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Royal Caribbean is taking tech to the next level with its new fleet of cruise ships. Its latest vessel, Anthem of the Seas, is due to launch this spring, is the exemplar.

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Words by Clare Hopping

Have younoticed that some people are a bit sniffy about cruises? Not very luxurious, they say.Cruise line Royal Caribbean out to quash this view with the launch of two new cruise ships: Quantum of the Seas that launched in November, and Anthem of the Seas, making its maiden voyage this spring from Southampton.

The main focus of these ships is to integrate technology and luxury in one package, making holidaymakers feel as though they are staying in a top-class resort, with plenty to do for every member of the family.

Although not the largest cruise ship in Royal Caribbean's fleet, or in the world (that acclaim belongs to its Oasis class of ships), Anthem of the Seas will be the third largest to set sail in the Atlantic Ocean, alongside its sister ship, Quantum of the Seas.

Quantum of the Seas

Architect Wilson Butler Associates developed the plans for the majority of the communal areas, including the Main Theatre, Adventure Ocean childrens' play area, the pools and solarium, Two70 and SeaPlex multifunctional spaces across the 345m length of the ship on 16 passenger-accessible decks, eight of which feature balconied state rooms.

Anthem of the Seas will feature a range of activity spaces, in addition to the expected swimming pool, bars and dining experiences (gone are the communal dining rooms in exchange for themed restaurants). For one, the North Star is a capsule atop the vessel that can take passengers above the ship and moves out over sea to give a 360-degree view. There's also the Ripcord indoor skydiving experience and West End musical We Will Rock You will be playing in the ship's theatre. A transformable space called Seaplex hosts activities such as basketball and circus lessons and then turns into a bumper-car or ice-skating experience by night.

The Helix artwork onboard Quantum of the Seas, created by Daniel Canogar.

Two70 is a new concept in entertainment space for Royal Caribbean, featuring a 270- degree view of the ocean during the day across three levels. At night, these window panels transform into an interactive screen, which, the company says, is the largest in existence. Projectors light up the space, enabling the whole panorama to fit seamlessly into live performances, with artists performing in front of the projected images. Five robotically controlled 100in LCD television screens provide additional digital backdrops.

The North Star capsule extends over the sea for a 360-degree view

Quantum of the Seas' arty highlights are a ribbon-inspired 'Möbius strip' in the esplanade - its official title is Helix and was produced by Spanish artist Daniel Canogar - and a sculpture in the solarium designed by Pensa. An aluminium butterfly wall flutters up alongside the lifts, while on the deck there's Lawrence Argent's From Afar, a huge red polar bear, which epitomises the ship's focus on art. Richard Fain, chairman and CEO of Royal Carribean, comments: 'Art is an integral part of the vessels. A ship has to appeal to all the senses. It's also one of the more controversial things; everyone has an opinion.'

The bionic bar creates cocktails for room service

The 2,090 staterooms are the largest Royal Caribbean has designed. RTKL Associates and USA-based interior designer Genevieve Gorder produced the designs for two-floor loft suites with full-length windows overlooking the ocean from the stern, modular family bedrooms and standard staterooms.

Gorder said in an interview with Royal Caribbean: 'The colour palette will be a lot lighter, the feeling more ethereal and natural. We're moving away from the beige neutrals to towards the grey neutrals with pops of pattern and brighter colour. Classic and contemporary are the styles we leaned heavily on and lessened our focus on just traditional. It's progressive, graphic, clean but really comforting.'

Gorder explained that to create the feeling of space in the staterooms, a lot of the work went into creating illusions, implementing patterns that make the ceilings seem higher, colours that lift and focal points that distract the viewer from a small footprint.

Every room has leather and wood finishes, unique art and innovative storage solutions with multifunctional furniture. All staterooms also now have a 'sea view' with the addition of virtual balconies. Essentially, these are 80in high-definition TVs that plays a live feed of the ocean. Royal Caribbean made the staterooms larger than those without the 'sea-view' experience, with a false wall behind which the TV is mounted.

Suite with a technology enhanced sea view

'As the ship goes along you can feel there's some motion, so it's important that the camera catches this and the sense of depth that you would have with a real balcony,' Fain says. Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, executive vice president of operations at Royal Caribbean adds: 'We have anticipated a certain amount of interest...for the experience of actually seeing a beautiful outside view... If we couldn't technology solutions that would truly enhance the guest experience, whether it's how were they able to engage with the cruise before they came onboard or when they are on the ship, we would not have included them in the ship's design. Each element is there for a reason, not as a gimmick to show off what is possible.'

A robotic bar serves up cocktails, ordered via the guest's room card key or WOW band that can also open their stateroom door.

When guests check in online before arriving at the port, they add their photograph and credit card details - this not only enables them to board quickly, it also means they can rack up a nice credit card bill as they pay for everything via the onboard payment system.

And while not a particularly new feature for land-based restaurants, waiters aboard Anthem of the Seas use tablets to enter guests' orders, so instead of them having to go into the galley and tell chef the order, the kitchen already knows while the waiter's still at your table.