With Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship, Quantum of the Seas, launching very soon, we're counting down each day with a brand new blog post all about this amazing cruise ship.

More Quantum of the Seas in Bremerhaven

Earlier this week we posted a video update of how work is progressing on Quantum of the Seas while she is ported in Bremerhaven, Germany. We've since run across another video construction update that's even newer than that one, so we wanted to share.

What I love about these videos is it gives us a good idea of the progress on this new cruise ship and every video shows off something a little different.

Enjoy!

Stay tuned for tomorrow's post as we celebrate 99 days of Quantum!

There are less than 100 days until Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship, Quantum of the Seas, debuts and every day we're counting down each day with something really fun on this brand new ship. Read our blog each day for a new post all about this amazing cruise ship.

Chops Grille

A Royal Caribbean staple, Chops Grille is coming to Quantum of the Seas and its bringing over a decade of quality, hand cut steaks for guests to enjoy.

Chops Grille markets itself these days as "the new American Steakhouse", which means it offers what you'd expect to find at any great American steakhouse but this one is at sea.

Royal Caribbean revamped the Chops Grille menu earlier this year and when you eat at Chops Grille on Quantum of the Seas, you will find traditional favorites mixed in with what's hot in steaks today.

At the center of the new menu are dry-aged steaks, that are aged for nearly four weeks to enhance the flavor, tenderness and aroma.  Royal Caribbean is particularly proud to be offering dry-aged steaks first at sea and it's a tremendous addition.

READ OUR REVIEW OF NEW CHOPS GRILLE MENU

Of course, Chops Grille also offers more than just steaks.  You will find Maine lobster, veal parmesan, grilled branzino and more succulent dishes paired with addictive sides and amazing desserts.

Chops Grille is a specialty restaurant and has a cover charge to dine there. There is a smart casual dress code and it will be open for dinner.

Stay tuned for tomorrow's post as we celebrate 99 days of Quantum!

We're counting down the days until Quantum of the Seas debuts later this year with our 99 days of Quantum blog series. Each day we will post something about Quantum of the Seas to share with all of you!

Booking onboard activities on Quantum of the Seas

If you're lucky enough to have a Quantum of the Seas cruise booked, you're able to start booking certain aspects of your Royal Caribbean cruise vacation.  Today, let's look at booking onboard acitivites and what's available (so far) for your adventure!

Fist thing you will want to do is log into Cruise Planner to get access to making reservations tied to your cruise.

Royal Caribbean is offering two activities to choose from currently that are available for booking.   In the future, you're likely to see more offerings but the process of reserving something is the same.

The all access tour and Dreamworks Character Breakfast are available.  Each has a cost, although the breakfast is complimentary for children.

The all access tour is described as, "Get an insider's look at the world's most innovative cruise line. Join us for the ultimate behind-the-scenes ship tour and explore the Bridge, the Engine Control Room and everywhere in between."

The Dreamworks Character breakfast is described as, "Special characters from DreamWorks Animation are onboard and ready to deliver non-stop entertainment. It all begins early in the morning, right at the breakfast table.  In between nibbles, the whole family will be full of giggles as the characters stop by your table for some playful shenanigans. Be sure to get your photo taken with your favorite character so you can show it to your friends back home."

Stay tuned for tomorrow's post as we celebrate 99 days of Quantum!

There's less than 99 days until Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas debuts so we're counting down each day with a brand new blog post all about Quantum of the Seas. Read our blog each day for a new post all about this amazing cruise ship.

Quantum of the Seas in Bremerhaven

Quantum of the Seas has made her way to Bremerhaven, Germany where she just got North Star installed and is undergoing sea trials, among other work being done on her.

Quantum of the Seas will remain at the Columbus Cruise Center in Bremerhaven for the next couple weeks to undergo internal development and finishing of the complete cruise ship.

Here's a video of Quantum of the Seas having North Star installed as well as a closer look at how's she's looking these days.

With Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship, Quantum of the Seas, launching very soon, we're counting down each day with a brand new blog post all about this amazing cruise ship.

North Star installation photos

We discussed North Star all the way back on day 99 of our blog series, as it was our first post all about this innovative new feature on Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas.

Just the other day, Meyer Werft installed the North Star feature onto the ship and Ingrid Fiebak took some really great photos of North Star being installed.  She was kind enough to share the photos with us so big thank you to Ingrid!

Stay tuned for tomorrow's post as we celebrate 99 days of Quantum!

Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas debuts in less than 100 days so we're counting down all the great things about Quantum of the Seas. Each day we will post something about Quantum of the Seas to share with you.

What don't we know (yet) about Quantum of the Seas

Royal Caribbean has revealed quite a lot of what will be waiting for us on its newest cruise ship, Quantum of the Seas, but there are still some aspects of the ship we don't know everything about quite yet.

Royal Promenade or not

All the Royal Caribbean ships since Voyager class have featured a Royal Promenade, which is a large strip of shops, restaurants and entertainment that create a hub of activity onboard the ship.  

We've assumed there will be a Royal Promenade onboard but that hasn't been confirmed yet.  In fact, there are rumors out there that instead of a Royal Promenade, there will be a Royal Esplanade.  In fact, the Dreamworks Experience part of the Royal Caribbean web site says, "Your favorite DreamWorks characters are coming to the Royal Esplanade onboard Quantum of the Seas."

It sounds like one way or another we're going to have an indoor area of the ship that offers a number of shops, restaurants and lounges but it may be different than we've experienced before.

Bars and lounges

Speaking of bars, Royal Caribbean has not revealed all the bars and lounges that will be onboard Quantum of the Seas.  

Will some of our favorites be returning, such as Boleros, R-Bar or the Schooner Bar?  Or will there be new experiences?  

