Quantum-class ships will allow Royal Caribbean to reach beyond its traditional family market and target affluent couples, the cruise line has claimed.
Royal Caribbean said its new ships, the first of which launches in November, would “redefine the cruise experience”.
Speaking to Travel Weekly at a trade event in Ireland, Ben Bouldin, Royal Caribbean director of sales for the UK and Ireland, said the brand had been known for being “great for families” but that the experience on its new ships – including a new dining concept and entertainment venues – would enable it to target a wider market.
“Royal Caribbean will redefine the cruise experience as we know it,” he said.
“You take our best ships today, Allure and Oasis, and Quantum will feel very different to that.”
Quantum of the Seas, due to set sail this autumn, will feature robotic moving screens in bar Two70.
Stuart Leven, the line’s managing director for the UK and Ireland, said the facilities on board Anthem of the Seas, the second Quantum-class ship, due to launch next spring and to sail from Southampton, would be the same but the shows would be tailored to the UK market.
Agents will receive tool kits by next week to help them sell the Quantum-class ships.
While other cruise lines might attempt to replicate the innovation on Quantum, they would struggle to surpass it, Leven claimed.
He believes now is a good time to court new markets.
Reiterating points he made at a Travel Weekly and Amadeus round-table about training, Leven said it was important agents had the skills and knowledge to convince those who take land holidays to cruise.