Spectrum of the Seas

Rising nearly 300 feet above sea level, North Star carries small groups of guests in a glass-enclosed capsule that extends past the ship's side before slowly rotating back. On a clear day, the capsule's height makes it one of the best spots on board to take in whichever port Spectrum of the Seas visits that morning.

For guests curious about skydiving without the parachute, RipCord by iFLY uses a vertical wind tunnel to recreate freefall inside a glass chamber on the top deck. Instructors walk newcomers through the basics beforehand, so it attracts both first-timers and guests who've tried it before.

Sky Pad pairs a bungee harness with a virtual reality headset, launching guests several metres above a trampoline while a chosen game plays out in front of them. It was one of the features that set Spectrum of the Seas apart when the ship first launched, and it remains a favourite with teenagers working up the nerve to try it.

By day, Two70 is a bright, glass-walled lounge overlooking the ship's wake; after dark, it becomes a different venue entirely, with robotic screens, aerial performers, and projected visuals combining for one of the more ambitious shows at sea. It's worth checking the daily programme for showtimes, since seating fills up fast once word gets around.

Spectrum of the Seas cruises offer a strong range of speciality dining options. Chops Grille serves prime steaks and chops in a more formal setting, Jamie's Italian brings Jamie Oliver's take on rustic Italian cooking to the ship, and Izumi offers sushi, sashimi, and teppanyaki for guests looking for something different. Sichuan Red, designed with the ship's Asian itineraries in mind, adds a proper dose of Sichuan spice to the dinner line-up.

Casual dining venues are spread across the ship, starting with Windjammer's international buffet, which changes daily depending on the itinerary. Café Promenade stays open around the clock for coffee and pastries, Sorrento's keeps a steady supply of pizza going into the evening, and the Dog House inside SeaPlex serves speciality hot dogs for guests who'd rather eat between activities than sit down for a full meal.

The onboard drink line-up ranges from the traditional to the unusual. At Bionic Bar, robotic arms mix cocktails to order from a tablet rather than a bartender, while Music Hall offers live bands most evenings for guests who'd rather sit back with a drink. Schooner Bar keeps things simple with a nautical theme and a pianist most nights, and Vintages gives wine drinkers a proper list to work through.

Few ships sailing from Shanghai and Hong Kong offer a pool with a retractable glass roof, but Spectrum of the Seas does. This means the main pool stays usable no matter the weather, which matters more on this ship's itineraries than on most, given how far its routes travel between seasons and climates.

Set apart from the busier family pool deck, the Solarium gives adult guests a calmer corner of the ship to retreat to. Loungers surround a smaller pool and a pair of whirlpools, with a retractable roof for days when the weather doesn't cooperate.

The Vitality Spa offers the usual range of massages, facials, and body treatments, plus a salon for guests who want a trim or a manicure before dinner. Next door, the fitness centre overlooks the water through floor-to-ceiling windows, with a full range of cardio equipment, weights, and a daily class timetable for anyone keen to keep up their fitness routine at sea.