Quantum Of The Seas: A Look Inside Royal Caribbean's Newest Floating City

The Quantum of the Seas, Royal Caribbean International's newest ship will be the inaugural ship of the new Quantum Class, replacing the already remarkable Oasis Class of RCI ships. However, while the Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas hold an estimate 6,000 people each, the new Quantum ships will only carry just over 4,000. But, that doesn't mean Quantum will be a lesser cruise experience. Actress Kristin Chenoweth, the ship's godmother, broke the bottle Tuesday during a ceremony near the Chelsea Piers in New York City.

For those who sail out of the colder, northern cruise ports in the United States, such as Manhattan, Cape Liberty or Baltimore, getting on a warm ship already stocked with hundreds of farewell-brunch options makes a cruiser feel like they've already reached Coco Cay.

This time, when excited families turn the corner off of Route 440 onto Port Terminal Blvd, the long narrow roadway leading past multiple disused, darkened military buildings, and finally opening up into the large lot that is the Cape Liberty Cruise Port; getting their first frontal sight of their temporary new home it will likely be jaw-dropping.

When passengers get a look at Quantum of the Seas, unlike any ship that calls the industrial Garden State city home, their eyes will likely first go to the large crane-like bubble mounted on the forward deck. The "North Star," as Royal Caribbean is calling it, is a gyrating 13-passenger ride with 360-degree views of whatever is around the Quantum of the Seas at the time, whether it be the Red Hook section of Brooklyn or the red sands of Bermuda.

For those that want a taste of their county fair they may miss while cruising in the summer, a bumper-car platform will be included in the SeaPlex facility, similar to "Studio B" on older Royal Caribbean ships. It will be the "largest indoor active space at sea."

Rowdy siblings will still be able to get their energy out competing for the fastest time up the rock-climbing wall on the 15th deck aft, a Royal Caribbean mainstay. And, for those who want a slightly safer alternative to hang-gliding high over Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas USVI, as many cruisers have done in the past, the Quantum of the Seas will feature "RipCord by iFLY," an amusement that simulates skydiving.

In the realm of simulation, those cruisers on a budget who are unable to procure a balcony or outside stateroom will have more than a television in their windowless inside stateroom. Large 80-inch digital screens will be recessed into the wall, simulcasting ocean views that outside stateroom passengers enjoy. "Studio" staterooms, geared toward single cruisers, will be a new addition to the Royal Caribbean cruise experience aboard Quantum of the Seas.

Additionally, "Two70," an open room offering 270-degree views of the surroundings will be featured on one of the upper decks. While there has been no mention of the reoccurrence of the popular Windjammer Café, a staple for hungry cruisers looking for a quick bite at all times of the day, there will be a "food truck" casual dining option, as well as a "Café @ Two70" housed in the "Two70" facility. There will also likely be the return of the popular venue midship that not many can walk through without stopping to press their luck: "Casino Royale"; Daniel Craig not included.