Royal Caribbean have recently announced that its newest ship Anthem of the Seas, will be based in Southampton from April 2015. Anthem of the Seas will divide its time between Southampton, where it will operate a selection of Mediterranean cruises and Fort Lauderdale in Florida where it will sail to the Caribbean during the winter months.
The ship will be part of the Quantum Class of ships and will include Quantum of the Seas which will be delivered in November 2014.
A third Quantum Class ship is also expected to be delivered sometime in 2016.
Dominic Paul, Royal Caribbean’s VP International said ‘we have a long history of activity in the UK market, we have been investing in the UK for 20 years. We have seen good quality growth in the UK market…Anthem is the next step in that investment’.
Anthem of the Seas will be able to hold a maximum of 4,905 passengers, making it one of the largest cruise ships in the world. The majority of the details of Anthem of the Seas’ deck plans have not yet been revealed.
Adam Goldstein, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International said ‘fundamentally Anthem is the sister ship to Quantum, but it’s possible it may have a few tweaks. It’s still a little too early in the game, we’re still hard at work on Quantum. We continue to consider various options, we’re always willing to do that’.
WATCH ANTHEM OF THE SEAS BY THE NUMBERS
Both Quantum and Anthem of the Seas will include a number of exclusive at sea activities. These will include a skydiving experience and North Star, a glass walled capsule that extends 300 feet above the ocean and over the sides of the ship. Perfect for adventure seekers!
Quantum is also set to have the very first ‘virtual balconies’ at sea in its inside cabins. These will be in the form of a digital television screen which will take up an entire wall and show passengers in inside cabins exactly what is going on outside. It’s a great idea for those who would like to splurge on an outside cabin but simply cannot afford it.
Quantum of the Seas is also set to have the largest indoor entertainment and sports complex at sea, Seaplex. This will have roller skating, bumper cars, a basketball court, a flying trapeze school and a large dance floor. It’ll be great for both kids and adults on board.
Both ships will also have a kids’ water park, ‘H2O Zone’, 4 whirlpools, an indoor solarium, a luxurious spa and fitness centre, an ice bar, a food truck in SeaPlex and more flexible dining options and more speciality restaurants than ever before.
Anthem of the Seas being based in Southampton will mean British passengers will have a greater choice of Mediterranean itineraries than before so there’s sure to be a cruise suitable for everyone.
Image courtesy of Royal Caribbean Cruises
Written by Veronica Shine
