Live “Wingin’ It” Quantum of the Seas Transpacific Honolulu to Vancouver April 28-May 8, 2023

[Familygoboston]

Day 9 Sea Day evening activities 

This evening we finally checked out the Latin band in Boleros- hand t been there yet. 

 

Then we went to Dinner- it was “dress to impress” night, which means lobster in the MDR! 
 

And after dinner a Beatles Tribute band - Abbey Road, not the best one we’ve had on a cruise ship, but the crowd enjoyed it! 

[Familygoboston]

Day 9 Compasses and Menu 

 

 

[Familygoboston]

Nooooooooooo!

No one wants to see this…😭😭😭😭

[rsharp83]

Random thoughts

 

Just some random things about the ship and the transpacific voyage here on Quantum of the Seas. 

 

I wasn’t sure what kinds of entertainment we’d have over six sea days. But each night at sea has been a different headliner act. I can’t comment on the port days in Hawaii because, hey we were in Hawaii and I had better things to do. 

 

During the days at sea there’s been a lot of activities to choose from. Lots of various trivia, meditation, lectures on science and rock music, games of various sorts, etc. Yesterday the activities director said they had provided 23 hours of entertainment on the previous sea day. Staff have been busy. 

 

Normally, I’d not be attending a lecture on astrophysics while cruising. But with so many days and so much time, why not. And yes, the Two70 was full of people for that lecture. 

 

I’ve done a lot of things I would normally not take the time to do. I’m sitting in the solarium right now reading a book. Don’t typically do much of that.  In fact I was in the solarium for 5 hours — beating my previous record of solarium time by 4 1/2 hours! 

 

The other day the back part of the solarium was blaring music. Way to loud and annoying. Today I’m up front and the hot tub seems to be drowning out the music. I seem to remember a quieter solarium, am I just imagining that? Maybe I have it confused with tranquil music they play in the Bellagio in Vegas. 

 

And speaking of the solarium, how early do you have to get here to get a clamshell? Not sure, but it’s earlier than 6:15 am. I did get a front row bow seat. Which is kinda cool. The sun is finally out and the solarium is warming up. It was pretty chilly at 6:15. Many of us are still in denial about the fact we aren’t in the South Pacific anymore. Or, we just didn’t pack enough warm clothes. Maybe both. 
 

 

[rsharp83]

Art House

I’m not an art critic. I’d never be buying paintings on the ship. I know people who spend insane money on art onboard, but that’s not me.  And I’ll let you decide how much of a scam/ripoff vs legit art investment opportunity you believe the onboard art shows are. 

 

I do however enjoy looking at the art throughout the ship. Taking different routes, taking the stairs, just trying to be aware that these ships are floating art galleries. Haven’t been overly impressed by this ship’s art. Seems to be a lot of “motivational poster” kinds of things. Just not my style, everyone has their own preferences. There are several pieces that incorporate video that are interesting. Here are some very poor photos of some of the art. Again, very poor quality photos, I was on the fly. 
 

 

[rsharp83]

Poker Face

 

It’s too good a story not to tell even though it isn’t something applicable to anyone else’s cruise. After trivia this afternoon I decided to walk through the casino…

 

I noticed a crowd of about 20 people all huddled around the poker table. There was a Texas Hold’em tournament in progress. There are 9 available slots the and buy in is $100. Top two players split the pot 70/30. 

 

I’d watched a game earlier in the week. The blinds raised every 10 minutes and the game was very fast paced. The table was friendly and the players had fun. Exactly what these low stakes hold’em tournaments are supposed to be. Fun for a bit of money. 

 

That is not what today’s tournament was— today’s tournament was a war of mind games. As I approached there were 7 players left, 6 men and one woman. Turns out the woman was married to one of the other players. (This matters)

 

There were angry people, pointing fingers, heated words being exchanged and the pit boss was trying and not succeeding in keeping everyone calm. It quickly became apparent that this game was a 6 vs 1 affair. And the one, well he was a complete a-hole, and he knew it and pushed the envelope on every hand. 

