Quantum of the Seas visits Southampton next week

The Hampshire port has only recently waved goodbye to Royal Caribbean International’s Oasis of the Seas, now the cruise company is bringing its latest vessel to Southampton for a sneak peep before her inauguration.

Quantum of the Seas comes with the promise of several WOW factors that Royal Caribbean hopes will revolutionise the industry, including the first dodgem ride at sea, a spectacular glass capsule that rises above the ocean from the ship’s decks, a robot barman, and a skydiving simulator.

Dining on board the 167,800-ton, 4,180-passenger ship has been completely revolutionised, with the introduction of Dynamic Dining allowing guests to choose from numerous restaurants and dining options as part of their cruise ticket.

Even the walls of the ship are cutting-edge technology with the introduction of virtual balconies in inside bacons to give guests a real-time view of the world outside.

Quantum of the Seas sails into Southampton on Wednesday for a five-day visit before she crosses the Atlantic to her home port in New Jersey.

She will later be sailing from Shanghai to capture the emerging Asian market.

Highlights of the ship include:

• A breath-taking skydiving simulator

• The North Star, a jewel-shaped glass capsule that rises 303 feet above sea level and provides 360-degree views from high above the ship.

• SeaPlex , the largest sports and entertainment complex at sea, with attractions including bumper cars, roller skating and a circus school complete with a flying trapeze.

• The adults-only solarium and outdoor pool, a feature of previous Royal Caribbean ships, will return featuring a brand-new indoor pool with retractable roof.

• Several new cabin categories debut on the class: virtual balconies will dispel the traditional idea of an inside cabin, family-connected staterooms will prove more accommodating and studio staterooms with balconies will spoil the single traveller.

• Dynamic Dining, which eliminates set dining times and main dining rooms, replacing them with 18 restaurant options, flexible dining times and dining spaces that limit capacity to no more than 500 passengers.

• The ship will feature the Bionic Bar, where guests order drinks on tablets and watch as a robot creates them.

• Royal Caribbean promises Quantum of the Seas will be the most technologically advanced ship at sea, with Wi-Fi available that is fast enough to support video streaming, a first on cruise ships.

Quantum of the Seas will pass the Nab Tower approaching Southampton at 2.45pm on Wednesday, will be off Ryde at 3.20pm, Calshot at 4pm and can be seen at Victoria Country Park at 4.20pm.

She will pass Hythe at 4.25pm and be at Mayflower Park at 4.40pm, berthing at 4.50pm.

• For more images and video of Quantum of the Seas visit dailyecho.co.uk