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

[Aquahound]

[quote name='littlesteelo']The only thing I don't like the idea of is the silly observation pod. It looks ludicrous, and spoils the shape of the ship when it is being used. Also I can imagine it will be one of those things which will break frequently.[/QUOTE]

It is kinda goofy looking, isn't it? Sorta like Nibbler on the cartoon Futurama. :D

[LuckiStac13*Majesty*]

[quote name='jakenashleysmom']Didn't read the entire thread, but every time they introduce a new ship I cringe. True it is fabulous for people who are interested in this type of ship, but what about the rest of us that are interested in "classic cruising"? I am still waiting for a Freedom class sized ship with classic amenities to come out.....just newer! Eventually all the older ships are going to need to be retired, then what? I suppose you graduate from Disney World eventually, maybe I need to move on from Royal. Heck, maybe I need to check out Carnival the way the prices are going up and up and up....<<shudder>> I am hoping that this is part of their marketing strategy.....and that they will come out with a "new! old fashioned cruiseship" a few years down the road. fingers crossed![/QUOTE]

I agree with you Bonnie.

[LuckiStac13*Majesty*]

[quote name='printingchick']While IN THEORY I agree with the posts saying that it's good to have a wide variety of ship classes in order for everyone to be able to choose the style they prefer, I worry that this THEORY may not hold its validity.

It seems like RCCL tends to "UPGRADE" vessels to more closely resemble their newest ships, rather than working to retain the differences.

[I]"Oh look - people love those Shrek characters we have on Oasis! Let's put them on Freedom ships too!"
[/I]
[I]"Hey - people love all those theme-based specialty restaurants. Let's get rid of the free options, like SeaView Cafe, in favor of more revenue-generating options!"

"Who needs all that outdoor dining space at the Windjammer. Let's add another specialty restaurant in that area!"[/I]

I'm not "offended" by the mega ships which offer an amusement-packed experience targeting families traveling with kids. I just don't want to see that focus spread to over-take the other classes of ships.

As others have said, I like more outwardly focused vessels. Being AT SEA is one of the primary reasons I like to cruise. The first thing I do when I wake up on board is look out at the ocean.

The more family-focused vessels RCL offers, the more adult-focused experience I can expect on the smaller ships. And that's IDEAL. I'd prefer not to find Shrek sitting next to me in the Solarium hot tub! :p[/QUOTE]

Great post, nailed it.

[Paul65]

[quote name='jakenashleysmom']I am still waiting for a Freedom class sized ship with classic amenities to come out.....just newer![/quote]

What are these "classic amenities" to which you refer? Are you talking classic in terms of what WeLuvVacation is suggesting - bring back the steerage class?

Seriously, I don't really know what you mean my classic amenities that are missing from the newer ships.

[jakenashleysmom]

I guess what I mean by "classic" is cruising to see interesting ports and a view of the sea.....dressing for dinner (that you don't need to pay extra for), attention to being pampered and served. As I said, this type of ship is fabulous for people who like all the bells and whistles, I do not. I am just saying its not for me. I don't want to see "characters", or zipline on a ship. I don't need to go on a merry go round or have a hot dog or doughnut. Some people do, I don't. I have zero interest in Allure or Oasis either. Just a nice ship with views of the sea. Not saying its not great or that nobody will enjoy it, its just not for me.

[nelblu]

I'd rather cruise on an Oasis class than any other ship. There's simply so much to do. Enjoy the Promenade immensely and it's large casino. Also, looking forward to the Quantum sailing from my back yard.

