CruisesNews witnessed the inauguration of the most revolutionary ship of 2014 in Southampton, UK. This time, Royal Caribbean isn't countering with record-breaking sizes, but with astonishing displays of technical and design prowess on board. This new family of ships is setting the bar even higher.
When the monumental Oasis of the Seas was unveiled in 2009, the entire industry wondered what would come next. Was it possible to build a cruise ship exceeding 225,000 tons and carrying more than 6,000 passengers? Was it economically sustainable? Was it what consumers were expecting? Five years have passed before these questions have been answered with concrete results. The race is no longer about breaking records for volume and passenger numbers. It's about shaping the future that Royal Caribbean's new Quantum of the Seas is beginning to define. Welcome to a profile of a popular ship that is revolutionary in its entertainment and technology. A must-see for those who consider the ship a destination in itself, and for cruise enthusiasts who are addicted to innovations at sea. This ship is so modern that, conversely, it may be less appealing to more traditional cruisers, who prefer personalized assistance, who revel in calm sailing rather than onboard entertainment, or who enjoy the pompous dining of traditional, pre-set mealtimes.
The digital, telematic, or home automation features are among the most striking, though not immediately apparent, elements of the Quantum. Its debut in Southampton last October was a flawless showcase of the 'smart' philosophy that the cruise line aims to champion. While not as large as the Oasis class, the new cruise ship boasts a gross tonnage of 167,800, a length of 348 meters, a beam of 41 meters, and a draft of 8.5 meters, with a capacity for up to 4,905 passengers, making it the largest new ship launch of the year. Online check-in from home results in express boarding in under 10 minutes, without a visit to a check-in desk if the traveler so desires, and with luggage tracking via smartphone thanks to RFID technology. Thus begins an immersion into a new generation of cruising where almost everything is possible with a click.
Tablets for the crew
This feeling is conveyed by everyone from the crew members equipped with tablets offering all sorts of apps and services, allowing them to track each traveler's preferences and needs, to the increased bandwidth at sea (with connections as fast as on land) and the ability to easily book activities and restaurants. This is achieved with the 'cruise planner' app, activated before the voyage even begins, and with Royal iQ, downloadable at the ship's IQ stations, to keep you up-to-date with your entire vacation schedule. The finishing touch is provided by the Wowband wristbands, which replace the traditional key card or SeaPass for everyday use when making purchases on board or accessing your cabin. Naturally, these cabins maintain the same high standard, with USB ports, efficient lighting, and other thoughtful details. The lighting also prioritizes sustainability, with low-energy LEDs or fluorescent lights replacing incandescent bulbs and motion sensors in the lobbies.
Once aboard the Quantum of the Seas, the frequent Royal Caribbean traveler will notice several changes, but the ship retains that familiar feeling of flow and relative ease of navigation. The 16 decks and numerous elevators are easily traversed, and the spaciousness of the corridors and access points is particularly appreciated. There's a good distribution of attractions throughout, although the stern is especially captivating, housing the impressive Two 70º space. This multi-level lounge (spanning almost three decks) offers 270-degree panoramic views through enormous windows, which, with the blinds closed, transforms into a giant screen for projections and presentations. It's reminiscent, in a giant version, of an American bar or club, where there's a lively atmosphere all day long, with people enjoying drinks, taking in the views, and relaxing with a good book. Complementing this is one of the most interesting dining options on board: a café of the same name where you can enjoy self-service salads, sandwiches, spa treatments, and more, or request table service. Healthy and beautifully presented food. Its fresh and natural interior design stands out, reminiscent of the organic spaces that are proliferating in large cities.
Continuing with the major new features, we must delve into the entertainment options. And without a doubt, The North Star is one of them. This small glass capsule, which from a distance aesthetically resembles a crane, rises with its large arm to a height of over 90 meters above the sea, offering a new perspective of the horizon and the ship itself. It ascends with elegance and stability, making it an attraction suitable for all ages, although weather conditions may vary. There is also another way to ascend on board, much more exhilarating, called RipCord by iFly. It supposedly provides the sensation of skydiving in a controlled environment. In practice, it's like a large transparent cage where jets of air at your feet propel anyone who leans horizontally into the air. This marvel, which requires complete equipment, including a helmet, provided by the operators, is used with the help of an instructor who gives technical instructions before the passenger floats away. An experience that is sweeping the nation and, like any other onboard experience, results in a digital photo report that the traveler can easily find at the designated photo center, where, of course, they are no longer displayed on paper but on large screens where they can be selected in the desired format.
