First-class experience on the horizon
Quantum of the Seas a cruise ship like no other
Trying to visualize a ship that won’t be fit for sailing for another 18 months can be like treading in dangerous waters. Yet it’s already clear that Quantum of the Seas will be unlike any other cruise ship, and not just because it has a “pod” on a movable arm that will take you where you’ve never been before, soaring 90 metres above water level to enjoy spectacular views.
This first ship of the Quantum Class, the seventh of Royal Caribbean’s classes, is, in the words of the company president, an amalgam of the previous six — though he allows for the inevitable comparisons to Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas.
“It was certainly inspired by Oasis Class cruising,” says Adam Goldstein, “but it’s taken from what we’ve learned and experienced through all generations of ships, back to Radiance Class with self-levelling billiard tables. Quantum’s all unto her own. We’ve tried to pick from everything we’ve learned and added some features.”
The North Star — that aforementioned observation pod — might be called the Big Dipper of the new features. It will take 13 passengers — number subject to change, due to superstitions — on a little ride that provides a bird’s-eye view of ship, the sea and even the ports. There is no cost. You’re advised to check your fears at the door.
Royal Caribbean also boasts that Quantum will have the first bumping cars and the first skydiving experience at sea, plus the biggest average stateroom size this cruise line has ever had.
In another first, it also has a godmother in the pert form of actress Kristin Chenoweth, who plays an active role in promoting the ship and even participates in choosing its entertainment.
And yes, Chenoweth has been in simulators for both the North Star and the Rip Cord, the skydiving experience featuring a rush of air so powerful she guarantees “an instant facelift.”
In the mini-movie that introduced Quantum of the Seas to media and travel agents last week in New York, Chenoweth was both actor and narrator, quipping at one point: “I’m so proud of my godchild.” Given that she won’t “give birth” until November 2014, she may become the bestknown cruise-ship godmother anywhere, raising the bar for those who follow.
Besides the North Star and Rip Cord, attractions, which are included in the price of your yet-to-be-announced cruise ticket cost, Quantum of the Seas will have a couple of large public spaces that are at least mildly innovative. Sea Plex showcases bumper cars on a floor that is also home to roller skating, basketball games and a circus school during the day. At night it becomes a dance floor, a DJ overhead orchestrating the music from his flying pod.
A two-story great room that Royal Caribbean is calling Two70 (as in degrees of view) will transition from a living room in daylight to a nightspot with entertainment after dark.
Quantum’s staterooms (all of them have ocean views, real or digital) are “nine per cent” larger than the staterooms on the Oasis Class ships.
“We take the ratio of public space to stateroom space seriously,” adds Goldstein.
“With this ship, we’ve re-designed a number of back-of-thehouse spaces that guests don’t see. To have robust public space and greater stateroom space within a given footprint of the ship you have to be more efficient in the back of the house.”
Tickets to see this latest marvel go on sale June 4, leaving you plenty of time to prepare to be a North Star. Phil Reimer is on assignment in Europe. Today’s column was written by the portsandbows.com backup team of Bob and Nancy Dunn. Visit portsandbows.com for daily updates on the latest cruise news, best deals and behind-the-scenes stories from the industry. Sign up for an email newsletter on the site. Phil Reimer can be contacted directly at portsandbows@gmail.com.