[Sinppu]

[quote name='Piepkorn']Not everyone....:mad:
[/QUOTE]

YES, everyone. You said it yourself, cruise on other ships if you don't want to cruise on the Quantum.
Everyone gets to cruise where they want and BE happy :D

[DarthGrady]

[quote name='Aquahound']It is kinda goofy looking, isn't it? Sorta like Nibbler on the cartoon Futurama. :D[/quote]

Anglerfish of the Seas? ;):D

[Paul65]

[quote name='jakenashleysmom']I guess what I mean by "classic" is cruising to see interesting ports and a view of the sea.....dressing for dinner (that you don't need to pay extra for), attention to being pampered and served. As I said, this type of ship is fabulous for people who like all the bells and whistles, I do not. I am just saying its not for me. I don't want to see "characters", or zipline on a ship. I don't need to go on a merry go round or have a hot dog or doughnut. Some people do, I don't. I have zero interest in Allure or Oasis either. Just a nice ship with views of the sea. Not saying its not great or that nobody will enjoy it, its just not for me.[/QUOTE]

There will still be a view of the sea, there will still be a formal dining room, and there will still be interesting ports and pampering. But if you want "classic" cruising in the sense of it being a more luxury experience that really focuses only on those things, you probably won't really find that on a Royal Caribbean ship. Perhaps the new "bells and whistles" just move them even further from your romanticized view of cruising, but the ships already have things like ice rinks and rock walls and flow riders that are far afield from that "classic" experience.

Of course, you can still get what you want in one of the more upscale cruise lines with smaller ships. It'll also cost more than a mass market line.

[mek]

[quote name='LuckiStac13*Majesty*']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.[/quote]

Perhaps, just because it's something different to do? I sailed on Epic when it was brand new and I'm just getting around to sailing on Oasis this fall. Looking forward to all of the activities on board! I love "traditional" cruising, but it can get old if you cruise frequently. While the Caribbean is convenient for us, I'm tired of the ports, so this should be a fun change of pace.

[iloverags2]

[quote name='cjdixon4']iloverags2 - I think that I just might need a few drinks behind all the circus effect of the Quantum. The Oasis was quite enough for me last year, and I'm not certain that I want to experience more of the "floating amusement park" stuff. But I know the ship will do well, and there's a DEFINITE audience for it. Good luck, New York![/QUOTE]

Oh good! Someone to have a drink with! Yes, an audience for it...but it's not me. At least the masses will gravitate towards Quantum and Oasis and leave the little ships for me!

[VFL Cruiser]

I too agree with the OP. these new 2 new ships are not for me. I love RCCL, but I will stay with the Freedom class or smaller. Bigger is not always better.....this new ship looks like a floating shoebox, no class at all. JMHO
If I want to hang out over the water, the cantilevered whirlpools on the Freedom class are enough for me!

[micmacmissy]

[quote name='jakenashleysmom']Didn't read the entire thread, but every time they introduce a new ship I cringe. True it is fabulous for people who are interested in this type of ship, but what about the rest of us that are interested in "classic cruising"? I am still waiting for a Freedom class sized ship with classic amenities to come out.....just newer! Eventually all the older ships are going to need to be retired, then what? I suppose you graduate from Disney World eventually, maybe I need to move on from Royal. Heck, maybe I need to check out Carnival the way the prices are going up and up and up....<<shudder>> I am hoping that this is part of their marketing strategy.....and that they will come out with a "new! old fashioned cruiseship" a few years down the road. fingers crossed![/QUOTE]

I'm so with you on this one. Have you tried Celebrity? We took our kids on Indy thinking they would love the entertainment/flowrider/H20 zone etc...but they really weren't that into that kind of stuff...they loved the buffet and pools and hanging on the balcony. So we're going to take them on Celebrity next. (But first we are going to try a couples cruise on HAL). There are other options out there!

[Aquahound]

[quote name='ramsfan']I too agree with the OP. these new 2 new ships are not for me. I love RCCL, but I will stay with the Freedom class or smaller. Bigger is not always better.....this new ship looks like a floating shoebox, no class at all. JMHO[/QUOTE]

Please don't take this wrong...in no way, shape or form am I flaming. I really am curious because you weren't the first to say this. What would attract you to a ship like Freedom Class but repel you from Quantum Class? :confused: I can understand better when folks say Radiance, but I'm not getting it with Freedom. Thanks. :)

[Beachin2]

[quote name='ramsfan']I too agree with the OP. these new 2 new ships are not for me. I love RCCL, but I will stay with the Freedom class or smaller. Bigger is not always better.....this new ship looks like a floating shoebox, no class at all. JMHO
If I want to hang out over the water, the cantilevered whirlpools on the Freedom class are enough for me![/quote]

100% spot on. Looks like as the "older" ships fade out of the fleet so will my booking dollar.

