Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas Delivers
Aaron Saunders, reporting for Avid Cruiser
The truth of the matter is that two days is not nearly enough to experience everything you can possibly do aboard Royal Caribbean’s new Quantum of the Seas. In fact, two weeks might not be enough. She’s not just a cruise ship that takes you from Point A to Point B; she’s a destination in her own right.
After just shy of 48 hours onboard, that’s my takeaway from Quantum of the Seas: she could do circles in the Atlantic for seven days and her passengers likely wouldn’t complain. There’s too much to do and see right onboard this 168,666-gross-ton ship that is 1,141 feet long, 136 feet wide, and has 16 passenger decks. In fact, you’ll barely notice you’re sailing with 4,180 other guests.
Here’s a look at some of our favorite features onboard:
Two70
Without a doubt, Two70 was the highlight of my Quantum of the Seas experience. By day, the area functioned as a spectacular aft-facing lounge that recalls the same kind of grand scale that Royal Caribbean has used in the past for its main dining rooms. By night, Two70 featured entertainment that was innovative and imaginative — a complete departure from cruise ship entertainment as you may know it.
The production values alone are staggering, with a list of technical and creative credits that reads like a feature film. In addition to Starwater, which I enjoyed, Two70 will also offer Virtual Concert and Sonic Odyssey: original shows designed by Royal Caribbean Productions and Montreal-based Moment Factory. I’d sail Quantum again just to see them.
NorthStar
Yes, the London Eye-esque NorthStar capsule was a winner, and it will be for you too, even if you plan to only ride it once. NorthStar gives you a perspective of your cruise ship that has, until now, been impossible to obtain. It will also no doubt turn heads when she sails to the Caribbean in a few weeks and Asia in 2015.
Even better, North Star can operate while the ship is at sea – something I had my doubts about. It’s also free – unless, of course, you’d like to get married on the NorthStar. You can do that, but for a fee.
Dining Options
I’ll be the first to admit that I thought Royal Caribbean’s main dining rooms were some of the most beautiful afloat. Grand and sprawling, the main dining room on Mariner of the Seas still stands as one of the nicest I’ve ever been in. But although these large grand rooms are gone, Quantum of the Seas has something better: a multitude of more intimate venues featuring unique menus and décor.
I didn’t get to try a lot of the dining venues during my two days onboard, but of the ones I ate at (American Icon Grill, The Grande, Silk, and the Windjammer Marketplace), Silk was my undisputed favorite both in terms of ambiance and cuisine.
Elegant Styling; Efficient Flow
Quantum of the Seas absorbs her guests better than the Voyager and Freedom-class ships. On a cruise aboard Mariner of the Seas a few years back, getting a seat in the Schooner Bar or the Café Promenade was damn near impossible at the best of times.
On Quantum of the Seas – which sailed nearly full during my previewl – the increased multitude of bars and lounges helped to distribute guests better than her predecessors. Coupled with the fact that most entertainment venues are spread across Decks 3, 4 and 5, the next alternative is only steps away if your favorite watering hole is full.
The Solarium
This stunning space could almost do double-duty as the “new” Viking Crown Lounge. Situated at the bow right above the navigation bridge, this area is part pool, part relaxation area, part bar and lounge. The views from here were unparalleled. My biggest concern was that Quantum of the Seas would have a lack of connection with the sea. It connected well.
The Solarium, in fact, is all about the ocean and the sights around you.
So who is Quantum of the Seas right for? As it turns out, there are plenty of people that will probably find something to enjoy about sailing aboard Royal Caribbean’s latest ship.
Our take:
Sail Quantum of the Seas if:
- You enjoy sailing on big ships with the latest bells-and-whistles; Quantum has them in spades.
- You’ve sailed with Royal Caribbean before; past guests will find lots to love about Quantum of the Seas.
- You’re are or are not technologically inclined; while high-tech features are offered for those who like to stay connected 24/7, a smartphone is by no means needed to enjoy your experience onboard. Even if you don’t own a smartphone, you can get by without the Royal iQ app.
- You enjoy ships with a multitude of high-quality dining and entertainment options, and are willing to pay a little extra for some of them.
- You’re looking for a one-of-a-kind cruise experience.
Avoid Quantum of the Seas if:
- You want a small-ship cruising experience. This most certainly isn’t it.
- You’re deeply attached to more classic Royal Caribbean features, like the Viking Crown Lounge and traditional set dining.
- You’re put-off by additional costs; Quantum of the Seas has more onboard items that come with a surcharge, including some room service menu items.
- For those who have already sailed with Royal Caribbean in the past, it won’t take long to get used to the new features and style of cruising found aboard Quantum of the Seas.
An avid traveler and an award-winning journalist, Ralph Grizzle produces articles, video and photos that are inspiring and informative, personal and passionate. A journalism graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Ralph has specialized in travel writing for more than two decades. To read more cruise and port reviews by Ralph Grizzle, visit his website at www.avidcruiser.com.