By
Rebecca Gibson |
Royal Caribbean International has revealed design details for its new generation Quantum-class ships, which are scheduled to debut in autumn 2014 with the launch of the 4,180-passenger Quantum of the Seas.
“We are excited to be introducing major advancements in ship design and offerings on Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas,” said Adam Goldstein, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International. “The innovative spirit of our brand is alive and well, and with Quantum class, we will deliver more unexpected activities in the most extraordinary spaces.”
New signature venues onboard the ships will include Two70°, a multi-level venue, which spans three decks at the stern of the ship, offering 270-degree panoramic views through floor-to-ceiling glass walls, as well live and digital performances, and aerialists.
The 167,800gt vessels will also feature SeaPlex, the largest indoor active space at sea, which includes a circus school with a flying trapeze, a full-size regulation basketball court, bumper cars, roller-skating and a floating DJ booth. Music Hall, a two-storey, multi-purpose venue, will host live performances, themed parties and DJ booths.
Various industry ‘firsts’ will be featured, such as the RipCord by iFly skydiving experience and the North Star glass observation pod, which is inspired by the design of the London Eye, and transports guests 300 ft above the ocean and over the side of the ship to deliver 360-degree views.
The new generation ships will also have many of the popular features found onboard the cruise line’s Oasis-class vessels such as the adults-only solarium, an outdoor pool, an indoor pool with operable roof and a H2O Zone aqua park on the top deck, as well as a rock climbing wall, the FlowRider surf simulator and DreamWorks entertainment and events.
Quantum and her sister ship, Anthem of the Seas, will have expanded staterooms, which are nine per cent larger than those onboard the line’s Oasis-class ships, as well as a variety of stateroom categories.
Passengers will be able to choose between Studio staterooms – some with balconies for single travellers – three Junior Suite categories and Loft Suites. Family-Connected rooms provide separate bedrooms and bathrooms, which canbe interconnected to allow multigenerational families to stay together.
All interior staterooms will have 80-inch portals, that will act as virtual balconies and will display real-time views of the ocean and destinations. Virtual balconies will also be included on Navigator of the Seas after her revitalisation.
“This new generation of ships gave us an opportunity to make another leap in vessel design. Innovation has always been part of our DNA and we have taken advantage of all that creativity to design Quantum cruising,” said Richard Fain, chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Cruises. “The unique features on Quantum will boggle our guests’ minds, but the real strength of the design is how our people have integrated all these diverse components to create a comfortable and exciting experience.”
Quantum of the Seas will homeport at Cape Liberty in New York Harbour and offer seven- to 12-night itineraries during the winter 2014-2015 season. Anthem of the Seas is expected to debut in spring 2015.