Welcome to the world's most futuristic cruise ships

 

 

 

 

 

Robot bartenders, a 300ft-high viewing capsule and 'virtual balconies' offering real-time views of the sea: Welcome to the world's most futuristic cruise ship Passengers will be super-connected during their stay on the Royal Caribbean International ship Robotic bartenders - the first of their kind at sea and anywhere in the world - mix and deliver cocktails Guests can download an app to research and book restaurant reservations, shore excursions and spa appointments From robots that mix mai tais and mojitos to an electronic wristband and apps that put everything at passengers’ fingertips, the world’s newest cruise ship is wired with ground-breaking ‘smart’ technology aimed at taking the stress out of holidays. When Royal Caribbean International’s Quantum of the Seas officially sets sail in November, guests will be super-connected with a host of industry firsts intended to maximise their getaway even before they step on board. It is billed as ‘the world’s most futuristic and advanced ship’, and television presenter Jason Bradbury says the technological advancements will create a hassle-free holiday, especially for parents who dread the thought of getting luggage sorted and waiting an eternity to check in. Scroll down for video +17 Wired: Royal Caribbean International's newest ship, the Quantum of the Seas, has ground-breaking ‘smart’ technology aimed at taking the stress out of holidays +17 There's an app for that: Cruise Planner and Royal iQ allow passengers to research and book restaurant reservations and communicate with other guests +17 Shaken, not stirred: In the Bionic Bar, guests order drinks on tablets and then sit back and watch robots mix and deliver the cocktail of choice +17 Jewel of the seas: The exclusive North Star, a capsule attached to an arm, lifts passengers more than 300 feet over the ocean   One of the innovative features unveiled today is a gadget normally reserved for the likes of James Bond. When they step foot on the ship, passengers will receive a wristband that serves as a room key while allowing them to quickly navigate the enormous vessel and make purchases with a simple tap. With a pair of downloadable apps that put guests in the captain’s chair, Royal Caribbean is striving to make every journey on the Quantum of the Seas the most technologically-driven holiday in the world. The apps – Cruise Planner and Royal iQ – put guests in charge of their cruise choices, allowing them to research and book restaurant reservations, shore excursions and spa appointments on their own while organising their calendar and keeping in touch with other passengers and loved ones at home. Passengers will be able to browse the apps, check their email or video chat with relatives or friends – all from the high seas – on a broadband connection that offers the fastest internet speeds at sea, according to Royal Caribbean. +17 Quantum of the Seas has a video game suite where guests can compete with other gamers worldwide or on other Royal Caribbean ships using Xbox Live +17 Giant: The massive 4,180-passenger vessel weighs 167,800 registered tonnes and has 18 decks, making it the third largest ship in the world +17 Relaxing: By day, a venue called Two70 is a place where passengers can chill out and take in 270-degree views of the sea +17 High fliers: At night, Two70 transforms into an entertainment venue featuring high-flying aerialists and performers Bradbury, host of The Gadget Show and Motor Morphers on Channel 5, has partnered with Royal Caribbean to promote its Quantum class ships. He said holidaymakers will be blown away because the systems are seamless and easy to use. He said: ‘The app is almost like a kind of on board social network so you can socialise in the digital sense with the crew and the captain and the people who make the decisions that affect you. ‘They really thought about making some really smart decisions that make sure all your expectations are met.’ Bradbury is a big fan of Royal Caribbean’s attempts to appease the modern, tech-savvy traveller with faster internet speeds. Sluggish connections have long been a sore spot for cruise ship passengers. Royal Caribbean is promising industry-leading bandwidth with speeds matching the fast connections people enjoy at home, using a new generation of mid-Earth orb satellites. And it’s not just guests who will be using apps to make life easier. Crew members will use custom apps to keep track of guests’ choices for dining or spa treatments and tailor services to them. To make that happen, Royal Caribbean is giving a tablet computer to every crew member – 40,000 in total – on every one of its ships.  +17 Bionic Bar: Quantum of the Seas' robot bartenders are not just the first at sea – they’re the first of their kind anywhere in the world +17 Impressive: Quantum of the Seas was floated out of a dry dock in Germany earlier this month and will make its maiden voyage to North America in November A new feature that is sure to wow passengers is found in the Bionic Bar, a brand new venue where robot bartenders will be put to work. These robot bartenders are not just the first at sea – they’re the first of their kind anywhere in the world. Guests order drinks on tablets and then sit back and watch the robotic arms do their thing as they mix and deliver the cocktail of choice. Bradbury said: ‘There’s a lot of show-stopping technology that’s on board these Quantum class ships, and [the robots] are the real items of interest. ‘All you will see behind the bar are the robots and if you choose a specific drink they will make it for you using very complex, rehearsed movements. ‘To interface with the public at sea, it’s really extraordinary. This isn’t something just for the launch, this is a permanent part, an important part of your entertainment experience and it’s very, very exciting and innovative.’  +17 Indoor fun: The first bumper cars on a ship are found in a venue called SeaPlex, the largest sports and entertainment complex at sea +17 This rendering shows what Quantum of the Seas will look like once the finishing touches are applied to its exterior and interior +17 No window? No problem: Interior guest rooms without windows have ‘virtual balconies’ that display real-time sights and sounds through 80-inch LED screens Robotics are also at work in Two70, a cavernous space that is a place of relaxation during the day, with 270-degree views from the aft of the ship, before it becomes a boisterous entertainment venue at night. The venue has six ‘roboscreens’ that move or unite as one and a new feature called Vistarama, which transforms Two70’s floor-to-ceiling windows into a canvas for a digital show – real or imagined – using 18 projectors. Interior guest rooms without windows have ‘virtual balconies’ that display real-time sights and sounds of the sea through 80-inch LED screens. Quantum of the Seas’ staterooms – the largest of any Royal Caribbean ship – are equipped with USB outlets that allow guests to charge their smartphones, tablets or laptop computers. The ship’s exclusive ‘SMART’ system helps guests even before they step foot on one of the Quantum class ships. Passengers can generate boarding documents online, upload their own security photo and receive digital boarding confirmations. The system is aimed at making the check-in process a breeze for passengers, with guests being able to go from ‘shoreside to ship’ in 10 minutes with no check-in counter to navigate and no lines to stand in. Using their smartphones, guests can track their luggage in real time – from the drop-off point to their room – once it is tagged with RFID (radio frequency identification) technology at drop-off. +17 When Two70 becomes an entertainment venue at night, it uses six ‘roboscreens’ that move or unite as one to entertain passengers +17 High speed: Royal Caribbean is promising the fastest internet speeds at sea using a new generation of mid-Earth orb satellites +17 Chow down: Foodies will have their choice of 18 restaurants, including an Italian eatery developed by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver But the real fun begins when they get onboard. The technological advancements unveiled today will be available on two other Quantum class ships – the Anthem of the Seas, which goes into service next April, and a third liner that has not been named. Quantum of the Seas is the third largest cruise ship in the world behind two other Royal Caribbean liners – the Allure of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas. It will offer several first-at-sea experiences, including the North Star pod that lifts passengers more than 300 feet over the sea, a skydiving simulator, bumper cars and roller skating. The ship’s connectivity makes it possible for one of its venues to become a video gaming suite where guests can compete with other gamers worldwide or on other Royal Caribbean ships using Xbox Live. +17 Virtual Concert projects high-resolution footage, from a 16-camera shoot, across a series of screens to create a multi-sensory musical experience For foodies, Quantum of the Seas has 18 restaurants, including an Italian diner from Jamie Oliver. The massive 4,180-passenger vessel weighs 167,800 registered tonnes and has 18 decks. It emerged from a dry dock in Germany earlier this month and will undergo sea trials next month once all of its functions are tested and the finishing touches are applied to its exterior and interior. Quantum of the Seas will make its maiden voyage from Southampton to a port near New York on 2 November. From there, it will sail to destinations in the Caribbean, including the Bahamas and Bermuda, before it relocates to an emerging market in Shanghai, China in 2015. Two-night cruise packages are priced at about £500, while a 10-night excursion will set you back about £1,400. Starting next April, its sister ship, Anthem of the Seas, will sail from Southampton to destinations on the Mediterranean Sea.

