Forget everything you have known before!

This weekend saw the launch of the Brand new Royal Caribbean Quantum of the seas, and I was lucky enough to be one of  the first invited to experience this new era of cruising. Over the next few weeks I will be breaking my trip down to bring you exclusive information you have been waiting for.

The excitement of the launch began Friday when along with some of my fellow cruise.co.uk team I travelled to Southampton, and the buzz was felt before we even stepped off the train.

Just a few facts to get this started to give you a overview of this giant!

•  1,141 feet (348 meters) long
• 136 feet (41 meters) wide
• 22 knots cruising speed
• 4 bow thrusters with 4,694 horse power each
• 18 total decks (16 of these passenger decks)
• 4,905 guests total
• 2,090 State of the art cabins

Just a few weeks ago RCCL boasted how their new online check in system allowed for passengers arrive process to take just 10 minutes and I was keen to test this. Although we didn’t received our keys until we arrived in our cabin the check in process was extremely quick and within the 10 minutes.  I spent last week uploading my passport type photo onto my cruise personaliser (something which can slow normally down), adding API details, pre booking a boarding slot and personally it ran like clock work. When I arrived at the Cruise terminal there were an abundance of RCCL staff armed with tablets and everything worked, my documents were stamped and off I went to the departure lounge via security. Once in my cabin I was give my access card and the all new “WOW Band”, Both do exactly the same just giving you the choice of which you prefer to use. The band allows you access to you cabin, purchases on board, restaurant booking and even tracking Photo taken on board.

So what did I think about the Quantum of the sea?

The word WOW really does not do it any justice. My first observation was how stylish and  classy the décor was. RCCL could have been forgiven for covering the whole ship in bright colours to reflect the new vibrant and fun atmosphere for the Quantum class, but they didn’t. The entire ship was decked out in a beautiful walnut which just made the vessel feel warm, inviting and very relaxing.

What I did find fascinating was the art around the ship, where the dark walnut colouring reflected the class. The art reflected the technology and futuristic background take a look at these fabulous pieces. All very clever and fun but made you stop and simply look and admire.

So if you have booked on the Quantum or Anthem for either of their maiden seasons, I really don’t think you will be disappointed with the choice of cabins. We were booked into a mid-ship Balcony cabin on Deck 8. The cabin and balcony was a good size with plenty of wardrobe space and the bathroom bigger than I have experienced before on other ships. All furnishings were very comfortable, chic and flowed with the ships feel, it even had little quirks like USB sockets for charging smart device easier.

The cabin I was most looking forward to seeing was the first ever “Virtual Balcony Inside cabins”. I am pleased to say I was so impressed, I loved that they had the wow factor without the ouch factor to the pocket. These quirky cabins are the same size as a normal Inside cabin however unlike normal inside cabins these have a 80-inch high-definition screen that project real time images from outside the ship. The virtual cabin was light and airy and what I didn’t realise until I saw them for myself that not only do you get real time images but you can also hear a very faint sea sound effects which I think I would find very relaxing and similar to a spa or meditation area.

So from one extreme to another the  Royal Loft suite with balcony, which I can safely say I walked around speechless. I have never seen anything like it! sleeping 6 , 2 decks high, 1 bedroom , 2 bathrooms, tv room, balcony hot tub and open living/dining area. What stood out for me about this luxurious cabin was the breath-taking views mainly from the bedroom. To wake up to these huge view would make the price of this cabin money well spent.

So this is just the “tip of the iceberg”, and the very start of my 72 hours on QUANTUM OF THE SEAS. Please come back next week because I still have soooo much to tell you about my thoughts on the overall Entertainment Starwater and Mama Mia, IFly, Seaplex, DreamWorks parades, live music and more about me discovering my biggest fear!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Before I go this weekend RCCL announced they have brought back Free all inclusive and tips so it has never been a better time to book if you would like more information on this offer call me directly on 0330 303  8260. Until next time.

TO BE CONTINUED………………

Marie x