The Quantum Class ships feature the distinctive North Star Royal Caribbean is already known for making steady progress on energy efficiency and reduced emissions through such technologies as air lubrication, which sends billions of microscopic bubbles along the hull of a ship to reduce friction, and AEP scrubbers, which clean exhaust gases before they leave the ship. Use of the new technologies result in much cleaner emissions, as they produce no sulfur and significantly reduce the production of nitrogen oxides and particulates. " With Icon class, we move further in the journey to take the smoke out of our smokestacks ," said Richard Fain, chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. " We are dedicated to innovation, continuous improvement, and environmental responsibility, and Icon gives us the opportunity to deliver against all three of these pillars ." " Our guests expect us to push every envelope we can ," said Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International.