Review of Quantum of the Seas Maiden Voyage

Below you will find post with a review of the Quantum of the Seas Transatlantic Maiden Voyage, November 2 to 10, 2014 from Southampton to New York (Cape Liberty Cruise Port).

In the posts below there are links to short videos from the cruise.

Pictures from the voyage click at image below to view album:

View Slide Show.

Quantum of the seas Maiden Transatlantic Voyage

And here is a link to short video from the Quantum of the Seas Transatlantic Maiden Voyage from Southampton to New York (Cape Liberty), November 2 to 10, 2014. 

Link to video from the cruise.
00:14 Departure from Southampton
00:45 Superior Ocean View State Room w/Balcony
01:22 Large Interior Stateroom w/Virtual balcony
01:30 Royal Esplanade
01:42 the VIA
01:52 Two70, Vistarama and RoboShow
02:50 Royal Theatre
03:18 A selection of Restaurants
04:08 Bionic Bar
04:20 Music hall
04:32 Emergency stop at the Azores
04:50 North Star
05:10 Pool Areas and Solarium
05:27 SeaPlex and Bumper cars
06:07 RipCord by iFly and FlowRider
06:47 Arrival in New York (Cape Liberty)

Video:Quantum of the Seas Transatlantic Maiden Voyage - a review:

Quantum of the Seas arrival into New York

Quantum of the Seas Maiden Voyage November 2 to 10, 2014
Arrival into New York November 10 in the morning, 
Approaching the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge at 5 AM, and passing the New York skyline and the Statue of Liberty before docking at Cape Liberty 7:30AM
The arrival seen from the ship.

See video at this link


We were not so busy disembarking from the ship since our flight to Copenhagen departed at the 17th. It took a bit more than an hours to get off the ship and through immigration.
Outside the terminal, we found the shuttle bus to Newark airport.
At the airport we ate lunch, checked in and at 17:25 departed SK910 to Copenhagen.

Superior Ocean View Stateroom with Balcony.

The cabins are lovely, and the service in the cabins as always top notch.
Video from the Cabins: 
Cabin #11610
Cabin #8604

Also now a video from Anthem Cabin 8282

At my three Quantum Class Cruises I did stay in a Superior Ocean View Stateroom with Balcony.
Cruise November 2, 2014 in #11610 (D2). with with sofa bed. and For January 11, 2015 in Cabin #8604, (D8).

In 1610 the sitting area is at the 'balcony end' while in 8604 the bed is at the 'balcony end'. The space between the curtain between the windows and the bed is quite narrow.
For storage there are two large closets and shelves above the beds and some drawers. Fine storage space, however, there are two hanging rails in one cupboard which is not suitably located.
I do prefer the layout of my balcony #11610.

Stateroom is 198 sq. ft. with 65 sq. ft. balcony , sitting area and full bathroom.
Click on stateroom plan to view larger picture

Get more details from the videos:

Cruise Compass and Daily Cruise Planner

Here you will find Cruise Compass day 1 
Daily Cruise Planner: 
Day 1 -  Day 2 -  Day 3  - Day 4 - Day 5 -  Day 6 -  Day 7 -  Day 8 

As you depart Information

 It is only the full Cruise Compass for Day 1 - the rest of the Cruise Pass are quite similar. If you want a Compass for a specific day, please let me know and I will post it. Other questions are welcome as well.

Bionic Bar

Bionic Bar 
Robots serve up drinks in the Bionic Bar
- the first bar with robot bartenders not just at sea, but anywhere in the world.
Quantum of the Seas, Maiden Voyage, November 2 to 10, 2014.

See video with robots at work at this link

Activities at Deck 15 & 16

Activities at Quantum of the Seas, Maiden Voyage, November 2 to 10, 2014
See video of activities at this link.

Deck 16
Ripcord by iFly (picture)
Rip Cord allows guests of all ages to take flight and enjoy the unparalleled exhilaration of skydiving, via a vertical wind tunnel that produces a wall-to-wall air flow.  

FlowRider
Your friends are never going to believe you surfed onboard a ship! Even the best beaches have bad days, but on the FlowRider®, surf's always up. Plus, whether you?re boogie boarding or surfing, the FlowRider® is great fun for all skill levels.  
Watch video: Activities at Quantum of the Seas:

Deck 15
Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center 
Indulgence begins here. Our seaside fitness center features modern exercise equipment powered by Technogym. And our full-service spa offers a beauty salon and spa treatments, including massage, manicures and body wraps. 

Jogging Track  
Run laps while taking in the view. Our tracks are open to anyone.

Walking through the Restaurants, Quantum of the Seas

A walk through the Dining Restaurants at Quantum of the Seas, Maiden Voyage, November 2 to 10, 2014.
Link to video.

