Review: Spectrum of the Seas

Spectrum of the Seas is Royal Caribbean International’s first Quantum Ultra-class ship, offering a luxurious and innovative cruising experience tailored to the Asia-Pacific market.

Delivered in April 2019, Spectrum of the Seas is the first ship of Royal Caribbean International’s Quantum Ultra class, a modified version of their popular Quantum class. Built by Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany, this ship boasts an impressive gross tonnage of 169,379, making it one of the largest vessels in the Royal Caribbean fleet. Primarily operating in East Asia, Spectrum of the Seas offers a luxurious cruising experience with a focus on the Chinese market, featuring accommodations and amenities designed specifically for the Asia-Pacific region.

Overview: Spectrum of the Seas

Spectrum of the Seas brings an array of unique and innovative experiences to the high seas, designed with an emphasis on luxury, adventure, and comfort for travelers, especially those from the Asia-Pacific region. Featuring 16 decks accessible to passengers and a capacity of nearly 5,000 guests, the ship provides ample space and a wide variety of activities to enjoy.

A highlight of the ship is the North Star, a jewel-like observation capsule that rises more than 90 meters above sea level, offering breathtaking 360-degree views. SeaPlex, the largest indoor sports and entertainment complex at sea, offers bumper cars, roller skating, and various other activities perfect for family fun. Guests can also experience the Sky Pad, a virtual reality bungee trampoline, and get their adrenaline pumping on the RipCord by iFly skydiving simulator or FlowRider surf simulator.

The ship also stands out for its culturally tailored experiences, specifically designed for its primary Asian clientele. Guests can enjoy regional cuisine at specialty restaurants, including the Sichuan Red, a restaurant that brings the rich flavors of Chinese cuisine onboard. Additionally, there are luxury accommodations such as the Ultimate Family Suite, perfect for multi-generational families looking for a shared vacation experience.

Homeported in Shanghai and Hong Kong, Spectrum of the Seas primarily operates itineraries across East Asia, including stops in Japan, Vietnam, and Taiwan, providing guests with immersive experiences across these beautiful destinations.

Accommodation Options

Spectrum of the Seas offers a variety of accommodation types to suit different preferences and needs. From standard interior cabins to expansive multi-level suites, the ship is designed to provide comfortable lodging for all guests.

Interior Staterooms

The Interior Staterooms are the most budget-friendly option, providing a cozy space equipped with essential amenities. These rooms are suitable for guests who plan to spend much of their time exploring the ship and destinations.

• Size: Up to 31.6 square meters (340 square feet)
• Occupancy: Up to 6 guests

Ocean View Staterooms

Ocean View Staterooms feature large windows offering views of the sea. These cabins provide natural light and a connection to the maritime environment, ideal for guests who appreciate a scenic backdrop.

• Size: Up to 32.9 square meters (354 square feet)
• Occupancy: Up to 8 guests

Balcony Staterooms

The Balcony Staterooms include a private outdoor space where guests can enjoy fresh air and unobstructed views. The balcony allows for personal relaxation time while observing the ocean and ports of call.

• Size: Up to 27.7 square meters (298 square feet)
• Occupancy: Up to 8 guests

Suites

For those seeking more space and additional amenities, the ship offers various Suites. These accommodations provide separate living areas, enhanced services, and priority boarding. Suites may also grant access to exclusive areas on the ship.

• Size: Up to 257 square meters (2,766 square feet)
• Occupancy: Up to 9 guests

Suite Club

Exclusive to Spectrum of the Seas, the Suite Club encompasses private dining rooms, lounges, and an upscale solarium. Guests staying in Sky and Star tier suites have access to The Balcony, a private outdoor area offering panoramic views.

Ultimate Family Suite

The ship features an Ultimate Family Suite, a two-level accommodation designed for families:

• An in-suite slide connecting levels
• A rock-climbing wall on the balcony
• A master bathroom with spa-like features
• A private cinema that can be used for karaoke

This suite is intended for multi-generational families looking for an interactive and spacious environment.

