Making its maiden voyage

A sculpture of a panda mother and cub reaching for each other is one of 11,000 artworks onboard.[Photo by Xu Lin/China Daily]

Free-fall simulators, android bartenders and a $4.5 million art collection are all aboard the new Royal Caribbean cruise liner that set sail from Tianjin to Japan and South Korea last week. Xu Lin hops on-deck.

A man in a jumpsuit and helmet - limbs extended - hovers in the air.

He spins like a superhero.

This free-fall simulation comes with a coach and is but one of several unique experiences aboard Ovation of the Seas, a Royal Caribbean cruise liner that set sail on its maiden voyage in China on June 28.

It sails from Tianjin to Japan and South Korea on trips lasting five to seven days.

"It has the newest technology and the finest design, with a variety of activities on board," says Richard Fain, chairman and CEO of the US-based Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.

He recently attended the naming ceremony in Tianjin.

About 1,600 international crew members work on the 348-meter-long, 42-meter-wide vessel. Its 2,090 staterooms and suites that can accommodate 4,905 guests.

"Guests can have a relaxing vacation and enjoy activities at the same time. They can read a book in the library or do sports."

The ship has a lot for children, including a playground and workshops.

"Cruising ... will create countless family memories," Fain says.