'ANTHEM'S' COMMAND AND CONTROL CENTER

'ANTHEM'S' REALLY BIG SHOWS

Passengers aboard Anthem of the Seas may be asking themselves, "Am I in Las Vegas or out to sea?" That's because of all the entertainment options aboard this Royal Caribbean ship. Here's a video that gives you a taste of what to expect, with a tip of the headline hat to Ed Sullivan:

'ANTHEM OF THE SEAS' VIRTUAL TOUR

Royal Caribbean's second Quantum-class ship, Anthem of the Seas, has hit the waves. Click on the video below and take a virtual tour of this technology and entertainment marvel:

MIXING IT UP WITH ROBOT BARTENDERS

Yes, those robot bartenders "manning" Royal Caribbean's Bionic Bar are amazing, but can they empathize with a sad story? That's probably coming next.

LIFT, STRETCH, HAVE FUN

Who knew exercising could be so much fun ...

SKYDIVING AT SEA ABOARD 'ANTHEM'

If you are a thrill-seeker, how about skydiving on your cruise without a parachute? Welcome to Anthem of the Seas' RipChord, the virtual skydiving experience from iFLY. Passengers get a 15-minute orientation before entering a 150-mph vertical wind tunnel. If it feels like you are floating on air, that's because you are floating on air. Check it out:

'ANTHEM OF THE SEAS' BY THE NUMBERS

Here's a fun "info-graphic" video from Royal Caribbean on the float-out of Anthem of the Seas.

'HARMONY' MAY BE WORLD'S BIGGEST

Harmony of the Seas (Royal Caribbean)

While we are on the subject of size, Royal Caribbean may up the ante with its third Oasis-class ship, Harmony of the Seas. According to reports, it will surpass its sister ships and claim the largest cruise ship title when she launches in 2016.  Among other things, it will feature new multi-story water slides. The "WOW" keeps coming from Royal.

Artist rendering (Royal Caribbean)

RACING BUMPER CARS AT SEA

Remember bumper cars? If you do, you may be in the baby boomer demo. Newer generations probably had the equivalent in a video game. Trust me -- the real deal is more fun. And you can experience them for yourself on Quantum of the Seas, where they race around accompanying by a sound and light show in the SeaPlex. Check it out in this week's video:

HIGH-END SHOPPING AT SEA ON 'QUANTUM'

With Christmas just around the corner, you know shopping is in high gear around here. It's also in high gear at sea, especially on Royal Caribbean's new ship, Quantum of the Seas. Their shopping area rivals any high-end shopping mall. You'll think you are on Worth Avenue in Palm Beach or Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills.Just make sure you have plenty of room left on the old credit card. Here's a video with more:

'QUANTUM' HOLDS NAMING CEREMONY

If Quantum of the Seas wasn't official before, it is now. The naming ceremony and traditional breaking of the champagne was performed, starring the ship's godmother and actress, Kristin Chenoweth, as well as Earth Harp musician, William Close. Take a look in this week's video from Royal Caribbean:

'QUANTUM' ARRIVES IN THE BIG APPLE

Quantum of the Seas, welcome to the Big Apple. And the Big Apple doesn't get any bigger than this.

SEE ALL YOU CAN DO AT THE 'QUANTUM' SEAPLEX

They call it the SeaPlex. On Quantum of the Seas, it's where you do everything from bumper cars and flying trapeze to dance parties and XBox. There's more in the latest video dispatch from the ship:

'QUANTUM': REPORT FROM THE BRIDGE

It may not be Capt. Kirk ordering "more power, Scotty," but the captain of Quantum of the Seas has almost as much technology as his disposal. Here's the report from the Bridge as Quantum steams toward America:

VIRTUAL BALCONIES ON 'QUANTUM'

There is a famous advertising line that went, "Is it real, or is it Memorex?" That of course referring to recording tape (yes, once upon a time, we did use tape). That could be applied today to the inside staterooms on Quantum of the Seas, which feature "virtual balconies and sea views," thanks to the wonders of technology. Here's more on how it's done:


Follow the day-to-day updates on Quantum here.

SKYDIVING AT SEA ON 'QUANTUM'

Skydiving may not be the first thing you think of when going on a cruise, but it is in fact a new feature on Quantum of the Seas, and you don't have to leave the ship to participate. Take a look:

'QUANTUM' HEADS FOR THE BIG APPLE

The latest Quantum video ... as she departs the UK for New York and her Big Apple close-up!

APPLYING THE FINISHING TOUCHES TO 'QUANTUM'

Here's a new video on Quantum, as they apply the finishing touches:

'QUANTUM' MAKES ITS FIRST PORT CALL

As part of the continuing coverage of Quantum of the Seas coming out party, here's a video of the ship's arrival at its first port of call: Southampton, UK:

'QUANTUM' FUN FACTS

The long-awaited debut of Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas is now just weeks away. She is now in fact heading across the pond, as it were, from her stop in the UK. Below are some fun facts about Quantum: