An Unforgettable Voyage on the Spectrum of the Seas

Calling the Spectrum of the Seas an ultra luxurious cruise ship doesn’t quite do justice in describing the scale and range of this Quantum Ultra class liner. The latest addition to the Royal Caribbean International (RCI) fleet and the first of its class for the cruise brand, Spectrum of the Seas joined the company in April and embarked on a 49-day world tour before docking at its home port of Shanghai in July. It was during its South-East Asian stop in Singapore that I got a chance to board the world’s most technologically advanced ship for a three-night stay. The largest cruise liner for RCI so far, with a guest and crew occupancy of more than 5,600 passengers, Spectrum was specially made for the Asian market, and it’s not hard to see the careful choices that were made in kitting out this ship. The premium dining options are clear proof of that, with the introduction of the Sichuan Red restaurant, a dining experience created especially for Spectrum; a new outpost of Wonderland DaDong, the restaurant brand from famed Chinese chef Dong Zhenxiang; as well as the many family friendly activities to host the typically family-oriented travellers that we often see from the region.

Spectrum also offers many brand-firsts for RCI, including the first private suite enclave for Golden and Silver suite guest; the first Ultimate Family Suite – a two-storey space that accommodates up to 11 people – as well as the first-at-sea family friendly SkyPad virtual reality trampolining experience.

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After all of the brand spanking new features, Spectrum still retains the many charms that RCI is known for in the industry, which include exceptional service and providing the best in creature comforts, so whether you’re a seasoned cruise veteran or a first-timer, you’re sure to have a good time. Starting with dining, guests can choose from a multitude of options, from the price-inclusive Windjammer Marketplace for buffet-style dining all the way to the specialty restaurants that include Jamie’s Italian (make sure you try the super decadent lemon meringue cheesecake), Izumi Japanese dining and even an American steakhouse in the form of Chops Grille.

There’s literally something for everyone, as I discovered on my wander through the many decks of the ship, ranging from the high stakes rock-climbing wall and the FlowRider and Ripcord by iFly indoor surfing and skydiving simulators; to the laidback lounging at Schooner Bar with live tunes and bar trivia to fill your time. Younger passengers won’t be bored either, with RCI’s signature Seaplex, an indoor sports & entertainment centre enhanced to be bigger and better on Spectrum, hosting all kinds of activities (from bumper cars to LaserTag) all day long. The shore excursions are available for you based on the scheduled ports of call, so your sea legs can catch a little break as you stroll on the solid ground of the various cities.

For cruising days and evening activities, make sure to book a seat at Spectrum’s high tech transformative entertainment venue Two70 for a showing of The Silk Road, an original – and completely breathtaking – production that is storied around the various cultures that make up the communities along the famed trading route. The show incorporates the state-of-the-art Vistarama, which transforms the 270° panoramic windows of Two70 into a giant projection screen, and six Roboscreens that are programmed to move and glide to create images that make the show that much more magical.

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Make sure to also visit the Bionic Bar, where AI-programmed robotic “hands” craft the perfect cocktail, or custom drink of your making, for a unique bartending experience. More locations like Star Moment – a brand first t karaoke lounge, Music Hall and even the shopping haven of Regalia can and will keep you company for many evenings. Three nights on board a ship as large as Spectrum (1,139 ft long and 135 ft wide, with total deck count of 16) was frankly not enough to experience everything on offer, so you won’t have to worry about having nothing to do on a 12-night itinerary.

Still, the best part about cruising for me is the calm you get from being in the middle of the open sea, with nothing but the ocean all around, the wind in your hair and a drink in your hand. Going out to sea is the ultimate way to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life, and trusting RCI to make sure you can do that in ultimate luxury and privacy (something I wasn’t expecting in a ship with over 5,000 passengers) means all you need to do is relax and enjoy the view.

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