Quantum of the Seas …. this changes everything! (Part 1 of 5 – Technology)

Wow… 3 times larger than the International Space station, 11 times bigger than a blue whale but it’s not the size of this ship that surprises you it’s everything else!

Royal Caribbean have always been innovative as a company but I have to say they have really upped their game in the market with the first of three Smart Ships. Quantum of the Seas has it all and although teething problems were experienced with all this technology I think once these have been ironed out that this ship will be the most technological advanced ships of it’s time.

The experience begins with smart check in where you upload your own picture and details on to the cruise personaliser and once you arrive at the ship you just show your set sail pass and that’s it you are checked in and ready to board. It really will be that simple once all staff are up to date on using this technology.

Once onboard if you have an iPhone or iPad then you are able to download the Royal iQ app where you can check where your luggage is, what dining times you have pre booked and also find out what’s happening onboard that day.

When you get to your stateroom you have an option of keeping the traditional key card or paying a small supplement of approximately $5 per person to upgrade to a wearable wrist band equivalent.

Finding your way round the ship is also easy as there are 45 Royal iQ stations throughout the ship with interactive technology as well as many signs showing you where you are.

One of the most eagerly awaited new concepts was the bionic bar and this was explained to us all by Jason Bradbury from The Gadget Show.

Drinks are ordered on iPads then the robotic arms go into action to make your creation. Have to admit though they spilt quite a few but it’s early days yet and I am sure once they have found their sea legs they will be okay!

Viewing your photographs onboard has also changed as no longer do you have to wade through hundreds of photos before finding yours. Face recognition technology matches your face to your uploaded picture on your set sail pass and all you do is scan your wristband or card at one of the docking stations and hey presto your photos appear. Then you just order the size and quantity and return a few hours later and they are ready for collection. Also with 16 photographers on hand to help you with the process I have to say this was a great feature.

For many of us who are on a budget then the new “virtual balcony ” interior staterooms are fantastic. Live video footage is streamed onto a wall-mounted 80″ LED projection screen, allowing you to watch real-time views. There is also sound so you can imagine the ship gliding through the water, although have to admit after several minutes of listening to it I ever so slightly needed the bathroom!

Finally on the subject of technology I think the biggest innovation is in the entertainment area of Two70. By day you can enjoy lunch with a stunning view from the 270 degree windows that cover an impressive two and a half decks.

And by night, the venue transforms with state-of-the-art technology that transforms the windows into incredible scenes.

With all this technology comes teething problems and with a team of over 114 technicians permanently onboard I am sure that any teething problems will be quickly ironed out.

One of the biggest disappointments to me was the internet connectivity which was promoted as having more bandwith than all current ships at sea as I hardly had any connectivity whilst on the ship. However on my return home I was reading through several of the leaflets that we had been handed and discovered that the connectivity promised is not available currently from the UK but once the ship reached New York then the enhanced coverage would be available. This will also be in place by the time Anthem of the Seas sails from Southampton next year.

Finally for all those technophobes then the paper cruise Compass is still delivered daily to your cabin and there are plenty of real human beings about to ask of any questions but have to admit that I enjoyed the excitement of the new technology and after a few sailings think this ship will really offer the WOW factor on the technology front.

For more photos from the ship please click on the following link: http://goo.gl/FzsUth

Check back over the next few days for Part 2- Accommodation.