WOULD YOU FAKE IT…..?

A VIRTUAL BALCONY?? It almost sounded too crazy to be true, when Royal Caribbean announced its latest cabin innovation  – virtual balconies in inside cabins on its latest cruise ships – giant screens that simulate breathtaking ocean views in real time

Royal Caribbean International launches Quantum of the Seas, the newest ship in the fleet, in November 2014

Royal Caribbean’s new Quantum of the Seas  brings ocean views with cutting-edge technology of virtual balconies in 373 interior stateroom, each feature floor-to-ceiling HD display screens streaming live footage from high-speed cameras positioned around the ship that give passengers real-time views of the sights and sounds outside. Your actual view depends on which wall the 80-inch HD LED projection screen is fixed to.

If your screen faces the front of the ship, you will get the view from a high-quality digital camera mounted on the bridge. Facing back, you get the view of the ship’s wake from the camera mounted on the rear of the ship. Curtains can be drawn to conceal the HD screen and a feature on Anthem, Quantum, Ovation of the Seas, Navigator Explorer of the Seas, Voyager and Harmony of the Seas

The “balcony” includes a virtual railing and natural sounds associated with the views are piped in. (You can control the volume and even turn them off completely.)

Disney created the 1^st Magical Portholes offering inside stateroom guests a “window” to the world with a real-time view outside the ship. high-definition cameras on the exterior of the ship feed video to wall-mounted framed monitors that have the appearance of a porthole. Camera positions correspond with stateroom locations – port or starboard, from bow to stern with animated characters that may appear in the Disney Fantasy Magical Portholes! – Rapunzel from “Tangled” just might swing by… Mr. Potato Head from “Toy Story” could give a wave

Royal Caribbeans’ virtual balcony is more than just a novelty to get passengers to book inside cabins, the idea is to enhance the interior cabin experience by giving cruisers a taste of the outdoors without the true balcony price tag. For example, you can check if it’s raining or sunny outside without having to go up on deck and might even be surprised by a school of dolphins swimming past with the ambient sounds or the ocean and crashing waves streamed in to your stateroom

But is this another gimmick or will it really give you a balcony experience?

I don’t think, it will never replace a real balcony which is a luxurious home from home, where you can step outside your spacious lounge onto your balcony, the perfect place to relax and linger over a morning coffee, enjoy a romantic dinner, catch the first glimpse of your next where you can enjoy both in and outdoor space and a front row seat of the horizon. Enjoy breath taking sunrises and sunsets across the ocean – the spectacular view is ever-changing BUT if your budget is for an inside cabin it is a bit of fun that will liven up your cabin – as long as it can be switched off I would be very happy to give it a try – what do you think??