Quantum of the Seas 4 Night Cruise Live - 17/12/20

[Sail n Snow]

masteradept inspired me to post after seeing his coverage of the 1st cruise back. Link to those posts

 

First Singapore has done an amazing job of crafting policy and following the science.  After several months of lockdowns and a very cautious approach to reopening the country is down to under an average of 2 cases a week. The rest are imported as travelers enter the country and go through mandatory quarantine at dedicated hotels including swab test prior to leaving the 14 day quarantine (There are some exceptions to this rule but very few). 
 

Currently only Singaporeans and long term residents are allowed to cruise.  The government along with the cruise industry came up with a very comprehensive set of rules. Link to the offical rules.

 

With that out of the way I’ll now focus on the cruise and yes everyone had a PCR swab test between 72-24 hours prior to sailing.  I also found out the crew tests every time back in port so every Thursday and Monday. 

[LuCruise]

Amazing that Singapore has gotten the cases so low.  Thanks for the review. It's very exciting and wonderful to see a cruise ship running...even if not quite as a full regular cruise.  Have a wonderful time.

[erinsmom03]

I love seeing these live reports! I hope you have a safe, fun cruise!

[hotwheels920]

Have fun!  And thank you for allowing us to live vicariously through you on this cruise.  🙂 

[Sail n Snow]

Cruise to nowhere Dec 17th - 4 Night Ocean Getaway Cruise

 

As soon as RC announced the resumption of cruising from Singapore we decided to use our FCC from a canceled cruise to book it. Its our first time in a one bedroom suite with a family of 4.  We sailed QoS last Christmas and really enjoyed it that time in 2 adjoining balconies.  I wanted to experience Sky class and the price difference was minimal (about $200 SGD)

 

Online check-in was available almost immediately due to the fact we were within 90 days.  We selected a 2 pm boarding time. It was the earliest available last boarding was 8 pm.  

 

Check-in:  No queuing before time, line opens 15 min prior to assigned time.  Be ready with Passport and set sail pass (we used the digital version).  TraceTogether (TT) (either the token or phone app) was also checked several times during the process and our temperatures were checked 6 times by the time we arrived onboard.   During the check-in we received a wrist band tracing token as well. 

 

Onboard:  The rooms were ready when we boarded and we carried our luggage on because of this fact.  We dropped off our luggage and logged onto the wifi to start reserving shows and activities.  iFly is $40USD and North Star is $20USD.  The Key isn’t currently available but both of these activities were included last year in that package making it a very good deal.  At this point we headed to Costal Kitchen to make reservations for the entire trip. The host recommended making reservations for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Since the room is at half capacity due to social distancing measures he said if we didn’t show up it would be ok. 

 

We headed to the concierge lounge to check it out and then onto the Bumper cars at 3:30 pm which we had reserved.  Since it was so early in the boarding process their were only 6 of us in line.  We rode for 20 min before 6 more people shows up and we all went for another 6!  It was great.  

 

Time for a stop at the SeaPlex Doghouse.  It wasn’t bad but since there was a rain shower the staff had to modify the bumper car line.  As it was blocked off and the only entry/exit was supposed to be from the outside deck.  We couldn’t eat inside the seaplex again due to social distancing rules so we brought it back to our room. 

 

The ship has lots of social distancing stations.  To either confirm the TT token is on you or the app is on.  We unpacked and then on to the muster station for final check-in.  The first two steps are to watch 2 video either via the RC app or RC in your room. This step took about 10 min as they did a quick demonstration and placed a sticker on our sea passes.

 

Back to the concierge lounge to checkout the snack selection and have a cocktail prior to dinner. 

 

Dinner at Coastal Kitchen was amazing!  Our waiter was funny, attentive and made the experience great.  After multiple appetizer and a great steak filet , we had dessert and then off to Sequins & Feathers all before sail away. 

 

9:30 PM departed the dock.  The casino opens in an hour and again lots of social distancing measures in place.  Every other machine is not in use and each table game has half the seats.    Just like in Singapore last call is at 10 pm and drinks have to be finished by 10:30.  After that nonalcoholic drinks only unless your in your room. 

 

Random Thoughts:

Lots of one ways and blocked doors.  This helps control movement. With only half capacity it’s not too bad but 

 

Temperature scans everywhere, just like everywhere in Singapore just more concentrated as you walk around so much. 
 

A few pics of the day.  The trash can with the wipe dispenser on top was interesting to see. 

 

[Ocean Boy]

Thanks for taking the time to post.

[irishgal432]

Thank you!  We are booked in May for Alaska.  Hoping it goes.  I am glad the ship is sailing and operational and hoping this will make a differenc3e if/when Canada and Us opens its borders to be able to sail.  Any onboard rumors from the concierge?

[masteradept]

Wow great to see another blog, and I'm humbled you took me for inspiration! Agree that the one-way doors can be a little annoying, especially at the SeaPlex area, which took me a while to figure out. Also agree that Coastal Kitchen has the best staff anywhere. Looking forward to the rest of the trip!

 

One question about the NorthStar, because I'll be cruising next week with a pair of first-timers who might want to do that, is that $40USD per person or the whole family? If it's per person that sounds really expensive...

 

 

[Crazy planning mom]

Loving this live review!

