Prepare to be wowed by Quantum of the Seas

There is an abundance of cruise ships in the world, but there’s only one Quantum of the Seas. Royal Caribbean International’s latest floating marvel is a game-changer for the industry. It introduces a number of “firsts at sea” that will dazzle passengers, even those who are experienced cruise veterans. The company, which is known for its innovativeness, has taken a dramatic leap forward in regards to vessel design and onboard offerings.

Size-wise, Quantum of the Seas is 1,141 feet long, 134 feet wide, carries 4, 180 passengers at double occupancy and features 2,090 staterooms, while spanning 16 guest decks. To put it in perspective, the ship is almost the equivalent in length of nearly five of the world’s largest passenger airplane, the A380, or about 32 buses.

Quantum of the Seas is being called the “smartship” due to its unprecedented levels of technology that help amp up the passenger experience. This is obvious from the onset with a check-in process that allows you to go from sidewalk to ship in a speedy ten minutes. By generating boarding documents online and uploading your ID photo at home, much time is saved upon arrival. Staff, tablets in hand and smiles all around, greet passengers and help facilitate the process without the usual check-in counter, forms or long lines. As for your luggage, you’ll be able to track it in real time on your own smartphone. No more wondering if/when your precious cargo is going to make it to your stateroom. Bags are tagged curbside with RFID technology at drop-off, allowing you to monitor its progress through key points en route to your cabin. The same goes for departure.

Other slick time-saving technology devices available include the RFID WOWband wristbands. With just a simple tap, you’re able to quickly navigate the ship, make onboard purchases, open the door of your stateroom and more. And two new apps – Cruise Planner and Royal iQ – put you in charge of your cruise choices. With Cruise Planner, guests can research and book dining reservations, shore excursions, spa appointments and other activities before they even set foot on the ship. Royal iQ allows you to manage various details during the cruise, keep in touch with one another, as well as with home via phone and text capabilities.

For some, size of bandwidth on a cruise ship is not an issue, as being disconnected with the outside world is the goal of their vacation. Others, however, want to know they can be online no matter what personal device they bring onboard. Rest assured, Quantum of the Seas has you covered with a satellite network that lets you watch streaming video, check email, share images on social media and enjoy face-to-face video conversation – even in the middle of the ocean.

Robots are center stage at the new Bionic Bar. Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

One of the most fun technology elements is a brand new venue, Bionic Bar, which puts robots center stage. After placing your drink order via tablet, sit back and watch the robotic bartenders shake and mix your libation. You’ll get your cocktail plus an entertaining show at the same time.

When it comes to service, the technology benefits of Quantum of the Seas are many. Custom apps allow crew members to keep track of guests’ tastes and preferences, allowing staff to provide an even higher degree of personalized attention. Whether you are interested in gluten-free dining, desire a hot stone massage or want early show seating, the features of these apps let crew personnel anticipate your every need. As an aside, every employee on the ship is presented with a free, personal tablet and a set of services and apps that is theirs to keep.

Technology even plays an integral role in making the ship more environmentally friendly. Sophisticated computer modeling was utilized to reduce the vessel’s energy consumption with efficient hull configuration, engine design and energy saving devices. Instead of incandescent bulbs, all lighting is provided by low-energy LED or fluorescents, while motion sensors dim hallway lighting when no one is present.

Quantum of the Seas boasts the first skydiving experience at sea. Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean International.

As for notable new onboard experiences, passengers will love RipCord by iFly, the first skydiving experience at sea that allows you to enjoy the sheer thrill and exhilaration of skydiving in a safe, controlled and simulated environment. First-timers and even seasoned skydivers will find this activity to be one of the highlights of their cruise. Another exciting experience is the North Star, an engineering feat that takes you more than 300 feet above the ocean (as tall as New York’s Statue of Liberty) and over the sides of the ship. Your transport vehicle is a glass capsule, which provides breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding area.

The North Star transports guests more than 300 feet above the ocean and over the sides of the ship. Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean International.

Other offerings that passengers know and love from sailing on prior Royal Caribbean cruises are also featured on Quantum. These include the rock climbing wall, FlowRider surf simulator, DreamWorks events and characters from the company’s animated movies, award-winning Adventure Ocean children’s program, adults-only solarium, indoor and outdoor pools, water zone kids’ aqua park and more.

In regards to novel venues, Royal Caribbean has really outdone itself. Two70°, for example, is a multi-level great room named for its magnificent 270-degree panoramic seascapes through vast, floor-to-ceiling glass walls spanning almost three decks at the stern of the ship. Within this special space, entertainment and technology fuse together to create impressive, multi-dimensional state-of-the-art shows through a combination of live performers, including dazzling aerialists, and extraordinary video and digital scenery.

One of the most popular venues is SeaPlex, the largest indoor active arena at sea. Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean International.

Play is at the heart of one of the most popular venues, SeaPlex. It’s the largest indoor active arena at sea with a number of unique features to inspire all ages to let loose. This flexible sporting and entertainment space allows passengers to experience a circus school with flying trapeze, play basketball on a full-size regulation basketball court, ride bumper cars, roller skate and even dance to music orchestrated from a floating DJ booth which hovers above the activity below.

For more entertainment, there’s the new Music Hall, a performance hall and live music venue where you can enjoy a variety of exciting shows, take part in theme night parties, play billiards and more. It’s the place to let your hair down and celebrate the spirit of rock and roll. Late night owls will revel in knowing they can always find others who share the same sleep habits at the Music Hall.

Quantum of the Seas also boasts the next generation of stateroom accommodations. Rooms on average are nine percent larger than those on other Royal Caribbean ships. The décor and design is sophisticated and upscale, with easy-to-use layouts that can be customized. Most importantly, there are larger storage solutions – always a plus when you’re cruising. And each cabin now has a view with “Virtual Balcony,” a concept that brings virtual balconies to interior staterooms offering real-time views of the ocean and port destinations.

For those wishing to splurge, the ship offers apartment-sized loft suites. Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean International.

Multi-generational families will especially appreciate family-connected staterooms with layouts that provide separate bedrooms and bathrooms for all. Singles will like the studio cabins, while those wishing to splurge will be wowed by the apartment-sized loft suites. With space like this, you might never want to leave your home away from home!

Food, an important aspect on any cruise ship, gets top billing on Quantum with Dynamic Dining, a new approach to shipboard dining where you have total control of your own culinary experience. No more assigned tables or seating times; rather, you choose to eat where and when you want. There are five complimentary main restaurants, each with its own distinctive menu and ambiance, offering everything from Asian fusion and Mediterranean specialties to Italian and American comfort food. There are also seven signature establishments (for an extra cost) aimed at giving savvy foodists a treat for their senses. And, of course, there are a slew of laid back, around-the-clock options, including Royal Caribbean’s famed Windjammer Marketplace.

The ship is a self-contained adventure land, ensuring the word “boredom” is erased from your vocabulary. There’s something for everyone on this ship, making it an ideal option for families and multi-generational groups of all kinds.

Currently, Quantum of the Seas is based at Cape Liberty in New Jersey and sails out of the New York Harbor for seven to twelve night itineraries, heading to warm weather locales including the Caribbean and Bermuda.

For more information: www.rccl.com

Deborah Stone is a travel and lifestyle writer, who explores the globe in search of unique destinations and experiences to share with her readers. She’s an avid adventurer who welcomes new opportunities to increase awareness and enthusiasm for travel and cross-cultural connections. Her stories appear in a number of publications as well as on various travel websites. Additionally, she can be frequently be heard dishing travel with the hosts of the NPR-affiliated and AARP produced talk radio show, “2 Boomer Babes.” Deborah is a longtime Seattle area resident, who currently resides in Santa Fe, New Mexico.