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

[Onessa]

[quote name='VK3DQ']. . . However we decided that our next cruise will be on Celebrity's Solstice as we perceived that it would offer a more 'adult' environment. We applaud RCCL for their offerings which are providing excellent "family" cruises... we are not interested in "rides", or "entertainment" at all... We would prefer a ship that is totally smoke free. We have no need of a casino .....[/quote]
So you just described the needs/wants of my family -- including my teen. Yet I have a co-worker (no kids) in her late 40's who went on the Allure for the flowrider, the zip line, et.al. She never stepped off the ship at any of the ports.

RCCI is not moving to become a "family" line, they are really looking to attract the adventurers -- who also tend to be heavy drinkers, with relatively simple dietary demands, and willing to spend money for some of this whiz-bangery.
[quote name='VK3DQ']. . .I wonder perhaps if there is a market for LINERS rather than cruise ships. IE ships that offer a trip from place to place but leave you to yourselves .. no cruise directors to organise you .. I know this is turning the clock back , I've just been reading Sir James Bisett's second book were he describes a number of cruises on board Cunards "Coronia" circa 1907 -- 1930 now those were the days [/quote]I agree there are a lot of us who would be happier with a nicely appointed ship (art work, comfortble cabins, quiet places, lots of windows and deck space that would take us from port to port and, apart from feeding us, would pretty much leave us alone.

We stick with the cruise ships because it is those cruisers who do spend the big bucks on board "subsidize" our cruising :)

[Sinppu]

[quote name='jakenashleysmom'] it stings a bit to know that attracting new customers is more important than keeping the loyal ones. jmho.[/QUOTE]

I'm loyal and Royal will definitely keep me with their new inventions.
[U]Not all previous customers want to keep things as they have been.[/U]
Many people appreciate how innovative Royal is and has been.

And it's going to take years (if not decades) before the older and smaller ships are replaced. Plenty of time to cruise yet with them.
Besides if cruising hadn't changed over the years, many of us couldn't afford it now and then what would we have done??

[B-52]

[quote name='Tyron'][FONT=Georgia][SIZE=3][I][B]
LOL!!! That's funny and true. [/B][/I][/SIZE][/FONT] :D[/quote]


No upgrades for you!! You're already hooked.....

[Tyron]

[quote name='Sinppu']I'm loyal and Royal will definitely keep me with their new inventions.
[U]Not all previous customers want to keep things as they have been.[/U]
Many people appreciate how innovative Royal is and has been.

And it's going to take years (if not decades) before the older and smaller ships are replaced. Plenty of time to cruise yet with them.
Besides if cruising hadn't changed over the years, many of us couldn't afford it now and then what would we have done??[/quote]

[FONT=Georgia][SIZE=3][I][B]I agree 100% :) Personally, I'm thrilled RCI is building a totally NEW design with the Quantum. I guess I just don't understand how these few amenities are deal breakers for some people. You don't want to use the bumper cars...don't. You don't want to sky dive...don't. You don't want to get stuck on the North Star...don't use it. :D Those are a FEW things that represent a small percentage of the ship. :rolleyes: [/B][/I][/SIZE][/FONT]

[Tyron]

[quote name='B-52']No upgrades for you!! You're already hooked.....[/quote]


[FONT=Georgia][SIZE=3][I][B]LOL! [/B][/I][/SIZE][/FONT] :D :cool:

[Paul65]

[quote name='jakenashleysmom']I don't think anyone is begrudging those who choose to enjoy the WOW of the new ships, but I think I for one am saddened about the direction RC is going. I thoroughly enjoyed every one of my cruises, RC or not....I am not hard to please. I will probably move on to Celebrity, but I am sad that RC is moving in that direction because I have enjoyed their product for many years. I do understand the need to appeal to the mass market, everyone needs to make a living. I will say that despite all the changes RC has made to their product to cut costs, many of us have still been loyal customers and it stings a bit to know that attracting new customers is more important than keeping the loyal ones. jmho.[/quote]

I guess I don't see this design as being any significant change in direction for RC. It's the same direction they've been heading for at least 20 years with adding things like rock walls, flow riders, Johnny Rockets, etc. They've been trying all that time to make their ships attractive to a wide range of people. If you really don't like the direction, you should have recognized it long ago. jmho.

[Paul65]

[quote name='Tyron'][FONT=Georgia][SIZE=3][I][B]I agree 100% :) Personally, I'm thrilled RCI is building a totally NEW design with the Quantum. I guess I just don't understand how these few amenities are deal breakers for some people. You don't want to use the bumper cars...don't. You don't want to sky dive...don't. You don't want to get stuck on the North Star...don't use it. :D Those are a FEW things that represent a small percentage of the ship. :rolleyes: [/B][/I][/SIZE][/FONT][/quote]

Agreed. There are some "traditional" things on the ships that I don't really care for, like a casino or art auctions, but having such a variety of things means that there are people on board with a variety of preferences, so that not everyone is trying to do the same thing. It spreads people around the ship and keeps things from feeling crowded most of the time. So, I'm glad that the current ships have some amenities that I don't care about.

[jakenashleysmom]

[quote name='Paul65']I guess I don't see this design as being any significant change in direction for RC. It's the same direction they've been heading for at least 20 years with adding things like rock walls, flow riders, Johnny Rockets, etc. They've been trying all that time to make their ships attractive to a wide range of people. If you really don't like the direction, you should have recognized it long ago. jmho.[/quote]

Oh, the writing was on the wall for sure but I honestly hoped that after Oasis and Allure came out they may go back and build a something more classic for those not interested in theme park WOW. Again, just wishes and dreams.....and feelings. Everyone is entitled.

Let me add, that by the polls its obvious that I am in the minority. and thats ok.

[Paul65]

[quote name='jakenashleysmom']Oh, the writing was on the wall for sure but I honestly hoped that after Oasis and Allure came out they may go back and build a something more classic for those not interested in theme park WOW. Again, just wishes and dreams.....and feelings. Everyone is entitled.[/quote]

Fair enough. It just seemed like you were pining for Royal Caribbean to go "back" to something they never really were.

[erbunny]

Well...although I think Royal is definitely catering to families here, and with several sea days in the itineraries, there will be lots for everyone to do.

That being said, DH and I are in our 60"s and we would love the pod and the skydiving. Just don't see going from GA to Bayonne for it, hopefully Anthem will be closer.

Somehow I didn't see a Schooner Bar on the deck plans, my favorite venue, but there are a lot of areas still unlabeled, so maybe it is coming, or I just missed it.

[SamFritz]

[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]

Getting old is better than the alternative.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk, please excuse all the typos.

[erbunny]

[quote name='Aquahound']They are. It's called Celebrity.

I don't mean that in a snarky way. I really think that's the aim between the 2 lines.[/quote]

I completely agree. Celebrity is definitely more sophisticated. I love that so many choices are available. :)

I think my favorite Royal ship is little old Vision of the Seas, but I would still like to try the fun things on Quantum, and I am hardly young.

[BugsyCruiser]

[quote name='Tyron'][FONT=Georgia][SIZE=3][I][B]I agree 100% :) Personally, I'm thrilled RCI is building a totally NEW design with the Quantum. I guess I just don't understand how these few amenities are deal breakers for some people. You don't want to use the bumper cars...don't. You don't want to sky dive...don't. You don't want to get stuck on the North Star...don't use it. :D Those are a FEW things that represent a small percentage of the ship. :rolleyes: [/B][/I][/SIZE][/FONT][/QUOTE]

I agree. We haven't even seen everything that will be on the ship yet

[jakenashleysmom]

[quote name='Paul65']Fair enough. It just seemed like you were pining for Royal Caribbean to go "back" to something they never really were.[/quote]

Wait, what? Still pining LOL! ;) for days of the old soverign of the seas perhaps.....ah the good old days of turquoise carpet by the pool and smoking in the dining room......kidding. Maybe back to the days of tableside caesar salad and wine stewards. Of pillow chocolates and towel animals EVERY night (aka attention to detail and customer service) I agree that innovation is a fabulous thing, but there must be a reason I keep going back to ships like Enchantment no? I feel like they took these small details away in the interest of saving costs, but dumped all their money into bumper cars?

[m*u*g*]

I can look past the ship design, but the port and route, no.

Sail to the carribean from NJ over 11 days?
4 days lost (IMO), plus the extra expense.

[AF-1]

I for one am excited; so will my grandkids. Now my wife is not so excited; but she loves to sit on balcony and read books; well on this ship, she can still do that; so everyone get onboard; lets go to Bayonne.

[Ocean Boy]

[quote name='BecciBoo'][FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3]So much "Bah, Humbug". Cheer up, there is something for everyone at Royal Caribbean. :D[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3]I'm delighted, I love variety, it's the spice of life. I can still enjoy the ocean from my balcony....even the virtual one, can't wait to see that![/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3]We're just getting on Allure next year...maybe on Quantum in 2015, it will be well broken in and critiqued by then...[COLOR="Red"]but I dare say to all the nay sayers...just remember what they said about Oasis......[/COLOR]NOT![/SIZE][/FONT][/QUOTE]

I do remember. That is why I said, on another thread, that I am not judging this ship until it is in service and I start reading reviews.

[Ocean Boy]

[quote name='m*u*g*']I can look past the ship design, but the port and route, no.

Sail to the carribean from NJ over 11 days?
4 days lost (IMO), plus the extra expense.[/QUOTE]

This is an issue that I also have. The ports on the 12 day itinerary look great but I have a problem with more than two sea days in a row. And since we cruise in late winter/early spring, I have real problem with cold sea days. I'd much rather spend the money to go to San Juan and walk out of the airport into warm weather which is what I leave New England for in the first place.

[ibcnusoon]

After flying to Fort Lauderdale (to take a cruise out of Miami) in 2011 and then to fly to San Juan for another cruise in 2012, I am DONE with flying. I paid way too much money for our flights, pre-cruise hotels, transportation and meals (we have no choice but to travel during holidays) I am so looking forward to waking up the morning. rolling out of my bed, and traveling a short distance to the ship. I can pack what I want, how I want without the airlines breathing down my neck - or paying more for luggage fees than the seat price itself. I can be home in a few short hours, not sit in an airport waiting for a flight home. I am so over flying for a cruise ship!

[Ocean Boy]

[quote name='ibcnusoon']After flying to Fort Lauderdale (to take a cruise out of Miami) in 2011 and then to fly to San Juan for another cruise in 2012, I am DONE with flying. I paid way too much money for our flights, pre-cruise hotels, transportation and meals (we have no choice but to travel during holidays) I am so looking forward to waking up the morning. rolling out of my bed, and traveling a short distance to the ship. I can pack what I want, how I want without the airlines breathing down my neck -[COLOR="Red"] or paying more for luggage fees than the seat price itself.[/COLOR] I can be home in a few short hours, not sit in an airport waiting for a flight home. I am so over flying for a cruise ship![/QUOTE]

You are either finding some real cheap seats or packing a lot of stuff!:eek:

[mjldvlks]

For months I have been reading the comments people have been making about what they wanted to see on Quantum. Many wanted things like a "lazy river" or a full water park. Others wanted things more like the Radii -- a lot of spaces with good views of the sea. Well those who wanted a lazy river didn't get it. But it seems to me this ship is like the Radii on steroids. The 270 area looks to me like it will have a more dramatic view of the sea than anything on a Radiance class ship. And it appears that during the day is will be a great place to sit and chill with a book, play cards or visit with friends.

We already know that the ship has been designed for cooler weather, so I can't help but think there will be many more such areas. And for those of us who believe that being at sea is more than looking at water through a window, there appear to me to be plenty of places to be outside. They have moved the running track back upstairs and fixed what I saw as some serious deficiencies in the promenade decks on the Oasis class. From the renderings it looks like there will be many places to sea gaze on that deck. Additionally, we haven't yet seen the design of some of the common venues like the MDR, the Windjammer or the Schooner Bar. I am baffled by the complaints about things like the Sky Diving machine, the bumper cars and the North Star. I simply don't begin to understand how the fact that these things are aboard is an affront to those who don't plan to use them in any event. I have never used the flow rider, and I have never so much as stuck my toe in a pool aboard any ship. But I certainly have no problem with them being there for those who enjoy them.

I guess I am just at a loss as to how the things people are describing as "classic" are [B][I]not[/I][/B] available on Quantum. I can remember when I made my first transatlantic crossing on a converted WWII troop ship [as an 8 year old Army dependent] and we heard about ships that had pools aboard. In my 8 year old eyes, That was the six flags feature of its day.

I really think the itineraries are interesting as well -- and that is only through the first 6 months or so of service. I suggest let's see the finished product and how they deploy both Quantum and Anthem before we write this class off. I was concerned that they were simply going to carry the same ideas forward. I was prepared to be unimpressed by another ship with similar features. But Q looks like a whole new ball game to me. I am willing to give it a chance.

[I also have to laugh at the whining about needing a ship nearby so folks won't have to fly. Until they dig a canal to Kansas, I am afraid I am going to be flying somewhere (or taking a long, long drive)]

[smoosh21]

[quote name='Ocean Boy']This is an issue that I also have. The ports on the 12 day itinerary look great but I have a problem with more than two sea days in a row. And since we cruise in late winter/early spring, I have real problem with cold sea days. I'd much rather spend the money to go to San Juan and walk out of the airport into warm weather which is what I leave New England for in the first place.[/quote]

But you need sea days to take advantage of what the ship has to offer. I really like a 50/50 balance between sea and shore.

And I agree about cold sea days, I only had snow on the ship one time, and that was for Antarctica. If I am sailing in February, I don't want to have to wear a jacket and hat at sailaway.

[Dave85]

[quote name='Bugsy4271']Yep and I just got off Celebrity and loved it. I love what RCCL and Celebrity has to offer and I'm sticking with those two from now on. Personally I am looking forward to doing a LIVE review on board Quantum :D[/quote]

And I'm looking forward to reading it! Loved your live review of Silhouette... it really showed this RCI cruiser sailing on Silhouette this fall in Europe that a great time can be had on Celebrity.

[Luv06012012]

I'm on both sides of the fence too. Everybody has their own preferences. What I love about our cruise vacations is that if we want to do something fun and crazy, we can, if want to be lazy and shut out the world, we can. The mode of our vacation is what we want it to be and we can change it minute by minute to suit us at any time day or night! That said, I'm probably going to stick with my trips on Adventure and Freedom for now. They are enough for me. The extra money I would pay to go on Quantum for things I may not even do I could apply elsewhere.

One thing I do love hearing about are those virtual balconies...really neat!

[Gilgo Surfer]

[quote name='Nvtitan24']Please, just stop.[/quote]

That was my wife's reply when I suggested a Canada cruise.:p