Introducing Quantum of the Seas

Well! Royal Caribbean have done it again, taking your cruising experience to a whole new level with the introduction of their newest ship - the Quantum of the Seas!
Royal Caribbean are again leading the way with some amazing, unique features you will not find on any other ships. They have already introduced signature offerings such as the rock climbing wall, ice skating rink, FlowRider Surf Simulator, Central Park, the Aqua Theatre and your favourite Dream Works characters. This will now be enhanced  with some more "Firsts for Sea"- The North Star, RipCord by iFly and even bumper cars.

I have provided some information on the ship's features below for you - this being such a new ship and not being able to see this in person in Australia, i have also provided some links to Royal Caribbeans website. They have created some amazing videos that will demonstrate their offerings, hosted by the Quantum of the Seas' godmother- Kristin Chenoweth- and a host of other A-List stars.


The Quantum of the Seas will start sailing in the fall of 2014 out of New York harbour from her home port of Cape Liberty on 7-12 night itineraries. The Quantum ship spans 16 decks, encompasses 167,800 tons and will be able to carry 4180 guests at double occupancy with 2090 staterooms.

Explore Quantum of the Seas with Kristin Chenoweth here.



RipCord by iFly 
This is a skydiving simulator which will let you experience the thrill and exhilaration of flying! If you have ever wanted to skydive, but not had the courage to take that leap out of the plane then this is definitely for you!  You will keep afloat in a safe, controlled environment all without having to take a step off of the ground.

 View the clip here.

North Star

Think the London Eye at Sea! An engineering marvel , the North Star will take guests to new heights - with a large glass capsule transporting you 300 feet above sea level and delivering amazing 360 degree views above the ship and the exciting destinations you will be visiting.

View the clip here.

Transformational Signature Venues

Two70° is sure to become one of Quantum of the Seas' most iconic venues. Fusing together technology and entertainment, this one-of-a-kind grand room promises to take you on a transformative journey from day to night. During the day, the space is a modern, open area living room with  270° panoramic views — the perfect place to kick back and relax while taking in the scenery from vast floor to ceiling windows spanning two-and-a-half decks high. By night, Two70° transforms. As the lights go down and the music comes up, you'll find yourself immersed in the center of spellbinding performance art, mind-blowing light shows, and dazzling digital scenery. There is also an ice bar serving up your favorite cocktails!

View the clip here.

The largest indoor active space at Sea, SeaPlex is a flexible sporting and entertainment venue. Guests can experience a circus school with flying trapeze or play basketball on a full size court. By night, race and crash into your friends with the first ever bumper cars at sea or pop on some skates for some Roller Skating. Guests can also dance to orchestrated music from the floating DJ booth hovering above.

View the clip here.

The music hall is where you will find the hottest live music. You will get exclusive access to live performances, DJs, theme night parties, billiards and more. The music hall's two-story design is inspired by the spirit of rock'n'roll.

The Next Generation of Staterooms- Accommodations

Royal Caribbean debuts the most spacious and luxurious accommodations ever with staterooms on average 9% larger than Oasis class ships. 

*Now every room on the Quantum of the Seas has a view with the exciting introduction of Virtual Balcony Staterooms offering an expansive real time view of the ocean to Interior Staterooms.

*Family Connected Staterooms will deliver more flexibility, using 3 different stateroom categories which connect to form a layout offering separate bedrooms and bathrooms which will allow families and groups of friends travelling together the best of relaxing alone or all coming together.

*The ship will also have an even larger variety of Staterooms with the introduction of new Studio Staterooms, some with balconies for single travellers, 3 Junior Suite Categories and larger Loft Suites.

Signature features 

The adults-only Solarium, along with an outdoor pool, a new indoor pool with operable roof and a H2O Zone kids’ aqua park, will be featured on the top deck.  Signature Royal Caribbean venues and experiences popular with families such as the rock climbing wall, FlowRider surf simulator, the award-winning Adventure Ocean children’s program; the Royal Babies and Tots Nursery are still onboard the Quantum of the Seas. 

Bookings will be available to Crown & Anchor Society loyalty program members starting May 27, 2013 before opening to the general public on June 4. 

Photos and Videos are Courtesy of the Royal Caribbean website.

Stephen

Sailing on the Carnival Spirit

The Carnival Spirit is the newest addition to our Australian waters arriving into her new permanent home in Sydney late last year. She has underdone an "Aussie-fication to cater for her Australian and NZ passengers - so no need to worry about foreign currency on board,power adaptors and tipping is not required nor expected compared to other American based Cruise Liners!

