Six-Flags of the Seas.No thanks, I'll keep cruising for the love of the sea and ports

[cruiselife4me]

Oops I double posted, sorry.

[Aviator of the Seas]

One of the biggest issues/complaints that people who have never cruised have is the feeling or fear of being bored. Cruise lines like RCI and NCL are trying to grow the business. You can't do that if you don't find a way to grow the interest in this type vacation. They are going after the Vegas and Disney World customer. Not other cruise passengers. They clearly stated that when they were building Oasis and Allure.

 

That makes sense but I hope they stick to the current variety of ships, and not phase out the non-amusement park ships in favor of these tera-gadgets. Unfortunately, that seems to be the trend. All new builds are amusement parks and there are no actual nautical ships in the pipeline.

 

Will they just keep refurbishing the Radiance/Voyager/Freedoms? Will RCI become just an amusement park line 10, 20 years from now? Will cruisers like me move on to Celebrity and Azamara, or maybe sail with another company altogether? To me that is the question.

[Cruising89143]

Just like with Oasis and Allure, you don't like it, don't sail it.

 

More room for the rest of us :D

 

I clearly remember all the different negative comments about Oasis when RCI started the PR machine. It was too big, a floating amusement park, they will never fill such a large ship week after week, this ship will bankrupt RCI (that was the Carnival brigade) and the list goes on. Well none of that was true.

 

This ship will not be for everyone just like the Oasis and Radiance class is not for everyone. For me, I like the Radiance class the least while many love her and her sisters. One thing about RCI, they have plenty of options out there for every kind of guest. :)

[dfishner]

Although the bumper cars and sky diving did not interest me the ship has a great wow factor especially the virtual inside cabins what a interesting concept I know Disney has done that to some degree but RCL took it a step further..The ship has a nice look and feel to it and it will be interesting to see what future reveals will be on Quantum.. Congrats to NJ for getting the ship. Will wait to see if the next ship will be in Florida if not then Allure for us.

[yj2cute]

I guess I'm just easy to please because I can find something to love about ALL of the ships. I'll sail on any of them, any day. I'm just grateful to be able to do so.

[Cruising89143]

That makes sense but I hope they stick to the current variety of ships, and not phase out the non-amusement park ships in favor of these tera-gadgets. Unfortunately, that seems to be the trend. All new builds are amusement parks and there are no actual nautical ships in the pipeline.

 

Will they just keep refurbishing the Radiance/Voyager/Freedoms? Will RCI become just an amusement park line 10, 20 years from now? Will cruisers like me move on to Celebrity and Azamara, or maybe sail with another company altogether? To me that is the question.

 

Actually RCI has no problem with people moving up to Celebrity or Azamara if they want a more traditional experience. That is their hope. You move up and they attract a new crusier to RCI.

[Silvery Seas Cruiser]

The ship looks amazing to me. I'm too claustrophobic to get in the North Star though, but there is plenty else to do and watch. I'm really glad Royal has kept a commitment to live music, but I wonder if thirty musicians is really enough for a ship that size.

 

We will have to drive up to Bayonne to try the ship, but that is OK. It will be an adventure. Maybe we'll do a back-to-back to make the trip worthwhile.

[WhenIsLobsterNight]

RCCL is trying to make the ship the destination with this new design. They do not want you to get off the ship, and to happily spend your money on these new add-on activities. New York to Bahamas? There is literally going to be no place to stop on that itinerary. The ship is going to sail down to their private island Coco Cay and then head back up again. For families that love being on a cruise ship, this is your dream come true. For those that love to explore the ports, today was a very big disappointment.

[Aviator of the Seas]

Actually RCI has no problem with people moving up to Celebrity or Azamara if they want a more traditional experience. That is their hope. You move up and they attract a new crusier to RCI.

 

I must be getting old.

