PEOPLE AND PLACES

PEOPLE AND PLACES

Sunday, April 8, 2018




The world's biggest cruise liner has appointed an on-board Instagrammer ahead of its maiden voyage.
Russ Francis has been given the official job title of 'Instagrammer-in-chief' for the new Symphony of the Seas which will set sail with guests for the first time on Saturday from Barcelona.
He will be on hand during the maiden voyage to advise passengers on how to capture the perfect shot for their social media accounts.
Social media expert Russ Francis who has been appointed the first ever Instagrammer-in-chief on the world's biggest cruise liner Symphony of the Seas 
Social media expert Russ Francis who has been appointed the first ever Instagrammer-in-chief on the world's biggest cruise liner Symphony of the Seas 
Mr Francis will be on hand during the ship's first voyage for passengers to give them tips on how to capture the perfect shot for Instgram 
Mr Francis will be on hand during the ship's first voyage for passengers to give them tips on how to capture the perfect shot for Instgram 
The 36-year-old's skills were first spotted by Royal Caribbean when he entered a competition last year that aimed to find an Instagram expert
The 36-year-old's skills were first spotted by Royal Caribbean when he entered a competition last year that aimed to find an Instagram expert
The 36-year-old's skills were first spotted by the ship's owner Royal Caribbean when he entered a competition last year that aimed to find an Instagram expert.
And his new role will be to help inspire guests to do the ship justice through their Instagram content and try to establish Symphony of the Seas as the world’s most Instagrammable ship.
Mr Francis said: 'For something to be truly Instagrammable it has to be unique enough that people want to show off about it.
'It’s so much more than being a pretty setting. Extraordinary Instagram content causes a reaction whether that’s jaws dropping in amazement or mouths watering at the very best dishes, it’s about capturing experiences that ‘wow’ the viewer.
The new role is designed to help inspire guests to do the ship justice through their Instagram content and try to establish Symphony of the Seas as the world’s most Instagrammable ship
The new role is designed to help inspire guests to do the ship justice through their Instagram content and try to establish Symphony of the Seas as the world’s most Instagrammable ship
Symphony of the Seas' operator, Royal Caribbean say they want the ship to be the world's most Instagrammable. Pictured is the Flow Rider attraction 
Symphony of the Seas' operator, Royal Caribbean say they want the ship to be the world's most Instagrammable. Pictured is the Flow Rider attraction 
Insta-worthy backdrops on board the world's most expensive cruise liner include the biggest slide on earth, a floor to ceiling wall made of Lego as well as the Central Park area, pictured 
Insta-worthy backdrops on board the world's most expensive cruise liner include the biggest slide on earth, a floor to ceiling wall made of Lego as well as the Central Park area, pictured 
'Symphony of the Seasticks every single box making it the world’s most Instagrammable cruise ship.'
Insta-worthy backdrops on board the world's most expensive cruise liner include the biggest slide on earth, a floor to ceiling wall made of Lego as well as a range of eye-catching art installations.
Royal Caribbean managing director Ben Bouldin added: 'We have built Symphony of the Seas to be the jewel in our Instagram crown. 
Symphony of the Seas, pictured,  - which is the 25th ship in Royal Caribbean’s fleet - will  take its first paying passengers on Saturday when it sets sail from Barcelona 
Symphony of the Seas, pictured,  - which is the 25th ship in Royal Caribbean’s fleet - will take its first paying passengers on Saturday when it sets sail from Barcelona 
'The architectural marvel provides the perfect backdrop for her 6,680 guests to capture incredible onboard images that are going to take over Instagram feeds worldwide.'
'Symphony of the Seas' weighs 228,000 tonnes, and at 1,188 feet long, it is just 20 metres shy of the length of the Empire State Building in New York.
It boasts a total eight decks and has enough room on board to accommodate 8,000 people.
The ship has a total eight decks and has enough room on board to accommodate 8,000 people. Pictured is one of the six bars, where robots rustle up the cocktails
The ship has a total eight decks and has enough room on board to accommodate 8,000 people. Pictured is one of the six bars, where robots rustle up the cocktails
One of the 20 restaurants on board the vessel. It also has zip wire, ice rink, mini golf course, climbing walls, surf simulator and a full-size basketball court
One of the 20 restaurants on board the vessel. It also has zip wire, ice rink, mini golf course, climbing walls, surf simulator and a full-size basketball court
Symphony of the Seas also has a family suite especially designed for kids which includes a slide, toys, games and a hot tub 
Symphony of the Seas also has a family suite especially designed for kids which includes a slide, toys, games and a hot tub 
The vessel was constructed at a cost of £959million at a shipyard in Saint Nazaire in France.
Along with having 20 restaurants, there will be more than six bars including one where robots rustle up the cocktails.
Other attractions include a zip wire, ice rink, mini golf course, climbing walls, surf simulator and a full-size basketball court.
Symphony of the Seas - which is the 25th ship in Royal Caribbean’s fleet - will kick off a summer season in the Mediterranean with calls to ports in Spain, France and Italy.
Beginning on November 24, the adventure-packed ship will make Miami, Florida, her year-round home, taking holidaymakers on seven-night Caribbean voyages.

