Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Of The Seas making Inaugural Port Call To India

NEW DELHI, India - TIRUN Travel Marketing, the exclusive India representative for Royal Caribbean International, announced the maiden visit of its most technologically-advanced ship, Quantum of the Seas, to India. Royal Caribbean International, known for its 45-year legacy of innovation and introducing industry “firsts” at sea, with the introduction of the Quantum class of ships, takes a “quantum” leap into the future of cruise vacations. She will dock in Kochi on June 4, 2015 before proceeding to Singapore, during her highly-anticipated global journey from New York to Shanghai.

Ratna Chadha, Chief Executive, TIRUN Travel Marketing, said: “In June this year, tech-savvy modern travelers will be wowed by Royal Caribbean International's most futuristic ship, Quantum of the Seas, which incorporates unprecedented levels of technology to amp up the vacation experience. Quantum of the Seas will dock in Kochi on June 4 and then sail on to Singapore from where guests can take a 3-night cruise on June 12, 2015, before proceeding to Shanghai on June 15, where she will be home-ported.”

Quantum of the Seas is a new-age ship in the true sense of the word. Its plush staterooms, game-changing technology, groundbreaking venues, and the best dining options redefine the way the world views cruise holidays. It boasts of boatloads of bandwidth to keep guests connected, easy-to-use systems to expand guest choices and simplify schedules, and RFID technology that speeds the boarding process and allows guests to keep track of their luggage every step of the way.

It offers many “firsts” at sea such as the first-ever sky diving simulator and the North Star that is a jewel-shaped capsule that gently ascends over 300 feet above sea level. Technology also powers surprise-and-delight elements on-board Quantum of the Seas. A brand-new venue, Bionic Bar, is set to make waves with robots at center stage. Guests can place orders via tablets and then have fun watching robotic bartenders hard at work mixing cocktails. The RFID WOWband wristbands require only a simple tap to quickly navigate around the ship, make onboard purchases, serve as the room key, and more. All these highlights underscores the excitement surrounding its maiden visit to India.

Royal Caribbean's Quantum Of The Seas Is The Future On A Cruise Ship

Boarding Quantum of the Seas is like stepping into the next eon.

Royal Caribbean's newest cruise vessel, deemed "the world's most futuristic ship," features robotic bartenders, digital balconies, an aerial viewing pod and floating DJs.

And that's just the start.

On Quantum's whopping 18 decks, guests might attend circus school or fly with "RipCord," a skydiving simulator that propels cruisers 23 feet in the air. The North Star, a massive glass orb on a robotic arm, hoists travelers 300 feet over the water for panoramic views of the ocean.

Back at sea level, you'll find the ocean's first bumper cars and roller rink, with a "floating DJ" hovering above to keep the action pulsing. At the Bionic Bar, robotic bartenders whip up cocktails after you place your order on a tablet, just in time to catch a "digital concert" at the big-screen music hall.

Interior cabin? No problem. "Look outside" thanks to a digital balcony that shows what's going on outside in realtime. Ocean views look better in LED, anyway.

Quantum of the Seas was designed to de-stress the cruising experience with technology: Upon boarding, guests will receive wristbands that serve as both room keys and charge cards for onboard purchases. They'll be able to track their luggage's location on the ship thanks to digital tags, and two separate apps will let them book a table at one of the ship's 18 restaurants or a massage in the spa.

The ship also has an insanely speedy Internet connection, strong enough for FaceTime and video chats.

Quantum will make its first voyage from England to New Jersey in early November. Its sister ship, Anthem of the Seas, will set sail soon after. Together, they'll visit locations from the Bahamas to France to Singapore and Malaysia. Rooms for Quantum of the Seas' first voyage are available for around $1,500 per person for an eight-night cruise... not bad for a trip to the future.

The Huffington Post  | By Suzy Strutner

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Royal Caribbean To Offer The World's Most Most Advanced Lineup Of Shows, Productions And Events On It's Newest Ship The Quantum Of The Seas

 Royal Caribbean International’s newest ship, Quantum of the Seas, is poised to make a show-stopping debut in November 2014, with a lineup of entertainment offerings that push the envelope far beyond imagination. From stage shows that take guests on a highly visual and experiential journey of music, sound and performance, to a radically new form of multidimensional entertainment that seamlessly fuses technology with highly trained live performers, stunning visuals and special effects, Quantum of the Seas delivers an array of first of their kind productions and performances that will leave audiences spellbound.   

 “The level of ingenuity, creativity and sheer imagination that has gone into the creation of the entertainment onboard Quantum of the Seas is staggering,” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, Executive Vice President, Operations, Royal Caribbean International. “We are taking a quantum leap in all aspects of ship design and programming with the Quantum class, but the entertainment is especially remarkable. These shows and productions are truly one-of-a-kind, and we are confident that our guests will be WOWed.” 

The Intersection of Entertainment and Technology 

Already one of the most anticipated spaces onboard Quantum of the Seas, Two70° is the stage for a futuristic approach to entertainment that pairs the most advanced technology with brilliant dancers, singers, aerialists and musicians to deliver a powerful lineup of shows and events that have never before been seen on land, let alone at sea.   

At the forefront of Two70° is Vistarama, an awe-inspiring innovation engineered especially for Quantum class. Vistarama 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. In addition, Two70°’s troupe of six agile Roboscreens stage surprise performances throughout every cruise. Each measuring over seven feet high and controlled by powerful robotic arms, the Roboscreens are delightfully nimble, as they create scenes while soaring and twisting solo, or uniting as one. The creative possibilities of Vistarama and Roboscreens are brought to life through the beautiful, imaginative and original digital content created exclusively for Royal Caribbean by Moment Factory, the internationally renowned studio in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. 

“The entertainment in Two70° is simply magical,” said Nick Weir, Vice President, Entertainment, Royal Caribbean International. “There is an incredible team of risk takers and dreamers here at Royal Caribbean. Together, we saw the magnitude of what this room could do and shot for the stars. We’ve always brought the best of land to sea, but in Two70° we are creating something that has never been done anywhere else in the world.” 

The integration of Vistarama and Roboscreens, with highly trained live performers, music and special effects,  provides an endless landscape for Royal Caribbean to create stunningly visual, first-of-their-kind shows that can only be seen on Quantum of the Seas.  Main shows include: 

·        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

Headlining a New Art Form 

The main theater onboard Quantum of the Seas, the Royal Theater, is a spectacular, state-of-the-art space that takes advantage of the latest technology to create a performance venue that raises the bar once again.  Seating 1,300 guests, the Royal Theater is home to Royal Caribbean’s two main shows presented by Royal Caribbean Productions:

·        Sonic Odyssey – an original Royal Caribbean Production, 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 

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 all-new Cruise Planner.  All shows are complimentary and included in the cost of a guest’s cruise fare.  

The groundbreaking Quantum-class ships, Quantum of the Seas and sister-ship Anthem of the Seas (debuting in Southampton, U.K. in April 2015), will introduce a new set of first-at-sea onboard experiences, such as Ripcord by iFLY, a heart-pounding skydiving experience; North Star, a thrilling adventure that transports guests more than 300 feet in the air on a breathtaking journey; cutting-edge transformative venues including SeaPlex, 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.  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.

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. More information on Quantum class is available atwww.RoyalCaribbean.com/QuantumoftheSeas 

Royal Caribbean International is an award-winning global cruise brand with a 45-year legacy of innovation and introducing industry “firsts” never before seen at sea.  The cruise line features an expansive and unmatched array of features and amenities only found on Royal Caribbean including, jaw-dropping, Broadway-style entertainment and industry-acclaimed programming that appeals to families and adventurous vacationers alike. Owned by Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE/OSE: RCL), the cruise line sails 21 of the world’s most innovative cruise ships to the most popular destinations in Bermuda and the Caribbean, Europe, Alaska, South America, the Far East, and Australia and New Zealand. World renowned for its friendly and engaging Gold Anchor Service, delivered by every staff and crew member, Royal Caribbean has been voted “Best Cruise Line Overall” for 11 consecutive years in the Travel Weekly Readers Choice Awards. 

Royal Caribbean To Send Newest, Hottest Ship To China

In a sign of the growing importance of Asia to the cruise industry, Royal Caribbean today announced plans to base its newest, hottest ship in China next year instead of Europe or the Caribbean.

Royal Caribbean says the 4,180-passenger Quantum of the Seas -- its first new vessel in four years -- will permanently reposition to Shanghai in May 2015 following a previously announced inaugural winter season sailing to the Bahamas and the Caribbean out of the New York area. The ship will sail three- to eight-night voyages to Japan and Korea that primarily are aimed at the Chinese market.

"We have been very clear about our intentions to compete on a high level in China," Royal Caribbean Cruises president and COO Adam Goldstein tells USA TODAY in an exclusive interview about the move. "We feel like we have an asset here with Quantum of the Seas that is not really possible for our competitors to match."

 Royal Caribbean Cruises is the parent company of the Royal Caribbean brand and also owns Celebrity Cruises and several smaller lines.

Goldstein says the Chinese market places a high value on new, top-quality products, and Royal Caribbean believes it has a chance to achieve a long-term competitive advantage by taking the "bold step" of dedicating its newest, most-advanced ship to the region. The company has been expanding into China for several years, starting with some of its smallest and oldest vessels but moving recently to newer, larger vessels. The success of the effort is such that "we have decided to use (a ship like Quantum of the Seas) in China maybe a little bit quicker than had been our timetable."

Quantum of the Seas will join two other Royal Caribbean ships currently dedicated at least part of the year to the Chinese market, the 3,114-passenger Mariner of the Seas and 3,114-passenger Voyager of the Seas. The addition of Quantum of the Seas will boost the company's capacity in the region by 66%.

The deployment comes as the world's biggest cruise companies increasingly look to Asia for growth. Among other lines shifting capacity to the region are Princess Cruises, which is expanding rapidly in Japan, and Costa Cruises.

"We have been step-by-step building up our presence in Asia in general and the China market in particular ... and it has been (going) very well for us," Goldstein says.

Still, Goldstein makes clear that the Miami-based company, which currently has 21 ships, isn't turning its back on its fans in North America. Quantum is just one of four new Royal Caribbean ship that will debut over the next two years, which will leave plenty of new capacity available for deployments closer to home.

Goldstein said Quantum of the Seas will be replaced in the New York area for the summer of 2015 by the smaller Liberty of the Seas. The 3,634-passenger ship will cruise to Bermuda, the Caribbean and Canada/New England from the New York-area port of Bayonne, N.J. through the fall. But come November 2015, the 4,180-passenger Anthem of the Seas -- a sister ship to Quantum of the Seas that debuts in April 2015 -- will take Liberty's place in the New York area, sailing to the Bahamas and Caribbean for the winter of 2015-16.

MORE: Next Royal Caribbean ship to have gee-whiz ride

While Royal Caribbean expects most passengers sailing on Quantum of the Seas out of Shanghai will be from China, the cruises also can be a draw for North Americans, Europeans and other global travelers looking to explore Asia by ship, Goldstein says. While the line will make some minor tweaks to the vessel to cater specifically to the Chinese market, it'll essentially be the same Royal Caribbean product found elsewhere in the world.

Perhaps the biggest difference with Quantum of the Seas' sailings out of Shanghai as compared to Royal Caribbean sailings elsewhere around the globe is that they will be shorter, to appeal to local preferences, Goldstein says.

"We are very happy to have people from around the world traveling to cruise on Quantum of the Seas (out of Shanghai) just as we are happy to have people from around the world cruise on Oasis of the Seas out of Florida," he says.

Currently under construction at a shipyard in Germany, Quantum of the Seas is scheduled to debut in November. By far the most anticipated new ship of the year, it will boast such innovative new features as the first skydiving simulator at sea and a glass capsule on a mechanical arm that will rise high above the ship for bird's-eye views.

Also new on Quantum of the Seas will be Two70, an unusual, multilevel entertainment space with floor-to-ceiling windows that will feature live aerial performances as well as digital performances projected on moving screens.

The first of a new class of vessel at Royal Caribbean, Quantum of the Seas won't be quite as big as the line's much-ballyhooed Allure of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas— the world's largest cruise ships. But it still will rank among the 10 largest passenger vessels in the world and feature all of the signature amenities Royal Caribbean fans have come to love, from a 30-foot-high rock climbing wall to a FlowRider surf simulator to an H20 Zone kids water park. Look inside Oasis of the Seas.

Contributed by Gene Sloan, USA Today.