SkyKingBNA

Can anyone confirm if Alan is in the Diamond or Concierge lounge on Enchantment currently? We have friends going this weekend and they want to take him a gift.

I am not onboard but have some friends who are. They posted a pic with him on FB and tagged him as "Diamond Concierge."

Not sure if that's enough confirmation, but thought I'd pass it along!

Tracy

Since we are on the subject of snails...sort of. I noticed that RCI had replaced the escargot starter with Bay scallop gratin. What's up with that? Is there still a worldwide escargot shortage?

Denise

 

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We had actual escargot (snails) on the Quantum maiden in The Grande. yum.

Tracy

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I still have a ton of pictures to upload, but some of them are on a jump drive that I can't access until I get to a PC. That might not happen until I get home this coming weekend. Please continue checking the Shutterfly site in the next week or two. I'll definitely be adding more as I have time!

Tracy

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Morning :-)

 

Did you go for your stretch class then 270 for breakfast :-)

 

Dan (Clansman 37)

<pout, pout> No! Don't I wish.

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I am awake at 4am (as usual with this trip), but no ship to wander or Windjammer to go get coffee. Deep sigh. I guess I'll just upload pics to the Shutterfly site instead! :D

Tracy

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My favorite pic of the morning.

Tracy

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Over the course of the week, it appears as though there are several mixed reports on how the IFLY works regarding any fees. Some have mentioned no fee on a different day to try again while others are saying there is a fee to use it again. If anyone knows the real scoop, please share it here. Thanks!

They were originally telling us there would be a charge for additional flights beyond your first free one. however, no one on our sailing that I heard of was charged, including me. I don't know if that will be the case on future sailings or not. They were being very generous with us on the maiden voyage as we were testing out all the "hiccups" for them.

Tracy

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Sunrise this morning on our last day at sea. I am trying to stave off disembarkation depression. This was a really fun week with great new friends, on a breathtaking ship, with an incredible crew who displayed nothing but grace and class under pressure. Mad props to the Quantum and her crew!

What time is Quantum due into Cape Liberty on Monday?

We're being told onboard 6am.

Also, we got a notice they will be cleaning the balconies today, so they are spiffing her up for our arrival!

Tracy

Well, I can't believe I am already waking up on my last full day aboard this beautiful ship. Where did the week go?!?

Here are a few more answers for you.

Schooner Bar = does have a fabulous piano player at night. He was much more delightful last night than karaoke below that in the Music Hall. :eek: All trivia was also held here and it's right next door to...

Focus (photo gallery) = Now this is where I feel they have made a vast improvement. It is completely electronic. No binders like Oasis class. No display walls where you can spend hours hunting yourself like older ships. No wasted photo paper! You just walk up to one of the many tablets, computer screens or wall-mounted TV's and scan your card or WOWband. From there you can order which photos you want AND you can choose them printed or electronic! If you are missing photos there is a way to search unassigned ones by date and time and have yours added to your account.

Circus School = it works like rock climbing. You see the hours in the compass and you go up, check in with your band or seapass, complete your waiver (if you haven't already done it electronically - I did mine on the TV in our stateroom) and then get in line. For trapeze we took our shoes off. They put a safety belt on you and give you a few pointers then send you up the ladder. When you are done, if you want to try again just go back in line. If you want more detailed instructions or to practice on the ground, just ask them. It's a great team of encouraging folks and one of the highlights of my trip.

The Grande = I do not remember seeing or hearing a piano playing. However, we had our CC group masquerade dinner that night, so between eating and visiting with 50+ people there very well could have been one and I just didn't notice!

Overall impressions = I really like this class of ship. I was not booked on Anthem but that will be changing after I get home! I love the Esplanade, the Solarium and Two70. The variety of sports activities is wonderful. I even like Dynamic Dining. My only thoughts there would be with limited menus that don't change, a longer voyage on this class might get a bit food monotonous or expensive eating in the pay restaurants. Also for solo travelers, being sat with a different group each night or even sat alone could be awkward. However, they did do a good job of posting in the compass a time and location for a solo travelers lunch, so I was happy to see that.

All in all, hiccups and everything, this has been a great and memorable cruise. That's thanks in large part to an outstanding group on our Roll Call. We planned some fun events of our own, and I have made some lifelong friends from this trip!

Tracy

The guys scribbling art is right outside the Schooner and Izumi on deck 5 in the Esplanade. They are quite fun. You can also draw on the screens with them, so they're a bit interactive.

