It’s a Quantum leap for cruising
OYAL Caribbean, never mind what the name may lead you to think, is an American cruise line. Yet, even by American “go big or go home” standards, the hype around its newest, state-of-the art “Smartship” – the Quantum of the Seas – is breathtaking. “This Changes Everything!” “Prepare for WOW!” Royal Caribbean says the ship lives up to its billing of being a cruise industry game changer, because the technology onboard and the linked technology both ashore and in the heavens above are nothing short of a quantum leap as far as the business is concerned.
Among the suite of firsts that Quantum of the Seas reveals:
● The North Star, a gantrymounted glass cupola which swings out and away from the ship and allows guests a unique view of the vessel – almost 100m above the waves – as well as never-before-seen perspectives of the ports of call and attractions on Quantum’s voyages.
● The first “virtual” stateroom balconies in the business. These 375 inside rooms have no windows but they have a “virtual” balcony and view of the waves and sky outside thanks to outside video camera and projection technology in the room. It’s so realistic that the “balcony” even has curtains like a normal cabin.
● “Dynamic Dining” – another industry first, where guests will no longer have their daily eating choices restricted to a main dining hall (and normally one of two regular sittings), but will be able to make their choice of a number of themed restaurants – from Asian to American grillhouse to Italian tratorria. All these restaurants are complimentary, but there are still some even more exclusive eating spots – such as an Italian restaurant under the signature of British superstar chef Jamie Oliver – where passengers will pay an additional “cover charge” for the extra special cuisine and atmosphere.
● Digitised and online check-in and boarding procedures. Guests book in online, print their “SetSail” boarding passes and even luggage tags and, says Royal Carribean, the target time is a mere 10 minutes for “kerbside to ship”. Various smartphone and tablet apps, as well as the website, enable passengers to manage their entire cruise experience digitally… from checking in to booking places at restaurants and seats for the shows.
● A “smart” wristband which will unlock stateroom doors, act as a charge facility for any purchases (everything is linked to a passenger’s credit card) and, importantly,
Ras a way of tracking people if there is an emergency.
● A totally automated, robot cocktail bar, the Bionic Bar, where robots similar to those which assemble Porsche cars will toss you up any concoction you like, while you watch, amazed.
● A cutting-edge technology entertainment component, including more car robots, programmed to do amazing moves with 100-inch HD TVs bolted to them. Additionally, an ultra-high definition projection system provides for realistic or fantasy backgrounds for any performance.
● The promise of virtually un- limited broadband Internet access, via dedicated satellites, which will enable guests to not only do all their social media socialising, but will enable video up and downloading, as well as streaming video, which will make Skype conversations possible with family back at home.
Richard Rain, the line’s chairman and CEO, has been with the company for 24 years and says this is the best new launch they’ve yet done. The 167 000-ton ship – and its sister, the Anthem (which is being built and should be finished early next year) – represents “such a giant leap”, Rain said on the Quan- tum’s pre-inauguration voyage from Southampton, England, last weekend. “This really will change the way people travel.”
The incorporation and integration of the latest in digital and internet technology is aimed at taking the hassle out of travel, he added.
Royal Caribbean International’s executive vice-president, operations, Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, said the line’s Cruise Planner facility, together with the apps, enabled guests to get their cruise organised ahead of time.
“What we aim to do is give them back that first day of their vacation,” she added.
No longer will they be spending precious holiday time getting their ducks in a row.
Her other idea, encapsulated by the “death of the line” – no more waiting in queues – was less successful on the day. Although many passengers were processed within the golden 10 minutes, just as many – including me – were not. The system had a few glitches but, in fairness, my lack of experience with the system and timing to be in places meant I got myself on to one of the last groups to board.