[Sail n Snow]

42 minutes ago, masteradept said:

 

One question about the NorthStar, because I'll be cruising next week with a pair of first-timers who might want to do that, is that $40USD per person or the whole family? If it's per person that sounds really expensive...

 

 

iFly is 40 pp and North Star is 20 pp  I thought at one point both had been offered pre cruise for around the same price but in SGD which is a better deal.  
 

I agree  though North Star at 20 usd is still a lot. 

[mkmaj]

15 minutes ago, Sail n Snow said:

iFly is 40 pp and North Star is 20 pp  I thought at one point both had been offered pre cruise for around the same price but in SGD which is a better deal.  
 

I agree  though North Star at 20 usd is still a lot. 

Is this specific to the Singapore market or do they plan to start charging for these everywhere? 

[DaniDanielle]

I don’t think Ifly or North Star are worth paying for.  We did it multiple times on Anthem for free.

[Formula280SS]

Thanks for sharing your experiences.

[crzndeb]

1 hour ago, mkmaj said:

Is this specific to the Singapore market or do they plan to start charging for these everywhere? 

I believe when the ships are in US, they are free. Only charge in Asia. I’m sure someone will correct me if I’m wrong.

[bonsai3s]

Thank you so much for your review...following.

 

 

[Tree_skier]

Great stuff,  following along.

[Ourusualbeach]

1 hour ago, crzndeb said:

I believe when the ships are in US, they are free. Only charge in Asia. I’m sure someone will correct me if I’m wrong.

You are not wrong.  It is only when they sail from Asia that they charge.

[Mellylucy]

Following. I love these Quantum reviews.

Thank you for posting 😊

[cruisequeen4ever]

Yay; have a wonderful cruise!

[Hogbay]

6 hours ago, crzndeb said:

I believe when the ships are in US, they are free. Only charge in Asia. I’m sure someone will correct me if I’m wrong.

Ovation had a charge in Asia but when it first came to Australia ther was no charge , but could be hidden in cruise price 🤔

We have Quantum booked TP Hawaii to Brisbane Australia Oct 2021 so following with great intrest 🙃

[Sail n Snow]

Day 2 : It’s overcast and we’re running in and out of showers this morning.  Looking at the satellite weather it’s probably going to be overcast this weekend in the South China Sea.   We ate in Coastal Kitchen for Breakfast and having Windjammer next door is great.  Went and grabbed a plate of bacon for the table.   We saw the matinee performance of Victor Stryzhak in Two70 this afternoon and once the rain cleared it was on to the flow rider.  It’s open from 10-4 daily.  The first and last half hours are for advanced only.  The rest of the time it’s all boogie boarding.  We got lucky since the rain had just recently stopped the line was short (10 people).  When we left it was over 30 and growing. One difference is the instructors have to be hands off so no help at all from them unfortunately.  Watching wipeouts is quite entertaining. 

 

There are lots of other activities during the day as well.  Sports court was open and several types of classes too from dance instructions to  making roses from ribbons.  So far there’s been plenty to do and eat.  I had a crab-crusted flounder for lunch that was really good. 

 

Watching our track on some websites we are just drawing circles in the ocean.  One major requirement from the government is to always be within 6 hours from the cruise terminal.  

 

Another social distancing note the show venues are seating at about 25% capacity. They have several zones and once seated you have your sea pass scanner.  When leaving your dismissed by zone as well. Oh and unfortunately no drinks allowed at this time in the shows. 

 

 

[bonsai3s]

Curious if they still have the self-service coffee machines inside the Concierge Lounge...or the Diamond Lounge, if you have access?  Thank you.

 

Oh!, please tell us what they've done when using the IFly...thanks again.

[Sail n Snow]

9 hours ago, bonsai3s said:

Curious if they still have the self-service coffee machines inside the Concierge Lounge...or the Diamond Lounge, if you have access?  Thank you.

 

Oh!, please tell us what they've done when using the IFly...thanks again.

The coffee machine is available in the concierge lounge but has to be operated by a staff member, same goes in Windjammer there are staff at each station serving the food to you.  This is part of Singapore’s requirements.  
 

The iFly is capacity limited to 5 or less again a Singapore requirement.  Singapore is heading into phase 3 which opens up an option to meet have  8 people over at a time or eat with 8 in a restaurant up from the current 5.  I’d assume the cruise ships sailing from Singapore will be able to adopt the same measures. 

[cloud7cruise]

Thanks for posting this live review!  Are masks mandatory in all public areas including open decks and pools?  Do they provide the masks or are you required to bring your own supply?

[Sail n Snow]

Alright I got caught up this morning while having a up of coffee on the balcony. 

 

Day 3: Another great day at sea.  The captain is doing a great job of dodging the rain cells for the most part.  We started the day off with a 3D holiday card class and then the kids had an IFly session.  Lunch in Costal Kitchen was fantastic and so was dinner.  I made a spaci request to have the lamb shank from the MDR brought up and it was delicious.  The afternoon headliner was a comedy juggler Steve Rawlings and the evening show in Two70 was Starwater (I’ll do a review of the shows at the end).  In the Music Hall we were able to see the late cover of The BeattleManiacs.  After 8 months of not being able to see live events this alone has made this trip great.  

 

I’ve always been amazed at some of the art work and inspirational pieces on theses ships.  

 

Here’s a few of them.