The Quantum will fascinate those who make the ship a destination in itself and love innovation and technology, but it will pose a challenge for more traditional cruisers who prefer personalized onboard services.
Trapeze and bumper cars
The new features also extend to Deck 15, home to the largest physical activity space on a ship, SeaPlex, dedicated to 24/7 entertainment. This large, multipurpose area can be transformed into a circus school with a trapeze, a full-size basketball court, and more. The most spectacular sight, however, is its transformation into an ice rink and colorful bumper cars at nightfall. The entertainment area also includes popular attractions found on other ships in the fleet, such as Challenger's Arcade and Flowrider, a mini-surfing experience in its wave pool. One deck below, we find another classic: the grand Windjammer buffet, now renamed Marketplace. This new offering takes self-service to a new level, with better-organized stations, culinary options from around the world, a more modern aesthetic, a bakery, and The Grill, open 24 hours a day.
Gastronomy is precisely one of the most valued aspects when choosing a cruise, and Royal Caribbean has been particularly bold in this area with this new series. Called Dynamic Dining, it refers to a new way of planning meals on board. They offer 18 restaurants where you can choose flavors from all five continents. However, the important thing isn't the number but the approach. The cruise line had already explored My Time Dining, which broke with the rigid double dinner service in the main restaurants (at no extra charge). And now it goes even further by opening up any dining space to free reservations. Travelers decide where, how, and with whom to dine, breaking away from the large, imposed tables. This move gives much more autonomy and freedom to passengers, although it might be a bit complicated for older travelers, those looking to make friends during meals, or those who prefer simplicity and a fixed routine.
Online check-in from home results in express boarding in less than 10 minutes, without having to go to any counter if the traveler so wishes, and with tracking of the status of their luggage through their smartphone thanks to RFID technology.
Where to have dinner?
And the choice of dining options is no small matter. To begin with, there are five complimentary restaurants with very different atmospheres and flavors. We had the opportunity to try Silk, inspired by the Far East, where Chinese, Japanese, and other international recipes come together, all well executed and with remarkable details, such as round tables for sharing evenings with family or friends, and a rotating platform for the dishes, which enhances the tasting experience. Like the other dining rooms, they are larger than one might expect from a specialty restaurant, but it's important to understand that they replace the Titanic-style mega-restaurants that characterized large cruise ships for so many years.
These options are rounded out (almost all on decks 3 and 4, aft) by the American Icon Grill, featuring regional US dishes; Chic, which emphasizes contemporary haute cuisine and fresh ingredients, a relaxing space perfect for a pleasant intimate dinner or group seating. There's also The Grande, for those seeking a more classic experience with timeless dishes and more formal evenings, and finally Coastal Kitchen, located on deck 14 and accessible only to suite guests, offering Mediterranean flavors.
After all this included service at no extra cost to the fare, the range of standard dining options opens up, where for an average of $25 or with a per-course charge, a certain exclusivity in terms of size and access is guaranteed. The star attraction is the first Jamie's Italian at sea, under the direction of one of the UK's culinary gurus, Jamie Oliver. His rustic Italian dishes, made with seasonal ingredients, are served in a very open and informal space, where even wine can be served from traditional carafes. Foodies should discover Wonderland, the creative space of the cruise line's chefs, where imagination results in almost artistic dishes and many surprises in flavor and presentation. At Michael's Genuine Pub, you'll find a gastropub with simple and tasty dishes and good beers; while at Devinly Decadence (in the Solarium Bistro on deck 14, below the impressive gym), the dishes are characterized by being under 500 calories. Not forgetting on Deck 5 and in the central area, there are enduring favorites like Chops Grille, specializing in meats and still going strong with its updated menu, the Japanese restaurant Izumi, and the elegant Chef's Table. Royal Caribbean officials estimate that the percentage of customers dining at specialty restaurants will rise to 20%.
A sea of flavors that doesn't forget the spaces always open for a quick bite, from Johnny Rockets and its burgers to Sorrento's pizza, or the snacks at Café Promenade, among others.
