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99 days of Quantum: What don't we know (yet) about Quantum of the Seas

In:
06 Oct 2014

Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas debuts in less than 100 days so we're counting down all the great things about Quantum of the Seas. Each day we will post something about Quantum of the Seas to share with you.

What don't we know (yet) about Quantum of the Seas

Royal Caribbean has revealed quite a lot of what will be waiting for us on its newest cruise ship, Quantum of the Seas, but there are still some aspects of the ship we don't know everything about quite yet.

Royal Promenade or not

All the Royal Caribbean ships since Voyager class have featured a Royal Promenade, which is a large strip of shops, restaurants and entertainment that create a hub of activity onboard the ship.  

We've assumed there will be a Royal Promenade onboard but that hasn't been confirmed yet.  In fact, there are rumors out there that instead of a Royal Promenade, there will be a Royal Esplanade.  In fact, the Dreamworks Experience part of the Royal Caribbean web site says, "Your favorite DreamWorks characters are coming to the Royal Esplanade onboard Quantum of the Seas."

It sounds like one way or another we're going to have an indoor area of the ship that offers a number of shops, restaurants and lounges but it may be different than we've experienced before.

Bars and lounges

Speaking of bars, Royal Caribbean has not revealed all the bars and lounges that will be onboard Quantum of the Seas.  

Will some of our favorites be returning, such as Boleros, R-Bar or the Schooner Bar?  Or will there be new experiences?  

Of course, we do know Bionic Bar is coming but there's plenty more places to enjoy a cocktail onboard.

Onboard shopping

Like the bars and lounges, which shops guests will be able to peruse online remains a mystery.

A recent presentation in Miami featured a look at what is likely to be some of the shops available onboard, including Hublot, Cartier, Kiehl's, and Michael Kors.

More surprises?

Royal Caribbean has promised the most WOW of any ship with Quantum of the Seas so there's still potential that we may see more surprises and announcements yet to come.

What questions are you still wondering about when it comes to this amazing ship?  

Stay tuned for tomorrow's post as we celebrate 99 days of Quantum!

Construction photos of Royal Esplanade on Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas

In:
06 Oct 2014

One of the rumors going around is Royal Caribbean will have a Royal Esplanade instead of a Royal Promenade.  

Regardless of what they call it, we've run across photos of this area onboard the ship that is under construction and it gives us a look at what we can expect.

Many thanks to Lloyd for alerting us to these photos in the first places. Enjoy!

99 days of Quantum: Royal iQ

In:
05 Oct 2014

To countdown the launch of Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship, Quantum of the Seas, we're blogging about one aspect of the ship each day for 99 days. Check back each day for something exciting to read about this new ship.

Royal iQ

Yesterday we highlighted Royal Caribbean's new pre-cruise planner revamp that was all about planning your perfect cruise aboard Quantum of the Seas but today we're going to look at another bit of technology created for use during your cruise.

Royal Caribbean created a new onboard smart app called Royal iQ, which is dubbed as a "personal vacation amanagement app".

What does that mean?  This app for your smartphone or tablet will allow you to keep track of what's going on during your cruise as well as remind you about excursions and other reservations you have made earlier.

Royal iQ allows guests to manage details during the cruise, includes a convenient calendar that provides at-a-glance views of the cruise or conference program. They'll also be able to keep in touch with one another and home via phone and text capabilities.

You can also find a daily schedule of events inside Royal iQ, along with maps of the ship.

Royal iQ will also allow you to track your luggage with new RFID tags.  Once you drop off your luggage at the pier, Royal iQ will allow you to track your luggage as it moves from sidewalk to ship to stateroom.  This will allow you to not have to keep going back to your stateroom to see if your bags have arrived yet.

Royal iQ will be available for iPads, iPhones and Android phones before October 31st.  Guests booked on Quantum of the Seas will receive an email when the app is ready for download.  

If you prefer not to carry a phone or tablet with you, Quantum of the Seas will offer eight freestanding iQ stations at Guest Services that give you the same functionality as the mobile apps.  You will also find roaming Guest Services staff to assist as well.

Stay tuned for tomorrow's post as we celebrate 99 days of Quantum!

99 days of Quantum: Cruise Planner

In:
04 Oct 2014

We're counting down the days until Royal Caribbean's next cruise ship debuts, Quantum of the Seas, with our 99 days of Quantum countdown. Each day we will post something about this amazing new ship.

Cruise Planner

Royal Caribbean has updated its Cruise Planner part of its website to make a simple and powerful means of preparing for your cruise.

Cruise Planner allows you to research and book reservations for Quantum of the Seas Dynamic Dining offerings, shore excursions, spa appointments and more, courtesy of its new and easy‑to‑use website.

The new Cruise Planner starts out with My Calendar, which automatically populates itself with reservations you make. Each day of your trip is listed and broken down by location, date, arrival and departure times and what has been reserved by guests. It's a snapshot view of what your vacation looks like, reserved in advance the way you want it.

Cruise Planner has also simplified other aspects fo the cruise planning, including dining reservations, shore excursions and spa treatments.  Royal Caribbean aimed to make reserving these options simple and quick.

Cruise Planner is accessible on your tablet or computer after you've booked your cruise.

Stay tuned for tomorrow's post as we celebrate 99 days of Quantum!

99 days of Quantum: Gatsby

In:
03 Oct 2014

To countdown the launch of Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship, Quantum of the Seas, we're blogging about one aspect of the ship each day for 99 days. Check back each day for something exciting to read about this new ship.

Gatsby

For nighttime entertainenment, how about a party that is a throwback to the roaring 1920s, when decadence was king?  Royal Caribbean has created a completely new party it's calling Gatsby.

Gatsby takes place in Two70 and will see the room transformed into a celebration that will make you feel like you're a character in the famous novel.  

You will find specialty cocktails that were inspired by the era as well as a live DJ to play the right blend of music.

Royal Caribbean will encourage guests to dress up to add to the feeling that they stepped out of the F. Scott Fitzgerald novel.  Dressing up is optional but if you elect do so, you will feel like you're really part of the fun.

Stay tuned for tomorrow's post as we celebrate 99 days of Quantum!

99 days of Quantum: Michael’s Genuine Pub

In:
02 Oct 2014

We're counting down the days until Quantum of the Seas debuts later this year with our 99 days of Quantum blog series. Each day we will post something about Quantum of the Seas to share with all of you!

Michael’s Genuine Pub

The idea behind Michael's Genuine Pub is simple: fresh food and drink without complication.  

Michael’s Genuine Pub will be the first American gastropub at sea, brought to you by James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Schwartz.

Michael Schwartz created the restaurant with the concept of taking simple ingredients from the best artisanal producers and combining them in a friendly setting passengers will want to go to.  You will also find craft beers, such as the chef’s own classic American ale, Michael’s Genuine Home Brew.

If beer isn't your thing, you will also find a finely curated list of wine, cocktails and spirits, including bourbon whiskey flights.

Michael's Genuine Pub was created to feel cozy, yet lively.  It's the kind of place to stop in for a midday bite or have a few drinks in the evening while feeling relaxed all the time.

Of course, Royal Caribbean fans should recognize the chef's name.  Michael Schwartz first pioneered the seasonal, farm-to-table menu for the signature 150 Central Park restaurants onboard the Oasis-class ships.

Chef Schwartz is the chef/owner of The Genuine Hospitality Group, with restaurants including Michael's Genuine Food & Drink Miami (Est. 2006), Michael's Genuine Food & Drink Grand Cayman (Est. 2010), Harry’s Pizzeria (Est. 2011), The Cypress Room (Est. 2013), and Restaurant Michael Schwartz (Est. 2013).

Stay tuned for tomorrow's post as we celebrate 99 days of Quantum!

99 days of Quantum: Quantum of the Seas navigates the River Ems

In:
01 Oct 2014

Each day we are posting a brand new blog post to countdown until Royal Caribbean launches its newest cruise ship, Quantum of the Seas. There's a lot to get excited about on this amazing ship and we're highlighting it all.

