Quantum – Game Changer or just more tacky gimmicks?

Following months of hype and speculation in the build-up to the launch of Quantum of the Seas I couldn’t help but wonder, as I drove down to Southampton on Friday morning, was this really going to be everything that Royal Caribbean had promised – the ship to change the face of cruising forever? Or was it going to be just another cruise ship with a few gimmicks to try to lure cruisers to book cabins on this ship?

I’m so glad that I had two nights on board rather than the usual one as it gave me time to really explore the ship and experience many aspects of her. Having done so I feel that I can pass judgement accurately.

There is much to tell so this will be the first of many posts on the subject of Quantum! Knowing where to start is the question.

I was lucky enough to be chosen to join a select group of Travel Bloggers which meant I was more or less ‘access all areas’, including behind the scenes in the Engineering Control Room, the Recycling Centre, on The Bridge – all fascinating stuff for another blog. I also toured every single restaurant on the ship and sampled the food on offer in each of them – well somebody had to do it didn’t they! Goodness what a chore that was! The dining options on board are wide and varied, and quite simply superb. Something to please every palate and some very unique dining experiences to be had. Again, more to follow on this, my favourite subject.

When you think of Quantum, don’t think of Royal Caribbean ships as you know them, think pared down, contemporary Celebrity ships. This ship is sleek, modern and classy. Even the deck areas are toned down. The Solarium to the rear of the ship is a delightfully tranquil area to relax in, definitely somewhere I would head to for some R&R.

If the talk of all the technology on board makes you nervous, don’t worry! Nobody is less ‘techy’ than me and I found it a doddle. It starts at check in. You will have checked in online pre-cruise of course. When you arrive at the port you are swiftly checked in on an Ipad, your Set Sail pass is stamped and that is it. You go through security and board the ship – armed with your wristband which is used for many of the functions your room card used to be used for such as opening your cabin and signing for drinks and on board purchases.You do still get the card though so you can use that if you prefer. More of the technology later.

I have to mention the Bionic Bar, complete with its robotic bartenders. A unique experience and one that every passenger on board should try. A real ‘must do’. Its fun and its whacky and its a very, very clever concept indeed. Makes a great change from all the Ice Bars at sea – we have so ‘been there, done that’ haven’t we.

For me, the crowning glory of this marvellous ship is Two70. The enormous double height ‘lounge’ type area at the rear of the ship. By day it is a lovely calming venue to relax in – there is a cafe by the entrance where you can gets sandwiches, panini’s, salads and cakes along with drinks, to take in with you. In the evening this amazing venue becomes an entertainment area the likes of which you have never seen. The entertainment will quite literally blow your mind! Live performers combined with 6 giant screens on robotic arms and all of the floor to ceiling windows across the back of the ship become a giant screen. Wow! is not a big enough word to describe it!

For those who prefer more traditional entertainment there is the full length West End production Mamma Mia. Two and a half hours of songs, laughter and possibly a few tears. Sheer enjoyment!

Yes, there are some gimmicks on Quantum (like a certain giant magenta bear!) although they do add to your overall cruise experience, but having spent two days on her I think Royal Caribbean really have pulled it off. She is a game changer and she really does raise the bar in the world of cruising. She is in a league of her own and truly has and will continue to change cruising forever.

Quantum is heading across the Atlantic at the moment before sailing to the Far East where she will be offering some stunning itineraries. Don’t worry though, her sister ship Anthem of the Seas will be ex-UK in 2015. I for one cannot wait!

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