The Royal Caribbean Spectrum of the Seas cruise ship is a Quantum Ultra-class cruise ship. The Quantum Ultra class is a subset of the cruise line’s Quantum class. The Quantum class is already known for ships that provide a huge amount of space and plenty of modern and luxurious amenities, but the Quantum Ultra class takes that Quantum promise to an entirely new level.
The Royal Caribbean cruise ship was the very first Quantum Ultra-class cruise ship, announced in August 2017, so developers knew from the very start that the cruise ship would need to go above and beyond cruisers’ expectations.
Construction began in August 2017 and the ship was delivered in early 2019. The ship’s christening ceremony took place in China later that year, after the ship sailed from the shipyard in Germany to Spain and then on to Asia, as the ship was specifically designed to serve the Asia-Pacific region and market. Since its launch, Spectrum of the Seas has visited numerous ports around East Asia and frequented Shanghai on a regular basis.
The vessel received news coverage during the 2020 coronavirus pandemic, which heavily affected the Asian travel market.
Spectrum of the Seas and more than 1,550 of its crew members ceased cruising around East Asia in early 2020 and traveled to Australia, where the ship provided complimentary cruises for first responders who fought the 2019 Australian bushfires, for several months. However, as the coronavirus pandemic spread, cruising was shut down in Australia as well and Spectrum of the Seas halted operations.
If you’re thinking of taking a Spectrum of the Seas cruise in late 2020 or 2021, then we’re going to give you everything you need to know about this Quantum Ultra-class ship and all it can offer you on any itinerary that you choose. Take a look at the 14 impressive facts that you’ll want to know about the Royal Caribbean Spectrum of the Seas cruise ship before you step aboard.
1. Spectrum of the Seas is the fifth-largest ship in Royal Caribbean’s fleet
While Spectrum of the Seas isn’t the largest ship in the world or even the largest ship in Royal Caribbean’s fleet, Spectrum of the Seas is still pretty massive and takes the spot as the fifth-largest ship among the cruise line’s vessels.
It boasts a gross tonnage of 169,379 GT; a length of 1,139 feet; and 18 separate decks, with 16 accessible to passengers. At maximum capacity, the ship holds 4,905 passengers, but on a normal sailing with double occupancy, it holds 4,246 passengers.
2. Spectrum of the Seas has set multiple records and won multiple awards
Spectrum of the Seas offers a range of new features that were never before seen at sea (and which we’ll get to later), but it’s also won several awards and set multiple records. For example, one of the cruise ship’s most recent record-breaking cruises took place in late 2019, when Spectrum of the Seas was the largest cruise ship to ever visit a Russian port.
During a September sailing, Spectrum of the Seas traveled to Vladivostok, Russia, sailing under the famous Russky bridge. The ship then took Russian passengers from Vladivostok on to a seven-night cruise through Japan and China.
Worth Reading: 27 Things to Do on Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas
3. The entertainment is definitely news-worthy
When Spectrum of the Seas announced its entertainment lineup ahead of its first sailings, the cruising world couldn’t stop talking about it. The new entertainment options are state-of-the-art, tech-savvy and, of course, rounded out by some of the world’s best talent.
Two70 is one of the primary and most groundbreaking entertainment venues aboard Spectrum of the Seas. It features 270-degree panoramic windows (hence the name of the venue) and is all about merging tech and talent for an unparalleled experience for cruisers.
The venue transforms its 270-degree panoramic windows into a projection surface on which it can project amazing digital art. Waterfalls, skyscrapers and other backgrounds come alive and look like the real thing. However, passengers might not even get the chance to fully appreciate these 21st-century theatrical backdrops, because in front of it all will be six “roboscreens” that work in tandem with live performers, to offer visuals, music and special effects.
What will guests find showing at Two70? The Silk Road is a special, Royal Caribbean-only production that combines culture, music and tech for a jaw-dropping performance.
Of course, the Royal Caribbean Spectrum of the Seas cruise ship also has a more traditional main theater, with two shows that seat 1,300 guests each. The first show offered is The Effectors, a family-friendly presentation about four superheroes fighting a dastardly villain. Then, the second show is called Showgirl! Present. Future., and it combines choreography, song, costumes and more for a fun celebration of all things drama.
So, can you see why this ship’s entertainment options have been making headlines?
4. This ship knows how to treat its VIPs
If you’re a long-time fan of the Royal Caribbean brand, then you probably already know that you can rely on Royal Caribbean to offer you a true VIP experience, so long as you’re willing to pay for it.
However, the Royal Caribbean Spectrum of the Seas cruise ship really takes the VIP experience to the next level, thanks to the first exclusive suites-only area aboard a Royal Caribbean ship.
This suites-only area is located at the forward end of decks 13 through 16 and includes Golden and Silver suite accommodations. Guests enjoy special keycard access, a private elevator and their own restaurant, lounge and outdoor space for sunning and kicking back with a drink. They also enjoy their own shopping outlet, The Boutique, where these VIPs can book private shopping experiences.