Seaplex has been used a lot and there are bumper car and circus school/trapeze pics on the Shutterfly site. I saw both basketball and juggling class up there today. I also reported a bit on the roller skating.

Sad to report that the winds are too high and no Ripcord today. They are rescheduling everyone for tomorrow. I am grateful that the weather was nice yesterday and I at least got one flight in this trip. I haven't managed to catch the rock wall open at all and that's one of my favorite things. The times when it's been available I've been off doing Northstar or Ripcord, etc. Our weather just hasn't been conducive to a lot of the outdoor things. Which is what makes the Seaplex, indoor pool, and Solarium such great spaces.

Someone asked about the ship feeling crowded. I know we're not sailing full, but the only time I have realized I am onboard with this many people was the queue for the Northstar and attending shows. Other than that, it's felt quite spacious. I personally am a huge fan of the Esplanade over the Promenade on other ships. The Promenades are one big huge rectangle with walkways that seem to clog at peak times. So far, to me anyway, the Esplanade with its twists and angles and nooks and crannies has a much easier traffic flow.

Tracy

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Hi Tracy, Are you being charged for your second ripcord reservation? I heard the first minute is free, but they were planning on charging $49.95 for an additional two minutes. How much time do you have to spend getting instructions, before you get suited up and head into the wind tunnel?

 

 

 

Thanks for posting your experiences on the Quantum!!! :)

 

 

 

-Sarah

I have heard different things about being charged for the second ride. I will be quite interested to see if they charge me for it when I show up for my appointment this afternoon. I'll let you know!

Tracy

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Good morning, All!

We are rocking and rolling a bit this morning again, so we'll see what the day brings activity and weather-wise.

I awoke to a nice surprise. Checked my account on the Royal iQ app and they have refunded the price of the internet package! I saw a report on FB from another cruiser who has the same. As you all know, we were excited to be able to share lots of photos with you and that has proved challenging. I never once complained even though I did feel a bit disappointed when I found out we wouldn't be in the O3B service for this sailing. So it was confirmation to me that once again Royal is going above and beyond.

Ripcord by iFly. So. Much. Fun!!! I booked a second time for today since I enjoyed it so much. Although weather might be an issue. The wind was so strong last night that the upper decks were closed. For Ripcord, I will say that all ages, genders, sizes and shapes were participating and enjoying it. Those that seemed more successful at it had better mobility. You've got to have the mobility to bring your hands and arms forward in a curve over your head and hold them there against that strong wind current. The instructor will help you and hold you as best they can, but if you can't hold your arms and legs out, you'll wind up on your back or crashing into the sides. We had one gentleman in my group the just couldn't keep his arms out and not only wound up on his back, but started to fly out the door and hit his head. Helmets are a beautiful thing. He said he was fine and not injured, but the staff took him down to medical anyway.

Injuries... I know of a dislocated shoulder and a broken collar bone from the Flowrider. I've also seen at least 3 broken arms from roller skating. A staff member told another CC cruiser that they will be taking a hard look at the roller skating. So I'm not sure what changes they will make, if any, but that seems like something to be thinking about before folks decide to participate.

Northstar was flying yesterday and the queue was quite long. I've heard wait times from 2.5 to 4 hours. But it was a nice, sunny day. standing about can get tedious, but at least there was sunshine and fresh air. I could see it going up and out from my lovely deck chair in the Solarium. That is a very nice, relaxing space. The hot tubs are cool and have a nice view. I can see myself back in there today.

Tracy

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I haven't seen dancinman66 posting yet.:p

 

 

 

Greg, where are you, cruising buddy. :cool:

We got Greg and Eve engaged day before yesterday with our flash mob, but they did come to our group masquerade dinner last night at The Grande. Both looking happy and all smiles. :D

There was lots of talk about venus filling up and the possibility of being unable to book dining when on board. Has anyone changed their plans made before sailing and has it worked as expected or were there indeed times that restaurants couldn't be booked leading to disappointment?

Just wondering how it Is working for passengers who've not yet risen to Diamond and not in suites.

Thanks, and enjoy the ship.

We have not changed any plans that we made, but we only booked dinner for the first 5 nights in advance so we could leave the last few nights to book onboard and repeat what we liked or try something new. The majority of specialty restaurants are long since booked up. We ARE Diamond and even with the Concierge's help couldn't book Chops or Jamie's for dinner. The free restaurants have been easier to rebook and we easily made a 6pm reservation at American Icon and Chic just 2 days in advance.

Tracy

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Thanks I had been curious about lunch pricing. I always liked Giovanni's on Oasis and Allure for lunch on sea days to get away from crowds a bit.

