Royal Caribbean is giving travelers more bang for their buck on the high seas. The cruise line is getting ready to unveil its most extravagant vessels to date.
The new Quantum of the Seas will feature a giant glass capsule connected to a mechanical arm that transports passengers high above the water similar to the London Eye. Only, you won’t have to fork over an extra $25 per person to ride it. Rather, a spin on the spectacular attraction will come at no additional charge to any of the 4,180 passengers who book a trip on the massive ship.
Royal Caribbean is also giving passengers on Quantum of the Seas and sister ship Anthem of the Seas a host of other unique experiences when the vessels debut in fall 2014 and spring 2015, respectively. Among the most jaw-dropping are:
Virtual balconies: If you can’t afford to reserve a cabin with a real balcony, don’t feel like you are missing out. Royal Caribbean is equipping 373 windowless “inside cabins” on each of its new ships with electronic balconies that provide real-time views of the sea from high-tech walls.
SeaPlex: Dubbed the largest indoor sports and entertainment venue at sea, this multi-deck fun zone will feature bumper cars, a roller skating rink, a circus school with flying trapeze, full-size basketball court and a professional dance floor.
The RipCord: On the very top of the new ships, Royal Caribbean is planning to house the take-off point for the first skydiving experience at sea. The RipCord attraction includes vertical wind tunnels that simulate the experience of skydiving.
Music Hall: The two-story multi-purpose entertainment area will boast live performances, music with DJs, theme night parties and billiards.
Other notable features designed for passengers of all ages include: larger cabins, studio cabins with balconies, multigenerational family cabins that connect to form up to 16 large “Family-Connected” complexes, an adults-only Solarium, indoor pool with retractable roof and a kids’ water park with a surf simulator.