Bayonne's new Quantum terminal has next-gen processing, sustainable features

Bermello Ajamil & Partners was retained by Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., which is paying for the terminal, to conduct design development, construction documentation and administration work.

Working with the Royal Caribbean operations team, B&A has expedited the process, including a 10-month construction schedule, to ensure delivery of the facility for Quantum of the Seas' inaugural in November.

The new terminal is predominantly a single-story, single-berth facility of 133,000 square feet with two rotational gangway systems and an adjacent five-story parking structure for more than 900 vehicles. The design aims to process Quantum passengers in an efficient and expeditious manner.

Thanks to the new ability for passengers to generate their own boarding documents at home online, Royal Caribbean's goal for Quantum embarkation is 'sidewalk to ship' in 10 minutes. Passengers will be able to upload their own identification photo at home, too, so when they come to the pier, they'll simply present their boarding credential and passport to workers with hand-held devices that scan the materials. A 'green light' means go; a red light indicates an error or issue that can be addressed at a check-in desk.

At luggage drop-off, bags will get an RFID tag so passengers can track their progress to their stateroom in real time by using a smartphone app.

The terminal's ground transportation area includes two lanes for car curbside drop and pick up, 17 dedicated bus loading slots and valet and VIP surface parking. Covered walkways with a tensile fabric sail-inspired canopy system will shield cruisers from the weather.

According to B&A, the facility uses sustainable design features that are compliant with current Port Authority of New York and New Jersey standards.

Plus, a thematic interior design recalls features of the Statue of Liberty including copper clad check-in desks and stone patterned solid-surface countertops and feature walls. An acid-stained floor pattern evokes the Hudson's industrial shoreline.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey acquired the Cape Liberty Cruise Terminal in June 2010 as part of its purchase of the 131-acre portion of the former Military Ocean Terminal at Bayonne.

At that time the port authority extended Royal Caribbean’s terminal operating agreement an additional five years, through 2043.