OceanCruise

We really enjoyed dynamic dining on the Quantum but did hear the complaints from older folks who wanted things "the old way". I am guessing that these people will still not be happy with the new classic rotational dining as they will have to deal with finding their new restaurant and table every day, plus deal with options like Silk and other revised menus which are "different" than the traditional menus. Also, to make it work and accommodate all the dynamic dining people, the early time probably has to be a little earlier than usual and show times may not be as convenient as the schedules have to accommodate all diners.

We loved Jamies on the Quantum and ate there twice. We thought it was much more authentic than Portofinos. We loved the Bolognese pasta, spaghetti vongole, pasta carbonara and the vegetable plank.We thought everything tasted very fresh and the ingredients such as olives and mozzarella were high quality. We also had a great waiter who was from Italy so that added to the experience.

I would like to see a coffee card and non-alcoholic frozen drink card where you can get 5 or 10 drinks (or a daily drink) during the cruise.

Perhaps the option of purchasing a packed picnic lunch with items allowed in port (beverages, packaged snacks/cookies, small containers of tuna or peanut butter and crackers, etc) for people going on excursions or to the beach

If the fee was reasonable for a half or full day, I think people would be willing to rent out covered loungers (clamshell design) by the pool.

Small hands-on cooking classes for a fee

Maybe offer group or private swimming lessons for a fee

Pay to have a message/picture on the outdoor movie screen or theater screen before the evening show (i.e. will you marry me or happy 50th anniversary) as long as it is does not interfere with the venue

Many people take taxis to the beaches at ports. Why don't the cruise lines have a kiosk in port to rent out a limited number of beach chairs and umbrellas?

Have an event for a fee where you can sample desserts from all the specialty restaurants.

I don't know if prices are the same fleet-wide but on the Quantum a virgin Pina Colada and Dacquiri are $4.60 including 15% tip. The Starbucks frozen coffee drink/frappuchino on board was a little over $5.00.

With DD you feel more like you are in a "real" restaurant as opposed to a large banquet hall. There isn't the hustle and bustle of a ton of waiters tripping over each other and clanging silverware. Each restaurant was unique and beautifully decorated so it added more variety to the cruise. Some tables along the walls have cushioned bench seating on one side (at least in several of the restaurants).

Also, the Diamond hostess had a computer and was available to make reservations for people during the Diamond breakfast and evening lounge hours--she was quite busy! You can also just walk up and ask the hostesses at the different restaurants to make changes which is what we did (sometimes a few days ahead and sometimes the day of). The Royal IQ app for our cruise planner never actually listed those changes though so we did have to remember them. We had various reservation times that began between 6-7 pm with no waits so maybe we just lucked out during that time period. We also saw a lot of empty tables in the restaurants then.

Ship--Quantum

Deck-- 6

Stateroom #6570

Category- Obstructed Balcony

Starboard side

Quiet--Room is extremely quiet but there is some "screeching" of patio door when closing it.

Balcony/View---This balcony is very private and also extra large due to triangular shape on the bump out. Mostly a shady balcony but would get some sun occasionally towards the balcony rail. View is of lifeboat almost to top of balcony rail then mostly clear water view above that. At end of right side of balcony is the white davit (lifeboat pole) which blocks some water view. Can see the water from the bed. There is a light shining on lifeboat at night but can't see this if curtain closed.

Room seemed more roomy than our other RCCL balcony rooms on other ships. Felt little to no rocking of ship, just some vibration a few times. Room is a little aft of the foward stairs/elevator and very convenient to Music Hall, Diamond Lounge and Theater.

