A Fifth Quantum Class Ship On Order!

Yes that’t right, Royal Caribbean have announced that they have a ordered a FIFTH Quantum Class cruise ship, which is planned to enter service with Royal Caribbean in 2020. With Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas already in service (launched in 2014 & 2015 respectively), and Ovation of the Seas making it’s debut in Spring 2016 from Southampton. Royal Caribbean will then launch the other two Quantum Class ships in 2019 & 2020 which will will be again built in the Meyer Werft shipyard (Germany).

So it looks like the introduction of the Quantum Class ship into the Royal Caribbean fleet has been one of  huge success, as five ships in six years would suggest this. Richard Fain, chairman and chief executive of Royal Caribbean Cruises, said: “It is such a pleasure to announce the order of another Quantum-class ship as we are welcoming Anthem of the Seas to North America. These ships have been received with excitement, and performed exceptionally well, across the globe.  We fully expect that momentum to continue as we add to this innovative class of ships.”

The Quantum-class ships, which are 168,666 tonnes and carry 4,180-passengers at double occupancy, offer several new “firsts-at-sea” and “game-changing” features, according to Miami-based Royal Caribbean. These include a Bionic Bar with robotic bartenders, a simulated skydiving experience called RipCord by iFly, and North Star, a jewel-shaped capsule that transports guests more than 300 feet above the ocean and over the ship’s sides offering 360-degree views. They also feature SeaPlex — dubbed the largest indoor sports and entertainment complex at sea — with bumper cars, roller skating and other activities such as a circus school with flying trapeze and a regulation-size basketball court.

So with Quantum of the Seas currently operating out of Shanghai in China and Anthem of the Seas home-ported in Southampton this year for her maiden season, she will now sail from Bayonne, New Jersey, on Bahamas and Caribbean itineraries. Ovation of the Seas the third Quantum class ship will briefly sail from Southampton before heading down to China and Australia.

So with the success of Anthem of the Seas being based in Southampton this year, could we see another Quantum class ship based here?

What do you think? What ship, if you had the choice, would you like sailing from Southampton?