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

[smoosh21]

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

 

Jimbo:(

 

 

USD is still plenty good, as is the GBP and EUR. Right now, they might just be more available in Shanghai.

[Lloyd555]

Royal Caribbean just tweeted this ...

 

Curious what 2015-2016 will look like after yesterday's #QuantumoftheSeas news?

 

[beachnative]

This announcement doesn't bother me at all.

 

I have 3 cruises booked on the Quantum and plan to enjoy them.

 

I planned were to book 2 December cruises on the Anthem from Ft.Lauderdale.

 

I planned to book the Anthem TransAtlantic when she returns to Southampton.

 

The only change in my plan is to book the Anthem from Bayonne instead of from Ft. Lauderdale.

[eroller]

 

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.

 

 

That is the sailing I'm booked on. Too bad you're not going. This being said I agree the price is extremely high and with the latest QUANTUM news I have lost just about all my excitement for this ship. I may end up canceling.

 

Funny though, I was actually more excited about QUANTUM then even the Oasis Class. Not sure why. Now pretty much all that excitement and build up has been deflated. I almost don't even care about this class of ship anymore and my perception of Royal Caribbean has changed, and not for the better.

[Cruising89143]

That is the sailing I'm booked on. Too bad you're not going. This being said I agree the price is extremely high and with the latest QUANTUM news I have lost just about all my excitement for this ship. I may end up canceling.

 

Funny though, I was actually more excited about QUANTUM then even the Oasis Class. Not sure why. Now pretty much all that excitement and build up has been deflated. I almost don't even care about this class of ship anymore and my perception of Royal Caribbean has changed, and not for the better.

 

That would have been nice to finally meet. We had booked the Owners Loft and when we looked at the price, the port of departure, time of year and ports we decided that money could be better spent on other cruises. :)

[Silvery Seas Cruiser]

Royal Caribbean just tweeted this ...

 

Curious what 2015-2016 will look like after yesterday's #QuantumoftheSeas news?

 

 

Thank you for that graphic. It does make things clearer. I have to admit, though, I for one am not at all pleased that Liberty is leaving Fort Lauderdale and in her place we are returning to Navigator. I am NOT excited about that.

 

I had been kind of hoping that Navigator or a Radiance class ship would take over for Majesty when and if she is retired.

[Strmwatch]

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:

 

 

Only a racist sees something racist in my remark. I travel the world for work and this is what I have personally experienced. It's not derogatory in any way. Funny how you make the jump from smoking to eating. Project much?

 

There are only certain areas of China that are "Cosmopolitan". I guess you think the entire billion plus Chinese live in these cities? Sorry to break this to you, but most of the population still lives in almost 3rd world conditions.

 

:rolls eyes:

[eroller]

That would have been nice to finally meet. We had booked the Owners Loft and when we looked at the price, the port of departure, time of year and ports we decided that money could be better spent on other cruises. :)

 

 

I completely understand. The prices are high and I don't think they will drop. I have to wonder if the ship will get these kinds of yields in China?

[dmwnc1959]

This from Cruise Industry News today:

 

 

Quantum of the Seas: Strategic Decision

 

"“Sometimes decisions are strategic in nature not immediately revenue driven,” commented Lisa Lutoff Perlo, executive vice president of operations for Royal Caribbean International, on a press call today, in response to questions about deploying the new Quantum of the Seas in an emerging market.

 

“It is all about a balance,” she said, “how we address global markets strategically.”

 

Chris Allen, associate vice president of itinerary planning, said that Royal Caribbean is very confident in Asia based on the Voyager and Mariner of the Seas and wants to accelerate demand and that the Quantum is a fantastic opportunity to do just that. He added that specific itineraries will be announced later.

 

Vicki Freed, senior vice president of sales and trade support services, said that the Quantum offers just what the Asian market wants. However, some modifications will be done when the ship transits from Cape Liberty to Shanghai on retail, gaming and galley spaces. While deployed in Asia, she said the ship will be marketed primarily to Asian markets.

