Irish holidaymakers now have the opportunity to take a trip on board the most technologically advanced cruise ships on the planet. The new Quantum Class ships – Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas - from Royal Caribbean offer a holiday experience like none other.
In fact the whole experience is more akin to a floating city, with 18 cafes and restaurants to choose from; a range of sporting activities from roller skating to swimming, running, and surfing; or you can just relax in the adult-only solarium, where you can curl up with a book or relax in the Jacuzzi.
For a couple taking a cruise on Anthem of the Seas an ideal start to the day would be to take a look at the sunrise from the North Star, a jewel-shaped, elevated viewing capsule that lifts you 90m above sea level, allowing you to see for miles and offering the most mesmerising views imaginable.
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After that they can return to their loft suite with more beautiful sea views to enjoy a leisurely breakfast and consider the rest of the day.
The range of options for the afternoon is considerable. SeaPlex, the largest indoor arena at sea, offers a dizzying array of activities under one roof. As well as basketball and football, they can tap into their inner trapeze artists at circus school or try out the world’s first dodgems at sea.
Thrill-seekers can experience the euphoria of flying in the middle of the ocean on the iFly Ripcord skydiving simulator.
Or they can leave the ship and take a look around one of the many destinations visited during their cruise such as Florence and Rome in Italy, Ibiza and Cartagena in Spain or Caribbean locations such as George Town in Grand Cayman and Falmouth in Jamaica.
Back on board for the evening the state-of-the-art technology really comes into its own. Anthem of the Seas has its own theatre and music hall but the entertainment highlight for many will be the Two70.
During the day it’s a 21⁄2-deck-high viewing area where the light streams through the 270° windows; and in the evenings it’s transformed by video projections that are three times the quality of iMax, where robots interact with live singers, dancers and musicians amid mind-blowing light shows and dazzling digital scenery - a spectacle never before seen on land or sea.
And if that isn’t futuristic enough you can go to the Bionic Bar where a robot will mix your cocktail in double-quick time.
Then there’s the food: oriental cuisine, imaginative fusion, Jamie’s Italian and the SeaPlex Dog House which is the first food truck at sea.
And guests can stay in touch with family and friends – and even business if that's absolutely necessary – using the fastest internet available
at sea.
The ultimate holiday: all-inclusive for a limited time only:
Quantum of the Seas sails from New York this November and Anthem of the Seas sails from Southampton next spring. Book your cruise before September 30th and get beer, wine (up to $8) soft drinks and tips included in the price. Ten nights in the Canary Islands, sailing from Southampton on Anthem of the Seas is €1,979 per person including flights from Dublin, sailing on May 22, 2015. For more information see www.royalcaribbean.ie (tel: 1800 932 603 ).