michelle Posted November 17, 2014 Report Share Posted November 17, 2014 Some first thoughts- Well I've been lucky enough to be on many inaugurals and I'll have to admit I really liked the Quantum - First, its a new ship so not everything works! you get used to that Second - this was mostly a Media Cruise - so you could not take a photo without someone else being in your way with a camera at times (and that is why the internet was so slow - it was free, and there was tons of media onboard ) Third - I'm a fan of RCI - They have great ships and keep getting better - Some old favorites I'm glad they keptSorrento's, Vitality Spa and Fitness Center, Solarium, Flow RIder, Johnny Rockets,Pool w/ big screen TV and Schooners are all here on the ship. First, the ship is smaller than Allure and Oasis holding only about 4180 people which I liked It felt like an upscale freedom class ship to me - I like how they have made the new esplanade area, only a few stories high and winding around venues (if you have been on NCL Getaway, its very similar) then on the other side of the ship you have the VIA which is a lovely area with music and screen videos that leads into eventually Two70* Some interesting thoughts - they do not have the Viking Crown Lounge - a staple and the thought is that Two70 replaces that- I LOVED Two70 as a venue and the feel is great so I agree with the decision. And above Two70 you have a smaller library, craft room and computer area, that don't take up a lot of space. Outside of Two708 you have Café Two70 which is Park Café, renamed and reconfigured - Love this and the area is open and bigger and in a perfect location. Pool- one main pool area with big screen TV - TOO BIG in my opinion it was almost overwhelming cause it was low and on the side, but the adults only solarium pool area is better than I've seen before Another thing is they do not have a Champagne bar - one of my favorites but you never know if the robotic Bionic bartenders "break" then I see them being replaced with a new bar While the robots are cool, they are SO slow, and the area upstairs is just awkward. Like Michael's Pub its the anchor focus of the Esplanade and will be popular for the beer, but food cost money here No Blaze night club - not a big loss to me- but the new Music Hall venue is huge and I liked the layout a lot - really more like a night club and the cover bands were great. The Theatre was nice and the show Mamma Mia was really good - I've seen a few musicals and RCI has some of the best for sure on their ships. Johnny Rockets is an open concept near the pool and I loved that - remember I was on with no kids onboard (okay 3) and once you factor them in things can be different, lol. The RipCord is great and will be popular - the Pink Bear - I don't get it - BEST new area was for sure SeaPlex - bumper cars are awesome and the Xbox, ping pong areas - and hot dog stand just make this an all around great indoor area for kids ( no more closed decks for basketball if the weather turns) Spa - I thought it was a little small on this ship Fitness Center - love the Fly wheel area, and lots of equipment and machines Shops - very nice - some I don't get but since this ship is moving to Europe/Asia they will love them New Patisserie - where starbucks is - very popular wifi spot and nice petit fours but for a charge North Star - looked very cool - will be a hit with people for sure I think Casino - nicely laid out but they have a staircase opening right up to the Esplanade and we could smell the smoke filtering up - Dining - got to try samples at each place and drinks and liked the food a lot - We will see how Dynamic Dining is liked - you can reserve before you board, on your Room TV, on the App we had and in person down on Decks where the restaurants are located. We tried all these options and it worked fine - IF you are booked in a group though, they assign your rotation - and you can't really change it around since you are a group - they may have to changed that because people are not going to want 2 formal nights at the Grande on an 8 day sailingDining Notes - Wonderland is visually going to appeal to many, and the décor is great - so is theGrande and I think the food will be a hit - American Icon - liked the room, its huge but our foodwas over done, again think Inaugural. Silk I liked a lot and we had a big table, with lazy susanand ordered all the food to share, yes you can order all the appetizers. Chops has a beautiful room and private Chef's Table room off to one side. The new Devinly Decadence I loved and the food was very good for being lower in calories. Chic also was good - Jamie's Italian will be a hit because its great food but also near Vintages wine bar which is lovely. Izumi's which I love is just in an awkward location I thought - STILL WISH they had one Dining RoomCoastal Kitchen is dining for Grand Suites and above and will be a hit because Suite guests really like their perks! its is located right outside of Windjammer. ...And Windjammer - by far is the best on this ship - they have one area that is just rolls and bread - and a coffee bar - need I say more. Cabins- I really liked the colors and lay out of the one's I saw - The inside rooms with virtual balconies are cool - they have sound and you can turn off the virtual part so it does get dark The New Studio cabins for singles are great and rather big