 

Being delivered this fall, the Quantum will spend the winter season sailing from Cape Liberty (New Jersey/New York) before leaving on May 2, 2015. The Liberty of the Seas will start summer service from Cape Liberty on May 6 offering nine-night cruises to the Caribbean and five nights to Bermuda, plus fall cruises to New England and Canada.

 

On Nov. 12, the Liberty re-deploys to Galveston and the new Anthem of the Seas arrives in Cape Liberty, following her inaugural summer in Europe. The Anthem will be sailing seven-, 10- and 12-day cruises to the Bahamas and the Caribbean, including a new itinerary to the Western Caribbean."

[Cruzin-K]

Only a racist sees something racist in my remark. I travel the world for work and this is what I have personally experienced. It's not derogatory in any way. Funny how you make the jump from smoking to eating. Project much?

 

There are only certain areas of China that are "Cosmopolitan". I guess you think the entire billion plus Chinese live in these cities? Sorry to break this to you, but most of the population still lives in almost 3rd world conditions.

 

:rolls eyes:

 

That's been my experience as well. I've spent time in Taiwan, as well as many places in Europe and the smoking was insane - no such thing as no smoking in restaurants, so dinner was generally eaten while trying to not breathe. Also, in the hotel I stayed at in Taiwan, there were several stations at the breakfast buffet. I ate from the European section (bread, cheese, soft boiled egg, etc). It's just a preference based on what I'm used to. I'm sure the passengers will eat at the planned restaurants, but I also think RCI is going to have to expand their food offerings for those accustomed to certain items for breakfast, lunch and dinner based on the menus they already published.

 

As far as my comment about Mamma Mia, I'm sure they'll enjoy it very much. My comment was more rolling eyes that the Chinese passengers will get to enjoy it, and I WON'T, because apparently I'll never get to sail on her. I wish they'd put that show on Liberty. :( hopefully, Anthem will get a good Broadway show.

[eroller]

This from Cruise Industry News today:

 

 

Quantum of the Seas: Strategic Decision

 

"“Sometimes decisions are strategic in nature not immediately revenue driven,” commented Lisa Lutoff Perlo, executive vice president of operations for Royal Caribbean International, on a press call today, in response to questions about deploying the new Quantum of the Seas in an emerging market.

 

“It is all about a balance,” she said, “how we address global markets strategically.”

 

Chris Allen, associate vice president of itinerary planning, said that Royal Caribbean is very confident in Asia based on the Voyager and Mariner of the Seas and wants to accelerate demand and that the Quantum is a fantastic opportunity to do just that. He added that specific itineraries will be announced later.

 

Vicki Freed, senior vice president of sales and trade support services, said that the Quantum offers just what the Asian market wants. However, some modifications will be done when the ship transits from Cape Liberty to Shanghai on retail, gaming and galley spaces. While deployed in Asia, she said the ship will be marketed primarily to Asian markets.

 

Being delivered this fall, the Quantum will spend the winter season sailing from Cape Liberty (New Jersey/New York) before leaving on May 2, 2015. The Liberty of the Seas will start summer service from Cape Liberty on May 6 offering nine-night cruises to the Caribbean and five nights to Bermuda, plus fall cruises to New England and Canada.

 

On Nov. 12, the Liberty re-deploys to Galveston and the new Anthem of the Seas arrives in Cape Liberty, following her inaugural summer in Europe. The Anthem will be sailing seven-, 10- and 12-day cruises to the Bahamas and the Caribbean, including a new itinerary to the Western Caribbean."

 

 

 

It's a shame Royal Caribbean is not being a bit more forthcoming in the real reasons for the sudden QUANTUM deployment to China.