Would not hesitate to book this room again

Just off Quantum. We have taken about 16 cruises (mostly RCCL and Celebrity) and have always enjoyed traditional dining and having the same waiter and tablemates throughout the cruise. Had never even considered MTD. On our Quantum cruise we were surprised at how much we liked DD. For us, traditional dining at 6 was always too early and late seating at 8:30 was too late.In the past we always sat at a large table in the MDR so meals took 2 hours with the synchronous scheduling of courses and we were often rushing to the evening activities. With DD we could book at all the various times we wanted. We could tell the waiter if we were in a rush or instead, wanted to linger and continue talking to the people around us. Unlike we have sometimes experienced with traditional dining, there was never the impression they wanted us to leave so they could get the table ready for the next seating. Also, if we were ready for dinner 15-20 minutes before our reservation time we would take our chances and go to the DD restaurant and were always accommodated as there was never a waiting line. We sure didn't miss waiting in the stampeding herd of people at the traditional MDR for the doors to open promptly at 6. With DD some nights we opted for a large table and other nights we only felt like a table for 2 so that was easy to decide spur of the moment. We really liked the variety of the different restaurants. Some nights we looked forward to Chinese food (Silk) and other nights we wanted a more upscale atmosphere or a specific menu item (loved the flatbread and antipasto salad at Coastal Kitchen). RCCL has been good about adding new menu items and having daily specials. The menu was even much improved by the end of our cruise. Of course not everything was perfect but it never has been on a cruise. Food was always hot and fresh except for the "warm skillet cookie" (weird, huh) and the coffee. The wait staff was mostly terrific and friendly. The waiters and maitre'ds were always asking if everything was OK and were eager to please. The chefs were even visiting tables. At the beginning of the cruise we missed having a consistent waiter who knew our preferences but, then realized it was never difficult to order the everyday Diet Coke or to request different style potatoes or items without the sauce. IMO, Cafe 270 is an absolutely wonderful addition and a great alternative to the Windjammer which we have never been very fond of, particularly on crowded seas days. Divinely Decandence was also great for a really quiet sit down buffet breakfast with special types of food not available in the Windjammer (i.e. cinnamon rolls, breakfast enchiladas, whole grain blueberry pancakes and egg casserole). Also, with traditional dining we always felt a little bit out of place on formal nights after changing into casual clothes after dinner. With DD, there is an entire spectrum of clothes throughout the ship each evening (it did seem most number of people adhered to the dress code in Grande). In our experience talking to people on the ship, we found that it was mostly the elderly people who just wanted things to be "the old way" where they could be served for breakfast and lunch and have their early seating with the same waiter. I suppose their TA could just book them in one restaurant for 6 pm every night and that would mostly solve the problem. At the Captain's Q and A, one person even expressed disappointment that there were no "traditional" production shows. We were thrilled RCCL replaced those cheesy production shows with Mamma Mia and Sonic Odyssey! Already booked Anthem for next year.

On Quantum now. We have not had any wait times for dining and it has been easy to switch reservations and times. It seemed as if there was less availability for the Grande if you had not reserved it prior to cruise. Overall service in the restaurants has been excellent and we were asked if we wanted to dine with others. Tables for 2 are close together so you can easily socialize if you want. We were happy overall with the food but there were a few things we would not order again. Our only real complaints are the coffee which is either too strong or lukewarm in the restaurants, and we felt the cuts of beef were not that good in the restaurants (although roast beef sandwiches in Cafe 270 were great). They have added items to most of the menus too. We ate in all food venues at least twice (except did not try Wunderland Chops and Johny Rockets). We are Diamond and Felt food has been on par with other cruises we have taken. We loved the convenience of Cafe 270 too. While divinely decadent was ok I would not pay extra for it so we were glad it is currently free. There are over1000 Diamond members on this cruise and they have done a good job replenishing hot horde oeuvres and keeping up with the free drinks in the lounge.

On Quantum now. They are trying very hard to please everyone. Dining has been flexible--easy to change restaurants or times. They are offering option if you want to sit with others at dinner. They seem to have enough help at dinner but the flow still isn't perfect. Food has been on par with past cruises. Some items very good and other items not so great. Yes, it is different than other rccl cruises but there are also a lot of improvements too particularly in stateroom and activities. We decided to book anthem next year.

I bet not many cruisers were aware of that feature. We sure weren't. Probably should've asked our room steward for a tour of the room. At the very least, it would've saved me 5 minutes of trying to figure out why the balcony door wouldn't open. Darn child proof lock:D

We did the same thing trying to open the door!

This cruise the tribute bands were Bon Jovi and Journey music.

