GEORGE TOWN, June 17 — Robotic arms that serve you drinks or a glass capsule that takes you up to 92 metres above sea level for breathtaking views.
Welcome to Royal Caribbean’s newest addition to its Quantum Class line of technologically advanced smart ships — Ovation of the Seas.
The 18-deck smartship recently made its maiden port call in South-east Asia at Penang’s Swettenham Pier, bringing with it 4,091 guests on board from all over the world.
The luxury cruise ship, that was on a 14-night cruise from Dubai to Singapore, has a total capacity for 4,905 guests staying in 2,090 staterooms and hosted by 1,500 crew members.
The spanking new ship was completed only in April this year and boasts one of the most relaxing and luxurious accommodation at sea.
According to Royal Caribbean’s managing director for Singapore and South-east Asia Sean Treacy, the technologically advanced smartship will be returning to Penang for six more port calls in March and April to bring thousands of guests to the island state.
“Joining Mariner of the Seas and Voyager of the Seas, the addition of Ovation of the Seas means Royal Caribbean International will have the largest cruise fleet deployment of any brand in South-east Asia with new hardware and revitalisations valued at more than US$1 billion (RM4.1 billion),” he said.
The ship not only boasts of luxurious staterooms and facilities, it also introduces first-at-sea features such as the bionic bar where robotic bartenders serve the drinks, a RM5.51 million entertainment venue called the Two70 with breathtaking floor-to-ceiling 270-degree views and the impressive North Star, an observation capsule that takes guests 92 metres above the ocean for a 360-degree view from high up.
It also boasts virtual balconies in all staterooms, including interior staterooms, where two metre-high HD television screens mimic windows by showing real-time sights and sounds of the ocean by linking to cameras placed outside.
The cruise ship also has 18 restaurants featuring cuisine from around the world including Jamie’s Italian.
Meanwhile, art lovers will be delighted to find a collection of artwork from moving sculptures to large panda statues worth more than RM18.4 million placed strategically all around the ship.
Those craving some adventure on board can try out skydiving at sea at the RipCord by iFly, which is one of the first simulated skydiving experiences at sea or join the circus school to learn juggling and the flying trapeze at the SeaPlex, an indoor activity space for sports, the circus school, roller-skating and bumper cars.
Royal Caribbean is a 46-year-old global cruise brand with a fleet of 25 cruise ships that sails to popular destinations in Bermuda and the Caribbean, Canada, Europe, New England, Alaska, South America, Asia, Australia and New Zealand.