[Cruising89143]

RCCL is trying to make the ship the destination with this new design. They do not want you to get off the ship, and to happily spend your money on these new add-on activities. New York to Bahamas? There is literally going to be no where to stop on that itinerary. The ship is going to sail down to their private island Coco Cay and then head back up again. For families that love being on a cruise ship, this is your dream come true. For those that love to explore the ports, today was a very big disappointment.

 

But those added activities like North Star and Rip Cord will not have an added cost. Yes you will pay for it in the price of the cruise fare but it will not be a nickle and dime experience as many will try to state.

[Cruising89143]

I must be getting old.

 

Well I just returned last month from my first cruise on X. Loved it. It was a different experience. I myself will not return to RCI to book a ship smaller than Quantum. It will be Celebrity for me. We are cruising on a Vision class ship soon but it was booked for the itinerary and not the ship. Also, getting old is not such a bad thing.;)

[cruiselife4me]

Aviator - I've cruised Celebrity and it's a wonderful line. Great service and food! I'm a big kid so I like having lots to do, but I can totally see your point of view as well.

[Debde]

I'll stick to the Radiance, Voyager and Freedom classes. Sheesh.

 

Maybe now PR can at least get a Freedom class ship. I love the Southern ports and hope 2015 brings something new to San Juan!!!

[Paul65]

I agree, no thanks!! I'll be on the smaller ships with ya ;)

 

I will remain baffled as to why people want these things on cruise ships. I get the families thing, but cruising is being made into something it's not supposed to be...an amusement park.

 

I think it's just an extension of what cruising has been for decades - a combination of transportation and entertainment. After all, it's not at all new to have a cruise ship have a casino, a video arcade, a theater, etc. And, some people had similar reactions to yours at the idea of having things like a skating rink or a rock climbing wall.

 

For me, it's a waste of space to have a casino on a ship, but there are some people who love having a casino. In my opinion, that is exactly what cruising is supposed to be - a ship that can be many different things to different people.

[B-52]

One of the biggest issues/complaints that people who have never cruised have is the feeling or fear of being bored. Cruise lines like RCI and NCL are trying to grow the business. You can't do that if you don't find a way to grow the interest in this type vacation. They are going after the Vegas and Disney World customer. Not other cruise passengers. They clearly stated that when they were building Oasis and Allure.

 

True...they do know what they are doing...and what they are doing is going after new demographics....not necessarily people who love being on the ocean and a cruise....

It is more in competition to the Disney - Vegas all inclusive resort vacation for entire families.....

 

We were on the Oasis...nice, fun, but not our cup of tea...unless you want to put it in the same category as something like a Disney Resort.

 

Disney does very well...I can understand the attraction so many people will have to the Quantum.....

[livingis2me]

[quote name='Aviator of the Seas']How carnival-esque will cruising continue to get? What are these focus groups that RCI is listening to? I thought the Oasis class was over the top in the amusement-park-ification of cruising, but bumper cars? Observation cranes? What the....

I'll stick to the Radiance, Voyager and Freedom classes. Sheesh.[/quote]

[SIZE=3][SIZE=2]Families![/SIZE][/SIZE]

[iloverags2]

I'm in the camp that is underwhelmed by this. Not because there is no WOW associated with the announcement (hello, skydiving and bumper cars is a pretty huge concept on a ship), but because this just doesn't fit with [I]my[/I] idea of a cruise vacation. I'm a laid-back, quiet, classic cruise environment type of girl who looks forward to visiting the ports as well.

For those of you who are blown-away by Quantum (and Oasis) have a wonderful cruise (and enjoy a drink for me!). As for me, I will stick with the smaller, more classic ships.

[eroller]

[quote name='cruisingator2']Ernie, did you notice when Richard was talking about the Rip Cord that they had a close up on the aft area of the ship. It looks as though the WJ has an outside seating area.[/QUOTE]


I'm going to have to re-watch the conference and watch the video a few times to try and catch those things I missed. It was almost sensory overload there is so much to take in!

