Promoted as the world’s first smartships, Royal Caribbean International’s
environmentally friendly Quantum-class cruise liners – Quantum of the Seas and
Anthem of the Seas – have set new standards in terms of energy-efficient onboard
entertainment lighting systems. Now the numbers are in and the savings is even
greater than expected.

When Royal Caribbean recently compared energy usage of the theatre show lighting
system onboard Quantum and Anthem – both with large LED lighting systems that
include Elation LED fixtures – with a similar yet incandescent-based lighting system
on its Oasis-class Allure of the Seas, energy savings on the Quantum-class ships
was 76%-84% greater, numbers that even surprised RCI.

“The power figures have been measured on Quantum and Anthem against the last
incandescent and dimmer theatre show lighting rig on Allure and the results are –
excuse the pun – enlightening. The LED theatre show rig that includes Elation and
ETC LED fixtures is a dramatically lower consumer by comparison,’ stated Royal
Caribbean International’s Christopher Vlassopulos, who coordinated the design and
specification for all the entertainment equipment in the ships’ public spaces,
including the entertainment lighting systems. “Whilst we did anticipate a reduction
this goes way beyond. And this is apart from the obvious additional savings from
not having to purchase replacement lamps, ship them, store them and replace
them.’

Some of the real world number comparisons show that energy usage for all the
show lighting in the Royal Theatre was 386 Amps on Allure compared to 91 Amps on
Anthem and 62 Amps on Quantum. As the measurements were done at full on,
actual median savings is even greater – more than 90% – as the LED lights only use
power when light and color is needed while discharge lamps run at 100% when a
show is running. As Christopher explains, the power savings translates into quite a
significant savings in dollars. “By switching from incandescent to LED we realize
millions of dollars in savings over the lifetime of Royal Caribbean ships and on
Quantum and Anthem we’ve also already benefited from the lower maintenance
involved,’ which is no small matter as RCI ships operate on busy 24/7/365
schedules.

Savings extends to other areas as well. HVAC requirements have also been reduced
and the electrical distribution costs are much lower and more efficient due to less
cabling, fewer connections and no dimmers. When combining the energy savings
with the savings in maintenance and operational costs, the total cost delta between
Allure and the Quantum-class ships is substantial and more than pays for any
technology upgrade costs.

Quantum of the Seas set sail in November of 2014 with Anthem of the Seas
following in April of 2015. Built at Germany’s Meyer Werft shipyard, media and
entertainment system integration was by Amptown System Company. The third in
the Quantum-class, Ovation of the Seas, is planned for 2016.