Customized cruise ship to set sail next year

Royal Caribbean International announced in Shanghai last week that it will launch a new cruise ship with upgraded facilities, as well as new itineraries tailor-made for the Chinese market, in 2019.

The cruise ship, Spectrum of the Seas, which is still under construction, will roll out as the first of the company's Quantum Ultra Class of luxury liners. It will feature a makeover of guest rooms and dining facilities, entertainment and technology, compared with the company's existing fleet of cruise ships.

As a signature design of the Quantum Ultra Class, a huge orange hollow sphere on board, called the Sky Pad, will contain four bungee jumping platforms. Using virtual reality technology, the Sky Pad can offer an adventure simulating a journey traveling through the center of the Earth, according to the company.

The vessel will feature special areas onboard which can only be accessed by certain guests in order to create a more luxurious and bespoke experience, according to the company.

The Royal Villa at Sea, located on decks 13 through 16, is designed for guest rooms, dining and leisure, exclusively for suite guests.

The Balcony on the top deck provides the best views onboard, and is only open to Royal Gold guests. Similarly, the Boutique shopping service will also be included in the group's privileges.

Another highlight onboard the cruise ship will be the 261-square-meter Ultimate Family Suite. It will be comprised of three independent bedrooms that can accommodate up to 11 family members. The suite will be fitted with a children's slide connecting a bedroom in the loft to the living room.

Apart from Italian, Japanese and steak grill restaurants, the ship will add Sichuan cuisine to its menus. A tea bar and cafe, named Leaf and Bean, will allow guests to watch tea ceremonies being performed and learn how the drink is made.

At the Seaplex gym, guests can work out or play indoor ballgames. An interactive entertainment center in the gym, which will be installed with augmented reality walls and floors, will provide guests with high-tech experiences.

Liu Zinan, president of the China and North Asia Pacific region at Royal Caribbean International, said: "Royal Caribbean always considers product innovation as its core competitiveness."

As a leader in the cruise industry, Liu said, the company needs to seek breakthroughs in products and services and enhance the brand's leading position in customers' minds.

He added that cruise lines for China next year will use ports in Shanghai, Tianjin, Hong Kong and Shenzhen in Guangdong province.

The company will launch 17 longhaul cruise lines in 2019, each lasting at least six nights. They will berth at popular destinations including Tokyo, Osaka and Hokkaido.

Another 11 seasonal lines heading toward tropical and subtropical destinations in winter are also on the way, according to the company.

In addition, 12 weekend-themed four-night lines will set sail throughout the year for young people to socialize, shop and experience culinary and entertainment delights, Liu said.