 

He was a completely disruptive player who wanted to cause chaos on every play. He constantly screwed up his bets. Raising improperly, never putting out the right amount of chips, wanting to know how much the whole bet amount was instead of just what he needed to call. 

 

He never was ready for his turn. Many times he hadn’t even looked at his cards in advance of his turn. He had an old iPod player and he messed around with it all the time. One earphone in one out, then switch them, scrolling through songs every 45 seconds. Adjusting his sun glasses, messing with his chips. Muttering insults under his breath and then denying he said anything. He walked away from the table several times and was demanding that he would be served another drink or he wouldn’t play. I could go on and on about all the things he did. It was perversely mesmerizing. 

 

But here’s the deal…he was KILLING the table. Totally dominating play. He was the big stack so I assume he’s the one that took out the first 2 players. But instead of pushing the action he played passively and broke almost every rule of strategy there is. 

 

But he won every major hand. Every one. Guy goes all in on pocket Queens. He has pocket Kings and trips them. Guy has a high pair, he gets the nut flush. You got Aces with the flop? He has an ace too, with a king kicker. He took out every player until only the woman remained. 

 

She was seated next to him and had been talking the brunt of his antics. She was constantly having to call for the clock on his deliberate slow play. Or tell the dealer the bet was wrong. The dealer was completely rattled even mis-dealing a hand. The pit boss was hiding from the table. She had to call him over multiple times and he would always flee as soon as he could. The tension was off the charts. 

 

But, she could play poker. And she slowly began to chip away at his stack as the blinds escalated forcing him to bet. Every time she won a hand the crowd cheered. 

 

Then he accused her of cheating. Saying her husband was seeing his hole cards and somehow tipping her off. So the pit boss had to clear some of the crowd out. By now she’s shaking like a leaf on every bet. Fighting to keep herself under control and focused. 

 

She went all in and he called her. She had suited Ace 4, he had a King. The first flop card was a King giving him the pair. Don’t remember what the other card was but it didn’t matter. The third card was a 3. Turn card a 2. River card…a 5. She straighted. The crowd erupted. Their stacks were now roughly even. 

 

She immediately stood up and called for the pit boss. “Chop!” She looked at the guy and motioned as she again called for the chop. (50/50 split of the cash prize. $450 each). She looked at the pit boss and said “I’m done! Chop! I’m not going to continue.” 

 

The guy looks around at the crowd and says, “Why are you all against me! I haven’t done anything.” She again glared at him, “Chop.”  He finally agreed then demanded his winnings in cash at the table instead of chips. The pit boss finally stood up to him and said no. He took his chips and walked off. She collapsed into her chair and said, “I need a drink!” Then told the pit boss, “This was a horrible experience.” 

 

I looked at the young woman who had been the dealer and said, “You need a drink too.” She smiled and shook her head in agreement. 

 

Never seen anything like that. I’ve seen some annoying players and behavior but nothing on this level. He’d have never gotten away with this in Vegas. 

 

Crazy drama for about 40 minutes. Better than any reality TV show. I got a lot of entertainment in the casino, and I didn’t spend a penny. 

[snaefell]

1 hour ago, rsharp83 said:

Random thoughts

 

Just some random things about the ship and the transpacific voyage here on Quantum of the Seas. 

 

I wasn’t sure what kinds of entertainment we’d have over six sea days. But each night at sea has been a different headliner act. I can’t comment on the port days in Hawaii because, hey we were in Hawaii and I had better things to do. 

 

During the days at sea there’s been a lot of activities to choose from. Lots of various trivia, meditation, lectures on science and rock music, games of various sorts, etc. Yesterday the activities director said they had provided 23 hours of entertainment on the previous sea day. Staff have been busy. 

 

Normally, I’d not be attending a lecture on astrophysics while cruising. But with so many days and so much time, why not. And yes, the Two70 was full of people for that lecture. 

 

I’ve done a lot of things I would normally not take the time to do. I’m sitting in the solarium right now reading a book. Don’t typically do much of that.  In fact I was in the solarium for 5 hours — beating my previous record of solarium time by 4 1/2 hours! 