I was lucky enough to sail on the Spirit in February on a 3 night Sydney- Melbourne cruise.  If you are new to cruising then I highly suggest these Shorter Sampler cruises to get a feel for what you can expect on a longer Itinerary.  The Spirit will be the largest Super-Liner to be permanently based in our Waters. She can carry 2,680 passengers and is an impressive 85,900 tonne.  The ship has all of your standard facilities you would expect from a ship of her size, but has some unique and impressive features too!

Still a great view!

Your first impression of a ship once on board will normally be your cabin. You will notice that the Spirits exterior cabins are predominantly Balcony Cabins. There is only one Deck Level of Ocean View Cabins on offer and these are located on Deck 1.  I stayed in an obstructed Balcony Cabin - category 7A.  I have to say I was very impressed and surprised at the lack of obstruction.  These cabins are located on Deck 5 , the top of the life rafts only reach up in line with your Balcony railing, so when standing on your Balcony you can still see over and above and out to see.  These cabins represent fantastic value if you want to upgrade from an Inside or Ocean view but not pay the full price of a fully unobstructed balcony!

The next standout feature is the Green Thunder. It is billed as the worlds steepest Water slide at sea at it certainly lives up to the hype! This slide begins with a trapdoor that opens and sends you free falling at up to 60km/h through a corkscrew and flying out the bottom!  There’s also a sports deck that includes mini golf and a great little water park for kids.

At the Aft of the ship  is a relaxing Adults only area known as Serenity. Here you will be able to relax and unwind with no kids to worry about!  Offering hammocks, large 2 person cabanas and plenty of deck chairs to relax on, you can also enjoy meals out here.  The entry to the dining hall is very close and it is also only a short stroll to Fat Jimmy's C-side BBQ - there is also a fully staffed bar. A medium sized swimming pool is located in the centre along with a spa. 

Carnivals Motto is "FUN". 
This is certainly felt from the moment you step on board! From the bar and wait staff to the entertainment team and your cabin stewards. There are a heap of activities to do on board as well,these are all listed in your 'Fun times" which will be delivered to your cabin every night.
One other thing you will notice is that the drink prices are very reasonable - The cocktails especially!  I have copied some sample drinks lists for you to see.

So if you are a first time cruiser or looking for a fantastic ship that will cater for your whole families needs then Carnival Spirit will be a great option for you.  She is in our waters year round and mainly sails the South Pacific with some NZ and shorter sampler Itineraries also.

View Sailings on the Carnival Spirit :
Australia
New Zealand

Photos Courtesy of Caribbean website and taken personally by myself.

Voyager of the Seas

I had the pleasure of looking around the Voyager of the seas in late November when she was in port

in Melbourne.

The Voyager of the Seas is the largest of Royal Caribbeans 3 ships that are based down in our waters for the Australian Summer. She is 138,000 tonnes and can carry 3114 passengers. The ships facilities are spread out over 15 decks including the unique Promenade level! Alot of the facilities and activities on this ship are the same as you would see on Royal Caribbeans Allure and Oasis of the Seas mega liners based out of Fort Lauderdale in the USA and have been introduced to the Voyager due to the success on these ships.

The standout features of this ship certainly come about due to her sheer size and definitely cater towards the adventurous at heart! I have listed some information below about these unique features below.

Rock Climbing Wall

The Rock Climbing wall is located on the top level, it rises 12 metres above deck and is mounted on the ships funnel. You will have unparalleled 180 degree views of the sea and surrounds down below! Whether it's your first time on a rock wall or you're a seasoned climber, there are challenges for all levels of experience. All equipment, including shoes, helmets and harnesses are all provided and included in your Cruise fare.

Ice Skating Rink

Amazing Ice Skating shows are held nightly in Studio B - the worlds only Ice rink at sea! The shows are done by a cast of professional Skaters that amaze with Jumps, lifts and spins - these shows are a must see!

When the professionals are not practicing or putting on one of their shows the rink is open for guests to skate on.There's no charge to use the rink, no reservations necessary and all levels of skating are welcome – they will even 
provide the skates. 