They are the glamorous beauties that whisk holidaymakers from country to country in style - and no more so than if you have splashed out on a suite. With cruising becoming one of the most popular ways to travel, ships are upping the ante with a spectacular array of luxury offerings to cater for wealthy travellers taking to the seas. From Jacuzzis and personal butlers to Ralph Lauren linen and even a glass shower that juts out over the open water, these suites far surpass the golden age of ocean cruising. MailOnline Travel looks at some of the most luxurious ways to ride the crest of the luxury cruising wave... The Royal Loft suite on board the Quantum of the Seas The most luxurious suite on Royal Caribbean International's ship, the two deck high stateroom has panoramic views of the sea and more than 1,600 square feet of space. The master bedroom has a royal king-sized bed, separate dressing area and a private bath with a soaking tub, shower, two sinks and bidet. The suite also comes with two bathrooms, open living/dining room, dry bar, media room and a balcony with a whirlpool hot tub and dining area. The Royal Loft is priced from £8,500 per person, based on two people sharing, but can sleep up to six with sofas that convert into double beds. +23 A little bit of luxury: The Royal Loft suite is spread over two decks and features one master bedroom with a royal king-sized bed and outdoor deck with a whirlpool hot tub +23 The Quantum of the Seas: The 18-deck ship boasts exclusive amenities including an observation capsule that extends over the water, a skydiving simulator and the largest guest rooms of any Royal Caribbean vessel +23 Nice view: The two deck high stateroom has panoramic views of the sea and offers more than 1,600 square feet of space +23 Relax: The Silver Suite allows you to have a tipple or two in elegant style +23 Impressive inlay: The interior of the ship is akin to royalty +23 Feeling lazy? Why not indulge in a butler-delivered breakfast, which offers a fabulous spread +23 Exquisite: The bedrooms are bright and fresh, with the sloped walls offering a cosy feel +23 Like this? The bathroom of the Silver Suite on deck eight has a very 'oceanic' feel, yet is lively and retro Reflection suite on board Celebrity Reflection The wraparound glass windows allow guests spectacular views over the sea and there is no shortage of design credentials in this 1,636 square foot  area. The suite features a 194 square foot panoramic veranda, an open-plan living area anchored by a 10-seat dining table and, more intimately,  an app to control the firmness and elevation of your bed via the bedside iPad. There is a diamond-shaped shower cubicle that extends over the edge of the ship and features a monsoon rain shower and 'intelligent glass', which responds to sunlight levels and protects your modesty with a one-way tint. Rates for the Reflection suite start from £11,090 per person including flights. You can join Celebrity Reflection on an nine-night Eastern Caribbean Getaway fly/cruise from £6,574 per person (based on two people sharing the Reflection Suite). Price includes reduced return flights from London Heathrow, transfers, one-night pre cruise accommodation and a seven-night cruise departing from Miami (Florida) and calling at San Juan (Puerto Rico), Charlotte Amalie (St Thomas) and Philipsburg (St Maarten) before returning to Miami (Florida) for the flight home; meals and entertainment onboard the ship and all relevant cruise taxes/fees. Here's what’s included in the price (in addition to meals and entertainment as mentioned below): European-style Butler Service - The Butler will help guests with unpacking and packing, serve a full breakfast, lunch and dinner service whenever guests like to dine in their suite. Guests will receive daily newspapers and be served with drinks and hors d’oeuvres in their Suite before dinner. The Celebrity Cruises Butlers can organise spa appointments, dinner reservations, shore excursions Suite includes lots of luxury features and amenities. As well as standard features like 100% Egyptian cotton linens, guests will enjoy welcome sparkling wine, fresh flowers, a daily fresh fruit platter, complimentary daily in-suite espresso and cappuccino, and an afternoon canapés and tea service Frette bathrobes, oversized towels and slippers, custom luxury bath products, personalised stationery and an extra hair dryer are also provided Guests