[eroller]

That's been my experience as well. I've spent time in Taiwan, as well as many places in Europe and the smoking was insane - no such thing as no smoking in restaurants, so dinner was generally eaten while trying to not breathe. Also, in the hotel I stayed at in Taiwan, there were several stations at the breakfast buffet. I ate from the European section (bread, cheese, soft boiled egg, etc). It's just a preference based on what I'm used to. I'm sure the passengers will eat at the planned restaurants, but I also think RCI is going to have to expand their food offerings for those accustomed to certain items for breakfast, lunch and dinner based on the menus they already published.

 

As far as my comment about Mamma Mia, I'm sure they'll enjoy it very much. My comment was more rolling eyes that the Chinese passengers will get to enjoy it, and I WON'T, because apparently I'll never get to sail on her. I wish they'd put that show on Liberty. :( hopefully, Anthem will get a good Broadway show.

 

 

Yes the smoking in Asia is pretty bad, at least by North American standards. I don't see anything wrong it pointing it out.

 

RCI announced today there will be tweaks to shops, galleys, and the casino that will happen to the ship on the way to China.

[gaylemh]

Yes the smoking in Asia is pretty bad, at least by North American standards. I don't see anything wrong it pointing it out.

 

RCI announced today there will be tweaks to shops, galleys, and the casino that will happen to the ship on the way to China.

 

I just hope they don't start making their tweaks on my cruise on April 24th.

[Eng23]

Thank you for that graphic. It does make things clearer. I have to admit, though, I for one am not at all pleased that Liberty is leaving Fort Lauderdale and in her place we are returning to Navigator. I am NOT excited about that.

 

I had been kind of hoping that Navigator or a Radiance class ship would take over for Majesty when and if she is retired.

I would think with what is shown in that graphic Majesty is going to be around a bit longer than was previously anticipated.

[Starry Eyes]

I am looking forward to seeing the relocation cruise plans. It is a long way from NJ to China, especially if the Panama canal expansion is not complete. Depending upon how they route and segment the relo, I might enjoy taking a segment or two in 2015. I wonder how long they will make us wait for those itineraries.

[Cruiser Bruiser]

As a fairly loyal Norwegian cruiser thus far, I'm really excited about Quantum sailing from Shanghai. I'm very likely to book this itinerary because I'm eager to see Asia, eager to sail RCI, and especially eager to try a studio on a Quantum-class ship. Win, win, win.

 

Sent from my HTC One using Forums mobile app

[LBB]

I would also love to know how she is getting to China. That could be an awesome cruise, although there is going ot be some maintenance along the way.

[Jacs]

Only a racist sees something racist in my remark. I travel the world for work and this is what I have personally experienced. It's not derogatory in any way. Funny how you make the jump from smoking to eating. Project much?

 

There are only certain areas of China that are "Cosmopolitan". I guess you think the entire billion plus Chinese live in these cities? Sorry to break this to you, but most of the population still lives in almost 3rd world conditions.

 

:rolls eyes:

 

Of course I don't think the entire population lives in the cities. But the people that would be using this cruise ship do, and that's who we're talking about aren't we?

 

Justify it all you like, but you made a derogatory and sweeping statement about an entire race of people based on a small sampling of your own personal experience. That's bordering on racist in my book, but you go ahead and keep thinking I'm the one with the issue if it makes you feel good about yourself.

[Cruiser Bruiser]

As a fairly loyal Norwegian cruiser thus far, I'm really excited about Quantum sailing from Shanghai. I'm very likely to book this itinerary because I'm eager to see Asia, eager to sail RCI, and especially eager to try a studio on a Quantum-class ship. Win, win, win.

 

Sent from my HTC One using Forums mobile app

 

Although, after reading the entire thread I see the ship won't really be marketed to North Americans. So what does that mean? Will onboard activities and announcements be geared towards Asians first, something akin to MSC?

 

Sent from my HTC One using Forums mobile app

[deetrayn]

Oh wow! My brother and I were just talking last week about the possibility of our family sailing on Quantum of the Seas. He has been strictly a Carnival cruiser, but said he would consider this one. Guess it won't be happening.