SYMPHONY OF THE SEAS TOP INSTAGRAM TIPS

Russ Francis has shared his secrets for getting the perfect Instagram shot. They include:  
Take photos in a square frame - Instagram images appear as a square, so take your Instagram snaps in a square frame. This way, all of your picture will appear in the upload, and you won’t need to crop or zoom to ensure everything fits in.
Strong colours, shapes, lines and good lighting - To help your Instagram shot have the WOW factor; make sure it has strong colours and defined shapes and lines.
Use negative space - Negative space means the physical space that surrounds your image subject. Instagram photos that have the right mix of negative space and a tangible object can really stand out.
Reflections - Reflections are a quick and easy way to get an interesting and unusual effect on your Instagram picture. Water, mirrors and glass are three great surfaces to get you started
Use gridlines to balance your shot – Improve snaps by taking the photo outside of the Instagram app and using your phone’s gridlines function. Apply the ‘rule of thirds’ and ensure that compositional elements are placed along the nine lines and their intersections of the grid. 
Show some personality – Layering on words and stickers to an Instagram Story can add some fun and individuality to your extraordinary shots that usually encourages greater levels of engagement.
Use a great caption - These days, it isn’t just about the picture or videos. Captions play a big role in how many likes you get and how people engage with your Instagram content. Use emotive descriptions and humour to connect with your followers.



Crown jewel: North Star, a glass observation capsule suspended from a giant arm, lifts passengers 300ft above sea level
  
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North Star: The passenger pod, similar to the capsules on the London Eye, offers 360-degree panoramic views of the ocean
Over the ocean: Royal Caribbean International's North Star capsule is the first of its kind 
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Over the ocean: Royal Caribbean International's North Star capsule is the first of its kind
Final touches: Last-minute adjustments are made inside the North Star pod just days before its maiden voyage 
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Final touches: Last-minute adjustments are made inside the North Star pod just days before its maiden voyage


Jason Bradbury reveals the new tech on Quantum of the Seas





The billion-dollar boat: Final touches are made to the world's largest cruise ship ahead of her maiden voyage - and she's almost as big as the EMPIRE STATE BUILDING


  • Symphony of the Seas was handed over by French shipbuilder STX to US giant Royal Caribbean International
  • The ship cost £959m ($1.35bn), weighs 228,000 tonnes and is 362 metres (1,188 feet) long
  • Built over two years, the monster liner can hold up to 8,000 people including 2,200 staff
  • Attractions include zip wire, ice rink, mini golf course, climbing walls, surf simulator and full-size basketball court 


She contains an ice rink, water park and full-size basketball court along with 2,700 cabins. 
And today, the world's biggest cruiseliner, the Symphony of the Seas, was handed over by French shipbuilder STX to US giant Royal Caribbean International ahead of her maiden voyage in the Mediterranean.
The ship cost a staggering £959million ($1.35bn), weighs 228,000 tonnes and is 362 metres (1,188 feet) long - just 20 metres shy of the length of the Empire State Building.
This makes the behemoth marginally bigger than its sister ship, the Harmony of the Seas, which STX France delivered to Royal Caribbean in 2016. 