Dining Selections

Onboard, there are 9 complimentary dining options, including main restaurants and casual snack venues, and 10 specialty dining options available for a fee. In addition, guests can enjoy 11 bars and lounges, along with 2 other snack services.

Main Dining Room
As one of the primary complimentary venues, the Main Dining Room offers an elegant, multi-course dining experience with a rotating menu of international dishes. Whether you’re in the mood for classic favorites or something more adventurous, this restaurant provides a diverse selection that caters to all palates, served in a refined yet relaxed atmosphere.

Windjammer Café
Another complimentary favorite, the Windjammer Café, is a buffet-style restaurant offering a wide range of cuisines for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. From fresh salads to global flavors, this casual dining venue is perfect for families and travelers who want a quick, flexible dining option without compromising on variety.

Other Complimentary Options
In addition to the Main Dining Room and Windjammer Café, guests can enjoy several other complimentary options, including Sorrento’s Pizza, offering fresh slices throughout the day, and Café Promenade, where snacks and light bites are available 24/7.

Specialty Dining
For those looking for a more exclusive experience, Spectrum of the Seas boasts 10 specialty restaurants that offer premium dining for an additional fee. Wonderland is a standout, featuring imaginative dishes that play with flavors and presentation, while Izumi Sushi serves fresh sushi and sashimi in a modern, intimate setting. Each specialty restaurant is designed to offer a unique culinary journey, perfect for foodies or those celebrating special occasions.

Snacks and Light Bites
If you’re just in the mood for a snack, the ship has several options. The Dog House serves gourmet hot dogs with a variety of toppings, and Poolside Snacks provides light bites like sandwiches and burgers by the pool, ideal for a quick refuel between activities.

Spectrum of the Seas offers a dining experience that ensures you’re never short on options, whether you’re enjoying a complimentary meal or indulging in a specialty restaurant. With so many choices, there’s something to satisfy every craving, no matter the time of day.

Activities & Fun

Spectrum of the Seas is packed with exhilarating activities that cater to thrill-seekers and families alike. Whether you’re looking for high-adrenaline adventures or fun-filled family moments, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

North Star

• Deck: 15, Forward
• Capacity: 14 guests (including operator)
• Cost: Pricing based on pre-cruise or onboard booking
• Booking: Reservation required

A signature highlight on Quantum and Quantum Ultra class ships, the North Star is a glass-enclosed observation capsule inspired by the London Eye. It elevates guests over 90 meters above sea level, offering breathtaking 360-degree views of the ocean. Whether soaring above the blue sea by day or admiring the ship’s neon-lit deck at night, this experience is truly one of a kind. Guests must meet age and height restrictions, and reservations are essential.

SeaPlex Bumper Cars

• Deck: 15, Aft, SeaPlex
• Cost: Complimentary (fast lane option available for a fee)
• Booking: No reservation required

Step inside the largest indoor sports and entertainment complex at sea, where you can rediscover the joy of bumping into friends and family. The SeaPlex Bumper Cars provide fun for all ages, as guests steer their way through thrilling collisions and playful twists. With a vibrant and energetic atmosphere, it’s a favorite for both kids and adults alike.

Sky Pad

• Deck: 15, Aft
• Cost: Complimentary
• Booking: No reservation required

At the opposite end of the ship from the North Star, the Sky Pad is a giant orange ball featuring a virtual reality bungee trampoline experience. Guests can strap in and jump while experiencing a fully immersive virtual world, adding a futuristic twist to this exciting activity.

RipCord by iFly

• Deck: 16, Aft
• Cost: Pricing based on pre-cruise or onboard booking
• Booking: Reservation required

For those looking to experience the ultimate thrill, RipCord by iFly offers skydiving at sea with the help of a vertical wind tunnel. Under the guidance of professional instructors, guests can feel the rush of free-fall in a safe environment while enjoying spectacular views of the ocean. Age, height, and weight restrictions apply, and advance reservations are required.