And just as important as the cuisine are the lucrative bars, the Quantum takes full advantage of its new Pool Bar and Sky Bar, overlooking the spectacular central pool area. There's also the traditional and always busy Schooner Bar, the lively Bolero's area with its Latin soundtrack, the successful Vintage wine bar – where you can serve yourself tasting shots from vending machines – and the lounges dedicated to loyal guests or suites (like the Diamond Club), among others. But if you're looking for something truly unique, you should definitely plan a drink at the futuristic Bionic Bar, where two robots precisely prepare cocktails ordered via tablets. This scene unfolds right on the Royal Esplanade, the epicenter of traveler activity when shops and cafes are bustling while at sea. This vibrant, bright, and very attractive area, spread across two decks and with views from deck 5, also houses modern consultation spaces for prospective cruisers, excursions, and passenger services. This last one is one of the most striking, because it represents a radical change in concept compared to traditional ships.
Instead of a traditional reception area, we find several small, stylish counters distributed throughout the same space, where customers receive more personalized service. However, the number of visitors is also lower, as countless transactions can be handled online if desired.
The most innovative attractions are The North Star, a panoramic dome that takes you up 90 meters high to contemplate the horizon, and the iFly, which allows you to float in the air as if you were skydiving, in addition to the Sea Plex multipurpose track.
The intensive tour of the ship also confirmed that the (free) nightly entertainment is another key element of this new offering. The Royal Theater features top-notch musicals, such as the full two-hour-plus version of Mamma Mia! with a Broadway-worthy production, while the aforementioned Two 70º transforms into a space capable of hosting amazing productions like Starwater, a spectacular show with video mapping and numerous special effects using 18 projectors, six Roboscreens (robotic screens), dancers, acrobats, and more, which also functions as a large panoramic disco. But one of the most popular new features at its debut was the Music Hall, where live music and DJs alternate. The best thing about this two-level space is that it becomes a proper concert hall, featuring tributes to bands from all eras, including the Beatles and Bee Gees. The spacious hall makes you completely forget you're on board a large cruise ship.
The same is true when passengers leave behind the communal spaces (with some beautiful spots like the magnificent sun deck surrounded by a garden at the bow, and numerous artistic touches, such as Lawrence Argent's nine-meter-tall bear) to enjoy their own private space: their cabin. Choosing the right type of accommodation (9% more than in the Oasis class) is well worth consulting with specialized agents. In addition to the 1,571 cabins with balconies, the Quantum debuts its unprecedented interior cabins with virtual balconies, offering real-time views of the ocean and destinations, thanks to seven cameras capturing different angles, according to ship officials. The effect is unique and obviously doesn't replace the power of a real view, but it is an incentive for choosing the more economical accommodations. Sixteen family cabins for groups and a dozen exterior and 16 interior studios cater to the needs of individual travelers.
Among the exterior accommodations, a whole world tailored to the traveler's budget. Although even the standard balcony stands out for its overall spaciousness, ample storage, and generously sized bathroom with good finishes (unfortunately, no toiletries), those with more generous budgets have a wide variety of options, from junior suites to the impressive panoramic designer lofts and the super suites showcased on decks 11 and 12. Luxurious interior design for a popular ship where everyone can personalize their stay.
The Spanish ports of Cartagena, Palma de Mallorca and Barcelona will have the opportunity to see it live when it arrives next May, on its round-the-world voyage that is being marketed in different stages and will end in China.
Royal Caribbean's newest flagship ship is the culmination of more than three years of design and planning, but the company is already accelerating its efforts to build its sister ships in this new series. The Anthem of the Seas will be ready next spring, while the Ovation of the Seas will be launched in the fall of 2016, all of them built at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. The initial investment of $700 million in 2013 has ballooned to $1.2 billion this year and in 2015, and will reach $2.1 billion in 2016. This rapid growth will result in an annual increase in capacity of 4% between 2012 and 2017.
Currently, the Quantum is operating its winter season with sailings from New York to the Caribbean, on seven- and twelve-night routes until the end of April. Itineraries include week-long trips to the Bahamas, as well as longer voyages to both the eastern and southern Caribbean. But there will also be an opportunity to see it again in Europe in the spring, as on May 2nd it will embark on a 57-night voyage, the Quantum Global Odyssey, from New York to Shanghai, also offered in six shorter segments. The first, a transatlantic leg, will take it to Europe in 11 nights, with stops in Cartagena and Palma de Mallorca. Then, on May 13th, it will begin another voyage from Barcelona to Dubai, before continuing on to India, Southeast Asia, and finally, China, where it will temporarily establish its home port.
