@daintypriscilla3865]

Y’all should do a stratch off Caribbean port map on your Etsy !

[@adisbern]

Are those actual stickers? It would be a pain to remove..

[@dipatrivedi9009]

YAY!!! Glad you guys got to emabark on this amazing journey to Alaska from my home port of Seattle. I did Ovation back in 2019 before the shutdown. Great class ship

[@DianeRoma1]

You guys are such a cute couple! Love this post. Thanks for sharing. I’ll be on this ship end of August. Happy travels! ✈️🛳

[@designbythebook]

We are on 9/9 Ovation sailing and curious what type of cameras you are using.

[@hollygolden2862]

In the process of planning our RC Alaska cruise on Ovation of the Seas. Was thinking of booking a Jr suite for two main reasons, the bathrooms and the access to Costal Kitchen for dinner. What are your thoughts on Coastal Kitchen? I think I’ve only seen you eat there once on your Alaska cruise.

[@Views-And-Queues]

We did only eat at Coastal Kitchen once on our Alaska cruise and once on our recent Symphony of the Seas cruise. I would say the food is on par with the main dining room, but you get much nicer service and a better atmosphere. We tend to prefer the food in the specialty restaurants though!

[@mahlenm5673]

I miss being on this ship. Thanks for posting this video. Seems like you both really enjoyed your experience.

[@michaelj1980]

Thank you for this series. We are going on our first cruise ever next year to Alaska in June and chose Ovation of the Seas. Very much looking forward to it.

[@shariherrington7035]

Kerry, you always get a cute blanket for every cruise. Where do you order those from?

[@outk2st77]

YoWhat kind of Sail Away party does Ovation have compared with Carnivals sail away parties which is always crazy. A little quieter in Ovation? We're going to Alaska on Ovation in September from Seattle.

[@Views-And-Queues]

Nothing crazy, crowd is definitely older and quieter on this cruise

[@paulag6239]

Can you share your excel spreadsheet?

[@isabellagrice7427]

Hi!! I just found your channel and i’m going on this exact cruise to alaska in july for my 16th birthday. Question. What would you say are needed things for this cruise?

[@Views-And-Queues]

Make sure to prep for rain. It’s very likely it will rain most of the time you’re in port. So pack lots of waterproof stuff and maybe an extra pair of shoes in case they get soaked and need to sit out to dry. Hope you have a great time!

[@shreyy4639]

I'm I going to go

[@ashleyj7125]

Please tell me how you got those polar bear hat and blanket? I'm going in a few months??

[@Views-And-Queues]

They’re on the Cruise Planner website, same site where you book your excursions. Have a great cruise!

[@sheriewhitehead8304]

Hello from a fellow Central Floridian! ❤️ I am doing Ovation in May and I want to buy the polar bear blanket but how big is it? It looks huge - do I need to save a lot of space in my suitcase for when we come home?

[@Views-And-Queues]

it’s about the size of a throw but it’s very thick. so make sure to leave extra space for it, it’s worth it! we love that blanket

[@travelingon7458]

How did you buy it?

[@Myjocalledlife]

Looks like so much fun!

[@outk2st77]

Do you know where can do a PCR test in the Downtown Seattle area? We arrive Seattle 2 days before the cruise on September 2nd. Is that enough time to get a pre-cruise test and get the results on the morning of the 2nd Hopefully.?

[@Views-And-Queues]

We always do the Binax Now eMed at home test. This way you can do it from anywhere anytime via facetime. You just need to get it shipped to you before hand

[@outk2st77]

@@Views-And-Queues Thanks for the Advice. I thought we couldnt do a home test for it had to be supervised? I better confirm that again on the RC website. LOL....Regarding facetime who do you facetime with for them to see results?

[@Views-And-Queues]

It has to be a specific test, this link has more info and a link to order them www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/where-can-i-purchase-an-emed-kit

[@outk2st77]

@@Views-And-Queues Thanks guys.

[@chuckkirchner557]

When was this cruise taken?

[@newhope4104]

up

[@chuckkirchner557]

When was this cruise taken?

[@Views-And-Queues]

september 3rd 2021

[@MPPG663]

I would've loved to cruise when eveyone was masked and it wasn't filled to capacity lol.

[@edvaira6891]

This looks like a blast… We are doing our first Alaska cruise on Ovation next year for our anniversary, and then we’re going right back on the ship of the following March on a transpacific cruise from Sydney to Hawaii! 17 days! I think hopefully we won’t get bored with so many Sea Days (12!) with SO MUCH on this ship