The ship that has everything
QUANTUM of the Seas,
which set sail in
November, introduces
a wave of unprecedented
first-at-sea experiences, most
of which are included in the
price. Superfast wireless
connectivity, the world’s first
robotic bartenders, a skydiving
simulator, bumper cars,
futuristic entertainment, and
partnerships with celebrated
chefs, Jamie Oliver, Michael
Schwartz and Devin Alexander,
are just a small sample of
what the modern age of
cruising looks like on board
RCI’s new cruiseliner.
WOW! entertainment
Quantum’s Seaplex is the
biggest and most diverse
entertainment complex at
sea. WOW activities include
a skydiving experience called
RipCord by iFLY and the
engineering marvel, North
Star, a glass observation
capsule that gently rises
more than 300 feet in
the air to treat guests to
dramatic 360-degree views.
More ‘firsts’ include bumper
cars, a circus school with
flying trapeze and roller
skating. Activity rooms offer
live global video gaming,
arcade games, and indoor
sports.
There’s fun for the
whole family, with Royal
Caribbean’s Adventure
Ocean youth programme,
including a fully equipped
Adventure Science Lab and
the very first wave pool at
sea, FlowRider, which debuts
as part of the DreamWorks
Animation Madagascarthemed
H2O Zone. For
teenagers, there’s the Fuel
Teen Disco, a dedicated
night club and a ‘teen-only’
space.
For adults, there are
numerous retail offerings,
with a collection of wellknown
brands. The Casino
Royale features slot
machines, video poker,
blackjack and more. Fitness
facilities with all-new
options include Technogym
equipment, professionally
instructed Flywheel, TRX and
Beach Bootcamp classes.
The Vitality at Sea Spa
offers a range of relaxation
therapies and treatments.
And then there are the
shows: transformative
entertainment venues –
the Music Hall; the Royal
Theater; and the multi-level
great room, Two70 – offer
live music shows, Broadway
theatre productions, dance
classes, 3D movies, and
more.
Rooms with a view
Big on size – an average
of 9% larger than those of
Oasis-class ships – the 2 090
staterooms on board Quantum
are RCI’s largest and most
advanced yet. Guests can
choose from a wide selection
of categories, some new,
including Family-Connected
staterooms that are perfect for
multi-generational families or
groups of friends; Loft Suites
with two decks and a balcony;
new balcony and interior
Studio staterooms that were
created for single travellers,
as well as Virtual Balcony
staterooms, which are interior
accommodations with large
digital screens displaying realtime
views.
Dynamic dining
Cruise ship dining has
also been modernised
on Quantum of the Seas
with ‘Dynamic Dining’,
where guests can choose
from a landscape of 18
restaurants. There are five
complimentary, full-service
restaurants that replace the
traditional, common main
dining room; several casual
dining options; and a variety
of speciality restaurants
(with a surcharge).
Most of these venues,
which range from intimate to
large, are available to groups
to book out for functions
at no extra cost. Want to
combine an incentive with a
conference? The ship also
features conference facilities
with audio-visual equipment,
coffee-breaks, etc. included.
Staying connected
Quantum of the Seas has
more bandwidth than
all other cruise ships in
the world combined, so
guests can check email,
Skype, download streaming
content – basically stay
connected 24/7.
A downloadable app,
Royal iQ, empowers
guests to manage every
detail of their vacation
during the cruise. It allows
them to call and text
with other app users on
board, reserve dining and
entertainment options,
build a personalised daily
calendar, track luggage,
and more.
The ship is also a
‘cashless society’.
Guests are given an RFID
WOWband – a wristband
– that not only lets them
navigate the ship and
enter their stateroom with
tap technology but also
allows them to pay for any
extras. These bands are
linked to a credit card,
which can be for one or
several accounts.
Check-in is done online,
taking the fuss out of
embarkation, which is
similar to checking in for
a flight, with considerably
reduced waiting times.
Also, shore excursions can
be pre-booked online when
checking in.
Personalised service
Conference and incentive
organisers can arrange for
personalised amenities,
such as giveaways, a
dedicated TV channel for
delegates, meals and
menus, shore excursions,
private transport, branding,
and more.
Cruises International
– which has a dedicated
groups and incentives
department as this makes
up 40% of the company’s
business – will meet with
the incentive buyer to
qualify and personalise,
based on the budget and
the demographics of the
group, the product best
suited to their needs, taking
the stress away from the
organiser, says md, George
Argyropoulos. “We represent
nine products, so there
is an option for everyone.
Royal Caribbean is the most
popular because of the
value for money, particularly
when you compare it with
land-based options.” Cruises
International can also assist
with airline bookings .
Agents only
Agents can earn big
with cruise bookings.
Cruises International
offers between 8% and
13% commission. For
groups, a minimum of
10% commission is
offered.
Upcoming itineraries
include a transatlantic
sailing from May 2-16
(14 nights) from New
York to Europe. Travellers
can extend the cruise by
two nights sailing from
Barcelona to Dubai.
After that, Quantum of
the Seas sets sail to the
Far East for the rest of
2015.