[I-Cruiser]

Dinner menus will feature fried creepy crawly bugs.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

..like hot dogs and hamburgers...???:D

Edited April 17, 2014 by I-Cruiser

[Maraprince]

Although, after reading the entire thread I see the ship won't really be marketed to North Americans. So what does that mean? Will onboard activities and announcements be geared towards Asians first, something akin to MSC?

 

Sent from my HTC One using Forums mobile app

 

 

One would suppose so. I am sure you will have some US and Canadians on board but only a very small number.

 

Remember the Spanish immersion cruises? Same thing here only with an Asian audience. I am sure the on-board currency will change as well. Same thing if you were to book a sailing. Breakfast would see a big change from what is normally offered. More expansion of Asian food items for lunch and dinner. Smoking policy will have to be revised as well.

 

Entertainment would incorporate some more traditional Asian entertainment as well. Wonder how tipping will be handled and if the same reservation system for dinner and shows will be required. I am sure the casino will make out quite well!

 

Really very interesting that RCL is switching Q. and A. around in Bayonne. The older ship that they are sending would either have to undergo rennovations to eliminate the MDR or they may revert to the "old" dining system since the passenger numbers will be lower.

 

Very interesting!

 

MARAPRINCE

[mrsrebel10]

i understand people are disappointed but dont be so quick to judge or blame royal iam sure they intended on Quantum staying in bayonne

ive never been on a royal ship but will be on Quantum in march of 2015. but i know from the way things were said that this was not planned!!

myself and about 10 other people will enjoy being on the new ship...i do hope they do figure out what is going on with Bermuda and or any hopefully new ports.....:rolleyes:

 

I have to confess I am confused. Why did Royal Caribbean have that big introduction of the Quantum Class ships with the adorable Broadway star Kristin Chenoweth and get so many of us all excited just to turn around and send the first Quantum Class ship to a year around home base in China?

 

If the Chinese/ Asian market is so compelling, why didn't they design Quantum from the get go with features that would be especially attractive to the Asian market including decor, entertainment and restaurants?

[yj2cute]

Of course I don't think the entire population lives in the cities. But the people that would be using this cruise ship do, and that's who we're talking about aren't we?

 

Justify it all you like, but you made a derogatory and sweeping statement about an entire race of people based on a small sampling of your own personal experience. That's bordering on racist in my book, but you go ahead and keep thinking I'm the one with the issue if it makes you feel good about yourself.

 

Jeez, chill out. It's really not that serious. I didn't take the comments you're so upset about as racist at all. Everybody needs to quit being so dang touchy. It's like you can't say anything around here without someone getting upset about it. Cultural differences exist and there's nothing wrong with talking about them. If you are so easily offended, maybe a public message forum isn't the best place for you.

Edited April 17, 2014 by yj2cute

[CRUISEFAN0001]

I have to confess I am confused. Why did Royal Caribbean have that big introduction of the Quantum Class ships with the adorable Broadway star Kristin Chenoweth and get so many of us all excited just to turn around and send the first Quantum Class ship to a year around home base in China?

 

If the Chinese/ Asian market is so compelling, why didn't they design Quantum from the get go with features that would be especially attractive to the Asian market including decor, entertainment and restaurants?

Excellent questions that will likely never get a legitimate answer.

 

The announcement included marketing spin...but no answers.

 

As a side note...according to an inside source...RCI has already received more than 120 e-mails, 55 "tweets"...and 420 phone call communications as of 3Pm ET (they are tracking them) to complain about the announcement - just in the 1 day since it came out.

 

[Ten days of those numbers could fill Quantum or Anthem up for a cruise]

 

I suspect the competition is thrilled with the news...all the new (converted) customers that it will bring them...

Edited April 17, 2014 by CRUISEFAN0001