I hate to say, at least on this voyage, Jamie's is where the crowd is. If you want to get away from the crowds, I haven't seen the Solarium Bistro/Devinly Decadent getting much love.

P.S. Tell your mom and dad "hi" for me :)

Tracy

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Sorry to add to this...but...one of our cigar friends uses a scooter. Is this area accessable?

Yes. There is a ramp for sure on the Starboard side. And I know this for an absolute fact as that ramp is also used to form part of the queue for the Northstar. So I stood on it for about an hour yesterday. lol. :D

Tracy

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There are some pictures on the North Star Bar in the shutterfly album. If anyone has some of the seating area, especially if there are any covered sections, I would appreciate it.

There is a covered area at the Northstar bar but it's just over the bar itself, not over the loungers. I'll have to see if I can find a pic to put on Shutterfly. I was huddling under it yesterday when I was waiting in the Northstar queue and it started to mist rain. lol.

Tracy

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Jamie's Italian... O.M.G! Just had lunch here and it was amazing. I see now why this place has been PACKED the whole cruise.

Tracy

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Northstar and Circus School pics are on the Shutterfly site!

Tracy

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For anyone who uses the gym/spa are there spin classes available and if so did you happen to check the cost. Also do they have TRX.

 

Thanks for all the information, very generous of all of you to give up your vacation time to post here.

They have them both for a fee, but I didn't check the price. On past cruises the charge has been $20 to $25.

Tracy

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I'd like to know about the accessibility of 270 for those in a wheelchair or scooter. From the pictures that I've seen it looks like there are many staircases in the lower level but I did not see any ramps. Also, does the upper level connect to the lower level by ramp?

 

 

 

If someone has the time would you please count all the loose throw pillows on all the sofas and chairs on the ship? :rolleyes:

 

 

 

Thanks so much!

There are ramps along the sides but you can only get down a certain way. you can't get all the way down to floor level. also, there is an accessible elevator to get up to the upper level in Two70.

and just for you... 13,428.25. :eek::D

Tracy

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Morning, All.

Our trip past the Azores yesterday was an unexpected, beautiful view bonus. I hate that it came at the expense of another passenger, but the captain reported last night at the Crown & Anchor Welcome Back party that the gentleman had already gotten the surgery he needed, was in recovery and doing well.

We had dinner at Coastal Kitchen last night, which bills itself as a Mediterranean menu. While we have really enjoyed all the food onboard and have not had a bad meal yet, Coastal Kitchen was our absolute favorite so far. This makes me a bit sad in that we won't have the opportunity to dine there again as we are not traveling in a Suite. For those of you who will be able to dine there more often, I envy you!

Due to the lovely weather and the lovely view, the Northstar was flying yesterday. It was just going straight up and down for about 5-6 minute ride in an effort to get as many of us as possible to have the experience while we could since weather the rest of the trip could be a problem. There has been no way to sign up for it on this trip, we just queue up when we see it open. I waited almost exactly 2 hours but the view was beautiful and I quite enjoyed it. You have no real sensation of movement. It's quite smooth. The capsule has benches and a couple of chairs, but even with 14 people inside we had room to move around and take photos of the different vistas. I gave my photos to Joanna as we were hoping her laptop would be better for posting them than my ipad, but even near land we are still having very slow and spotty connection.

They have had to postpone and reschedule so many of the shows that we wound up being booked at both Starwater and Mama Mia at the same time last night and were forced to make a decision between them. Having already seen Mama Mia on stage on land, I opted for Starwater. It was very interesting and cool. The robot screens in Two70 were an integral part of the show and worked beautifully. I know all the tech guys had to be relieved! That's one show that I would like to see a second time if I get the chance this week. The only other show I've done that with is the aqua show on Oasis.

I will say in terms of seating for that show, I thought there were a few issues. We were there 25 minutes in advance with reservations and barely got a seat. In fact, we were a party of 5 and three of them left because they got fed up with the frantic seat search and having to run to grab open seats. We would not have been sitting together even if they'd stayed. The two of us who stayed were on the very top deck on barstools in the very back and I had a support pole that I kept having weave back and forth to see around. Someone on an earlier post asked about this, so I'd say that finding seats for shows in there is going to be a little rough as it's definitely not setup like the Royal Theater and has far fewer seats with a much higher interest factor.

I always hate reporting negative things as I feel like it sounds like complaining, so please don't take it in that light. But you will definitely want to go earlier than normal for those shows in order to get the seats you want. The good news is that it's a lovely place to hang out, so sitting and relaxing there before a show will not be a hardship.

