Photos and Videos

Quantum of the Seas has a number of first-ever features that have made the 4,200-passenger ship the talk of the trade this year. From the North Star observation arm, pictured here, to the Two70 show lounge in the aft of the ship, Quantum embodies Royal Caribbean International's focus on innovation. Technologies, such as tablet computers and RFID wrist band cabin keys, are another theme for the ship. Here are some views of areas of the ship on its preview cruise from Southampton. TW photos by Tom Stieghorst

Photos & Videos

A first look at Quantum of the Seas

Quantum of the Seas has a number of first-ever features that have made the 4,200-passenger ship the talk of the trade this year. From the North Star observation arm, pictured here, to the Two70 show lounge in the aft of the ship, Quantum embodies Royal Caribbean International's focus on innovation. Technologies, such as tablet computers and RFID wrist band cabin keys, are another theme for the ship. Here are some views of areas of the ship on its preview cruise from Southampton. TW photos by Tom Stieghorst

Quantum of the Seas has a number of first-ever features that have made the 4,200-passenger ship the talk of the trade this year. From the North Star observation arm, pictured here, to the Two70 show lounge in the aft of the ship, Quantum embodies Royal Caribbean International's focus on innovation. Technologies, such as tablet computers and RFID wrist band cabin keys, are another theme for the ship. Here are some views of areas of the ship on its preview cruise from Southampton. TW photos by Tom Stieghorst

Guests entering the North Star observation gondola before it is elevated above Quantum of the Seas. North Star's ascent to a position 300 feet above the ocean is smooth, gradual and silent, except for the whir of an air changer in the roof. The gondola is designed to automatically shut down and retract if sensors detect an unexpected motion.

The view from the North Star observation gondola of the Quantum of the Seas while cruising offshore in the English Channel on a preview cruise from Southampton.

Also new is the Seaplex, an indoor recreation space on the top deck of Quantum of the Seas. One of the uses for Seaplex is as a bumper car arena.

The SeaPlex Dog House serves a variety of hot dogs.

A chair in Wonderland, the 60-seat specialty restaurant with an Alice in Wonderland theme and quirky nouveau cuisine. After a more-than-20-year ban on open flames by Royal Caribbean, two candelabras in the restaurant feature lighted candles. According to Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Chairman Richard Fain, there is no Coast Guard rule on flames. "I think the candles add to the atmosphere," he said.

Technology plays a big role on the Quantum, from RFID cabin keys to the bartending staff at the Bionic Bar. To fill the orders at the bar, robot bartenders reach upwards where more than 100 bottles of liquor are suspended. The two 'bots have been dubbed B1O and N1C by supervisors.

Saverio Panata, project manager for Makr Shakr, the company behind Quantum of the Seas' bionic bartenders, demonstrates how customers enter drink orders on a tablet.

The traditional shore excursion desk has been reduced to tables with monitors. Customers use tablets to review shore options and purchase excursions.

The Cafe@270, which serves paninis, pita pockets, soups, salads and other light fare, issues beepers after orders are entered that sound when the food is ready.

A daytime view of the Two70 lounge at the aft of Quantum of the Seas. The new, dual-use space is intended as a library/bar/cafe hangout during the day, mixed with special programming.

An evening view of the Two70 lounge during a performance of Starwater, the first show designed for the space, which is unique to Quantum of the Seas.

The pool on Quantum of the Seas has a jumbo TV screen mounted to the side, rather than on one end. It is shown here on a preview cruise from Southampton on Nov. 1.

Michael's Genuine, a gastropub from award-winning Miami chef Michael Schwartz, is featured at the end of the two-story Esplanade on Quantum of the Seas.

Drinks menus lined up on the bar at the Music Hall, a performance venue on Quantum of the Seas

A hand washing station at the entrance to the Windjammer Marketplace is a step up in the push to keep norovirus and other illnesses at bay. It is a first for Royal Caribbean.