I thought and you actually can add a 2nd person to these (only 1 small double bed) and pay the 3rd / 4th guest rate and not full fare - No single supplement on these Single Studios. The Family Connecting rooms are really nice and have lots of room if you close them 0ff - These are at the corners of the decks, so have an angled look and balcony which was huge, and does unlock to the one next door - ONE NOTE - the cabin I was in, Deck 7, 7200 midship looked right down at the life boats - We had a break between life boats but I would not want one of these if I had a balcony, move up 1-2 decks. Again Ocean View - Cat F at front of ship are huge rooms What else? Bands - worked great and think these will be the new future for cruising - opened our cabin - got me drinks at Bionic- purchased things in the store - got photos. No one knew the color of bands, so no rhyme or reason on that but I think that will change. I did not wear mine, just looped it on my purse. My room key stayed in room. Put a plastic card or business card in your light so you can leave that alone. Art Work on the ship is fabulous and so many fun things to see even in the elevator. well done. Guest Services and Check in - they have new smaller stands with computers for check in Wi-Fi was not working so not sure if that is going to be an issue but staff with Ipads checked us in and my picture I uploaded before I boarded loaded fine. Guest services has just 4 stands with computers and no real desk - I think this will be an issue for them - just my thought - seems like they need to print something out and kept running back to the office? Overall - loved it - better ship layout - some new fun things - some old stand-bys - the VIA is where I spent a lot of time - did I mention I love Vintages, cheers. Questions? just ask. Michelle Matt, DocLC, markinct and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Posted November 18, 2014 Report Share Posted November 18, 2014 Great write up Michelle, thanks for posting it! Did you actually use your TV to book stuff onboard? I forgot to try it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markinct Posted November 19, 2014 Report Share Posted November 19, 2014 Thanks for the write up! If they made you the benevolent despotic ruler of RCI, what cruises/itineraries would you put Quantum of the Seas on? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michelle Posted November 20, 2014 Author Report Share Posted November 20, 2014 Hi Matt Yes I used the TV to book the restaurants and look at Movies on Demand Michelle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michelle Posted November 20, 2014 Author Report Share Posted November 20, 2014 Mark - Well since we are getting the Anthem I am okay with waiting for this ship - I think the Med is a great place for it and Asia actually. Asians love technology and this will be a huge step up from the Voyager - I would move it around though - funny thing is it has some similarities to NCL Breakaway and Getaway which sail to the Caribbean so I would not put it in that market. Too big for Alaska - and Hawaii - Bermuda would be great since many older ships sail this itinerary - Canada and New England, no cause its really a family ship Just my two cents - but I do really like it - Michelle markinct 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beaky Posted November 27, 2014 Report Share Posted November 27, 2014 Hi Michelle I'm on the quantum in December and have one of the Class F cabins you mention. I can't find a floor plan. Can you give me some idea of the layout. I have seen some pictures taken at different angles and I think it looks like almost two rooms. Any ides will be appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Posted November 30, 2014 Report Share Posted November 30, 2014 Hi Michelle I'm on the quantum in December and have one of the Class F cabins you mention. I can't find a floor plan. Can you give me some idea of the layout. I have seen some pictures taken at different angles and I think it looks like almost two rooms. Any ides will be appreciated. Not to steal Michelle's thunder but here's a photo gallery of Category F stateroom I took: http://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/quantum-of-the-seas/photos/superior-ocean-view-stateroom michelle 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beaky Posted December 1, 2014 Report Share Posted December 1, 2014 Thank for the pictures Matt. I still can't work out how the room is laid out though. it look like it is almost two rooms in one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Posted December 2, 2014 Report Share Posted December 2, 2014 Thank for the pictures Matt. I still can't work out how the room is laid out though. it look like it is almost two rooms in one. It's one large room (bedroom) with the bathroom attached. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michelle Posted December 2, 2014 Author Report Share Posted December 2, 2014 Thanks for "stealing" Matt - keep in mind in these cabins - at night the curtains always have to be drawn So no lights reflect onto the Bow and distract the Captain and Crew- they do give you a letter about this but these are the best hidden gems on ships I think- corner rooms are great! Matt 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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