However, the special suite service doesn’t end there. Spectrum of the Seas also offers a two-level, 2,809-square-foot Ultimate Family Suite, perfect for 11 cruisers — just the thing if you have a large family, group traveling together or a multigenerational trip planned.
The suite includes three bedrooms, a master bedroom with a bathroom, amazing ocean views, a dedicated kids space with its own slide to the living room and a recreation room with karaoke and video games.
5. Cruise ship dining reaches a new level of luxury aboard Spectrum of the Seas
While long-time cruising aficionados know that cruise ships and cruise lines have been upping their dining game for years now, even the most frequent cruiser will likely be impressed by the dining options aboard Spectrum of the Seas.
Royal Caribbean’s Spectrum of the Seas cruise ship offers a three-level main dining room with nearly 2,000 seats (compared to the four, themed, separate dining rooms that you’ll see on Quantum-class ships). The main dining rooms serve both Chinese and Western fair.
The buffet is 20 percent larger on Quantum Ultra-class ships than it is on Quantum-class ships, for even more options. Spectrum of the Seas in particular offers Chinese and Western cuisine, noodles, pizza, teppanyaki and hot pot on its buffet.
For specialty dining, celeb-inspired eateries reign supreme, with Jamie’s Italian by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver and Wonderland’s Dadong by Chinese acclaimed chef Dong Zhenxiang. A new traditional tea room also gets a shining spot of honor aboard the cruise ship; Leaf and Bean specializes in authentic Chinese teas and fresh Chinese pastries.
6. Interactive entertainment venues are more immersive than ever before aboard Spectrum of the Seas
We’ve talked about the amazing entertainment, but what about the entertainment venues where it’s all about the guest, not the folks on stage? Spectrum of the Seas delivers amazing options in those areas as well.
The newest and never-before-seen entertainment venue aboard the ship is Star Moment, a karaoke spot that’s designed to be family-friendly and a go-to place for fun during sea days.
Of course, you also get all the favorite Royal Caribbean Quantum-class entertainment venues, such as SeaPlex, the largest indoor sports and entertainment complex at sea, with activities such as roller skating and bumper cars; North Star, the glass capsule providing ocean views from 300 feet; the RipCord by iFly skydiving simulator; and the FlowRider surfing simulator.
7. There’s no need to spend big to have a great time aboard Spectrum of the Seas
Some might think that you have to spend a large amount on things like extra specialty dining and VIP suite packages in order to have a good time aboard a cruise ship, but that is absolutely not the case when it comes to the Royal Caribbean Spectrum of the Seas cruise ship. No matter what cruise package or stateroom you decide to go with, you’ll have an amazing time thanks to all the amenities that are included and just the general luxurious nature of every space across the ship.
Interior staterooms aren’t some musty, cramped hideaway like what you might see on other cruise ships. No, these interior staterooms are open and airy, many with floor-to-ceiling windows, and designed and decorated like a guest room in an upscale hotel.
Ocean view and balcony staterooms are much the same, only with increased floor space, making them suitable for traveling families and comfortable for spending an afternoon or evening in, if you find that you need a bit of quiet time during your cruise.
There is an extensive number of different cabin types aboard Spectrum of the Seas, including interior cabins, accessible interior cabins, promenade view interior cabins, central park view interior cabins, ocean view cabins, spacious ocean view cabins, spacious ocean view cabins with balconies, royal suites, grand suites, the owner’s suite and the aqua theater suite
8. Everyone in your family will have a fun time on a Spectrum of the Seas cruise
If you’re worried about your kids having enough to do and enjoy while on your cruise, that’s one worry you definitely won’t have aboard Spectrum of the Seas. Here, kids have tons of spaces all dedicated to their fun, with excellent staff to watch over your little one, so the kids in your family can have an awesome time while you have an awesome time elsewhere.
Kids programming is available for all ages, from infants up to teenagers, and the programming really varies, offering not only fun, but education as well. The Adventure Science Lab for kids offers STEAM-based activities and science experiments. The Imagination Studio allows kids to craft to their hearts’ content. The Adventure Ocean Theater is a place for them to sing, dance and act all day, every day. And for the kid who wants just relax and hang out, there’s plenty of options for them, too.
While your children are being entertained, you can head off to the adults-only Solarium for some kid-free action around the pool or bar.
Then, when everyone comes together again, you can enjoy family-friendly activities that abound, such as all the fun games that are available at the SeaPlex.
9. The casual dining makes grabbing a bite easy, any time, anywhere
If you’re not into dressing up and going for a lengthy sit-down dinner at the main dining room or in one of the celebrity chef-inspired specialty restaurants, opt for one of the more casual dining venues around the ship.
Splashaway Cafe near the pool is a colorful, vibrant spot perfect for grabbing a snack. The Noodle Bar serves up your favorite pasta-related eats, alongside live chef demonstrations. The Dog House offers hot dogs with any of the toppings you like. Craving something sugary and sweet? Head to La Patisserie. New York City-style pizza is available at Sorrento’s Pizza. Gourmet picnic-style eats, including soups and sandwiches, are an option at The Cafe at 270. And, of course, you can always enjoy some yummy room service.