Mini Golf Course

Hit the links on the high seas on the 9 hole mini golf course! Located on Deck 14. Refine your mini-golf game on a green that overlooks the ocean! Included in your fare and no reservations are required

Sports Court

The sports court itself can be used as a basketball, volleyball, or a paddle ball court. Whether it's a game of one-on-one or an all-out tournament to fuel your competitive fire, the sports court is just the spot to bring out your competitive sporting spirit.

In line Skating Track

Gear up and let the good times roll at the in line skating track, where a smooth course and padded barriers let you zip around the sports deck. The in line track weaves around on deck, so you get a scenic view and some maneuvering challenges.

Dream works Experience

The Dream works Experience offers exclusive special events and parades, interactive character breakfasts in the main dining room, and photo opportunities with characters  from “Madagascar”, “Shrek”, “Kung Fu Panda” and “Puss in Boots”  

Promenade Deck

Along with these unique features you have 14 Bars , clubs and Lounges to choose from - including the traditional English Pub the Pig and Whistle and the impressive Vault Nightclub.

Dining options range from the 3 Level Main dining room and the Windjammer Cafe Buffet all included in your Cruise fare to Portofino Italian Restaurant and the ever popular Johnny Rockets which attract a small surcharge to dine at.

If you have ever gazed at the amazement of Royal Caribbeans Oasis Class ships then this is definitely the ship for you in our part of the world!

View sailings on the Voyager of the Seas :

Australia

New Zealand

Pictures Courtesy of Royal Caribbean website

Stephen

Food Glorious Food

The Radiance of the Seas made a rare visit to us here in Melbourne and we had the opportunity to have a look around the on board facilities.

The Radiance is known as the Culinary ship of the seas as there are 6 alternate dining experiences available on top of your Main Dining room and Buffet offerings. This is one of the big  features of this ship which I will share with you below.

Your fare includes multi-course dining for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner in the Main Dining room and access to the buffet in the Windjammer Cafe. You can enjoy other fantastic restaurants on board for a small surcharge, which is a fraction of the price you would pay in a normal restaurant at home.

Izumi - Asian-fusion Cuisine

Choose from Sushi rolls, Sashimi, Hot rock plates and more. This is the place to go for fresh Japanese food with impeccable presentation and a dining experience of cooking your own meals at the table. Menu items are charged individually based on what you order.

Cost per person: Menu items charged individually - USD $3.00 for lunch, USD $5.00 for dinner (on top of your order)

Giovanni's Table - Italian Restaurant

This is a Casual Italian Trattoria and has indoor and outdoor seating available. Great place for  Pastas, meat dishes, stews and toasted herb foccacias.

Cost per person : USD $15.00 for lunch , USD $20.00 for dinner.

Samba Grill - Brazilian Steakhouse

Samba Grill

Featuring a variety of meats and Seafoods which are carved at your table side from the Skewer. This is Churrascaria with Personality and flair! A wide selection of Soups, Salads and

appetisers are available from the buffet also. This restaurant operates with a "traffic Light" system - simply turn the light on your table Green to advise the waiter to come and carve you more meat or turn it Red to let them know you are full or having a rest!

Cost per person : USD $25.00 for dinner.

Chops Grille - Steak Restaurant

Enjoy delicious Steaks and fresh Seafood along with Side dishes and sumptuous desserts! 

Reservations at this restaurant are highly recommended to take advantage of this dining opportunity.

Ritas Cantina

Cost per person : USD $30.00 for dinner

Rita's Cantina - Mexican-fare favourites
Do you like Margaritas? Rita's serves the widest selection at sea! A Fiesta of flavour, feast on traditional Mexican fare while being entertained by guitars and dancing. This restaurant

caters to families by day and adults by night.

Cost per person : Menu items charged individually - USD $3.00 for lunch or dinner (on top of your order)

Chef's Table

Join up to 14 guests in an exclusive dining room for a once in a lifetime dining experience. You will enjoy a 5 course gourmet menu specially prepared and presented by your own chef. Every course is paired with a wine match to enhance the enjoyment of the dish. The cost to enjoy the same experience at a land based restaurant would be over $200.00 and you experience this for a fraction of the cost.

Cost per person :  USD $95.00 

Royal Caribbean also have some fantastic dining packages that you can pre book through the Cruise Personaliser that gives you a selection of the above specialty restaurants at a reduced price. Check this out once you have booked via your Pre-Cruise Planned under Food and Drink Reservations > Specialty Restaurants and dining.

Stephen

View Sailings on the Radiance of the Seas:
Australia  
New Zealand

Photos Courtesy of the Royal Caribbean Website