Something new, every day and night

The Royal Caribbean Quantum of the Seas sets sail from New York this November bringing with it the most technologically advanced and varied holiday experience one could wish for. Whether it’s rest and relaxation, fun-packed nights, exciting adventures or exploration you’re looking for, a holiday on board the Quantum of the Seas caters for every taste.

A huge bonus of a Royal Caribbean holiday is the variety. You can take part in one of the many on-board activities or visit the stunning Caribbean islands during the day.

The islands themselves offer a wide choice of things to do and see. The US Virgin Island of St Thomas has just about everything. Its capital Charlotte Amalie once offered shelter to real pirates of the Caribbean such as Blackbeard. It’s now the region’s bargain shopping bazaar and there are great bargains to be found on gemstones, fine jewellery and designer watches.

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If shopping’s not your bag, head off for a trip along Skyline Drive and enjoy a breath taking view of St Thomas Harbour. Or visit Coral World Marine Park where you can touch sea stars at the touch pool or explore the mystery of life in a mangrove lagoon. The more energetic can take a ferry to Virgin Island National Park on St John and climb the hillside to enjoy tropical views.

St Maarten is another island with a storied history and a rich shared Dutch and Spanish heritage which gives it a special feel. Apart from its near endless stretches of beach, beautiful landscape and great shopping, the island offers a range of fun activities such as butterfly farm tours, visits to magnificent salt water lagoons, snorkelling expeditions through Shipwreck Cove and visits to one of its more than 500 duty free shops. If you want something to set the pulse racing, you can compete in a yacht race on a shortened America’s Cup course.

After all that sun, sand and sea, you can step back on board the Quantum of the Seas and enjoy an evening with tastes, sounds and experiences to rival anything you would find in a leading capital city such as New York, Paris or London.

Dine when you want, with who you want. There are no set times for meals, assigned seats or formal nights.

You can choose from 18 different restaurants and cafes, including everything from the Chinese-Indian-Japanese-Thai-Vietnamese fusion Silk, to the first seafaring outpost of Jamie’s Italian, to Wonderland, a molecular gastronomy experience to rival El Bulli. And the night is only beginning. Quantum of the Seas is the world’s first smartship and this goes far beyond such technology as the world’s fastest seaborne broadband. The stunning Two70° features floor to ceiling glass, spanning almost three decks with video projected on the 270° wraparound glass acting as a backdrop for performances that feature a combination of robotics and live performers offering a totally new entertainment experience never been seen before on land or sea.

Top musicians and bands are beamed onto six specially created “roboscreens” to create a mesmerising musical experience for the audience.

After the show you can repair to the Bionic Bar for a nightcap where there is never a problem getting the bartender’s attention – you can order by tablet PC and watch a robot mix your cocktail or simply pour you a beer.

If you’ve still got any energy left, you can dance into the early hours in the nightclub. And then a brand new day beckons with more new experiences to savour.

Book your cruise before the end of September and get beer, wine (up to $8 a glass) soft drinks and even your tips included in the price of your holiday. 7 night Eastern Caribbean sailing from Florida on Freedom of the Seas on 2nd November, 2014, from €1,379 per adult and €1,014 per child including flights from Dublin. Subject to availability. For more information see www.royalcaribbean.ie (tel: 1800 932 603 ).