Johannesburg - Royal Caribbean, never mind what the name may lead you to think, is an American cruise line. Yet, even by American “go big or go home” standards, the hype around its newest, state-of-the art “Smartship” – the Quantum of the Seas – is breathtaking.
“This Changes Everything!”
“Prepare for WOW!”
Royal Caribbean says the ship lives up to its billing of being a cruise industry game changer, because the technology onboard and the linked technology both ashore and in the heavens above are nothing short of a quantum leap as far as the business is concerned.
Among the suite of firsts that Quantum of the Seas reveals:
l The North Star, a gantry-mounted glass cupola which swings out and away from the ship and allows guests a unique view of the vessel – almost 100m above the waves – as well as never-before-seen perspectives of the ports of call and attractions on Quantum’s voyages.
l The first “virtual” stateroom balconies in the business. These 375 inside rooms have no windows but they have a “virtual” balcony and view of the waves and sky outside thanks to outside video camera and projection technology in the room. It’s so realistic that the “balcony” even has curtains like a normal cabin.
l “Dynamic Dining” – another industry first, where guests will no longer have their daily eating choices restricted to a main dining hall (and normally one of two regular sittings), but will be able to make their choice of a number of themed restaurants – from Asian to American grillhouse to Italian tratorria. All these restaurants are complimentary, but there are still some even more exclusive eating spots – such as an Italian restaurant under the signature of British superstar chef Jamie Oliver – where passengers will pay an additional “cover charge” for the extra special cuisine and atmosphere.
l Digitised and online check-in and boarding procedures. Guests book in online, print their “SetSail” boarding passes and even luggage tags and, says Royal Carribean, the target time is a mere 10 minutes for “kerbside to ship”. Various smartphone and tablet apps, as well as the website, enable passengers to manage their entire cruise experience digitally… from checking in to booking places at restaurants and seats for the shows.
l A “smart” wristband which will unlock stateroom doors, act as a charge facility for any purchases (everything is linked to a passenger’s credit card) and, importantly, as a way of tracking people if there is an emergency.
l A totally automated, robot cocktail bar, the Bionic Bar, where robots similar to those which assemble Porsche cars will toss you up any concoction you like, while you watch, amazed.
l A cutting-edge technology entertainment component, including more car robots, programmed to do amazing moves with 100-inch HD TVs bolted to them. Additionally, an ultra-high definition projection system provides for realistic or fantasy backgrounds for any performance.
l The promise of virtually unlimited broadband Internet access, via dedicated satellites, which will enable guests to not only do all their social media socialising, but will enable video up and downloading, as well as streaming video, which will make Skype conversations possible with family back at home.
Richard Fain, the line’s chairman and CEO, has been with the company for 24 years and says this is the best new launch they’ve yet done. The 167 000-ton ship – and its sister, the Anthem (which is being built and should be finished early next year) – represents “such a giant leap”, Fain said on the Quantum’s pre-inauguration voyage from Southampton, England, last weekend. “This really will change the way people travel.”
The incorporation and integration of the latest in digital and internet technology is aimed at taking the hassle out of travel, he added.
Royal Caribbean International’s executive vice-president, operations, Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, said the line’s Cruise Planner facility, together with the apps, enabled guests to get their cruise organised ahead of time.
“What we aim to do is give them back that first day of their vacation,” she added.
No longer will they be spending precious holiday time getting their ducks in a row.
Her other idea, encapsulated by the “death of the line” – no more waiting in queues – was less successful on the day. Although many passengers were processed within the golden 10 minutes, just as many – including me – were not. The system had a few glitches but, in fairness, my lack of experience with the system and timing to be in places meant I got myself on to one of the last groups to board.
The internet access, despite the criticism of some of the bitchy British journos, was better than I have experienced on a ship. Fain said that during the two-day media and travel industry shake-down cruise, more than 4 500 devices were registered on the ship’s IT system. Normally, there won’t be nearly as many.
And early next year, as the Anthem makes its maiden voyage, Royal Carribean’s satellite-tech supplier, O3B, will have launched another satellite to cater for the European sphere. Which means you will be able to Skype your loved ones from the balcony, watching the sun go down over Napoli next year.
As far as technology is concerned, Fain seems to believe there is no downside.
“People say that the technology is intimidating and that some of our older customers won’t adopt it. We don’t think you have to be young to appreciate technology.
“For example, at our restaurants, our waiters have iPads – so as soon as you order, the chef in the kitchen knows what you want.
“The whole process is speeded up. You don’t need to be young to appreciate faster, hotter food. You don’t need to be young to appreciate getting aboard quicker.”
The group is also committed to using technology to make the life of its cruise ship staffers better.
It has ordered 40 000 tablet computers so each crew member can take advantage of the huge bandwidth and stay in touch with their families.
“Don’t get me wrong,” said Fain, “I love these ships and the technology, but what has made our success has been the people who work for us. I am in awe every day of the work they do and we want to make their life a little better.”
Dynamic Dining was an idea that originated with Lutoff-Perlo and her team and she admitted it was a “very big decision”.
“It’s all about choice. It’s smaller and more intimate and more varied. We think people are really going to love it.”
She said the company’s figures showed that, even before the concept was introduced, guests were already heading that way, with as many as 14 percent of them opting for the pay-extra restaurants for variety.
“Now, our guests can mix it up even more.”
Entertainment is a core part of the ship’s offering and entertainment vice-president Nick Weir, who previously worked in showbiz in Las Vegas, believes that there are few, if any, venues which can offer the sort of hi-tech backbone that a massive cruise ship can.
A backbone which can accommodate a 7-ton gantry on which to mount car-making robots, which deliver a 3-D sensual experience in the Two70 theatre/bar/lounge, dining space. “We really are leading the world in the entertainment space and I defy you to walk away from one of our shows and not go ‘wow!’”
INFORMATION
l For information on Royal Caribbean, Quantum and Anthem of the Seas, contact Cruises International: www.cruises.co.za, 011 327 0327.
Saturday Star