Royal Caribbean International‘s  Quantum-class ships will debut this November as Quantum of the Seas sails out of New York until May. Then, a 53-day world voyage takes the ship to Shanghai for year-round service on three- to eight-day cruises to Korea and Japan.  Before the ground-breaking ship leaves North America, cruise fans will have a window of opportunity, albeit a short one, to preview some remarkable features.

In Robots To Control Cruise Ship Experience, we examined the science that went into Two70°, the aft area of Quantum-class ships named for its 270-degree panoramic sea views.  In this entertainment venue, graphical displays named ‘RoboScreens’ are mounted to an articulated arm robot which manipulates them in a variety of ways,  creating a unique viewer experience.

Leaving the science behind for a bit, with a focus on what cruise travelers aboard Quantum-class ships will actually experience, Royal Caribbean released an update on entertainment, which we have sorted through for your convenience.

Signature Over-The-Top Elements
Every new class of Royal Caribbean ships has their claim to fame, introducing rock- climbing walls, ice skating and surfing at sea over the years. Quantum-class is no different, adding a couple eye-popping features including Ripcord by iFLY; a heart-pounding skydiving experience (wind tunnel) at sea and North Star; a thrilling adventure that transports guests more than 300 feet in the air on a breathtaking journey over the ship.

Ripcord by iFLY and North Star garner top deck attention but interior features that more passengers will experience, more of the time will define Quantum class.

Ripcord by iFLY and North Star will get a lot of attention as do most top-deck features on most new cruise ships.  But what Royal Caribbean will bring to the interior of the ship is arguably the big story that more passengers can experience, more of the time.

SeaPlex a transformative venue featuring the largest indoor sports and entertainment complex at sea with bumper cars, roller skating and more; and the cruise line’s largest and most advanced staterooms ever.

VistaRama
Those RoboScreens mentioned earlier are one element of Vistarama, the core of Two70° that transforms its expansive floor-to-ceiling windows into any scene, real or imagined, by combining 18 projectors to create an ambient surface over 100 feet wide and over 20 feet tall. Across this expanse, impromptu digital shows come to life in stunning 12K resolution, a pixel-perfect industry first that is used for two main shows:

• Starwater – created by Moment Factory, this original Royal Caribbean production is a highly visual, theatrical spectacle of video mapping, special effects and human artistry that combine to create an awe-inspiring experience designed to appeal to universal human emotions
• Virtual Concert – a world-class concert experience featuring premier musicians, groups and bands that is masterfully captured and projected across Vistarama and all six Roboscreens to transport guests to a virtual experience as impressive as the real thing

The Royal Theater
The 1,300-seat Royal Theater will be home to two main shows, enabled a state-of-the-art space that takes advantage more new technology to create a performance venue that raises the bar once again. 

• Sonic Odyssey – conceived and created by William Close, Under The Radar Chicago and Art House Live, is inspired by musician and innovator William Close and his variety of one-of-a-kind majestic instruments. This unbelievable production includes his signature Earth Harp, a unique Drum Wall consisting of 136 drums, a Vocal Percussion Jacket, Violin Dress and more. Sonic Odyssey is an original, theatrical masterpiece that weaves together a nine-piece live orchestra with a cast of singers, dancers, aerialists and gymnasts to envelop the audience in a spectacular show that must be seen and heard to be believed. 
• Broadway at Sea- Continuing to expand on Royal Caribbean’s commitment to offering award-winning Broadway productions at sea, the Royal Theater also will host the full theatrical version of the smash hit musical MAMMA MIA! Guests will delight in this sunny, funny tale of love, laughter and friendship, all set to the timeless songs of ABBA – including “Dancing Queen,” “The Winner Takes It All,” “Money, Money, Money” and “Take a Chance on Me.”

Live Music at Its Best
Designed specifically with the music lover in mind, Music Hall is the hottest live music venue onboard Quantum of the Seas and the ultimate place for guests to enjoy intimate and exclusive access to live performances.  Music Hall comes alive at night as the heart of the ship’s entertainment, featuring bands, musicians, DJs, theme night parties and more, including:  

• MAMMA MIA! After Party – when MAMMA MIA! ends in the Royal Theater, the party is just beginning in Music Hall, where guests can dance the night away during a red carpet, Broadway-style after party with featured cast members from the show 
• Tribute Band Program – an extensive line-up of incredibly talented live musical acts pay homage to timeless entertainers from every era, from The Beatles and Bee Gees, to Journey and Bon Jovi
• Wink – a premium late-night show with class and sass, featuring the Royal Theater cast in an adults-only showcase

Plan Ahead, You Know The Drill
Like on Oasis-class ships, with a variety of productions, events and parties to experience throughout a sailing onboard Quantum of the Seas, guests are encouraged to reserve the shows they wish to attend prior to their cruise through Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Planner.  All shows are complimentary and included in the cost of a guest’s cruise fare.

On The Topic Of Reservations
Guests also will enjoy the new Quantum-class Dynamic Dining, a completely new culinary experience that offers a landscape of 18 restaurant concepts as vast and varied as dining in the world’s most cosmopolitan cities, including specialty restaurants created with partner-chefs Jamie Oliver, Devin Alexander and Michael Schwartz.

Take A Look, But Hurry
The Quantum Class spans 18 decks, encompasses 167,800 gross registered tons, carries 4,180 guests at double occupancy and features 2,090 staterooms. Quantum of the Seas will sail out of New York Harbor from her homeport of Cape Liberty for her inaugural season before departing to her new homeport of Shanghai (Baoshan), China. 

Keep Up With The Latest
Check Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas web page for more

 

Flickr photo by DIVCI KAMEN