 

The other day the back part of the solarium was blaring music. Way to loud and annoying. Today I’m up front and the hot tub seems to be drowning out the music. I seem to remember a quieter solarium, am I just imagining that? Maybe I have it confused with tranquil music they play in the Bellagio in Vegas. 

 

And speaking of the solarium, how early do you have to get here to get a clamshell? Not sure, but it’s earlier than 6:15 am. I did get a front row bow seat. Which is kinda cool. The sun is finally out and the solarium is warming up. It was pretty chilly at 6:15. Many of us are still in denial about the fact we aren’t in the South Pacific anymore. Or, we just didn’t pack enough warm clothes. Maybe both. 
 

 

The change of climate can give amusing results IME,in 2018 we sailed from Barbados to the UK in March,there was a marvellous Caribbean band on board who performed by the main pool every midnight,wonderful at the start of the cruise but it didn't seem quite the same the last few nights as the temperature plummeted,the crowd all but vanished & they really didn't look quite the same wearing coats,hats,gloves & scarfs!😂

[Ocean Boy]

6 hours ago, Familygoboston said:

The schooner bar has been the very crowded! It’s a favorite space on this ship  , it’s in a great location to really collect people and it’s been a popular venue for trivia.  

Very popular on Odyssey also. I like how it is more reminiscent of the Schooners on V/F class ships. I don't really care for what they did with it on Oasis class.

[Familygoboston]

13 hours ago, rsharp83 said:

Art House

I’m not an art critic. I’d never be buying paintings on the ship. I know people who spend insane money on art onboard, but that’s not me.  And I’ll let you decide how much of a scam/ripoff vs legit art investment opportunity you believe the onboard art shows are. 

 

I do however enjoy looking at the art throughout the ship. Taking different routes, taking the stairs, just trying to be aware that these ships are floating art galleries. Haven’t been overly impressed by this ship’s art. Seems to be a lot of “motivational poster” kinds of things. Just not my style, everyone has their own preferences. There are several pieces that incorporate video that are interesting. Here are some very poor photos of some of the art. Again, very poor quality photos, I was on the fly. 
 

 

I like the candy kisses with “kiss” written in different languages. Must make the crew feel a bit more at home! 🥰

[Familygoboston]

8 hours ago, Ocean Boy said:

Very popular on Odyssey also. I like how it is more reminiscent of the Schooners on V/F class ships. I don't really care for what they did with it on Oasis class.

There’s almost no schooner bar scene on oasis class. I find myself really liking this class of ships. I don’t love the pokes on the main theater, but the rest of the venues are interesting and see traffic and use which is good. 
On oasis class I feel like you have to go out of your way to get to the night club or the jazz club and if there’s no scene going on there it’s sort of an embarrassing walk in and out 😳 On this ship it’s a bit of a maze, but you walk through or by all of the venues which lets you see what’s happening in each and decide to hang out or keep walking. 

[Familygoboston]

12 hours ago, snaefell said:

The change of climate can give amusing results IME,in 2018 we sailed from Barbados to the UK in March,there was a marvellous Caribbean band on board who performed by the main pool every midnight,wonderful at the start of the cruise but it didn't seem quite the same the last few nights as the temperature plummeted,the crowd all but vanished & they really didn't look quite the same wearing coats,hats,gloves & scarfs!😂

So true! It’s funny because I’m not sure the outdoor bars are even open expect on the solarium. 😩

[Familygoboston]

Cabin 10704 Ocean View 

 

 

[Familygoboston]

Day 10 Sea Day cruising by Vancouver Island and Olympic National Park

 

land sighted!  

 

We’ve sighted land! Headed into the channel to get to Vancouver with an arrival expected tomorrow morning. 
 

 

[Familygoboston]

 

Sea Day 10 

Goofing off with Northstar

 

If you waited till today to do the North Star, you picked the right day, gorgeous weather in the mid 60s, views of BC and Washington. We’d already down out Northstar, so we decided to play instead. 

 

 

Shes got the whole world in her hands! 
 

DR J with the Northstar 

Edited May 8, 2023 by Familygoboston
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[Familygoboston]

Day 10 Cruise Compass and Menus

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited May 8, 2023 by Familygoboston

[rsharp83]

Finishing up my duties here on Quantum of the Seas. 
 