FlowRider

• Deck: 16, Aft
• Cost: Complimentary for basic experience, paid classes available
• Booking: Reservation required

The FlowRider surf simulator lets you catch some waves without ever leaving the ship. Whether you’re trying your hand at boogie boarding or standing surfing, the 12-meter-long simulator provides plenty of fun under the guidance of onboard instructors. Surf enthusiasts can either ride the waves lying down or take the challenge of standing up, making it a popular activity for all skill levels.

Entertainment & Shows

Spectrum of the Seas offers a variety of captivating shows that promise an unforgettable entertainment experience for all guests. From immersive storytelling to spectacular dance and acrobatics, the ship’s entertainment lineup is designed to amaze audiences of all ages.

Silk Road

• Venue: Decks 4-6, Aft, Two70
• Capacity: 560 guests
• Cost: Complimentary, reservation required

“Silk Road” is an original production co-created with a Chinese creative team, blending Las Vegas-style dancing with modern projection technology, robotic arms, and rotating screens. This visually stunning show, tailored specifically for the Chinese market, features choreography inspired by Chinese aesthetics and a storyline that merges Chinese traditional culture with Western historical elements, offering a unique East-meets-West spectacle.

The Effectors

• Venue: Decks 3-5, Forward, Royal Theater
• Capacity: 1,283 guests
• Cost: Complimentary, no reservation required

“The Effectors” brings a thrilling, live superhero performance to the Royal Theater. Featuring four dazzling superheroes battling mysterious villains, this action-packed show is full of unexpected twists, impressive stagecraft, and larger-than-life heroes. Suitable for the whole family, it’s an immersive experience that lets audiences cheer on their favorite heroes.

Showgirl: Past. Present. Future.

• Venue: Decks 3-5, Forward, Royal Theater
• Capacity: 1,283 guests
• Cost: Complimentary, no reservation required

“Showgirl: Past. Present. Future.” is a visual extravaganza celebrating the evolution of showgirls through the ages. Featuring 29 performers, including singers and dancers, this production combines ultra-modern choreography with stunning vocals, elaborate costumes, and breathtaking lighting effects. Inspired by Broadway, the show promises a vibrant blend of glamour, fantasy, and reality, creating a full sensory experience for the audience.

Guest Performances

• Venue: Decks 3-5, Forward, Royal Theater
• Cost: Complimentary, no reservation required

In addition to the main productions, Spectrum of the Seas features performances by a variety of talented guest artists. These include singers, dancers, magicians, and acrobats, each excelling in their field, bringing fresh and dynamic entertainment elements to the cruise. The guest performances are the perfect complement to the ship’s lineup, offering something new and exciting to enjoy during your vacation.

Itineraries and Destinations

Spectrum of the Seas offers a variety of enticing itineraries that primarily focus on East Asia, giving travelers a chance to explore some of the most captivating destinations in the region. The ship is homeported in Shanghai and Hong Kong, and it sails to popular destinations such as Japan, including cities like Tokyo, Yokohama, and Okinawa, as well as Vietnam’s beautiful Ha Long Bay and Da Nang. Taiwan is also a frequent destination, with port calls in Taipei and Kaohsiung.

Guests can choose from a range of cruise lengths, including short three- to five-night getaways and longer week-long cruises. The shorter cruises are perfect for those looking for a quick escape, offering stops at major cultural hubs and seaside cities, while the longer cruises provide more immersive experiences across multiple destinations. Each itinerary is designed to provide a mix of rich cultural experiences, stunning natural sights, and the comforts of Royal Caribbean’s onboard amenities.

Spectrum of the Seas also offers themed cruises during festive seasons, such as Chinese New Year or Mid-Autumn Festival, providing unique experiences and culturally tailored activities onboard. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing family vacation, an adventurous exploration of East Asia’s beautiful coastlines, or a culturally immersive themed experience, Spectrum of the Seas offers something for every type of traveler.

Featured image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:SPECTRUM_OF_THE_SEAS_20190608-2_(cropped).jpg by CC BY-SA 4.0