Royal Caribbean Cruise Line’s Quantum of the Seas ushered in a new era in ocean travel when the marquee ship left port from Cape Liberty Cruise Port in Bayonne on Nov. 14.
I was lucky enough to be onboard for the three-day cruise.
The cruise ship, the third largest in the world and the most technologically advanced, according to company officials, allows passengers to water surf, drive bumper cars, and take a ride in a spaceship-like capsule without ever leaving the vessel.
But more than that, the Quantum offers its customers the ability to utilize wireless technologies like never before on a cruise liner. With the greatest bandwidth available on a commercial ship, the Quantum has set new standards for the cruise line and for the industry.
When the Royal IQ application is downloaded to an iPhone or iPad, it allows travelers to make dinner reservations, select show times, and reserve onboard activities.
But all the technology is also useful to the novice, or even the person most inexperienced in technology, in the forms of wristbands that let travelers enter their cabins with a tap and smart cards which control the electricity there.
As it is, passengers can easily board the ship after completing registration online, passing through security, and then answering a cursory question or two.
First cruise
Prior to the ship’s inaugural cruise, travel agents, their guests, and various media outlets learned the ins and outs of Quantum. National Public Radio, television news crews, travel industry publications, and local newspapers all visited the ship to take in its offerings.
Paul Gannon of Interlaken in Monmouth County was there with his wife, Michele. Although not a newcomer to cruises, he had never been on a ship this size.
“I’m actually amazed at what they’ve done here,” said Gannon, who owns a construction company in Ocean Grove. “People forget about what it takes to put all this into a ship. When people say it’s a billion dollars. Oh my God, ‘I say it’s only a billion dollars.”
Dining
The ship has also taken a quantum leap when it comes to dining. Unlike most other cruise ships there is no grand hall where passengers enter for meals. Quantum of the Seas, like others in its class, features restaurants of different cuisines and decors, so that passengers can eat in the type of venue that suits their taste. (Some restaurants require an extra fee.)
If you are on the run, you can eat at the Windjammer Marketplace with many ready-made choices or its 24-hour station, The Grille.
Room service is still free for basic meals, but additional for-pay specialty dishes have been added for those seeking something different.
Recreation
For the daring there is the rock climbing wall or the RipCord, which allows participants to simulate the experience of skydiving through the use of a vertical wind tunnel. Want to show your mettle behind the pedal?
“I’m actually amazed at what they’ve done here.” – Paul Gannon
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Then head over to the SeaPlex entertainment center, where you can become part of the only bumper car derby on the seven seas. Once in the SeaPlex you won’t have to travel far to play ping pong, basketball, or indulge your video game urges in the xBox suite.
Entertainment
The Music Hall offers popular band and tribute group concerts, the Royal Theater, plays and other performances, but the unique center may just be Two70, at the tail end of the ship. This multi-level room, with floor-to-ceiling glass walls, offers seafarers 270-degree panoramic ocean views.
This venue is also used for Quantum’s current visual spectacle Starwater.
Other fun
Drinks are available at just about every turn, but the most fun place to get one may be The Bionic Bar, touted as the first true robotic bar in the world, and at the very least the first one at sea. Patrons order via computer tablets and then watch as one of two robotic bartenders shake it up for them.
Joseph Passantino may be reached at JoePass@hudsonreporter.com.