QUANTUM changes for the Chinese market

[ocav]

Surely converting a 2 floor venue (Music Hall) into a 1 floor casino and something else above will require dry dock and wouldn't be viable while moving. I think all but the food changes are rumours and nothing more.

 

You simply wouldn't change a ship so soon with such drastic changes, especially if they've never managed to test the Music Hall out with that market.

[timtam2]

When Mariner moved to China last year, most of the remodelling was done enroute. Depending on the intensity of the work and impact on passenger enjoyment, various levels of OBC were given to passengers on the different sectors.

[ocav]

When Mariner moved to China last year, most of the remodelling was done enroute. Depending on the intensity of the work and impact on passenger enjoyment, various levels of OBC were given to passengers on the different sectors.

 

 

Which like I've said, converting Music Hall into a casino + something on upper level would be difficult while pax are onboard.

 

Restaurants/Johnny Rockets will just need new branding and decor changes, whereas music hall will require an entire refit/repurpose

[gaylemh]

I could see the music hall being converted into a private high roller casino very easily. All they need to do is remove the stage and bring in the tables. The bars would probably stay.

[Dave85]

I could see the music hall being converted into a private high roller casino very easily. All they need to do is remove the stage and bring in the tables. The bars would probably stay.

 

 

Or keep the stage as a special high roller gambling platform :p

 

 

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[Maraprince]

When Mariner moved to China last year, most of the remodelling was done enroute. Depending on the intensity of the work and impact on passenger enjoyment, various levels of OBC were given to passengers on the different sectors.

 

They must "like" giving out OBC!!!!!

 

That much work has to be a real spoiler for the cabins affected by the noise, dust and the disruption of normal activities during the sailing.

 

Not something I would want to endure. :eek:

[ITMan]

Has anyone got any update on potential changes for the Chinese market? Anything concrete?

 

We are planning to go on the 5 day cruise on 27th October. I have asked RCL about potential changes as sited in this thread and they have responded that there are "no planned changes and it is just rumours".

 

we don't mind one way or the other really,miss more that we want to set our expectations - we would live to see Mama Mia for example and would hate to look forward to it only to find it is no longer running!

 

I get the feeling we are being fobbed off by RCL, but no one will even try to give any detail. What are they scared of!?

 

Thanks

Alex

[Gazza64]

When will these changes be made? I'm on the Dubai - Singapore repo in May. Hope to see Mama Mia, and skip the extended casino...

 

I am on the same cruise and had read some of the comments about changes for the Chinese market, I called Royal Caribbean about this and they told me that they are not aware of any changes being made.

If you look at the itineraries for Quantum between now and 29 May there isn't really any free days where the ship could go for a re-fit.

 

I am guessing the changes will be made once it has re-positioned into China

[Gazza64]

Which like I've said, converting Music Hall into a casino + something on upper level would be difficult while pax are onboard.

 

Restaurants/Johnny Rockets will just need new branding and decor changes, whereas music hall will require an entire refit/repurpose

 

I think I will try calling them again, the cabin we have booked is directly below Johnny Rockets - I hadn't considered the possibility of a re-fit on the move.

Music Hall was one of the things that attracted us to this ship, would they be allowed to advertise these features when selling the cruise and then change them?

[ocav]

I am on the same cruise and had read some of the comments about changes for the Chinese market, I called Royal Caribbean about this and they told me that they are not aware of any changes being made.

 

If you look at the itineraries for Quantum between now and 29 May there isn't really any free days where the ship could go for a re-fit.

 

 

 

I am guessing the changes will be made once it has re-positioned into China

 

 

People mentioned on here it would be refitted while moving, however I just can't see it. The refit is too big to occur during a sailing as it requires an entire floor to be put into place. Plus they have made a big deal out of the Music Hall on the Website to be scrapping it

[Gazza64]

People mentioned on here it would be refitted while moving, however I just can't see it. The refit is too big to occur during a sailing as it requires an entire floor to be put into place. Plus they have made a big deal out of the Music Hall on the Website to be scrapping it

 

And surely if they are re-fitting at sea they should have the same obligation to warn customers of ongoing work, just like a hotel would!

[Quince]

This is the current info from the Quantum of the Seas Facebook page. They have a guy on there who supposedly works for Royal and he helps to correct rumors.

 

Current planned changes:

-Vintages becomes a store.

-Johnny rockets becomes a Panda Express style restaurant.

-Music hall becomes a high-limits casino.

-English signage gets replace with signage in Mandarin.

