by Ana Figueroa
Last updated: 12:56 PM ET, Tue June 12, 2018
Royal Caribbean International has announced new details for its first Quantum Ultra-class ship, Spectrum of the Seas. Custom built for the Chinese market, Spectrum will be the largest and most expensive ship in Asia when she sails from Shanghai beginning in June 2019.
"When Quantum of the Seas made her debut in Shanghai three years ago, it changed the face of cruising in China. Fast forward to today, and we are revealing just how we'll transform the cruise vacation market, yet again, with the debut of Spectrum of the Seas," said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. "The introduction of our highly anticipated Quantum Ultra Class will represent a quantum leap forward in ship design and experiences specifically tailored to Chinese guests."
The 4,246-guest Spectrum of the Seas will debut the line's first exclusive suites-only area. Golden and Silver suites will be located in a private enclave at the forward end of the ship on decks 13 through 16. Guests will have special keycard access, a private elevator, plus a dedicated restaurant and lounge. Guests will also have access to a private outdoor space and a private shopping area.
The ship will introduce a new two-level Ultimate Family Suite for up to 11 guests. The 2,809-sq. ft. three-bedroom suite features a kid-friendly space, recreation room, and cantilevered master bathroom.
Dining options include a three-level main dining room serving Chinese and Western a la carte options. The casual buffet venue, Windjammer Marketplace, is 20 percent larger than those on Quantum Class ships. And, a new specialty restaurant will serve authentic Sichuan cuisine. Also new, is the Leaf and Bean traditional tea room and caf parlor, serving Chinese teas, coffee drinks and Chinese and Western desserts.
Another first for Royal Caribbean is Star Moment, a karaoke venue. The line will enhance SeaPlex, the largest indoor sports and entertainment complex at sea. The ship will also feature popular signature attractions such as the North Star glass capsule ride, RipCord by iFly, skydiving simulator experience, and the FlowRider surfing simulator.
Spectrum of the Seas will sail a diverse array of itineraries, including new longer sailings. In total, the ship will travel to 23 destinations across three countries. Ports of departure include Shanghai, Tianjin, Hong Kong and Shenzhen, China.
When the ship debuts in April 2019, she will sail a 51-night Global Odyssey from Barcelona, Spain to Shanghai, calling on 13 countries. The itinerary can be purchased in five separate segments.
Quantum of the Seas will sail a farewell season from Shanghai and then move to Tianjin in the summer of 2019.
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