can choose pillows from the pillow menu Guests will enjoy priority embarkation and debarkation, express luggage delivery, priority tender service and preferential restaurant and theatre seating Guest will receive one complimentary dinner for two for a cruise of 6 or 7 nights in one of Celebrity Cruises Speciality Restaurants +23 A view from above: The view out from the shower is certainly one to take advantage of +23 Cruising: The Reflection offers untold luxury for a holiday that you won't forget +23 A view of the Reflection Suite - an ideal place to hold a gathering for family and friends +23 Sit back: The view of the sunset from Reflection, with a drink of your choice in your hand, is a perfect end to the day Grand duplex suite on board Queen Mary 2 The grand duplex suite features lavish bedroom quarters, a separate dining area, bar and extensive balcony with views over the stern of the ship. With over 2,200 square feet of space, the master bedroom has private exercise equipment, TV, two marble 'his and hers' dressing rooms with connecting bathrooms and a separate whirlpool bath and shower. As well as a fully stocked complimentary bar, dining area for eight, dressing room, interactive plasma screen TV and home office corner, there is a personal butler on hand to serve pre-dinner canapes and champagne on embarking. Guests in the grand duplex suites are also free to dine on caviar and champagne in the renowned Queens Grill. +23 Everything you need: Upstairs in the bedroom of the grand duplex suite, complete with private exercise equipment and two marble 'his and hers' dressing rooms +23 Guests staying in the grand duplex suites, on board Queen Mary 2, are also free to dine on caviar and champagne in the renowned Queens Grill +23 +23 Guests in the grand duplex suites are also free to dine on caviar and champagne in the renowned Queens Grill +23 Guests in the grand duplex suites have a personal butler on hand to serve pre-dinner canapes and champagne on embarking Owner's Suites on board Marina (Oceania Cruises) The Owner's Suite, furnished by Ralph Lauren Home, spans the width of the ship, giving 2,000 square foot of space. What's included: All meals and snacks onboard All bottled water, soft drinks, cappuccino, espresso, tea and juices Dining in any of our six gourmet restaurants – there is never a surcharge Access to an exclusive, staffed Concierge Lounge 24 Hour Butler Service Priority embarkation, priority luggage delivery Complimentary in-suite bar set up Priority reservations for the specialty restaurants Priority shore excursion reservations Bulgari toiletries + Gift Set Unlimited access to the private Canyon Ranch Spa terrace Laptop with wireless internet access iPad The foyer, with grand piano, leads to a living and dining room, and the 626sq ft balcony has a whirlpool and television. Guests who don't want to leave, needn't. The butler, on call 24/7, will serve dinner from the speciality restaurants. There is free loan of a laptop and iPad, plus a fridge of goodies on arrival. The cruise costs from £7,977 per person including round trip airfare from London. The walls inside the Marina are Georgian wood paneling are finished in an ivory gloss. Art niches on either side are framed with polished stone and mirrored to reflect the statuary. An ivory marble entryway with a David Hicks inspired black and camel mosaic tile inset is surrounded by plush black carpeting trimmed with a polished nickel metal edge. +23 Impressive: The Owners' Suite bedroom exudes class and elegance +23 Expansive: You won't forget where you are as he chill and read the Ralph Lauren book, while being surrounded with animal print The foyer also contains a mahogany gloss bar with three ivory leather and chrome stools, stately burnished silver armchairs covered in faux crocodile and brown and white faux zebra skins and an oversized ivory brocade and black satin chaise in front of floor-to-ceiling windows offering sweeping ocean vistas. An ebony baby grand piano serves as the room's focal point while a brilliant alabaster and polished nickel chandelier hangs overhead. Guests will spend most of their time in the spacious living and dining room, which exudes the rich, clubby and refined elegance of a world-class yacht. Macassar ebony-veneered chests with silver hardware topped by faux Zebra-framed mirrors flank the entrance. Walnut herringbone wood flooring rings a field of camel carpeting