By
Rebecca Gibson |
This article was first published in the 2019 issue of Cruise & Ferry Interiors. All information was correct at the time of printing, but may since have changed.
Spectrum of the Seas made her debut in Shanghai, China this June and, like every other vessel in Royal Caribbean International’s fleet, the first Quantum Class-ship is certainly remarkable. Boasting stylish and contemporary interiors, innovative design features and technology-led activities that will offer guests memorable experiences, the 4,246-guest vessel introduces a number of firsts for Royal Caribbean.
The most notable of these firsts include new stateroom categories and the line’s only private enclave for suite guests, which will include accommodation, dedicated restaurant and lounge, and a private outdoor space named The Balcony.
While Spectrum of the Seas’ design will appeal to all nationalities, she was custom-built for the Asian market. Guests can choose from a variety of Chinese and Western à la carte options in the three-level main dining room, while Windjammer Marketplace is 20% larger than on Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Class ships and offers a new noodle bar, teppanyaki and a selection of Chinese and Western buffet dishes.
Other special touches targeted towards Chinese passengers will be found in the innovative new dining venues. They include Sichuan Red, which will serve authentic cuisine from China’s Sichuan province; Wonderland’s Dadong by Chinese chef Dong Zhenxiang; and the Leaf and Bean traditional tea room and café parlour offering a range of authentic Chinese teas, classic coffee drinks, desserts and freshly baked Chinese and Western pastries. Asian guests will also delight in the line’s first karaoke venue, Star Moment.
“We started out to make sure that we had the best ship that China had ever seen and would ever see and now she has extraordinary touches that make her super-special for our Chinese guests,” says Richard Fain, chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.
Entertainment and activities are always an integral element of the design of any Royal Caribbean ships and Spectrum of the Seas does not disappoint. For the first time, indoor sports and entertainment complex SeaPlex features augmented reality walls and floors for high-tech interactive experiences, as well as popular favourites like bumper cars, roller skating and basketball. The now iconic Sky Pad virtual reality bungee trampoline experience can be found at the aft of the ship, while the North Star extendable glass capsule is in its familiar mid-ship position. The FlowRider surfing simulator, the RipCord by iFly skydiving simulator and the rock wall are just some of the many other attractions that complete the roll call of expected activities.
Royal Caribbean’s signature Two70 venue has also been included on Spectrum of the Seas, this time with innovative room-scale augmented reality experiences to transport guests to new worlds of adventure. The two-deck venue also has 270-degree views of the sea, seven-foot-tall Roboscreens and Vistarama technology, which transforms the panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows into a projection surface that is over 100 feet wide and 7 feet tall.
“We have once again combined revolutionary ship design with the latest technology to deliver a ship that will redefine the China cruise market,” says Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International. “We are excited for our guests to make amazing family memories.”
Echoing the sentiments of all on the Royal Caribbean team, Harri Kulovaara, executive vice president of Maritime and Newbuilding, says: “I love the design of Spectrum of the Seas; I love the enhancements that we have done here.”
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