00:12 Jamie's Italian (Jamie Oliver)
00:40 Wonderland
01:05 Silk
01:50 Grande
02:15 Chic
02:30 Chops Grille and Chefs table
02:50 Izumi
03:10 American Icon Grill

Quantum of the Seas, North Star operation

Quantum of the Seas, North Star operation when she passed the Azores at the transatlantic maiden voyage November 5, 2014.
Take yourself to new heights with the jewel-shaped capsule that gently ascends over 300 feet above sea level. Breathtaking 360° views of the sea and our destinations make the North Star one of the most anticipated features on Quantum of the Seas

Here is a link to a short video of the North Start Operations at the Azores.
Unfortunately I didn't make a trip myself.

Two70° Entertainment Showcase

A living room by day, Two70° transforms to an entertainment center by night, seamlessly blending live performances with cutting-edge visual technology, highlighted by six ABB RoboScreens® attached to a gantry above the main stage.
Nick Weir, VP of Entertainment at RCI, did make a presentation of the  Two70° Entertainment Showcase including RoboScreens and Vistarama at the Quantum of the Seas Maiden Voyage November 2 to 10, 2014.
Three videos from the presentation:
Two70° at Quantum of the Seas
Two70° Vistarama at Quantum of the Seas
RoboScreen and RoboShow Demo at Quantum of the Seas

The entertainment in Two70 on Quantum of the Seas combines super advanced technology elements such as Roboscreens and Vistarama to create a multi-sensory experience for guests

Link to Vistarame Demo video
Vistarama uses the windows as a digital canvas, creating an entirely new scene 
— outer space, deep sea, forests and almost anything else you can imagine — through video mapping and powerful projectors. 
Over 100 feet wide and 20 feet tall, and at a stunning 12K resolution, the picture quality exceeds even the highest resolution 
movie screens.

Link to RoboShow demo video
A RoboScreen is a graphical screen mounted to the arm of an ABB articulated arm robot, which creates a unique viewer experience by bringing virtually unlimited, 6-axis movement to the video media. 
Available in various sizes, the Two70° RoboScreens feature six ABB IRB 6620 robots, each holding a 100” diagonal Daktronics LED screen. Housed in the ceiling while not in use, during shows in Two70° the RoboScreens will extend down on the gantry to a position above the stage, displaying unique video and imagery while performing choreographed movements, all custom produced for the specific performance.

Windjammer Marketplace

Link to video.
Windjammer Marketplace at Quantum of the Seas, a global culinary pavilion that invites you to explore the world, dish by dish. Enticing food islands weave throughout, showcasing international fare while mapping your way between new, interactive stations with pressed paninis, fresh juices, and desserts at the on-site bakery. Plus a new 24-hour station, The Grill, with all-day breakfast and more on a menu that changes daily. 

Quantum of the Seas emergency stop

Quantum of the Seas made a brief emergency stop at Porta Delgata, on São Miguel Island at the Azores, Wednesday, November 5, 2014.
A passenger had become ill and rapid hospitalisation was necessary.
The sick passengers were taken from the ship by the local pilot boat and brought to a hospital in Porta Delgata after which Quantum of the Seas proceeded her maiden voyage towards Cape Liberty, NJ.

Watch the video from the emergency stop at this link

Ponta Delgada  is the largest municipality and administrative capital of the Autonomous Region of the Azores in Portugal.
It is located on São Miguel Island, the largest and most populous in the archipelago.

Pool deck and Solarium at Quantum of the Seas

Pool deck and Solarium Deck 14
See video at this link

Pool   
The perfect place to take a refreshing dip or relax in whirlpoo ls with friends. Expansive, retractable glass roof ensures year-round enjoyment.  

Outdoor, movie screen   
Watch movies and big time sporting events the way they were meant to be seen - poolside, under the stars. A screen hoisted above the main pool area will showcase all the larger-than-life action.   
 

The Via, at Deck 5

The Via at deck 5
Link to video from the VIA
 
Hidden just beyond the Royal Esplanade lies The Via, an enclave of elegant dining and boutiques for leisurely moments in good company.

Retail Shops    
Stop by the Guest Services desk, where our knowledgeable staff is available to assist with general ship information, answering your questions, reporting lost or damaged goods, exchange money, cash traveler's checks and more    

Jamie's Italian by Jamie Oliver    
Chef Jamie Oliver presents a menu of rustic Italian favorites, handmade with fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Tour the Royal Esplanade, Deck 4 and 5

See the video 
Link to video

Deck 4 and 5
Royal Esplanade onboard Quantum of the Seas

Retail Shops     Two decks of retail shops offering an array of merchandise ranging from logo items, perfume and jewelry to liquor and cruise wear. Featuring several name brands you will love - at prices that can't be match. Buy with confidence with the knowledgeable guidance of our retail specialist.