[Langley Cruisers]

[quote name='LuckiStac13*Majesty*']I agree, no thanks!! I'll be on the smaller ships with ya ;)[/quote]

Me too! Although DH seemed quite interested... maybe we'll be taking separate vacations? I hope not! LOL :p

[quote name='roe2ship']If you have no desire for Quantum/Anthem...oh well, your loss!:)[/quote]


Not my [I]loss[/I]... my[B] choice[/B]. Difference.

.

[Aviator of the Seas]

[quote name='Debde']Maybe now PR can at least get a Freedom class ship. I love the Southern ports and hope 2015 brings something new to San Juan!!![/QUOTE]

Hear, hear!

[jstraw20]

Eh, I have mixed feelings. I totally hear the arguments of the anti amusement park crowd, my main reason for cruising is the experience of being at sea. But I can also see the advantage of having more indoor activities for those cold rainy days that come with sailing from a northern port.

I don't partake of some of Explorer's offerings, and I'm sure I'll skip a bunch of things on Quantum. But I'm still going to sail on her. :)

[texascop2]

For those that dont want all the frills of the Quantum, simply dont sail on her.
Some folks enjoy those amenities. There is a ship that fits the preferences of everyone. Though I probably wont sail on her, I think its great that it is an option. Some have said "This isnt what cruising is supposed to be about"....says who? Maybe for you its not, but for others with kids, this may be the perfect ship.

Not sure why people want to crap on innovative and interesting new ideas.

Hats off to RCCL for being the most innovative cruise line out there.

[booklady26]

I have a foot in both camps.

RCL has moved towards a "Six Flags of the Sea" concept with the Oasis class and now the Quantum class. I never wanted to sail on the Oasis or Allure because I just felt they were too big. The whole concept of an amusement park at sea just never appealed to me.

My idea of a cruise is to recharge the batteries not super charge them. I don't need to be kept entertained 24/7 with a whole host of different activities. Regardless of the ship, my favorite place is usually my balcony looking out at the ocean reading a good book and sipping a cold drink (preferably with an olive or two in it!).

I actually was looking forward to more info on itineraries, cabin classes and amenities, pool and spa, dining options, "entertainment" options, such as shows, etc as opposed to "activities" such as bumper cars and roller skating.

However, the most exciting thing about the announcement for me was her homeport. Living in NJ, I'd sail on almost any ship (except Carnival) going anywhere (within reason) if was round trip from the NY area and I don't have to fly.

PS - That sky diving looks really cool. I never had the desire to do it for real but I think I'd like to give it a shot in a simulated, controlled environment.

[TexCruise371]

[quote name='cruisingator2']Well I just returned last month from my first cruise on X. Loved it. It was a different experience. I myself will not return to RCI to book a ship smaller than Quantum. It will be Celebrity for me. We are cruising on a Vision class ship soon but it was booked for the itinerary and not the ship. Also, getting old is not such a bad thing.;)[/QUOTE]

[quote name='silver_cloud']Aviator - I've cruised Celebrity and it's a wonderful line. Great service and food! I'm a big kid so I like having lots to do, but I can totally see your point of view as well.[/QUOTE]

Don't be afraid to give Celebrity a try. We have really enjoyed our cruises with them. Wonderful experience :)

[DarthGrady]

I'll definitely be going on the QOS just to see a brand new ship class. Will I ride the bumper cars? Probably not. I don't ice skate either. I may try the iFly though, my wife did the one in Orlando and loved it.

The observation crane is a little gimmicky, but there are some who will like it. I prefer the view from the heli-pad where all you can see in front of you is ocean. That's a million dollar view.

I'm looking forward to seeing more of the interior. I'm curious if the Royal Promenade (if she has one) will have any surprises. I'm also hoping they do a better job with the Viking Crown Lounge than what they did with Oasis/Allure's. It's not as much of an attraction as it was on previous classes.