Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas, billed as one of the industry’s most innovative ships, prepares for its christening today in Southampton, United Kingdom.
Emma Wilby, a 27-year-old travel agent from Scotland, has the honor being the highly-anticipated ship’s Godmother. She will carry out the ceremonial naming of The Anthem and perform a special song in front of 1,300 onlookers later today.
The Anthem of the Seas boasts the same tech-savvy features as its sister ship, The Quantum of the Seas, including ultra-fast internet. Other highlights include a bar with robotic bartenders, a skydiving simulator and the North Star, a capsule that raises guests up 300 feet for panoramic views of the ship and sea.
Passengers also have plenty of room to play at the Seaplex, a massive indoor activity zone featuring bumper cars, basketball courts and a roller skating rink.
Several major art installations will also give the ship’s decor a bolder feel. For instance, the giant chandelier hanging over the ship’s Royal Esplanade features 200 light bulbs that pulse to reflect the heartbeats of passengers below.
As for staterooms, Anthem offers the first virtual balconies at sea. These floor-to-ceiling high-definition screens provide real-time views of the ocean and ports of call.
Guests onboard the ship will also have a new meal option, the Dynamic Dining Classic package, that is similar to Royal Caribbean’s system before Quantum. This is for diners who prefer a set meal time and set table of companions. The Dynamic Dining Choice option is still available for those who prefer more variety and a flexible schedule.
The new ship, with a capacity of 4,180 passengers, is slightly smaller than its older siblings The Allure of the Seas and The Oasis of the Seas. On its inaugural voyage, the ship will sail to the Canary Islands and Mediterranean where it will be based for the summer.
Travelers can book now for the the ship’s sailings from New York, which start in November 2015.
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