Symphony of the Seas - the world's biggest cruiseliner - was today handed over by French shipbuilder STX to US giant Royal Caribbean International ahead of her maiden voyage in the Mediterranean. Pictured, a view from a deck towards the central park
Symphony of the Seas - the world's biggest cruiseliner - was today handed over by French shipbuilder STX to US giant Royal Caribbean International ahead of her maiden voyage in the Mediterranean. Pictured, a view from a deck towards the central park
The ship cost £959million ($1.35bn) and is 362 metres (1,188 feet) long - just 20 metres shy of the length of the Empire State Building. Above, robotic bartenders on board
The ship cost £959million ($1.35bn) and is 362 metres (1,188 feet) long - just 20 metres shy of the length of the Empire State Building. Above, robotic bartenders on board
The 228,000-tonne vessel has been called 'the ultimate playground for guests of all ages'
The 228,000-tonne vessel has been called 'the ultimate playground for guests of all ages'
Built over two years, the Symphony can hold up to 8,000 people including 2,200 staff
Built over two years, the Symphony can hold up to 8,000 people including 2,200 staff
The Symphony will start its maiden voyage on Saturday morning, heading to Malaga in Spain and spending its first season in the Mediterranean before heading to its home port of Miami
The Symphony will start its maiden voyage on Saturday morning, heading to Malaga in Spain and spending its first season in the Mediterranean before heading to its home port of Miami
Symphony is marginally bigger than its sister ship, the Harmony of the Seas, which STX France delivered to Royal Caribbean in 2016. Above, a casino on the liner
Symphony is marginally bigger than its sister ship, the Harmony of the Seas, which STX France delivered to Royal Caribbean in 2016. Above, a casino on the liner
'We said thank you in a fairly tangible way. We actually said it a billion times and each one was one euro,' joked Royal Caribbean boss Richard Fain, referring to the ship's pricetag.
'The Symphony of the Seas is the biggest liner in the world by less than one percent,' STX boss Laurent Castaing told a handover ceremony in the western French port of Saint-Nazaire.
'That one percent extra shows that together we can always make our ships better.'
Built over two years, the Symphony can hold up to 8,000 people including 2,200 staff and is billed as faster and quieter than the Harmony.
The Symphony will start its maiden voyage on Saturday morning, heading to Malaga in Spain and spending its first season in the Mediterranean before heading to its home port of Miami. 
'The Symphony of the Seas is the biggest liner in the world by less than one percent,' STX boss Laurent Castaing told a handover ceremony in the western French port of Saint-Nazaire
'The Symphony of the Seas is the biggest liner in the world by less than one percent,' STX boss Laurent Castaing told a handover ceremony in the western French port of Saint-Nazaire
The vessel is the 13th ship that STX has built for Royal Caribbean and comes as the French manufacturer returns to good times, with orders for two ships a year until 2020 - a rate it has not enjoyed for 15 years
The vessel is the 13th ship that STX has built for Royal Caribbean and comes as the French manufacturer returns to good times, with orders for two ships a year until 2020 - a rate it has not enjoyed for 15 years
Attractions include a zip wire, ice rink, mini golf course, climbing walls, surf simulator and a full-size basketball court
Attractions include a zip wire, ice rink, mini golf course, climbing walls, surf simulator and a full-size basketball court
'We said thank you in a fairly tangible way. We actually said it a billion times and each one was one euro,' joked Royal Caribbean boss Richard Fain, referring to the ship's pricetag
'We said thank you in a fairly tangible way. We actually said it a billion times and each one was one euro,' joked Royal Caribbean boss Richard Fain, referring to the ship's pricetag
In February, Italian company Fincantieri announced it had reached an agreement to buy 50 percent of STX, after a bitter row between Paris and Rome over the shipyard last year
In February, Italian company Fincantieri announced it had reached an agreement to buy 50 percent of STX, after a bitter row between Paris and Rome over the shipyard last year
Royal Caribbean's new cruise ship 'Symphony of the Seas'


 
 
 
 
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Moving to the evening, there is a state-of-the-art theatre where Broadway-style shows will entertain guests on a nightly basis
Moving to the evening, there is a state-of-the-art theatre where Broadway-style shows will entertain guests on a nightly basis
The Symphony is the 13th ship that STX has built for Royal Caribbean and comes as the French manufacturer returns to good times, with orders for two ships a year until 2020 - a rate it has not enjoyed for 15 years.
STX, which has a staff of 8,000 and also builds warships, is currently also building the Celebrity Edge, the first of a series of smaller and more luxurious liners for Royal Caribbean.
In February, Italian company Fincantieri announced it had reached an agreement to buy 50 percent of STX, after a bitter row between Paris and Rome over the shipyard last year.
French President Emmanuel Macron temporarily nationalised STX last July despite a sales deal his predecessor Francois Hollande had struck with Italy.
The French government said it was ready to seek other buyers if Italy refused a 50-50 split - a proposal angrily rebuffed by Rome, but which it has since accepted.
One of the bionic bar servers, which can muddle, stir, shake and strain to create the drink of your choice
One of the bionic bar servers, which can muddle, stir, shake and strain to create the drink of your choice
President Emmanuel Macron temporarily nationalised STX last July despite a sales deal his predecessor Francois Hollande had struck with Italy
President Emmanuel Macron temporarily nationalised STX last July despite a sales deal his predecessor Francois Hollande had struck with Italy
Along with having 20 restaurants, there are plenty of bars, where robots rustle up the cocktails
Along with having 20 restaurants, there are plenty of bars, where robots rustle up the cocktails
Beginning on November 24, the adventure-packed ship will make Miami, Florida, her year-round home, taking holidaymakers on seven-night Caribbean voyages
Beginning on November 24, the adventure-packed ship will make Miami, Florida, her year-round home, taking holidaymakers on seven-night Caribbean voyages
There are 23 pools and waterslides for guests to cool off on. One slide will earn the title for being 'the tallest slide at sea', with a 100-foot drop
There are 23 pools and waterslides for guests to cool off on. One slide will earn the title for being 'the tallest slide at sea', with a 100-foot drop
The main body of the monster liner was completed last June. Above, workers apply finishing touches today
The main body of the monster liner was completed last June. Above, workers apply finishing touches today
STX, which has a staff of 8,000 and also builds warships, is currently also building the Celebrity Edge, the first of a series of smaller and more luxurious liners for Royal Caribbean. Above, a worker leaves the Symphony this afternoon
STX, which has a staff of 8,000 and also builds warships, is currently also building the Celebrity Edge, the first of a series of smaller and more luxurious liners for Royal Caribbean. Above, a worker leaves the Symphony this afternoon

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