Royal Caribbean’s Symphony to feature world’s tallest slide at sea

Royal Caribbean’s Symphony to feature world’s tallest slide at sea

Gallery: Symphony of the Seas

Royal Caribbean International has revealed features onboard new megaship, Symphony of the Seas.

These include the world’s tallest slide at sea, robotic bartenders and theatre shows.

The cruise line’s 25th ship, set to launch in April 2018, will claim the title of the world largest vessel when it sets sail on its inaugural season in Europe.

Royal Caribbean will put on popular Broadway production Hairspray – the cruise line’s first musical at sea – on board the 5,500-capacity Symphony.

In addition, guests will be able to enjoy the tallest slide at sea, the Ultimate Abyss (pictured), robot bartenders at the Bionic Bar and high-flying, high-diving performances at the AquaTheatre.

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Families will be able to explore seven neighbourhoods on board, such as Central Park, which has more than 12,000 tropical plants, or the pool and sports zone, where there is a nine-deck high zip line, a beach pool and even a mini-golf course.

Symphony’s debut season will see it call at ports in Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca in Spain, Provence in France, Florence, Rome and Naples in Italy.

From November 24 2018 Symphony will make Miami her home all-year around.

Michael Bayley, president and chief executive of Royal Caribbean International, said: “We set out to create a new level of holiday adventure and deliver the ultimate escape for families of all shapes and sizes.

“Symphony will introduce the most cutting-edge, customisable, and digitally-enhanced experiences in the Royal Caribbean fleet.

Oasis of the Seas vs. Quantum of the Seas: a Cruise Ship Comparison

Oasis of the Seas vs. Quantum of the Seas: a Cruise Ship Comparison

Since its debut in 2009, Oasis of the Seas has continued to turn the cruise world upside down. With first-in-cruising innovations like a zip line, a carousel, a levitating bar and real, live trees, it commands respect -- even from those who argue its massive size doesn't appeal. In addition to being the largest ship at sea, it's arguably the most well-known. So where does that leave Royal Caribbean's newest ship, Quantum of the Seas, and how can it possibly step out of the shadow of its behemoth fleetmate? Below we've compiled a list of offerings on both ships to show you exactly what you'll find onboard. Although these two vessels share some of the same venues and amenities, there's a lot that sets them apart, and each provides an experience all its own. Read on to figure out which of these ground breaking ships is the right fit for you. To the right: Quantum of the Seas (top) and Oasis of the Seas. Photo appears courtesy of RCI. Oasis of the Seas Quantum of the Seas Both Photos American Icon will be featured on both ships Size Tonnage: 225,282 Passengers: 5,400 Decks: 18 Tonnage: 167,800 Passengers: 4,180 Decks: 16 N/A Cabins If you'd rather wake up to trees than ocean views, try a balcony cabin that overlooks Oasis' Central Park or Boardwalk "neighborhood." Quantum's cabins are, on average, nine percent larger than those on Oasis. Solo cruisers don't have to worry about dreaded single supplements, either. Twenty-eight studio cabins(12 with balconies) are available for anyone cruising alone. Meanwhile, "virtual balcony"interior cabins offer real-time ocean views via floor-to-ceiling LED screens, and family connected suites combine three cabin types to accommodate larger groups. Royal Caribbean ships offer several similar stateroom categories across the fleet, but Oasis and Quantum have a couple notable stateroom standouts. Restaurants Following its recent dry dock, Oasis received Mexican restaurant Sabor, as well as the Boardwalk Dog House, which originally debuted on sister ship Allure of the Seas. Oasis also offers for-fee options at Giovanni's Table, featuring Italian fare, and upscale 150 Central Park, which boasts a rotating six-course menu. If you're looking for a quick bite, the Cafe @ Two70 offers gratis picnic-type fare with 270-degree views. Another quick option is the SeaPlex Dog House, the first food truck at sea, featuring free gourmet hotdogs and sausages. An interesting extra-charge offering includes Devinly Decadence, where all meals are fewer than 500 calories. Both ships will offer Royal Caribbean's new"Dynamic Dining" concept, which does away with traditional dining and, instead, allows passengers to choose from a number of eateries at their leisure, some of which are free and some of which incur extra charges. Dynamic Dining will roll out on Oasis in spring 2015. You'll also find Sorrento's Pizzeria on both ships, as well as the Windjammer Cafe buffet; Izumi, which offers Japanese cuisine; Johnny Rockets for burgers and shakes; Wonderland, molecular gastronomy featuring dishes like disappearing noodles, and wasabi and apple crisps prepared with liquid nitrogen; American Icon Grill for comfort food; Coastal Kitchen, which showcases California-Mediterranean fare for suite passengers only; The Grande, a fancy affair, which focuses on dishes served aboard the ocean liners of yore; Silk, Royal Caribbean's pan-Asian restaurant; and Chops Grille, the line's steakhouse. Bars The Rising Tide Bar, which debuted on Oasis of the Seas, is set on hydraulics and travels between the Royal Promenade and Central Park. In its Bionic Bar, Quantum will feature robotic bartenders. Passengers order drinks via tablets and can then watch as the robots (more like mechanical arms, really) prepare them. Vintages, a swanky wine bar where passengers can try new or favorite beverages, is featured on both ships. Activities & Entertainment For breathtaking entertainment that combines aerial and aquatic feats with the ship's wake as the backdrop, you won't want to miss performances at the AquaTheatre on the ship's Boardwalk, where you'll also find a carousel. Look up in the sky, and you'll see fellow passengers whizzing by on the sports deck's zip Try any number of at-sea firsts on Quantum, including a visit to North Star. Best for those without a fear of heights, the glass pod, positioned on a mechanical arm, will raise passengers 300 feet above sea level for 360-degree views. Meanwhile, SeaPlex ttriples as a venue for basketball, roller skating and bumper cars. Adrenaline junkies will appreciate trapeze classes and a RipCord by iFly skydiving simulator. A handful of RCI ships offer Broadway productions as part of their theatre entertainment. Oasis, where cruisers can catch performances of CATS, and Quantum, featuring Mamma Mia!, are no exception. Both ships also feature rock climbing walls and the line's signature FlowRider surf simulators. Itineraries Based in Fort Lauderdale at Port Everglades, Oasis sails Western Caribbean itineraries. Homeporting in Bayonne's Cape Liberty through spring 2015, Quantum sails Southern Caribbean voyages. It will then permanently relocate to Shanghai for Asia sailings. Until Quantum relocates to Asia, both ships sail a mix of Bahamas, Eastern Caribbean and Europe itineraries from the U.S. East Coast. Family Oasis' Adventure Ocean is housed in one giant expanse on the same deck. In addition to exclusive areas separated by age group, there's a science lab, a workshop and even a theater, where participants rehearse before performing for their parents at the end of each sailing. Quantum's Adventure Ocean spans two decks, and it features a science lab as well as a cool teen space will provide a similar experience to that found on Oasis. Both ships showcase Royal Caribbean's stellar kids offerings, each boasting extensive Adventure Ocean facilities. The line also has a partnership with DreamWorks, and cruisers can enjoy parades and meet-and-greets that feature Shrek, Fiona and other characters. These two vessels also include the H2O Zone, where young cruisers will find splash pools and colourful sculptures that spray water.