On Quantum now. We were able to book dining about 6 months out and entertainment 3-4 months out. Some entertainment times changed so we had to adjust several dining reservations. It was easy to alter dining reservations on the ship also. There is no free soda on the ship. If you drink at least 3 sodas daily the package is worth it. You can then get fountain soda in all bars/restaurants and there are self-service soda machines in the windjammer, promenade and sports plexus. You cannot reserve Northstar and wait times varied. We did it when there was about a 20 minute wait. Your kids may also enjoy the free trapeze lessons which are offered limited times. Bumper cars are fun and had less wait time embarkation day.

There are a few men in tuxes and the rest are wearing either a sports jacket with dark pants or khakis or a dark suit.

There are 2 closets which are well designed. One closet has 2 sets of rods and wire baskets on the door. We hung 2 winter coats and a lot of other items. Other closet has shelves and space to hang about 9 or 10 items. We felt this was a better use of space than prior balconies. There are also 7 drawers in the room which we didn't even really need.

On quantum now and it is mixed. No gowns, lots of basic cocktail dresses with some sparkle, lots of women with "church attire" too. Also saw a few women with capris and nice top.

Each restaurant had its positives and negatives. Some of that depends on the particular wait staff. I would suggest rotating through each. Some nights there were special dishes offered. One thing I suggest are the spring rolls at Silk which are not on the regular menu but apparently are on the kids menu. Also liked the cod at Chic. We may be in the minority but grande was our least favorite. Divinely decadent has good cinnamon rolls for breakfast and Cafe 270 is convenient for a quick breakfast and lunch.

Smoke seems confined to casino thank goodness. Mama Mia was at 4:30 one day and 8:30 another day. There may have been an additional time.

Also on this cruise and enjoying it. Ship is gorgeous and Love the free wifi. Rooms are well designed and good storage. Room steward is great. Have an obstructed balcony and I would book this again. Can see ocean from the bed. Dynamic dining has worked out ok for us so far with no wait times for our reservations. Food overall has been pretty good except for the beef ribeye and beef tenderloin in the complimentary restaurants which were more like prime rib but worse. Our favorite restaurant so far has been Jaimie's which we booked again and least favorite was the grande (in and out in 50 minutes, poor beef and cold coffee). Wait staff has overall been very good and they have some assistants. Our biggest complaint is that the Casino is so smoky!!! There is no ventilation and your clothes end up stinking after a few minutes in there. Really can't tolerate the smoke so won't go back. They will offer a nonsmoking table but that really won't help. Have never experienced smokiness like this. Lots of trivia throughout the day and plenty to do at night. Bumper cars are fun! We didn't care for the show Star water although the entertainers were talented. Momma Mia was excellent though! Booked anthem for next year.

After the online check-in is completed, how long does it take to receive the cruise documentation/booklet (i.e. contract, pier info, cruise care insurance, etc) ? We were able to print our Quantum set sail pass and luggage tags last week but the site says the edocs are not ready yet. I called and the representative said I should have had them in November which is probably incorrect since I think they are generated after online check-in is completed, not before. She then told me the problem was that I needed to go to a different link which ultimately was the same place that still showed the docs as not yet ready. She then told me she has to request a reissue. Anyone else having similar problems or does it just generally take a few more business days to process?

Te fine print also states that this new card will have a revolving credit line, not a preset amount

I think a reason for low attendance for trivia etc is the times they are scheduled. We love trivia but on our last Summit cruise some of the times were when we had to get ready for early dinner or at 10 am on a port day. On sea days the times would sometimes conflict with other scheduled activities. People love the "name that tune" trivia but it is hardly offered anymore.

For the restaurants that state they are ala carte but have a $3 or $5 dining fee, do you pay separately for each appetizer, entree, dessert, etc? Other restaurants like Chops seem to just have one price that includes all courses. On Celebrity, for Bistro on 5 there was a $5 charge but nothing else was extra except for drinks.

What is the cost for Chops, Izumi, Johnny Rockets, etc.? I can't find any prices on the RCCL website.

I would love to know how many people really buy items from the minibar. I don't think we have ever consumed minibar items in our 20 years of traveling. Why don't they just have forms you can fill out and be charged for items to be delivered to the room either ahead of time or during the cruise? Seems like that would save a lot of manpower constantly stocking and rechecking each and every minibar. While we have not had erroneous minibar charges that I can remember, on our recent Summit B2B we had several mysterious internet charges for several dollars. We had to call and get them removed but didn't bother with the last erroneous charge posted of around 50 cents.