Other cruisers we spoke to that went to the two earlier showings of Mama Mia said it was phenomenal. I do hate that we missed it but I am glad I got to see Starwater just in case the weather makes it such that it doesn't happen again this sailing.

For those of you interested in the flash mob, it went off with no problems. We even had two Dreamworks characters join us! It was great fun, we were all crying and Eve said yes! So that was a lovely moment. Greg worked so hard on getting that all planned and organized and I am happy for him that it all went so well.

For The Grande, we are dining there tonight so I can report on it and dress code enforcement later, but I do know that on the first night they let in a gentleman wearing shorts and a Hawaiian shirt. Another passenger who dined there saw it first hand and was unhappy about that. Maybe that would only be allowed on the first night due to luggage? I am not sure, but wanted to report that it had occurred.

It's not light enough outside yet for me to see what the weather will bring today, but I'm hoping to be able to do some top deck things like rock climbing and/or Flowrider. I am booked on the iFly tomorrow morning. I am also in the spa later today for a facial so I'll let you know about that tomorrow.

Have a good day everyone!

Tracy

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For whomever asked about RCCL specific patterns at Michael Kors, the answer is yes they will have them but not until future sailings - she wasn't sure when. They did not make it onboard for our crossing. So I don't have anything I can take a picture of for you.

The first night onboard I was able to fill out all of my activity waivers on the TV in the cabin. we couldn't do them in advance online from home but were able to do them here.

Circus School, bumper cars, roller skating, rock wall (when open) and the Northstar have so far been "walk up and sign up/queue up". iFly has been by appointment. I'll be doing it on Friday morning (so excited!)

For those of you who know about our flash mob (and why we're doing it), it will be Wednesday afternoon (later today). I'm sure there will be plenty of pics and videos when we can get them posted.

We have tons of photos from the cabin crawl, but not enough internet bandwidth to post them. We are not on the newer, faster system, so our connection is pretty slow and spotty. We know everyone is anxious to see them, and we are just as anxious to share but at the moment that capability is beyond us. Yesterday it took me 8 minutes and 3 refreshes just to get one pic uploaded to Shutterfly. We love you all and I don't want offend anyone, but I don't plan to spend my time onboard babysitting the ipad while it tries to upload pictures at these slow speeds. :)

I'm an early-to-bed-early-to-rise person and with us gaining hours each night I am awake early enough that I have some quiet time before my day starts to post and reply to what I can.

Diamond lounge has been the standard continental breakfast and hors d'oeuvres at night. No hot food ordering for breakfast or lunch. From speaking to friends who are in the Concierge lounge, it's the same there. There is not a sit down and order meal like on Oasis/Allure.

Two70 Cafe has become my favorite for both breakfast and lunch as you can get hot or cold items. Breakfast they have several breakfast wrap, egg sandwich choices along with a bagel bar with an impressive array of toppings. At lunch that turns into a salad bar and you can get paninis, wraps etc. This morning we are going to try the American Icon Grill for a sit down and order breakfast. That is complimentary.

In fact Two70 in general has become a favorite spot for me to sit on the ship. When the shades are up, the view out the back of the wake is very soothing and tranquil. There is a bar right there along with the cafe, and the library with some computers is on one corner of the upstairs deck. Everything you could want in one spot. It's a popular venue but so far has never felt overly crowded and we have not had trouble finding a spot to sit and be comfortable. There is stadium style seating both on the main floor and the upper deck. We haven't had a show in there yet as many of them have been postponed due to the high winds and seas. As I type this in the early morning I can already tell a big difference in the ship motion. We are definitely in calmer seas, so I am hopeful that today's shows will happen as planned. At that point I can let you know if the seating seemed adequate for the guests with reserved seats.

Okay, that's it for the morning for me. I hope everyone has a wonderful day. How can mine be anything but wonderful since I am aboard this gorgeous new lady? :)

Tracy

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Can't remember if it was asked here or on the FB page, but Circus School is happening. Trapeze was yesterday and today. I took some photos but can't seem to get them uploaded to Shutterfly. I'll post them when the connection seems to stabilize.

It looked like great fun, so it's now on my list to try. I'm really not sure how I'm going to fit all this cool stuff into the schedule in just 8 days. I guess that means I need to visit the Next Cruise desk. :D

Tracy

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Oh, and yes, we're diverting for a medical emergency. The captain announced there will be helicopter coming for someone who needs surgery.

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