Royal Caribbean’s newest ship, Quantum of the Seas, is aptly named because it is truly a quantum leap forward, taking cruising to a whole new level. Covington Vacation Advisors Judy Faust and Lydia Moneymaker recently sailed on the first inaugural cruise of the brand new ship and have first-hand impressions to share.
Quantum of the Seas Technology
Quantum of the Seas is the first in a class of “Smart Ships.” The technology integrated into the guest experience is without question more comprehensive than any other ship in the water. It begins with the SMART Check-In process. Before sailing, guest register online, upload ID photos and are given an appointment time to arrive at the cruise terminal. Upon arrival, guests are met by roaming, iPad-toting attendants who check you in individually – no standing in line at a check-in counter. The innovative system insures that guests move from sidewalk to ship in 10 minutes!
Guests receive a comfortable WOW wristband that functions as the stateroom key, provides entrance to various ship venues and transacts onboard purchases. Once onboard, there are more floating Guest Services staff with iPads, as well as electronic stations throughout the ship where you can type in questions, make spa, dining or entertainment reservations, or resolve any account issues.
Technology permeates entertainment and activities aboard Quantum of the Seas:
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North Star viewing experience is 300 feet over the water! Two70SM: Described as the ships “Great Room” and so named because it has a 270° view from three-story high windows, functions as a lounge during the day. By night it becomes a showroom where robotic-driven screens provide stunning audio-visual backdrops to spellbinding performance art.
- SeaplexSM: The most versatile activity center at sea can be reconfigured for a selection of activities: bumper cars, a circus school complete with a trapeze, a roller skating rink, a full-size basketball court. A floating DJ booth overhead, the first food truck at sea and adjacent game rooms makes this play venue revolutionary.
- North StarSM: Quantum’s signature feature is a 14-passenger viewing capsule that provides 360° views cantilevered 300 feet over the sea.
- RipCordSM by iFly: Thrill seekers will find a whole new exhilaration with this groundbreaking skydiving simulator as they feel what it’s like to fly.
- Connectivity: Guests will have no problem staying digitally connected since the ship operates with unprecedented bandwidth – more than every other cruise ship in the world combined!
Quantum of the Seas Dynamic Dining
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PP7S38BS7TE
RCCL’s new Dynamic Dining program has deconstructed the traditional cruise dining experience of assigned time and table. In its place are 18 unique dining venues that offer more distinct options and total flexibility.
There are no dining bells, required formal nights or being paired with incompatible table mates. Instead, the revolutionary Dynamic Dining approach offers guests choice and variety ranging from elegant to casual to dine when and as they wish.
Dining options include four full-service, main restaurants (Silk, Chic, American Icon Grill, and The Grande Restaurant) and a number of casual offerings which are all complimentary. A selection of optional dining venues, including three managed by award-winning chefs (Jamie Oliver, Michael Schwartz and Devin Alexander) also offer a culinary journey into various international cuisines for an additional fee.
Quantum of the Seas Staterooms
Quantum class staterooms are the most spacious and luxurious in the Royal Caribbean fleet. Multi-functional furniture, ample-sized showers and USB ports in every stateroom are standard features. Quantum staterooms offer a new versatility for special needs and preferences, such as accessibility, families and singles.
Family ConnectedSM Stateroom: Clusters of adjoining staterooms in different categories can accommodate up to 10 people, for example, a Superior Ocean View can be grouped with a Studio Interior stateroom and a Junior Suite with Balcony.
Interior cabins: In an industry first, guests in an interior room can watch the sunrise or sunset from the comfort of their cabin with a virtual balcony! Picture “windows” (screens) are fed by exterior cameras positioned throughout the ship to provide real time views of the surroundings.
Accessible staterooms offer the option of adjoining rooms for family and caregivers traveling with passengers that have accessibility challenges.
Studio Staterooms with a balcony: Solo travelers usually have to make do with an interior cabin, but in a first-ever, Quantum has changed that with balconies for single cabins.
Two-Story Loft Suites offer even more space and pampering with breathtaking views, the finest amenities and a dedicated concierge.
Of the 2,090 total staterooms, 1,570 have balconies, 147 are ocean view, and 373 are inside staterooms with virtual balconies. Among these, 34 cabins are wheelchair accessible and 28 are studios for singles, 12 of which have balconies.
Quantum of the Seas: This Really Does Change Everything
These are only the highlights of this incredible $1 billion Smart Ship. Quantum of the Seas has more innovation and groundbreaking features and amenities that we can possibly detail here. Richard Fain, Royal Caribbean’s Chairman, describes the ship as one-third traditional, one-third revolutionary, one-third evolutionary. One thing is certain, Quantum of the Seas really does change everything in the cruise experience!
Quantum will be sailing the Caribbean through March 2015, and then embark on a 55-day repositioning trip through Europe, the Middle East, Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia before arriving in Shanghai where she will home port. If you miss the chance to sail on this exciting new ship before she departs North America, never fear. Her sister ship, Anthem of the Seas, the second of the Quantum class will be launched in spring 2015, sailing 7- to 12-day Caribbean itineraries from Cape Liberty, New Jersey.
For more information, rates and availability on Quantum of the Seas or Anthem of the Seas, please contact our Covington Cruise Specialists.
Photos by Judy Faust. For more images from Judy and Lydia’s inaugural cruise, see our Quantum of the Seas Pinterest board.
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