With the launch of Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas, the world’s first ever ‘smartship’ has taken to the seas, welcoming in a new generation of cruise holidays. Shuffleboard and bingo have been ousted in favour of cutting-edge technology and futuristic features.
Here we have a look at the next step in evolution for the cruise holiday industry.
Faster Internet
One of the biggest tasks face by cruise lines is ensuring their internet connections are quick and reliable, even when hundreds of leagues out at sea and supporting thousands of guests. This has traditionally necessitated high surfing costs for guests connected to the ship’s WiFi or enjoying the internet lounges. The Quantum of the Seas has incorporated cutting edge technology with Voom™, providing the fastest and most reliable internet on the seas, allowing guests to video call, stream music and watch movies.
Family Friendly Excursions
As more and more ports are being developed to support the largest cruise ships on the seas, modern vessels are visiting an increasing number of obscure destinations off the beaten track. Eschewing the traditional port visits, modern cruises are now taking in family-friendly excursions giving the whole family something to enjoy.
World Firsts
The increasing competition in the cruise industry is ensuring that companies are having to constantly go back to the drawing board when designing and developing new ships. The Quantum of the Seas incorporates a number of world firsts including 300ft tall observation deck and the world’s first skydiving experience at sea: the RipCord by iFLY.
Bionic Bar
Stealing the headlines aboard the Quantum of the Seas is the bionic bar – the world’s first bar to be entirely tendered by robotic staff. The two bionic bartenders mix up thousands of cocktails every day with unerring accuracy, if limited flair. Patrons can order their tipple using the adjoining iPad. We have compiled five of our favourite maritime cocktails to celebrate:
Maritime Martini
6 Parts Gin
1 Part Vermouth
1 Anchovy-stuffed Olive
Only the anchovy gives this classic, sophisticated cocktail a maritime twist. The tiny fish adds a little extra salty-taste to proceedings which will be loved by Martini fans choosing an olive over a twist.
Pour the Vermouth over ice in a cocktail shaker and shake well. Drain the Vermouth so the ice is only coated in the liquid and pour the Gin in the shaker. Shaker well again and drain into a Martini glass. Garnish with the Olive.
Sea Breeze
1 Part Vodka
3 Parts Cranberry Juice
1 Part Grapefruit Juice
A simple, but tasty cocktail – perfect for kicking off proceedings; the Sea Breeze is made by stirring all ingredients in a highball. Garnish with a slice of lime.
Tidal Wave
1 Part Gin
1 Part Light Run
1 Part Vodka
1 Part Peach Schnapps
4 Parts Orange Juice
4 Parts Pineapple Juice
1 Dash Grenadine Syrup
Named for its formidable line up of spirits, Tidal Wave makes for a great punch at a party with friends. Incredibly straightforward to make, simply add all parts to a highball glass (or punch bowl) and stir well.
Cabin Cooler
1 Part Raspberry Vodka
1 Part Captain Morgan’s Spiced Rum
2 Parts Cranberry Juice
1 Part Ginger Ale
A light and refreshing cocktail, the Cabin Cooler is the ideal drink on a long summer’s evening. Mix the Vodka, Rum and Cranberry in a highball and mix well. Add the Ginger Ale and garnish with a slice of lime.
Wake Me Up Sailor
1 Part Baileys
2 Part Iced Coffee
1 Part Bourbon
A light and creamy cocktail , Wake Me Up Sailors can catch up with you after a couple. Simply combine all ingredients in a highball glass, stir well, and garnish with cocoa powder.