-Slot/video gaming machines removed from casino and replaced with table games.

-Various stores change

-Buffet added to casino

-Mamma Mia comes off the ship.

 

This will be done in stages throughout the trip to Shanghai. It sounds like most of these changes won't require major construction.

 

I am not expecting them to ruin my cruise experience.:)

[Gazza64]

This is the current info from the Quantum of the Seas Facebook page. They have a guy on there who supposedly works for Royal and he helps to correct rumors.

 

Current planned changes:

-Vintages becomes a store.

-Johnny rockets becomes a Panda Express style restaurant.

-Music hall becomes a high-limits casino.

-English signage gets replace with signage in Mandarin.

-Slot/video gaming machines removed from casino and replaced with table games.

-Various stores change

-Buffet added to casino

-Mamma Mia comes off the ship.

 

This will be done in stages throughout the trip to Shanghai. It sounds like most of these changes won't require major construction.

 

I am not expecting them to ruin my cruise experience.:)

 

Thanks for the update.

Changing the stores won't have any impact nor changing Johnny Rockets.

For me the biggest concern would be the removal of Vintages and music hall. If you're not a gambler it would really limit the options on an evening, particularly music hall which, from the reviews, seems like a great venue!

I am also guessing the removal of Mamma Mia would upset some people.

 

I am going to contact RCI today to see what, if any, of these changes are planned prior to or during the May 29 cruise from Dubai.

 

RCI already seem to have had a lot of bad press following the introduction of Quantum, selling cruises based on current advertising and then making significant changes wouldn't really help their cause!

 

Will post back any additional information

[Over Land & Sea]

I think one of the main changes required is the attitude of the execs at RCCL in a recent interview with a Chinese newspaper Richard Fain said

 

"You're talking about an industry that didn't even exist here five years ago that is not well known and about which there are a large number of myths. We have to educate them."

 

Most people I know, of whatever culture, don't need educating on how to cruise. If anything it's RCCL that require education in creating a cruise experience suitable for the Chinese market. Get this right and they will become the go to company for the Asian regions, get it wrong and it may take years to build a decent reputation in that market.

 

Also they have been constantly trumpeting the smart ship aspects of Quantum which we all know have been one of the significant failings since it's maiden voyage. If they cannot get these issues 100% sorted it will lead to all sorts of bad press etc. The Chinese will not suffer bad tech, if you promise super fast internet, bionic bars delivering drinks in seconds & an app that organises your holiday you damn well better deliver.

[JL&Fam]

We were told on the 12/12 cruise that Vintages will also be gone.

 

Cheers,

Jeff

[Gazza64]

I have been in touch with RCI, the guy I spoke to says that they have not had any official notification of any changes. I told him about the Facebook info and he has told me that they should be able to let me know what is happening later today.

He said that they should put out an official statement to confirm or deny rumors - will wait and see!!

[ITMan]

I have been in touch with RCI, the guy I spoke to says that they have not had any official notification of any changes. I told him about the Facebook info and he has told me that they should be able to let me know what is happening later today.

He said that they should put out an official statement to confirm or deny rumors - will wait and see!!

 

Gazza, I would be interested in any response from the cruise line.

 

Everyone is quoting 'what they were told' but the cruise line can't acknowledge any if it. This is ridiculous, how do they expect me to put down several thousand £ against the offer of one thing, denying there will be any change, and then change major things!

 

All I want is to officially know what I am buying! Why is it such a big secret?

 

They must know by now as contracts for any work, movement of shows etc must need to be put in place!

 

Frustrated!

[Gazza64]

Gazza, I would be interested in any response from the cruise line.

 

Everyone is quoting 'what they were told' but the cruise line can't acknowledge any if it. This is ridiculous, how do they expect me to put down several thousand £ against the offer of one thing, denying there will be any change, and then change major things!

 

All I want is to officially know what I am buying! Why is it such a big secret?

 

They must know by now as contracts for any work, movement of shows etc must need to be put in place!

 

Frustrated!

 

Hi ITMan,

 

Well surprisingly I never got the promised response so I will be back on the phone tomorrow.

 

I feel exactly the same as you, I booked this cruise because the ship, its features and itinerary appealed to me. I would be very annoyed if I were to board and find that it had been turned into a floating casino.

 

As you said, what's the secret - they are aware of the rumors, just deny or confirm...either way I don't mind.

 

If they are making changes I don't have a problem booking something else, just don't want to find out when I get aboard.

