Royal Caribbean’s Virtual Reality Cave: A Sneak Peek into the Future of Cruise Ship Design

Imagine stepping onto a pristine beach in the Bahamas without ever leaving the confines of an office building. That’s the reality Royal Caribbean has created with its innovative Computer Automated Virtual Environment, or CAVE. This immersive virtual reality space allows executives and designers to experience and refine the cruise line’s upcoming projects, from onboard amenities to land-based destinations, long before construction even begins.

Recently, I had the opportunity to experience the CAVE firsthand at Royal Caribbean’s South Florida headquarters. The experience was truly remarkable. Stepping into the windowless room, I was immediately transported to Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, the cruise line’s highly anticipated private destination in the Bahamas, slated to open in December. Five screens surrounded me, displaying a vibrant 3D rendering of the beach club.

To fully immerse myself in the virtual world, I donned battery-powered 3D glasses and thick, clog-like slippers. Stepping onto a three-inch thick glass platform, I was ready to explore. Alix Loiseau, Royal Caribbean Group’s Director of Virtual Design & Construction, Newbuild Project Design, guided me through the virtual property with a remote control. I walked along a virtual path, admired the sparkling pool, and even explored the luxurious Ultimate Family Cabana.

The level of detail was astounding. The experience felt like stepping into a video game, and that’s because Royal Caribbean uses the Epic Games Unreal Engine, the same technology used to create many popular video games. I was able to walk on the beach, dip beneath the water to see the sand and rocks on the seafloor, and even soar above the property for a bird’s-eye view.

The CAVE isn’t just about creating visually stunning experiences; it’s a powerful tool for design and development. According to Kara Wallace, Royal Caribbean’s Chief Marketing Officer, the CAVE "allows us to feel the spaces just as a guest would feel." This allows the cruise line to evaluate crucial elements like sight lines in the theater, the spaciousness of the main dining room, and the overall feel of the corridors.

Before the construction of Icon of the Seas, the CAVE allowed the design team to understand the impact of the Pearl, a massive art piece and support structure in the ship’s Royal Promenade, and how it would open up the space.

The technology also plays a vital role in creating effective marketing materials, allowing the company to identify the best angles to showcase new products in renderings.

The virtual space is complemented by real-life testing. Royal Caribbean has a dedicated team that builds physical models of structures elsewhere in the office. For instance, if a bar counter looks too tall or too short in the CAVE, they can construct a physical version to the architect’s specifications for further evaluation.

The cruise line also conducts a "chair show" for each new ship. This involves bringing in every type of chair intended for use on the ship and testing them for comfort, size, ease of movement, and weight. This meticulous approach ensures that even the smallest details contribute to the overall guest experience.

The entire process of designing and building a new cruise ship is a multi-year endeavor. Wallace explained that innovation begins "from the guest up." Royal Caribbean collects over three million survey responses annually, covering everything from dining concepts to ship names. This vast amount of feedback informs the planning, ideation, and innovation cycle.

Royal Caribbean typically begins conceptualizing a ship about five years before its launch, with actual construction taking place during the final two years. The CAVE is used throughout the entire development process, from initial design to final marketing.

The walkthrough of Royal Beach Club Paradise Island that I experienced took approximately two and a half months to produce. When changes or new assets are introduced, the process can take between one and three weeks.

Royal Caribbean’s commitment to detail is evident in its use of the CAVE and other advanced technologies. "We’re really looking at every single aspect of the experience to make sure that it’s contributing to an amazing vacation," Wallace said. "And there’s no detail that’s too small, really, for us."

The CAVE represents a significant investment in innovation and a commitment to creating exceptional guest experiences. It’s a glimpse into the future of cruise ship design, where virtual reality plays a critical role in shaping the spaces and experiences that passengers will enjoy for years to come. By leveraging technology like the CAVE, Royal Caribbean is able to refine its designs, test new concepts, and ultimately create cruise ships and destinations that exceed expectations. This ensures that every aspect of the vacation experience, from the overall layout of the ship to the comfort of the chairs, is carefully considered and optimized for the enjoyment of its guests.