Royal Caribbean Unveils Quantum-Class Ships

Royal Caribbean International unveiled its newest line of Quantum-class vessels this week, showing off dramatic new tech-savvy experiences for families, along with a flexible stateroom layout.

“This new generation of ships gave us an opportunity to make another leap in vessel design,” said Richard D. Fain, chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean.

The Quantum of the Seas, set to sail out of New York in late 2014, will feature 2,090 staterooms across 18 decks, for a total passenger capacity of 4,180.

Anthem of the Seas, its sister ship, is set to be launched in mid-2015.

Over the ocean
On the entertainment and activities front, the Quantum ships will include a simulated skydiving experience, dubbed RipCord by iFly.

A novel new passenger experience will be offered by North Star, a glass capsule on a pivot arm that swings out over the ocean, giving guests 360-degree views of the sea from a height of 300-plus feet.

“It’s so cool,” said Michelle Fee, CEO and co-founder of Cruise Planners, who attended the launch event in New York earlier this week.

Inside the ship, a multilevel great room dubbed Two70, for its 270-degree panoramic views, will morph from a living space to a nightlife area over the course of the day.

Also planned is Seaplex, a flexible sporting and entertainment venue featuring a regulation-size basketball court along with bumper cars and a roller skating rink.

Smart use of space
While the Quantum ships will be somewhat smaller than the Oasis class ships, Royal Caribbean “used the space smarter,” Fee said.

“They’re going to have a lot more activities, because they’re taking space that may sit empty all day, like the disco, and turning it into full-court basketball or a bumper car arena during the day.”

Other features of the Quantum vessels will include an adults-only Solarium with an indoor pool, Royal Caribbean’s signature rock climbing wall and surf simulator and a variety of kids-only areas.

Significantly, given rising shipboard expenses for passengers, all onboard activities will be available to guests at no additional charge.

Stateroom shuffle
In what could represent a game-changer for Royal Caribbean, three different stateroom categories will connect in more flexible ways. This is meant to allow families and groups of friends to share connected rooms, without each having to pay for a balcony room or pricy suites.

The flexible cabin layout is a big deal for agents and their clients, Fee suggested.

“Things like the North Star help sell cruises, but what we’re excited about is the new cabin configuration,” said Fee. “You’re going to be able to book a balcony and add in an inside cabin or another-sized cabin, so you have a suite without paying for two balconies.

“If a family of four wants to go on vacation, now Royal Caribbean has given agents the ability to expand the rooms but not double the price,” Fee said.

Larger cabins
The cruise line is also making each cabin an average 9% larger than their Oasis class counterparts.

On all interior cabins, Royal Caribbean has introduced what it is calling a “virtual balcony.”

Solo cabins are also available, bucking the trend toward family-friendly everything.

Overall, Fee said, the new ship design shows that Royal Caribbean is doubling down on its identity as family-focused.

“I’m on the advisory board and I think families are the exact market they’re going after,” said Fee.