Quantum of the Seas
Quantum of the Seas is the first of the Quantum-class cruise ships for Royal Caribbean International. Originally, she was one of 2, then 3, 4 and now 5 (announced October 2015) ships – her design and facilities are proving extremely popular with Royal Caribbean’s passengers.
At over 18 decks high, packed with 2,090 staterooms and carrying 4,180 guests with 1,500 crew, Quantum of the Seas is one of the largest cruise ships in the world (only dwarfed by her bigger Oasis-class sisters)
Quantum of the Seas has broken the mould for several firsts in the cruise ship industry. These included:
- Northstar – A 92m high observation ride in a glass pod above the ship for small groups.
- Bionic Bar – A bar staffed entirely by robots. You simply choose a pre-determined cocktail or make your own via a tablet menu and the robot mixes your drink for you. The bionic bar is a spectacle in itself, even with non-drinkers. Lots of people find the automation and swiftness mesmerising, with many taking photos and filming the robots creating the drinks. One bonus, they don’t need a tip!
- RipCord by iFLY – An indoor (but based outside) skydiving simulator.
- Virtual balconies – based on an idea that Disney used on their ships previously (a virtual porthole), Royal Caribbean expanded on this by having full floor to ceiling tv’s fitted against one wall of the stateroom, showing live footage day and night as if you had a balcony. A simple remote control allows you to “turn off” the outside if you wish!
Additionally, a host of usual facilities found on other modern Royal Caribbean ships are also included. Such as the Flowrider and the H2O Kids Zone. All activities on the top deck are complimentary to cruise passengers, apart from the Northstar at certain times of day (sunrise, sunset for example)
The ship has 20 different restaurants and eateries throughout the ship, as well as the usual room service. Jamie’s Italian branded restaurant is one of these and the first one of the chain to be based at sea.
Deck 14 (the top deck) has a large video screen, indoor pool with retractable roof, an indoor adults only pool and solarium, the H2O Zone kids water park (with wave pool – another first!) and 4 whirlpools. Access to the NorthStar ride is also on this deck, two outdoor jogging tracks, the Flowrider, rock-climbing wall, RipCord and the ship’s mascot – a 33 foot magenta coloured bear!