10. There’s always an opportunity to learn something new aboard the Royal Caribbean Spectrum of the Seas cruise ship
We discussed some of the educational opportunities for kids via the on-board children’s programming, but what about parents? Shouldn’t they get to learn a few new things during their cruise, either with the kids or on their own? Well, Royal Caribbean certainly thought so, because they’ve provided plenty of ways for you to pick up a new skill during your cruise.
Take a salsa dancing lesson. Pick up a bow and arrow and try your hand at archery. Give cupcake decorating a whirl. Learn a new language. Get creative with some scrapbooking alongside the kids. Attend a guest lecture. There are nearly endless ways for you to try something new and fun during your time at sea.
11. Casino Royale takes everything you enjoy about gambling and takes it to the high seas
If you love placing your bets at the poker table or rolling the roulette wheel, you’re in luck, because Spectrum of the Seas boasts an amazing casino where you’ll find all your favorite casino games — poker, the slots, dice, blackjack, roulette and on and on.
And if you’re a gambling newbie who’s always wanted to give one of these popular games a try, you’re also in luck, because Royal Caribbean offers casino game classes before the casino opens each day, to show you the ropes to some of these gambling staples.
12. Whatever your preferred bar experience, you’re sure to find it aboard Spectrum of the Seas
There are so many different watering holes on the Royal Caribbean Spectrum of the Seas cruise ship, so it’s just a given that, whatever environment you prefer for getting your drink on, you’ll find it here.
If you like to listen to twinkling tunes while you sip a cocktail, go to the piano bar, Schooner Bar. If you like amazing views of the ocean and feeling the open air against your skin, try the North Star Bar.
For poolside concoctions, go to Sunshine Bar. For a cocktail created and served up by a robot (yes, a robot), try Bionic Bar, a tech-heavy watering hole. For some of the best wines from around the world, you’ll want to go to Vintages. This only scratches the surface of all the bars, pubs and lounges open on this ship!
13. There’s always something to do, day or night
If there’s one thing you don’t have to worry about when you take a Royal Caribbean Spectrum of the Seas cruise, it’s getting bored. It’s just not going to happen on this ship. There’s always something to do and a bunch of different ways to do it. If there’s not a show going on in one of the many entertainment venues, you can likely find live music in a public space elsewhere.
If one restaurant isn’t open, you’ll find another that is. If you’re looking for a tech-heavy entertainment option, you have a wealth of different experiences to choose among, from AI experiences to one of the handful of on-board simulators. The hardest part will be just choosing what exactly it is that you want to do!
14. With Royal Caribbean, what you see is what you get
One of the nicest parts of booking a Royal Caribbean cruise, especially when it comes to new cruisers? Royal Caribbean offers a fantastic booking and online experience, where you can literally virtually tour every single cabin and suite type, so you can see exactly what you’re going to get, before you get it.
Also Read: 16 Impressive Things About Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas
You’ll also be able to see deck layouts, detailed cruise itineraries and more. It makes booking your next cruise on Spectrum of the Seas a total no-brainer!
Spectrum of the Seas FAQ:
Spectrum of the Seas boasts a gross tonnage of 169,379 GT; a length of 1,139 feet; and 18 separate decks, with 16 accessible to passengers. At maximum capacity, the ship holds 4,905 passengers, but on a normal sailing with double occupancy, it holds 4,246 passengers.
Symphony of the Seas, meanwhile, comes in with a gross tonnage of 228,081 GT; a length of 1,184 feet; and 18 decks. At maximum capacity, the ship holds 6,680 passengers, though it normally holds 5,518 passengers at double occupancy, along with 2,200 crew members.
So, while Spectrum of the Seas is the fifth-largest ship in Royal Caribbean’s fleet, Symphony of the Seas is the largest and — in fact — Symphony of the Seas is the largest cruise ship in the world currently.
Spectrum of the Seas is a Quantum Ultra-class ship, a subset of the Quantum class, providing a heightened experience and new features that are not available on Quantum-class ships.
There is one other Quantum Ultra-class ship, Odyssey of the Seas, which is scheduled to enter service in late 2020. Quantum-class cruise ships include Ovation of the Seas, Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas.
Spectrum of the Seas offers four different swimming pools, one with a retractable roof cover, and 10 jacuzzis.
There is an extensive number of different cabin types aboard Spectrum of the Seas, including interior cabins, accessible interior cabins, promenade view interior cabins, central park view interior cabins, ocean view cabins, spacious ocean view cabins, spacious ocean view cabins with balconies, royal suites, grand suites, the owner’s suite and the aqua theater suite. VIP suite guests enjoy special amenities, such as private elevator access, a private restaurant and cafe and private social deck.
One of the newest additions to the stateroom options is the Ultimate Family Suite, which includes three bedrooms, a master bedroom with a bathroom, amazing ocean views, a dedicated kid space with its own slide to the living room and a recreation room with karaoke and video games.
