Currently under construction at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, Quantum of the Seas (along with her sister ship Anthem of the Seas and a third ship yet to be named), are the latest offerings from Royal Caribbean who have brought unprecedented firsts at seas leading the cruise industry with innovative features including Rock Climbing Walls, Ice-Skating rinks, FlowRider surf simulators, Central Park (adorned with real life trees, plants and vines) and the spell bounding AquaTheatre with its acrobatic high dive shows.
Flow Rider
With tickets for her inaugural cruise on 23rd November 2014 released for sale in June 2013, Quantum will be setting sail from New York from her homeport of Cape Liberty on 7-12 night itineraries during the winter of 2014/15 season.
Along with firm Royal Caribbean favourites such as the popular Royal Promenade, Adult only Solarium, select dining rooms, extensive kids programmes and facilities including the H20 splash zone and DreamWorks entertainment events (featuring characters from Shrek, Kung Fu Panda and Madagascar providing photo opportunities, 3D movies and character breakfasts), Quantum will offer an all new line up of firsts at sea experiences from sporting activities to exciting new venues.
Solarium
For thrill seekers, Quantum will offer everything from Skydiving with RipCord by iFly to Dodgems (bumper cars) in the vast new SeaPlex sporting arena. RipCord by iFly will be the world’s first skydiving experience onboard a ship allowing both novice and experienced skydivers to enjoy the thrill and exhilaration of skydiving from the confines of a safe, controlled and simulated environment. Taking place inside a 23-foot tall glass flight chamber high up on deck 15 guests can enjoy spectacular ocean views during their flight.
Sky Diving
SeaPlex revolutionises sporting activities on cruise ships creating the largest indoor active space to hit the seas. The flexible venue will provide sports and entertainment for guests to partake in delivering a plethora of activities including dodgems (bumper cars), a circus school (including a trapeze, Lyra hoops and juggling) and roller skating. Located on deck 15, along with an outdoor full-size regulation basketball court which will also be used for sports such as football, volleyball and badminton, by night guests can ride the dodgems or rollerblade around the arena which will come alive with a mix of special lighting effects and music provided from the floating DJ booth hovering above the activity below.
Seaplex
To ensure that guests remember they are at sea, the SeaPlex venue will be designed with large windows allowing plenty of natural light to flood the area whilst protecting guests from the elements. On the mezzanine level above the main floor will be the first ever food truck at sea serving snacks, along with four custom themed Activity Rooms offering spectacular sea views with non-stop action ranging from table tennis and air hockey to foosball and other interactive games.
For guests seeking less adrenaline fuelled activities, Quantum offers the North Star experience, all new Two70° multi-level venue and the Music Hall.
North Star
Located on the top deck of the ship towards the bow, North Star is an engineering sensation taking guests for an unforgettable 15 minute journey more than 300 feet above the ocean rotating up and over the side of the ship in a jewel shaped glass capsule delivering 360-degree views. The complimentary experience has the capacity for 14 guests (including one wheelchair) and the structure reaches the height of the New York Statue of Liberty and will be available both in port and at sea from sunrise to sunset.
Whilst North Star will be complimentary, three special premium packages will be available for advance bookings including Sunrise and Sunset flights and Private Flights ideal for marriage proposals and wedding ceremonies. All packages will include a pre-flight reception, in-flight Champagne toast, a commemorative flight certificate and a post-flight brunch or dinner.
Two70° is the ships new Day to Night venue creating a fully immersive experience for guests to enjoy. Located at the stern of the ship on decks 5 and 6 with vast floor-to-ceiling glass walls spanning almost three decks high, the venue offers magnificent 270-degree panoramic sea views with technology and entertainment seamlessly transforming the room from a daytime to night time venue.
With seating at various levels along terraces and a spacious lounge seating area, during the day guests can relax and take in the views or enjoy a casual meal at The Cafe @ Two70°, a gourmet marketplace. Those seeking enrichment activities can visit the second level of the venue, home to the ships library and activity workshop offering guests lectures, demonstrations, art activities and crafting classes to keep them entertained.
Two 70
As the sun sets below the horizon, guests will experience Two70°’s transformation into a night time venue with a stunning curved bar housing Royal Caribbean’s first Ice Bar at sea serving up delicious cocktails and featuring a spiralling staircase around the bar leading up to the second level. Entertainment will be provided both by the ships entertainment team and stunning visual effects. Guests will be wowed by a combination of performers, aerialists, performance art and mesmerising video as images and special effects are projected around the venue including its glass walls offering dazzling digital scenery encircling the whole space. As though that wasn’t enough, guests can expect the unexpected as housed in the venues ceiling are six robot arms controlling 100-inch LED TV screens that reach down into the room airing stunning video and imagery giving the illusion of jumping from screen to screen. After the spectacular display, lights will illuminate the floor setting the scene for late night dancing.
Music Hall
The Music Hall is another new venue to be introduced on Quantum providing guests with a performance hall and music venue with intimate and exclusive live performances, DJs, theme nights, billiard tables and more all showcased in the state-of-the –art hall.
By day, the Music Hall will offer a number of activities such as dance classes and improve workshops whilst by night will come alive with music. Decorated in deep rich colours with accents of leather, reflective mirrors, a tufted wall with glowing LED buttons, long red velvet curtains and distinctive furniture, the baroque inspired space will also feature a huge central chandelier.
The venue includes two bars, one on each level and will open daily with the upper level featuring self-levelling billiard tables and light bar fare at night.
Still under construction, further features of Quantum of the Seas are yet to be released whilst a number of digital images of venues are available and can be accessed here.
Watch this space for more information on Quantum as it becomes available.