Of course, we do know Bionic Bar is coming but there's plenty more places to enjoy a cocktail onboard.

Onboard shopping

Like the bars and lounges, which shops guests will be able to peruse online remains a mystery.

A recent presentation in Miami featured a look at what is likely to be some of the shops available onboard, including Hublot, Cartier, Kiehl's, and Michael Kors.

More surprises?

Royal Caribbean has promised the most WOW of any ship with Quantum of the Seas so there's still potential that we may see more surprises and announcements yet to come.

What questions are you still wondering about when it comes to this amazing ship?  

Stay tuned for tomorrow's post as we celebrate 99 days of Quantum!

To countdown the launch of Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship, Quantum of the Seas, we're blogging about one aspect of the ship each day for 99 days. Check back each day for something exciting to read about this new ship.

Royal iQ

Yesterday we highlighted Royal Caribbean's new pre-cruise planner revamp that was all about planning your perfect cruise aboard Quantum of the Seas but today we're going to look at another bit of technology created for use during your cruise.

Royal Caribbean created a new onboard smart app called Royal iQ, which is dubbed as a "personal vacation amanagement app".

What does that mean?  This app for your smartphone or tablet will allow you to keep track of what's going on during your cruise as well as remind you about excursions and other reservations you have made earlier.

Royal iQ allows guests to manage details during the cruise, includes a convenient calendar that provides at-a-glance views of the cruise or conference program. They'll also be able to keep in touch with one another and home via phone and text capabilities.

You can also find a daily schedule of events inside Royal iQ, along with maps of the ship.

Royal iQ will also allow you to track your luggage with new RFID tags.  Once you drop off your luggage at the pier, Royal iQ will allow you to track your luggage as it moves from sidewalk to ship to stateroom.  This will allow you to not have to keep going back to your stateroom to see if your bags have arrived yet.

Royal iQ will be available for iPads, iPhones and Android phones before October 31st.  Guests booked on Quantum of the Seas will receive an email when the app is ready for download.  

If you prefer not to carry a phone or tablet with you, Quantum of the Seas will offer eight freestanding iQ stations at Guest Services that give you the same functionality as the mobile apps.  You will also find roaming Guest Services staff to assist as well.

Stay tuned for tomorrow's post as we celebrate 99 days of Quantum!

We're counting down the days until Royal Caribbean's next cruise ship debuts, Quantum of the Seas, with our 99 days of Quantum countdown. Each day we will post something about this amazing new ship.

Cruise Planner

Royal Caribbean has updated its Cruise Planner part of its website to make a simple and powerful means of preparing for your cruise.

Cruise Planner allows you to research and book reservations for Quantum of the Seas Dynamic Dining offerings, shore excursions, spa appointments and more, courtesy of its new and easy‑to‑use website.

The new Cruise Planner starts out with My Calendar, which automatically populates itself with reservations you make. Each day of your trip is listed and broken down by location, date, arrival and departure times and what has been reserved by guests. It's a snapshot view of what your vacation looks like, reserved in advance the way you want it.

Cruise Planner has also simplified other aspects fo the cruise planning, including dining reservations, shore excursions and spa treatments.  Royal Caribbean aimed to make reserving these options simple and quick.

Cruise Planner is accessible on your tablet or computer after you've booked your cruise.

Stay tuned for tomorrow's post as we celebrate 99 days of Quantum!

To countdown the launch of Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship, Quantum of the Seas, we're blogging about one aspect of the ship each day for 99 days. Check back each day for something exciting to read about this new ship.

Gatsby

For nighttime entertainenment, how about a party that is a throwback to the roaring 1920s, when decadence was king?  Royal Caribbean has created a completely new party it's calling Gatsby.

Gatsby takes place in Two70 and will see the room transformed into a celebration that will make you feel like you're a character in the famous novel.  

You will find specialty cocktails that were inspired by the era as well as a live DJ to play the right blend of music.

Royal Caribbean will encourage guests to dress up to add to the feeling that they stepped out of the F. Scott Fitzgerald novel.  Dressing up is optional but if you elect do so, you will feel like you're really part of the fun.

Stay tuned for tomorrow's post as we celebrate 99 days of Quantum!

We're counting down the days until Quantum of the Seas debuts later this year with our 99 days of Quantum blog series. Each day we will post something about Quantum of the Seas to share with all of you!

Michael’s Genuine Pub

The idea behind Michael's Genuine Pub is simple: fresh food and drink without complication.  

Michael’s Genuine Pub will be the first American gastropub at sea, brought to you by James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Schwartz.

Michael Schwartz created the restaurant with the concept of taking simple ingredients from the best artisanal producers and combining them in a friendly setting passengers will want to go to.  You will also find craft beers, such as the chef’s own classic American ale, Michael’s Genuine Home Brew.

If beer isn't your thing, you will also find a finely curated list of wine, cocktails and spirits, including bourbon whiskey flights.

Michael's Genuine Pub was created to feel cozy, yet lively.  It's the kind of place to stop in for a midday bite or have a few drinks in the evening while feeling relaxed all the time.

Of course, Royal Caribbean fans should recognize the chef's name.  Michael Schwartz first pioneered the seasonal, farm-to-table menu for the signature 150 Central Park restaurants onboard the Oasis-class ships.

Chef Schwartz is the chef/owner of The Genuine Hospitality Group, with restaurants including Michael's Genuine Food & Drink Miami (Est. 2006), Michael's Genuine Food & Drink Grand Cayman (Est. 2010), Harry’s Pizzeria (Est. 2011), The Cypress Room (Est. 2013), and Restaurant Michael Schwartz (Est. 2013).

Stay tuned for tomorrow's post as we celebrate 99 days of Quantum!