It's been a swell ride though.

[Happy2cruise]

[quote name='hazeleyez3']I agree, they are good for some. No doubt that they will come at a higher cost. If people won't use them, then there is no use in paying for them via the base cruise fare. :)[/quote]


Very well said;);)

[feealicious]

If you don't like it, don't sail on that ship. Thats the amazing thing about being able to afford cruises like this, you also get the CHOICE of the ship you get to cruise on. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but seriously? You had to start a thread just to let everyone know what ships your staying with? Wow....LOL

[Beachin2]

[quote name='feealicious']If you don't like it, don't sail on that ship. Thats the amazing thing about being able to afford cruises like this, you also get the CHOICE of the ship you get to cruise on. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but seriously? You had to start a thread just to let everyone know what ships your staying with? Wow....LOL[/quote]

Realize that as new ships are built older ships are retired. If those newer ships are built for the A.D.D. generation, you eventually run out of the "normal" ships" that many of us have cruised on for decades.

[grand isle joe]

[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]



...I have to agree 1000%................

[awboater]

I kind of like what I saw today; it shows forward thinking. But perhaps it should have been called "Eyeball of the Seas".

[matt87]

pass. going on bumper cars, and fake sky diving is not my idea of a cruise. i'm only 38, but old school as far as what i want from a cruise. yes i did the oasis and no i wont do it again. all that space taken up for bumper cars and swing arms could be used better. this ship caters to the instant gratification generation in spades. again, pass. have fun and make sure to get your quick lane passes for all the rides lol!

[LuckiStac13*Majesty*]

[quote name='matt87']pass. going on bumper cars, and fake sky diving is not my idea of a cruise. i'm only 38, but old school as far as what i want from a cruise. yes i did the oasis and no i wont do it again. all that space taken up for bumper cars and swing arms could be used better. this ship caters to the instant gratification generation in spades. again, pass. have fun and make sure to get your quick lane passes for all the rides lol![/QUOTE]

Hi Matt, I'm younger too, only 32, and none of it appeals to me either (except like I said, the ripcord sounds cool and s'thing i'd like to try). I guess I love just being out on the ocean relaxing with the sunshine, the breezes, the drinks, the dinners, some good books, etc. I go to get AWAY from all the hyper activity of daily life. I guess cruising means something completely different to me. I'm easy to please and just want the ship and the sea. I don't need 500 things to keep me entertained or busy.

[hansolosmom]

When I first started watching the video, I thought it was an April fools joke :confused:

But I have to say some areas are smart. If you're sailing from the NE then having an indoor court is very smart, along with the 270 room.

The virtual balcony - Disney has done that with their insides too.

I don't know about bumper cars and free falling (or whatever) but my teens would like that.

I'll wait to make my decision after seeing all the specs. I was disappointed its not doing Bermuda. I wonder if they'll keep Explorer in Bayonne too.(that may have been mentioned but I didn't read all the pages on the thread)

[Pitbull1130]

I agree with most of the posts on this string. Could they build a ship for adults, please...................

[Mrs Cigar King]

[quote name='Beachin2']Realize that as new ships are built older ships are retired. If those newer ships are built for the A.D.D. generation, you eventually run out of the "normal" ships" that many of us have cruised on for decades.[/quote]

That's funny!

We are not really impressed with the stateroom plans. Hopefully the JS's won't sell out too fast. We like to visit with friends so hope the pool deck is not quite as flashy as the impression we got today. We will miss having an aft balcony to visit with friends on, I can't imagine ever being able to afford a loft suite. We like cruising out of NJ instead of Florida so will most likely try this ship, but it's kind of a letdown after all the exciting hype the last few weeks.
We do like the longer itineraries.