“Designed to WOW” is how Royal Caribbean International describes the cruise line’s upcoming Quantum of the Seas, and after RCI’s press conference today, that statement is clearly no exaggeration. Teasers had been released and rumors had circulated, but nothing concrete about the new vessel was known in regards to actual features until now.
Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., Richard Fain; President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, Adam Goldstein; and Quantum of the Seas‘ chosen godmother, Kristin Chenoweth, pulled out all the stops to introduce the excitement that is in store for cruise guests.
If a picture is worth a thousand words, a well produced video is surely a goldmine of information, and Royal Caribbean has posted what can better be described as a short film for its high production value (viewable in the player below).
The CGI renderings of the ship, populated with Royal Caribbean executives and celebrities, are so realistic you would think the ship were already constructed. In fact, the Quantum-class ships – the Quantum of the Seas followed by her sister, the Anthem of the Seas – have only just begun initial steel cutting at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany.
(Copyright © Royal Caribbean International)
A Breakdown of Quantum of the Seas Features (To Date)
As Kristin Chenoweth playfully reminds viewers at the end of the video, no mention has yet been made of the dining and shopping features. Those will undoubtedly come in time, but for now, there are plenty of remarkable onboard attractions to behold (click on the images below to enlarge them):
Never Before Seen at Sea
North Star will be a shipboard ride reminiscent of the London Eye Ferris wheel in the UK with a singular capsule that will be craned up and over the ship 300 feet above sea level, providing unprecedented perspectives of the sea and visited destinations. The attraction is free of charge to booked passengers and will be made available for private events such as wedding ceremonies.
North Star (Copyright © Royal Caribbean International)
RipCord by iFly is an experience that simulates skydiving in much the same way the FlowRider, also included onboard the Quantum of the Seas, simulates surfing. This thrilling attraction will use a special air recirculating system for high energy efficiency.
RipCord by iFly (Copyright © Royal Caribbean International)
Revolutionary Venues
Two70° takes the place of the aft-positioned dining rooms onboard other cruise ships and replaces it with a multi-deck mixed-use venue. Named for its 270-degree vistas through floor-to-ceiling glass panels, the space makes for an all-weather observation lounge by day and a unique performance venue by night. Unique projection technologies and multi-dimensional elements will accentuate the evening entertainment offerings.
Two70° (Copyright © Royal Caribbean International)
SeaPlex, situated on the upper decks, will be the largest indoor active space at sea and will host full-court sporting activities, a trapeze-flying circus school, roller-skating, club dancing with a floating DJ booth, and for a truly impressive inclusion, bumper car riding.
SeaPlex (Copyright © Royal Caribbean International)
Next-Gen Stateroom
Virtual Balconies found in inside cabins will take “virtual portholes,” first introduced by the Disney Cruise Line, a giant step forward with 80-inch LED projections of the outside view from the ship.
Virtual Balconies (Copyright © Royal Caribbean International)
Modular Stateroom Configurations will better facilitate multi-generational family cruising by positioning three different cabin categories adjacent to each other with connecting doorways, making for an enlarged suite space conducive to friends too.
Modular Stateroom Configurations (Copyright © Royal Caribbean International)
Amazingly, this is only a partial list of what guests can expect onboard the Quantum of the Seas. There has been no mention yet of the return of favorites like the Royal Promenade street atmosphere nor the Studio B ice skating rink found onboard previous RCI ships.
More announcements are planned in the coming months that will fill in any gaps, but already Royal Caribbean International has captured our attention and then some.
Quantum of the Seas will launch in Fall of 2014 with sailings from New York Harbor. For more information, visit Royal Caribbean’s website here.
What is your impression of these Quantum of the Seas revelations? Please feel free to share your opinion in the comments section below…