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April 24, 2019

Fourth unit of the Quantum class, but actually “Quantum Ultra”, Spectrum of the Seas was designed by Royal Caribbean International for the Asian market. Launched in April 2019 at German shipyards Meyer Werft immediately made its way to China, where it will start its first cycle of cruises.

Spectrum of the Seas numbers are those of the latest sea giants, although lower than those of Royal Caribbean‘s Oasis class, which are even more impressive. With a length of 347 metres, it accommodates more than 4000 passengers in a wide range of cabins for every need. One of them is the sensational Ultimate Family Suite, a real “home” by the sea with 260 square meters on two levels and 11 beds.

The novelties introduced by the Quantum Ultra project are many and not only aimed at improving the reception for the Asian public. For example, an exclusive area for the guests of the Suites has been included, divided on the forward decks from 13 to 16, and divided into Golden and Silver. Here you will find exclusive lounges, catering facilities, a private sun terrace and even The Boutique, a shop for personalised purchases.

Spectrum of the Seas’ gastronomic offer combines restaurants with a long tradition on fleet ships with a few novelties. Just one main restaurant, the large Dining Room, brings together the three distinct restaurants that distinguished the previous Quantum class. The restaurants such as Jamies’ Italian, Chop’s Grill and Chef’sTable are now well known. But also the most particular Izumi, dedicated to the world of sushi, and the Wonderland, which will drag you into an enchanted world, here curated by star chef Dong Zhenxiang! Finally, Sichuan Red, located on the Royal Esplanade, offers fusion cuisine in a beautiful, bright and welcoming setting.

There are two buffet restaurants: the famous Windjammer, on deck 14, with numerous islands of specialties and the area dedicated to the Hotpot, and, on deck 5, the Café Two70°, open with extended hours also in the afternoon. The Sorrento’s pizzeria changes location on Spectrum of the Seas, and we find it on deck 14 next to the Windjammer. On the opposite side of the same bridge is also the Teppanyaki, with an express kitchen offered to customers right in front of their eyes.

Even in the lounges there are names that are now dear to Royal Caribbean International. The Royal Esplanade, the inevitable internal gallery that has made the fleet famous, is lined with shops and services. The Port Merchant offers souvenirs, gifts and clothing. A small pharmacy joins other more prestigious shops, which also display items along the way during the voyage.

At the bow there is access to the Royal Theatre, distributed on several levels. Also in the bow area, on the starboard side, there are two VIP areas reserved for casinos, and, in the centre of the Esplanade, the Leaf and Bean, a Chinese tea room with nice snacks and some bizarre combinations of tea and other ingredients, such as cheese or coffee. The Patisserie, opposite Sichuan Red, offers additional snacks for most of the day, with tea and coffee always available to guests. The Star Moment, mainly dedicated to karaoke, closes the Royal Esplanade aft in front of the Customer Service Office.

Distributed on decks 3 and 4, the large Music Hall is the ideal place to listen to live music comfortably immersed in the elegant velvet armchairs. Perhaps before playing a game at the Casino Royal, at deck 3, which is very large and located under the Royal Esplanade.

But the historic venues of the Royal Caribbean fleet are also the Vintages, dedicated to prestigious wines, or the inevitable Schooner Bar, which always gives the excitement of having an aperitif on board … a sailing ship. The Bionic Bar, located here on deck 5, along the balcony overlooking the Royal Esplanade, has a more recent but well-established tradition. The incredible Two70° closes the same deck 5 aft, offering sensational shows with a 270 degree view of the sea and enriched by the Vistarama technology that projects images on the panoramic windows.

Everything that makes Royal Caribbean ships “wow” continues on the highest and outer decks. The Seaplex is a large entertainment area that includes everything from bumper cars to skating. The innovative Sky Pad is a springboard for bungee jumping with virtual reality while we are already familiar with, but we are not bored to admire, the North Star, the large panoramic capsule capable of rising up to 90 meters above sea level with a 360° view from above. Not new but also incredible, the RipCord by iFly, a parachuting simulator and the inevitable FlowRider enrich the panorama of on-board activities, together with the Climbing Wall.

The highest decks of Spectrum of the Seas host the beautiful Solarium at the bow, an environment with sun beds, relaxation areas, various Jacuzzis, where you can relax with a 270 degree view of the sea. At the centre of the ship there are two swimming pools, one indoor and each served by its own bar and as many Jacuzzis.

The entertainment for children and teenagers is also very well kept and full of dedicated places. On deck 15 there is a games room and a disco for teenagers. The Adventure Ocean, on the other hand, occupies two bow decks and offers various types of entertainment in different environments divided by the age of the young cruise passengers. The Splashaway Bay, on deck 14 of the Lido, offers a series of small “aquatic” adventures, while fitness enthusiasts will find a nice path for jogging outside deck 15 and the gym and spa area on deck 13, in the bow area. The aerobic room is flanked by other rooms, which are separated with various avant-garde equipment.

Spectrum of the Seas, the firstborn of the Quantum Ultra class, surprises us with its ability to combine the most innovative “wow” attractions, increasingly technological and exciting, with a series of more traditional venues and still able to convey the feeling of being in the middle of the sea, as a ship should always know how to do.

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Gabriele Bassi

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