Quantum of the Seas: It's familiar yet innovative

SOUTHAMPTON, England — For all of its innovation, Quantum of the Seas will be familiar to anyone who has traveled on Royal Caribbean International’s Freedom-class ships. The footprint for Quantum is a step back from the radical ship design of Oasis of the Seas.

Quantum doesn’t have a Viking Crown Lounge, and the central promenade is a little different than on Freedom- and Voyager-class ships. But the overall impression is of a Freedom-class ship with a number of very innovative features bolted on to the prototype.

The “wow” features are new, of course. The North Star observation gondola looked quite inviting on a beautiful fall day before Quantum’s departure on a two-night preview cruise here.

The SeaPlex, an open indoor rec area, looked like fun with its bumper cars idling along its sides. It feels airy and open, with lots of windows illuminating the space so it doesn’t feel dim.

The Ripcord by iFly commands the aft part of the upper deck, along with a hulking magenta bear sculpture that serves as a conversation piece and is a bit unlike anything else on a Royal Caribbean ship.
The big attention-getter so far, however, has been the Bionic Bar. Crowds are consistently watching the two robotic bartenders pour their libations. There is something fascinating about the precision movements of these blue, impersonal robots.

Interior cabins are brightened by the floor-to-ceiling virtual balcony screens, another add-on that has also been installed on Royal’s Navigator of the Seas.

Perhaps the most noticeable change on Quantum is the number of restaurants, with the main dining room split into five new themed dining venues. Yet even here, the complimentary restaurants are in their usual place on the lower aft decks, except for Coastal Kitchen, a new concept for suite guests only, which is high on Deck 14.

Windjammer and the Solarium, also on Deck 14, are staples of Royal’s recent ship layout. The line’s trademark design elegance, quality materials and attention to detail is there, too.

The windows on the Two70° lounge (named for 270-degree panoramic sea views) at the back of the ship look enormous, defining the rear profile of the ship. But I have not seen the evening entertainment programming yet in Two70°, nor in the Music Hall, or the Royal Theater.
Another standout feature of Quantum is the poolside movie screen, which is mounted to one side of the pool, rather than at the end of the pool as on most designs.

The passenger mix on this two-night cruise reflects Royal Caribbean’s increasing international outreach. There was a noticeable contingent of Chinese guests, who were there to see the ship in anticipation of its deployment to Shanghai starting in May 2015.

June Arlen Eggesbo Lundeby, general manager of USA Spesialisten, a travel agency in Oslo, Norway, said that Quantum will appeal to clients from Norway who will combine a cruise with a pre- or post-cruise stay in New York.

“Cruise in Norway has been booming,” Lundeby said, as appreciation grows that on ships such as Quantum many passengers are not retired, and that it is a relative bargain.

“The prices are of big interest,” Lundeby said. “You would never find the same value in a four-star hotel vacation in Miami Beach,” she said.

Royal's Quantum heads to UK for trade preview

Royal Caribbean International took delivery of new ship Quantum of the Seas ahead of a trade preview sailing from Southampton at the weekend.

The formal handover in Bremerhaven from its German shipyard came ahead of the 4,180-passenger ‘smart ship’ arriving in the UK on Friday.

More than 500 agents have been invited on a two-night inaugural sailing before Quantum of the Seas accepts its first passengers on Sunday for a transatlantic crossing to Bayonne, New Jersey.

Quantum of the Seas will then sail from New York to the Bahamas and the Caribbean for her inaugural season before departing for her new homeport of Shanghai (Baoshan) in China next May.

This weekend’s preview will allow agents to gain an insight into the facilities to be offered by sister ship Anthem of the Seas which will be based in Southampton from April 2015 for a summer of Mediterranean itineraries.

The Quantum-class ships feature the line’s largest cabins, including interior accommodation with virtual balconies offering real-time views of the ocean and destinations.

Additional bandwidth allows the ships to offer 500 times more connectivity than any other cruise ship, Royal Caribbean claims, in addition to technology designed to speed up the boarding process with passengers able to track their luggage.

Other features include the first skydiving simulator at sea, a viewing pod that lifts passengers more than 300 feet above the ocean, the SeaPlex indoor sports and entertainment complex with bumper cars and roller skating, and a Bionic Bar featuring the world’s first robotic bartenders.

Quantum to use wrist bands instead of key cards

By Tom Stieghorst

Guests on Royal Caribbean International's Quantum of the Seas will be issued wristbands with radio frequency identification (RFID) chips in place of the standard issue key cards, which will be used for cabin access, payment and other traditional key card functions.

The wristbands can also be used to navigate the ship, said Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Chairman Richard Fain, who hosted a live webcast from the ship's construction site in Germany to announce the innovation.

The webcast will include a chat with former New York Times technology columnist David Pogue, who now works for Yahoo! Those interested can ask questions via Twitter under the hashtag #QuantumoftheSeas.

It was one of half a dozen technology upgrades on the Quantum that promise to make cruising simpler, easier and more hassle-free, Fain said.

Another eye-catching technology will be a robotic bartender which will tend a new venue, the Bionic Bar. Guests will place orders via tablets and then watch the mix their cocktails.

Quantum will also use RFID to enable guests to track their baggage in real time after they drop it off before the cruise, and after they deliver it to housekeeping on departing the ship. In addition, guests will be able to generate their boarding documents online and upload a photo ID to get digital boarding credentials that will shorten the check-in process. Fain said the process will go from sidewalk to ship in 10 minutes and eliminate the traditional check-in counter and the associated lines.

Quantum is also scheduled to be the second ship to fully utilize the O3B satellite system for telecommunications access, which is expected to dramatically increase Internet speeds. The extra connectivity will enable the Quantum to offer a live global video gaming suite in its new SeaPlex activities area.

The O3B system has been in testing on the Oasis of the Seas and is expected to be fully deployed first on the Allure of the Seas by October. 

Royal Caribbean claims record check-in times for Quantum ships

By Lucy Huxley 

Royal Caribbean has claimed it will boast record check-in times thanks to technology advances due to be released for new ship Quantum of the Seas.

The line is claiming guests will be able to board the ship in 10 minutes by removing check-in counters, form-filling and queues. Instead, guests will have been able to generate boarding documents online, upload their photo ID and receive digital boarding credentials ahead of departure. They will also be able to track their luggage on their smartphones.

The enhanced check-in process is one of a raft of ‘firsts’ claimed by Royal Caribbean for Quantum of the Seas, which launches in October, and future Quantum-class ships.

Other technical innovations include new ‘WOW band wristbands’ to help guests navigate the ship, make onboard purchases and serve as their room key, two new apps to allow guests to plan and book experiences before and during their sailing, and robotic bartenders which will mix cocktails automatically in a new ‘Bionic Bar’.

Ben Bouldin, director of sales UK and Ireland, said: “Royal Caribbean International is renowned for innovation and bold developments that no one else in the holiday industry – let alone cruise sector – can deliver, whether it be real-time luggage tracking, robot bartenders or Roboscreens.

“We are confident that once agents give potential holidaymakers a look at the world’s most technologically advanced ship, bringing in the bookings will be plain sailing with excited consumers eager to take a Quantum leap forward in their holidays.”