Michael's Genuine Pub    
James Beard Award-winner Michael Schwartz brings you delicious yet uncomplicated pub fare, plus his namesake craft beer.    

Welcome to Dynamic Dining.

There are no set dining times, no assigned seats, no required formal nights.
You can make table reservation for all evenings prior to the cruise - and change your reservations when onboard.
However, you can also wait and do all reservations on board, when you have more detailed information about activities and shows - or just show up when you want to dine.
I'll recommend to make reservations for the more popular restaurants like Wonderland and Silk - For Grande and American Icon Grill it's not necessary. If you want a table for only two there were short waiting time, but if sharing a table with others, no waiting time.
Reservations can be done at the entrance to any of the restaurants, or using the free Royal iQ app for iPhone or iPad (will be available for Android at a later date.)
There is five complimentary, full-service main restaurants, and five specialty dining options available for an additional charge and additional cafe's and bistro's.
Album: 43 pictures from the restautaurants
Video: Quantum Class Restaurants, Tour of 

Quantum of the Seas Restaurants

The list below does also include the suggested dress code for the restaurant, indicating price level ($) as well as meals served.


Watch the video Walking through the Restaurants, Quantum of the Seas:

Click on 'Read more' to see list of restaurants or visit Royal Caribbean Dynamic Dining Options.:

Video from SeaPlex, Deck 15

Quantum of the Seas maiden voyage November 2 to 10, 2014
SeaPlex is not only the largest indoor active space at sea, but also the most groundbreaking. By day, guests can experience a circus school and flying trapeze, as well as a full-size regulation basketball court. Then by night, the first-ever bumper car and roller skating offerings at sea will deliver thrills, with music provided by a floating DJ.
Link to video from SeaPlex

Concierge Club, and Diamond Club Lounges

Here is a short video from the Concierge Club, and Diamond Club Lounges - link to video

Concierge Club, Lounge Deck 12 
Guests staying in Grand Suite-level rooms and higher, Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club Crown & Anchor® Society members enjoy access to this lounge offering sweeping ocean views and serving complimentary continental breakfast and evening drinks.

Diamond Club Lounge, Deck 4
Diamond, Diamond Plus, and Pinnacle Club Crown & Anchor® Society members enjoy access to this lounge, created to serve these loyal guests with concierge access, complimentary continental breakfast, and evening drinks.

Departure from Southampton

Watch the first vidio - departure from Southampton at this link

Finally November 2, 2014 and the time for Quantum of the Seas maiden voyage from Southampton to Cape Liberty, NJ.
We arrived at Southampton City terminal at noon.
We dropped the suitcases, got the RFID stickers attached so we could track the luggage, dropped it and went into the departure hall.
Here was it reasonably chaotic! The check-in was not well managed resulting in long queues. Obviously the staff really didn't know what to do.
Good the this is the only Quantum of the Seas departure from Southampton and that the facilities in Bayonne are suited for a smooth check-in
Finally, after one hour we could board the ship, but also here the queues were longer than expected and the staff not good enough prepared.
The good news was that our cabin was ready when we came aboard - a key was outside the roome with our name and the WoWband was waition inside
After having inspected the cabin,  we did have lunch in the Windjammer marketplace.
In the afternoon we was walking around the ship - A tour down the Royal Esplanade - great experience. An amazing ship
We checked also the Various restaurants. Back in the cabin we unpacked our suitcases and made the last reservation using the Royal iQ App.
After a little more chaotic start than expected it looks like it will be an amazing cruise - Quantum of the Seas appers to be a fantastic ship
Unfortunately the internet does not have the expected bandwith for this trip, so I cannot uploade the videoes - expect to upload starting from next Monday.
Also in general the IT systems onboard were not fully reliable causing som problem and longer queues. There are over 100 IT specialists onboard to fix the problems.

Video: Quantum of the Seas departure from southampton

Video Postcards 'live' from Quantum of the Seas

 [click on pictúre or this link to watch introduction video]

I will send daily Video Postcards from Quantum of the Seas,
from the Transatlantic Maiden Voyage, 
November 2 to 10, 2014 from Southampton to Cape Liberty, NJ

Stay tuned from Sunday November 2, 2014

Video Postcards from the Maiden Voyage

I will be on Quantum of the Seas for her Transatlantic maiden voyage November 2 to 10. Southampton to Cape Liberty, NJ 


See the Video Postcards, Reviews and videos from  during that week
  You can subscribe for email notifications of new posts.

Be back in November

Float out and River Ems Conveyance

Float out of Quantum of the Seas.

A short video from the float out of Quantum of the Seas at Meyer Werft 
Also visit my blog with pictures and videos from the float out (available after August 12th)

River Ems Conveyance september 22st, 2014

The Rive Ems Conveyance is planned to September 22. 
Also be back to watch videos form the conveyance.  
I will add pictures and videos after the events on this blog.