Royal Caribbean Enlists Celebrity Experts For New Quantum Experience Advisors Program

Genevieve Gorder collaborates with
the Royal Caribbean Design Team

Every now and then I notice a design element aboard a cruise ship that I would like to incorporate in my own home. I've done it on my deck by fashioning a curtained "cabana" and even in my dressing room by mounting a hairdryer and make-up mirror on the walls.

I'll be looking to Royal Caribbean for future inspiration because the cruise line is taking steps to ensure that its newest ship class, the Quantum-class, debuts with the hottest, most exciting lineup of offerings at sea. The cruise line has announced the introduction of the Quantum Experience Advisors program featuring a group of celebrity experts in fields such as design, sports & fitness, entertainment and others who will work hand-in-hand with Royal Caribbean's internal teams to provide their expertise to help shape interior design, key amenities and activities on the Quantum-class.

The Quantum Experience Advisors are lending their professional know-how to ensure every aspect of the guest experience has been maximized to the fullest extent. They are actively involved in making pivotal decisions that will make a lasting impression on the Quantum class of ships, and developing new programs and features for guests to enjoy. Royal Caribbean is documenting the process through a series of online videos allowing guests to follow along and get an inside glimpse of the Advisors in action.

Starting with design, Royal Caribbean has partnered with Genevieve Gorder, one of America's favorite interior designers and the most popular television personalities on HGTV, as the Quantum Experience Advisor for Design. Gorder is collaborating with Royal Caribbean's newbuild and design team to offer insights and opinions and influence the decor and furnishings of the loft and suite accommodations onboard Quantum of the Seas.

Since May 2013, Gorder has been participating in collaborative design sessions where she has had the opportunity to immerse herself in the ship's design process and has reviewed plans, fabrics, carpets and furnishings for the ship's luxurious accommodations. The sessions have allowed Gorder and the design team to provide a more cohesive look and feel to the onboard suites and lofts. Her soulful and whimsical style will be felt throughout the lofts and suites and many of her signature touches such as color, fabric and patterns will be incorporated throughout the design. The next few months will find the design team visiting Gorder's hometown of New York City to see what inspires her as well as a trip to the see the ship being built at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. The entire process will be documented and shared here.

"It's exhilarating to work with Royal Caribbean, a brand known for pushing the envelope in ship design and innovation," said Gorder. "This has been an incredible process, learning what it takes to make everything come together from hardware to soft goods to to little design details. This project has been like nothing I have ever worked on before and is giving me the chance to collaborate with a team of ship building experts to come up with designs that will work onboard a ship as well as inspire every guest that stays onboard. This is their home away from home and it needs to feel amazing."

In addition to Genevieve Gorder, Royal Caribbean will be revealing several other Quantum Experience Advisors in the coming months. The new Quantum class will debut in November 2014 with Quantum of the Seas, followed by her sister-ship Anthem of the Seas in April 2015. Quantum ships span 16 decks, encompass 167,800 gross registered tons, carry 4,180 guests at double occupancy and feature 2,090 staterooms.

Image Courtesy Royal Caribbean International