Quantum of the Seas navigates the River Ems

As she nears completion, Quantum of the Seas makes her way from the shipyard where she is built to the North Sea via the narrow River Ems. To tackle the challenge and ensure a successful conveyance, shipbuilder Meyer Werft and Royal Caribbean International follow some important criteria including waiting for ideal tidal conditions, shrinking power lines and removing bridges.

We have a new video to share showcasing what it took to move Quantum of the Seas on the River Ems.

99 days of Quantum: Conveyance timelapse video

In:
30 Sep 2014

There's less than 99 days until Royal Caribbean's brand new Quantum of the Seas debuts and we're counting down each day with a brand new blog post all about this amazing ship. Check into the blog every day for something new to read about Quantum of the Seas.

Conveyance timelapse video

What happenes when you combine a timelapse video and Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship? The coolest 30 second video ever!

Royal Caribbean released a timelapse video of Quantum of the Seas' conveyance and is pretty cool to watch. Enjoy!

Stay tuned for tomorrow's post as we celebrate 99 days of Quantum!

99 days of Quantum: Hybrid scrubbers

In:
29 Sep 2014

We're counting down to the 99 days until Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship, Quantum of the Seas, launches with a brand new blog post every day. Be sure to check back for something new everyday here.

Hybrid scrubbers

Royal Caribbean has been committed to reducing its cruise ships global footprint and laws around the world are requiring cruise ships to be more eco-friendly so Quantum of the Seas will be able to meet both needs.

Onboard Quantum of the Seas are new hybrid scrubbers that were built by Wärtsilä Hamworthy.  Quantum of the Seas will be outfitted with two hyrbid scrubber systems.

The choice of scrubbers for Royal Caribbean's new Sunshine class vessels will enable the new ships to travel anywhere in the world, because the scrubbers will be compliant with the 2015 Emission Control Area (ECA) 0.1% sulfur limit, as well as the worldwide 0.5% limit from 2020 and the impending North American ECA, by removing sulfur emissions and harmful particulates from the vessel's exhaust. 

Royal Caribbean and Meyer Werft chose this solution not just because it ensures universal compliance with sulfur limits, allowing maximum choice over voyage routes and destinations; it also allows significant flexibility in the operation of the scrubber itself. The hybrid approach allows switching between open-loop and closed-loop scrubbing. This means that at sea, scrubbing using only sea water can be enabled but while maneuvering or in port the system can be closed, re-circulating the water already within the scrubber.

Stay tuned for tomorrow's post as we celebrate 99 days of Quantum!

99 days of Quantum: Dhani Jones

In:
28 Sep 2014

There's less than 99 days until Royal Caribbean's brand new Quantum of the Seas debuts and we're counting down each day with a brand new blog post all about this amazing ship. Check into the blog every day for something new to read about Quantum of the Seas.

Dhani Jones

Royal Caribbean is known for its onboard activities like the FlowRider, rock climbing wall, ice skating rink and more.  With Quantum of the Seas, Royal Caribbean wants to continue that tradition by bringing in athlete and adventurer Dhani Jones.

Dhani was selected to be a Quantum Experience Advisor for all things sports & fitness onboard Quantum of the Seas.  This means Dhani is bringing his expertise in the latest fitness trends to Royal Caribbean.

Jones has provided insight into what to offer in the SeaPlex, as well as new experiences throughout the ship and the destinations she visits that will ensure heart pumping fun for everyone.

Besides being a part of the Quantum team, Jones hosts a show on the Travel Channel, Dhani Tackles the Globe, where he travels the world and plays sports that Americans may not be so familiar with.

What Dhani brings to the Royal Caribbean team is an opportunity to take the great activities program the cruise line has built up and take it to the next level by offering activities guests can do other than on Quantum of the Seas.

Stay tuned for tomorrow's post as we celebrate 99 days of Quantum!

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