So far, Royal Caribbean have released very few details about their new Quantum Class of ships (a.k.a Project Sunshine). We look at some of the leaked details and recent rumours in this article.
There were a few different news stories and rumours about the Quantum Class ships floating around the blogosphere last week, instigated by a document released on the Meyer Werft shipyard website (who are building the two new Quantum Class ships) and re-published on Malcolm Oliver’s Cruiseblog.
There are several interesting tidbits of information in the documents and a photograph of a floating prototype (or tank testing model), possibly of Quantum of the Seas, which we have re-published (right).
Here’s an excerpt of the text in the Meyer Werft document:
“Approximately 250 technicians and engineers are currently working on developing and constructing the project in detail. The construction of the first ship will begin in 2013. The ships will be completed in 2014 and 2015″.
“Sunshine will break new ground in terms of its hull shape and overall hydrodynamics. The design guarantees very low fuel consumption and ensures that the latest safety regulations are adhered to.”
— Henning Luhmann, Technical Design Manager
There’s plenty more information in the document too, including hints that the new Quantum Class ships will be designed with the environment in mind, plus there are likely to be new and innovative concepts onboard the ship, with regards to entertainment and comfort – something we expected really. Sadly, the information was a little vague and gave nothing specific away!
Quantum Class statistics:
In addition to the comments and pictures above, Meyer Werft leaked a few passenger figures for the new Quantum Class ships. Royal Caribbean have not officially confirmed these numbers or released their own statistics as yet, but if accurate, the leaked figured give us an idea of the size of the new Quantum Class ships in relation to RCI’s other vessels:
Freedom class:
- Double Occupancy: 3,634
- Max Occupancy: 4,375
- Gross Tonnage: 154,407
Quantum Class:
- Double Occupancy: 4,100
- Max Occupancy: 4,905
- Gross Tonnage: 166,500
Oasis class:
- Double Occupancy: 5,400
- Max Occupancy: 6,296
- Gross Tonnage: 225,282
As expected, it appears the new Quantum Class ships will be smaller than the Oasis Class ships, but larger than the Freedom Class ships in both weight and passenger capacity.
Quantum of the Seas’ godmother:
During the Academy Awards last week, Royal Caribbean announced that Actress Kristen Chenoweth will be the god mother for Quantum of the Seas, which makes in inaugural sailing next year.
Kristen Chenoweth is an award-winning actress Royal Caribbean state they chose her as godmother because of her “effervescent personality” and “ability to wow audiences”.
Speaking of her new appointment as godmother, Chenoweth said:
“I am so excited to be named godmother of Royal Caribbean International’s newest ship, Quantum of the Seas. I have been lucky to play many roles and I am looking forward to this one. I think the Royal Caribbean brand is the perfect match for me, especially with their history of providing exceptional entertainment experiences to their guests.”
Quantum of the Seas’ port:
A range of different cruise schedules and news stories about port expansions has led the (unofficial) RoyalCaribbeanBlog.com to speculate that Quantum of the Seas could be sailing out of Port Liberty in New Jersey. You can read the full analysis of the evidence here!