with an inset chocolate border. A full wall of windows affords uninterrupted aft views. A camel-colored, suede L-shaped Modern penthouse sectional is prominently positioned in the corner. To its side is a mahogany Anglesey end table and oversized, Mayfair tufted armchair upholstered in coffee-brown velvet; the Planar brushed stainless steel and acrylic coffee table centers the seating area. A 42' flat-screen TV mounted atop a striking nickel and mahogany entertainment center is anchored by a black teak and nickel Aldgate étagère. An elegant mahogany Mayfair dining table with smooth caramel leather Clivedon dining chairs affords seating for six topped with a classic candelabra chandelier finished in nickel complete the dramatic dining area. Wraparound teak-covered verandas feature stylish pieces custom-crafted from Ralph Lauren in white marine lacquer suitable for outdoor living. Sumptuous Sleeping Quarters For restful nights at sea the Tocar designers used ivory wainscoting and plush silvery grey carpeting to set the stage for the high-style and luxurious bedrooms of the Owner's Suites. The walls above the wainscoting are covered in Austyn cashmere and all windows and balcony doors are dressed with ivory wool sheers and silver drapery panels in a shimmering, silk/cotton blend. +23 Sizeable: There's more than enough room for two in the bathroom of the Owners' Suite which would suit his and hers grooming The bedroom's centerpiece is the distinctive, Bel Air bed in a deep, library mahogany – its headboard, footboard and side rails upholstered in steel-blue mohair with polished nickel nail-head accents. To its left and right are City Modern bedside chests with stainless trim and hardware, finished in rosewood mahogany. Night-stands are topped with Faceted Crystal Prism lamps with white silk shades. A custom ceiling fixture in polished nickel with teardrop glass balls provides overhead boudoir lighting. A Mayfair mirror with a burnished silver-leaf frame and beveled glass adorns one wall, framed by polished nickel sconces with white-pleated silk shades. Across the room is the Ralph Lauren Highbridge desk featuring stainless steel sawhorse base with glass top and Noble Estate side chair upholstered in camel wool seat base with contrasting ivory ribbed seat back and polished nickel nail heads. A Noble Estate settee upholstered in taupe leather with polished nickel sabos and two Hasley slipper-chairs upholstered in a light gray cashmere wool blend provide additional seating. Throw pillows upholstered in both silver textured fabric with contrasting ivory cord and ivory brocade pattern with contrasting blue double-fringe trim add to the elegance. The finishing touch on this grand boudoir is a marble, six-fixture master bathroom with both a separate shower and large soaking tub. The whimsical mahogany double vanity is topped with double portholes and accented with nickel ceiling-mounted round pivoting mirrors and Ralph Lauren's classic small sconces with silk fabric shades. Guests of these rooms will also enjoy access to the private Concierge Lounge featuring a dedicated concierge, magazines, daily newspapers, complimentary beverages and snacks. In addition to stateroom amenities, suite guests enjoy the added luxury of Champagne upon arrival, 1,000-thread-count linens, 42' plasma TV, Bulgari and L'Occitane bath amenities and butler service. Guests in Oceania, Vista and Owner's suites have the added luxury of ordering en-suite meals from any of the ship's restaurants. +23 Welcome in: The foyer at the Owners' Suite will give you an idea of the class you will expect Penthouse Suite on Aurora The split level accommodation features a bedroom and en suite bathroom on the upper level and lounge area with sofas, chairs and table on the lower deck. Features include: Flat screen TV with DVD player Grand piano Stereo Senseo coffee machine with complimentary dark, medium and decaf pod Luxury pamper pac Daily canapes Fruit basket Flowers, Champagne and chocolate on arrival Butlers service which includes packing and unpacking of luggage, booking salon or spa treatments, arranging pre-dinner cocktail parties, supplying a range of in-cabin meals, from a light snack to a full meal with fine wines and laundry services. +23 Forget you're at sea: The Aurora Penthouse gives a nice, homely vibe off +23 Play us a song: The piano in the penthouse is a nice touch for the music lover Read more: