China is new home for royal caribbean international's quantum of the seas

[Jacs]

Oh and the rumors I've been hearing for a while now is Singapore will be getting an Oasis ship when the new one is finished, probably the Oasis herself, and will do itineraries to Hong Kong and back.

[icat2000]

Yes. More newer ships for Asia. Much closer for Australians to experience them than going to Florida.

 

Finally, cruise lines are recognising their is a huge cruising market outside of the USA.

[Ethanol95]

Oh and the rumors I've been hearing for a while now is Singapore will be getting an Oasis ship when the new one is finished, probably the Oasis herself, and will do itineraries to Hong Kong and back.

 

I wonder what ports in between that route can handle Oasis. As of now i know none. That'll be interesting to watch out for in the future. :D

[Pushka]

QM2 was the only ship disembarking around 1800 pax two weeks ago in Hong Kong and it was a dreadful experience. Ship wise it was fine but over a two hour wait for a taxi lugging all the luggage with no trolleys was dreadful.

[sparkx]

Wow, what a completely ignorant, bordering on racist remark! I don't know any Chinese people in my circle who smoke, and of my interactions with other Chinese people, I haven't noticed any higher percentage of smokers than any other cultural background.

 

As to other comments about having to change restaurants etc to suit "Chinese appetites", get real people. Do you really think the only thing Asian people eat is fried rice and lemon chicken? China is a very cosmopolitan country nowadays, with plenty of the population traveling worldwide and experiencing the culture other countries have to offer. They would want to cruise for the experience of cruising, just like everyone else. Sure a couple of things might be tweaked to suit the overall target audience, just like Australian based ships are tweaked to have things like Vegemite at breakfast, but I really don't see all that much changing, Asian people still eat and enjoy "western" food :rolleyes:

 

Agree completely!

[A&L_Ont]

I think you're missing the point. It's not the fact that the ship is being relocated. It's how it was handled. It's clear that this was not RCI's original intent to place this ship in China. Many people were waiting for bookings to open as RCI had announced that they would be opening up soon for both QN and AN FLL. I have seen no one comment that the U.S or North America is the only civilized place in the world. What I see are people disappointed after being told something else.

 

Crusingator2, you could have not said it any better. It is the surprise.

[Pushka]

Businesses must adapt to changing conditions. I understand the surprise but that's the way the world is now.

 

Some of the comments though reflect more than surprise but decidedly nasty overtones.

[ALANG]

It is all about ROI. The Asian market will fill up the ship at higher prices on a constant basis.

[CRUISEFAN0001]

No doubt these have to be some of the smartest moves for RCI - to make money.

 

These also have to be some of the dumbest moves for the U.S. cruising market.

 

Perhaps RCI realized the enthusiasm for Quantum ships was dwindling after all the hype settled down...and based on having many months of planning needed to make this actual plan happen behind the scenes...they finally had to come clean with this info...this was one of the best kept secrets in this industry.

 

For RCI - this will be a brilliant move and financially rewarding.

 

For U.S. cruisers - this borders on marketing hype betrayal for the Quantum class ships.

 

I would not be surprised to see a negative backlash (cancelled cruises, change to other cruise lines, loss of loyalty to RCI, etc.) from some of the most loyal U.S. RCI cruise customers based on this announcement.

[hitaway4]

Hmmm...I wonder how much the deck plans will change because of this announcement. We are on the 1/11/2015 Quantum cruise and hesitant they might have the changes in the ship already implemented.

[Pushka]

Hmmm...I wonder how much the deck plans will change because of this announcement. We are on the 1/11/2015 Quantum cruise and hesitant they might have the changes in the ship already implemented.

 

 

Why would they change the deck plans?

 

If RCL market successfully into the Asian market they will make a bundle. And others will soon follow.

Edited April 17, 2014 by Pushka

[Dave85]

Why would they change the deck plans?

 

If RCL market successfully into the Asian market they will make a bundle. And others will soon follow.

 

 

Possibly a larger or differently situated casino as others have speculated? If she's going to be China's ship I imagine they'll want to make some changes to best serve that market.

 

 

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[nelblu]

I wonder what the impact will be on Asians cruising out of Florida. I've been on the Oasis and Allure cruising in February and there were a ton of native Asian family and teen groups, mostly Chinese. This action will probably keep them locally.

[springaussie]

No doubt these have to be some of the smartest moves for RCI - to make money.

 

These also have to be some of the dumbest moves for the U.S. cruising market.

 

Perhaps RCI realized the enthusiasm for Quantum ships was dwindling after all the hype settled down...and based on having many months of planning needed to make this actual plan happen behind the scenes...they finally had to come clean with this info...this was one of the best kept secrets in this industry.

 

For RCI - this will be a brilliant move and financially rewarding.

 

For U.S. cruisers - this borders on marketing hype betrayal for the Quantum class ships.

 

I would not be surprised to see a negative backlash (cancelled cruises, change to other cruise lines, loss of loyalty to RCI, etc.) from some of the most loyal U.S. RCI cruise customers based on this announcement.

 

From the people of Australia.

Happy Easter!

[hitaway4]

Why would they change the deck plans?

 

If RCL market successfully into the Asian market they will make a bundle. And others will soon follow.

 

Larger casino and/or smoking areas. I believe smoking on balconies is still allowed in the Asian markets. Maybe they'd put in a cigar lounge when otherwise they would not have. Etc etc

 

I'm sure the crew will be mostly geared towards an Asian population. (I.E crew that speak Chinese)

[CRUISEFAN0001]

From the people of Australia.

Happy Easter!

Good Day back at ya... :)

 

No doubt it is a good day there. ;)

[Pushka]

Larger casino and/or smoking areas. I believe smoking on balconies is still allowed in the Asian markets. Maybe they'd put in a cigar lounge when otherwise they would not have. Etc etc

 

I'm sure the crew will be mostly geared towards an Asian population. (I.E crew that speak Chinese)

 

 

The ships smoking policy is fleet wide so geographical location isn't an issue. Cruises in Asia abide by the same rules as elsewhere.

 

Yes, perhaps the casino might be made larger.

Edited April 17, 2014 by Pushka

[hitaway4]

The ships smoking policy is fleet wide so geographical location isn't an issue. Cruises in Asia abide by the same rules as elsewhere.

 

Yes, perhaps the casino might be made larger.

 

It's slightly different. There is no smoking on balconies still though.

 

A few differences are:

 

1. There is no non-smoking section in the Casino.

 

2. Unlike Royal ships elsewhere, smoking is allowed in a select few Indoor venues. *Mariner of the Seas and Voyager of the Seas offer one indoor smoking venue. Onboard Mariner of the Seas guest can smoke at the Connoisseur Club located on Deck 5. Onboard Voyager of the Seas guest can smoke at The Vault, nightclub, located on Deck 3.

 

Not a huge deal, but it might take one venue off Quantums list in favor of a smoking lounge/club.

Edited April 17, 2014 by hitaway4

[Annefran]

With all the hype in the last year and now this it's sort of let the air out of my balloon for Quantum ships. I'm happy that Bayonne will continue to have a ship sailing year round. We have sailed on the Liberty and actually loved it. I'm just OVER all this now. Just my opinion. I have a Quantum cruise booked for Dec 2014 Florida/Bahamas and I'm going to cancel it. I really hate the itinerary and not sure when I'll rebook at this point. Need to sit down, look at the calendar and decide if I really want to cruise on Quantum or just wait for the Anthem. I will continue to cruise on Royal as I'm loyal. :cool:

[Cruising89143]

You already have easy access to the best the world has to offer, Australasians don't. Which is why RCI is sending Quantum this way.

 

I think you're missing my point. If itineraries had actually gone on sale and they cancelled the sailings to move the ship to China, I could understand why people would be annoyed. But until the itineraries go on sale, nothing is set in stone. Does FLL really need another ship? The possibilities from FLL are already endless it would seem. With Anthem based out of NY, you still have a realistic opportunity to sail on her. RCI have obviously seen the potential in Asia (which is mainly being met by Princess) and have given the rest of the us an opportunity to experience a world class vessel like Quantum. Don't get me wrong, if you'd like to keep Quantum for FLL and send Allure or Oasis over this way, we wouldn't be upset with decision...

 

Nope not confused at all and did not miss your point. I know what RCI had announced to the public and trade. RCI spent millions of dollars promoting this ship in the U.S. They have now backtracked due to plans not working out which is understandable. RCI is a business and they have to do what is right for their business but they handled it wrong. What's funny is how Adam Goldstein is trying to spin this in the media stating that the consumers in China have grown to expect the best. That may be true but what he should have said is Bermuda was not ready and the terminal was not ready so we decided to use a back up plan. ;)

 

For me personally it's not a big deal. I was booked on this ship for a January 12 night cruise but canceled after I decided that I did not want to criuse out of a cold climate to islands that I had visited more times than I could count for a very high price. Also after the dining concept was announced I was happy with my decision. This is probably the first RCI ship that I have not been excited about. Not saying I won't try one in the future but I was on the Oasis and Allure within a month of their entering service. I hope that RCI does well with the QN in Asia. It's a huge gamble. Of course if this doesn't work out, she will be back stateside very quickly.

Edited April 17, 2014 by cruisingator2

[Jimbo]

All comes down to the almighty $$$$..........US dollars aren't good enough.

 

Jimbo:(

[navilady2001]

Very upset!!! I have been waiting for Quantum to sail to Bermuda May 2015!!! Will any RCL ships go to Bermuda summer 2015 out of Cape Liberty? Really disappointed with RCL!!!!

 

 

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[JPEvans]

Very upset!!! I have been waiting for Quantum to sail to Bermuda May 2015!!! Will any RCL ships go to Bermuda summer 2015 out of Cape Liberty? Really disappointed with RCL!!!!

 

 

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Liberty of the Seas

 

 

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[smoosh21]

Possibly a larger or differently situated casino as others have speculated? If she's going to be China's ship I imagine they'll want to make some changes to best serve that market.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Cruise Critic Forums mobile app

 

The Casino won't be larger, but will be laid out differently. There will most likely be less slots on board, as well as a private high roller room.

They will probably be installing some higher end boutiques as well.

 

I think it is probably getting late in the game for structural changes, but still plenty early for motif changes

[chazg]

I wonder if the Chinese will like Mamma Mia :confused:

 

I'm sure they won't appreciate the vast majority of planned restaurants on Quantum, with their western menus (other than Silk & Izumi).

 

It does seem like Royal wasted an awful lot of time and money promoting this ship in the New York area, only to yank it away after one season.

 

WOW!

 

Sorry I find this post a bit offensive and close minded. How can you assume that the Asian Markets won't like the Western Themed Resturants or the Western Style show Momma Mia? Why would they only like Silk and Izumi, from what I know the offerings there aren't even close to the food that is normally found in those markets.