 

[rsharp83]

What’s this trip been like?  

 

Well the Hawaii days were like a normal port intensive cruise. Up early to get off the ship and land based activities all day. Then back to clean up, rinse, eat, sleep and repeat. With our pre-cruise stuff we had seven straight days of go go go. Some in the group had more, nobody had more Hawaii than FGB. So when we sailed away from the Big Island we were all ready to switch gears. 

 

I really didn’t know what to expect from 6 straight sea days. And the thought of coming from Brisbane to Vancouver—well that just seems like an eternity. The most consecutive sea days any of us have ever done is 2. 

 

I’m happy to report that the days at sea were great. Many activities to chose from each day. Solid entertainment. And time to, relax. To sit in the music hall long after the trivia game is over surrounded by friends. Lots of people playing games of all kinds. People reading. Or just laying in the sun. Or swimming in the very cold pool. 

 

I’m not sure I’d want to do this without some friends along for the journey. Sometimes we were together and other times we were all over the ship. It really worked out great. 
 

[rsharp83]

Lions Gate Bridge

Vancouver, Canada

 

 

 

 

 

[rsharp83]

Lion’s Gate Bridge 

 

 

[rsharp83]

2:15 am on Quantum of the Seas

2,738 miles 

 

 

 

 

[bobmacliberty]

4 hours ago, rsharp83 said:

I’m not sure I’d want to do this without some friends along for the journey. Sometimes we were together and other times we were all over the ship. It really worked out great.

 

I agree.  We (my wife and I) did the reverse trip from Vancouver to Hawaii last fall.  We found ourselves a little bored after a few sea days.  We are much more port/activity oriented and can only handle sitting quietly and reading for so long.  There were plenty of onboard activities, but they all seemed to revolve around exercise in the morning and trying to sell stuff to you in the afternoon.  We enjoy each other's company (no really!) but it would have been better with a group of friends for the sea days.

[Ocean Boy]

I also look forward to ports and activity and I can sit still for only so long. I've only done two sea days in a row. I'd be a bit concerned with more than that.

[snaefell]

Maybe an age thing,when I was younger sun bathing for 5 minutes had me stir crazy,these days I could handle as many relaxing sea days as they could throw at me!😎

I can see the advantage of having people around you that you know & get on with though,we only do the occasional cruise,we are social people but meet too many people on cruises who only want to talk about.......well cruises,how many they have done,how many they have booked,etc,it's 20 years since our first & our upcoming one will be our 5th & probably last so we are at a bit if a disadvantage there!😂

[Familygoboston]

Lol! I think age might have something to do with it! We always used to be pretty active when were younger, but as we’ve gotten older we do enjoy a relaxing sea day! 
This was 6 days which we needed after 3 weeks of straight out touring, and activities such as kayaking, snorkeling and hiking every day! We had 2 half days for travel and laundry, so once the sea days started we were ready to relax! 

[Familygoboston]

There’s only one cure for the end of a cruise! 
 

🤣🤣🤣

None of our crew booked onboard, but several of us already have another booking. 
Mr FGB and I are taking a 10 day trip to the S Caribbean  on Celebrity Solstice in the fall, the #s have Harmony planned for late fall and another in our group has 3 bookings!! 
 

The next time this crew will probably cruise all together will likely be 2025. We are talking about Greek Islands. Probably not Royal Caribbean, but nothing is booked yet!

 

This cruise was our 140 night milestone on RCI cruises (combining celebrity, and royal and we got points for a few Azamara cruises when they were part of the organization.) We weren’t really aware of this until we got an email saying  we’d be getting a glass block of Quantum  of the Seas on this cruise. 
 

Because we’ve down sized our living arrangements and don’t really have room for a glass block, but when we got to our room we had a form from the Loyalty Ambassador that we could opt to get the block or opt to not receive it. 
 

We did opt to get it because we have a person in our group who was delighted to have it as a souvenir of her cruise. She lives in a group home for adults with cognitive disabilities and celebrated her 65th birthday on the cruise- so we were delighted to gift our block to her!