 

Will keep you posted if I get anywhere with them

[ITMan]

Hi ITMan,

 

Well surprisingly I never got the promised response so I will be back on the phone tomorrow.

 

I feel exactly the same as you, I booked this cruise because the ship, its features and itinerary appealed to me. I would be very annoyed if I were to board and find that it had been turned into a floating casino.

 

As you said, what's the secret - they are aware of the rumors, just deny or confirm...either way I don't mind.

 

If they are making changes I don't have a problem booking something else, just don't want to find out when I get aboard.

 

Will keep you posted if I get anywhere with them

 

Thanks for the update, I will try to have another go tomorrow.

 

Not sure why an American line wants to change much, there are plenty of Asian lines if they want to go Asian, if you want to go on RCL the client presumably want a level of Americanfeel.

[Gazza64]

Thanks for the update, I will try to have another go tomorrow.

 

Not sure why an American line wants to change much, there are plenty of Asian lines if they want to go Asian, if you want to go on RCL the client presumably want a level of Americanfeel.

 

Really struggled to find an email address for RCI UK or US, managed to find a contact form if you want to get in touch with them, I have asked them the question about rumored changes.

 

https://www.royalcaribbean.co.uk/contact-us/contact-us/

 

Strangely Quantum is not on the drop down list of ships

 

Will post if I get a reply, If I don't I think I will just cancel and book an alternative cruise rather than take the chance

 

Here is the reply

Thank you for contacting our Guest Relations department, this is an automated confirmation that your email has been received. We are reviewing your comments and one of our team will contact you in due course. We aim for this to be within 28 days.

 

If you do need to speak to us urgently, please telephone us on 01932 834 119. Alternatively, answers to a number of questions can be found in the FAQ section of our UK website: http://www.royalcaribbean.co.uk

Edited January 26, 2015 by Gazza64
Additional information

[Gazza64]

Well so far I have made several calls to RCI, each time the person on the other end goes away to find out. Nobody seems to be aware of anything and despite several promises to call or email me with an answer I have heard nothing back.

 

I am going to keep trying until the end of the week and if still nothing I have decided to cancel the cruise, a shame but I am not going to spend £££s for something that may not be as advertised.

 

As another poster said, they must know if they are going to do the conversion, why not just say so?. If they don't and do make changes I would imagine that they will have a lot of upset and angry customers!

[Ourusualbeach]

Thanks for the update, I will try to have another go tomorrow.

 

Not sure why an American line wants to change much, there are plenty of Asian lines if they want to go Asian, if you want to go on RCL the client presumably want a level of Americanfeel.

 

They are not marketing to the ship to Americans who want to see Asia. They are marketing the ship to Asians who want to cruise out of their home country.

 

The potential for growth in this market is tremendous and as a global company they are trying to capitalize on it. The American market is already over saturated and the growth potential is limited.

[ITMan]

Whilst this is true, they never will be an "Asian" line, and locals who want an Asian experience will probably not use them. However any locals want a taste of something different and that is the market that RCI can tap.

 

That said, it does not remove the fact that RCI seem to treat how the ship will be configured in the market as a state secret. All I want from them is some openness and honesty! They just shrug their shoulders and say they don't know. Frankly that is unlikely due to the planning cycle for a change such as has been rumoured.

 

As I have said before, what is onboard at the time is less of an issue than knowing what I am signing up for. Why are they so unable to provide some confirmation?

 

 

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[Ourusualbeach]

Whilst this is true, they never will be an "Asian" line, and locals who want an Asian experience will probably not use them. However any locals want a taste of something different and that is the market that RCI can tap.

 

That said, it does not remove the fact that RCI seem to treat how the ship will be configured in the market as a state secret. All I want from them is some openness and honesty! They just shrug their shoulders and say they don't know. Frankly that is unlikely due to the planning cycle for a change such as has been rumoured.

 

As I have said before, what is onboard at the time is less of an issue than knowing what I am signing up for. Why are they so unable to provide some confirmation?

 

 

 

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I would bet money that the TA's selling the cruises in China know exactly what the features on board will be. Unfortunately the reps that we have to deal with are out of the loop.

[westcoasttech]

I'm watching the pricing on some of the repositioning to see if there are any "deals" once inside the 90 day pre-cruise window so am also curious as to how much is going to change "on the way" to Asia.

 

Here's a thought ... is anybody out there booked on any of the cruises scheduled from Shanghai? If so, what options come up for them for pre-booking in regards to dining and entertainment??