In mid-August, the world’s newest cruise ship, Royal Caribbean International’s (RCI) acclaimed Quantum of the Seas, entered the water for the first time. The brand-new liner left the German shipyard Meyer Werft to start testing of critical systems, including thrusters and stabilizers. Until she finally arrives in the North Atlantic in mid-September, Quantum will undergo a variety of trials to verify her seaworthiness.
She is scheduled to sail to Southampton, England, on October 31, and then set off for Cape Bayonne, New Jersey. Although her first few cruises will be in North America, Quantum will relocate to Shanghai in May 2015 to serve the booming cruise market in Asia.
With the room for 4,180 passengers, Quantum is third-largest cruise ship in the world after her big sisters, RCI’s Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas. As the first of her class, Quantum of the Seas brings several new features to cruising. The Seaplex—which will include a roller rink, carnival-style rides, and a circus school—will be the most expansive outdoor sport and entertainment facility on the high seas. There ship will also have a skydiving simulator and a special elevated capsule called North Star, which will rise 30 stories above the waves to offer incredible, 360-degree panoramic views.
Quantum also introduces a new, more flexible form of dining experience. No longer constrained by main dining rooms and set dining times, guests will be able to enjoy meals on their own schedule at 18 different restaurants. A handful of new cabin categories are also available, with staterooms that are nearly 10 percent larger on average than those on Oasis-class ships. Of course, a slate of new shopping outlets, shows, and venues will be added to the marquee, as well.
RCI has announced plans to launch two more Quantum-class vessels in coming years. Anthem of the Seas will be delivered in spring of next year, while a third yet unnamed sister ship will sail sometime in mid-2016.
