APRIL 17, 2013 — If you didn't think the cruise industry could think of any more innovations to attract guests, prepare to be surprised. Royal Caribbean International has unveiled the first details of the two 167,800 grt, 1,141 ft (348 m) 4,180 passenger Quantum class ships it is building at Meyer Werft. Quantum of the Seas is set to enter service in fall 2014, sailing out of New York Harbor from Port Liberty. Sister ship Anthem of the Seas is scheduled for delivery in spring 2015

The 18 deck ships will be the largest cruise ships thus far from a German shipbuilder and Royal Caribbean is packing them with more "firsts at sea." These include a skydiving experience and North Star, which lifts passengers in a jewel-shaped, glass capsule more than 300 feet above the ocean for spectacular 360-degree views. The ships will also offer the cruise line's largest and most advanced staterooms ever. Some will have the industry's first "virtual balconies" so that every stateroom will have a view.

Quantum-class ships will feature 2,090 of Royal Caribbean’s largest and most advanced staterooms ever, including 1,570 balcony, 147 outside, 373 virtual balconies and 34 wheelchair accessible. Accommodations on average are nine percent larger than those of Oasis class ships. There will be up to 16 Family-Connected staterooms – perfect for multi-generational families or groups of friends, these staterooms provide separate bedrooms and bathrooms for all. For single travelers, there will be 12 new Studio staterooms with balconies and 16 Studio Interior staterooms, both for single travelers

Simulated sky diving is among "firsts" to be introduced on Quantum Class

North Star will lift passengers up and over for amazing views

"This new generation of ships gave us an opportunity to make another leap in vessel design. Innovation has always been part of our DNA and we have taken advantage of all that creativity to design Quantum cruising," stated Richard D. Fain, chairman & CEO, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd.  "The unique features on Quantum will boggle our guests' minds, but the real strength of the design is how our people have integrated all these diverse components to create a comfortable and exciting experience."

New signature venues

Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas guests will feature three new signature venues.

Two70° is a multi-level great room named for its magnificent 270-degree panoramic sea views through vast, floor-to-ceiling glass walls spanning almost three decks at the stern of the ship. Two70°, says Royal Caribbean "seamlessly fuses entertainment and technology to create a transformative journey from day to night. The perfect setting to connect with the sea during the day, Two70° provides a modern and comfortable living room space for guests to sit back and relax. As the sun sets and the lights go down, the dazzling space gradually reveals its evening persona, delighting guests with spectacular, mysterious and unexpected entertainment at night. Unparalleled technology means every show at Two70° is multidimensional and immerses the audience through a combination of live performers, including aerialists, as well as breathtaking video and digital scenery."  

The largest indoor active space at sea, SeaPlex is a  sporting and entertainment venue that delivers more first at sea experiences: guests can experience a circus school with flying trapeze, or play basketball on a full-size regulation basketball court. By night, the first-ever bumper car and roller skating offerings deliver fun and excitement.  Or, guests can dance to music orchestrated from a floating DJ booth which hovers above the activity below.