Carnival Splendor: Welcome your newest rival in NYC...

[Tapi]

First Norwegian Breakaway, now the Quantum of the Seas. If you want bumper cars, sky diving, and to ride in an observation pod while at sea, here's your chance:

 

With the arrival of a second newbuild, New York seems to be the focus of several cruise lines:

 

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/connect/videos/show-video/introducing-quantum-of-the-seas/

[islandhoppingfool]

So it WILL be out of NJ?????

 

Doing the HAPPY DANCE

[Tapi]

So it WILL be out of NJ?????

 

Doing the HAPPY DANCE

 

The official announcement should be later today. They are having a big reveal, but that video is already on the Royal Caribbean website.

[irishnyc]

So it WILL be out of NJ?????

 

Doing the HAPPY DANCE

 

Don't all of their NY ships sail out of Bayonne?

[Tapi]

Don't all of their NY ships sail out of Bayonne?

 

Yes, but saying New York City sounds much better than saying Bayonne, New Jersey. ;)

 

Cunard and Princess have also moved their operation down to the Red Hook pier in Brooklyn.

 

FYI, Carnival still uses the more traditional Manhattan cruise terminal.

[MrPete]

It's about time! Our choices have been so stagnant the last 10 or more years.

[islandhoppingfool]

Cannot contain my excitement...:o:o:o

[MrPete]

Yes, but saying New York City sounds much better than saying Bayonne, New Jersey. ;)

 

Cunard and Princess have also moved their operation down to the Red Hook pier in Brooklyn.

 

FYI, Carnival still uses the more traditional Manhattan cruise terminal.

 

All these ships sail out of NY Harbor, or will.

[Tapi]

All these ships sail out of NY Harbor, or will.

 

Good point. :D

[shof515]

Even with a newer ship, they will still be doing the same ole boring itinerarys

[MrPete]

Even with a newer ship, they will still be doing the same ole boring itinerarys

 

True, but new ship exploration is half the fun when a new class comes in.

 

But if I have to decide between 3 days in Bermuda, vs 3 stops in Nassau, Freeport and Port Canaveral, it's a no brainer.

[ibcnusoon]

Next up, Norwegian Breakaway in November!

 

Next year, Quantum of the Seas!!

 

NO AIRFARE!!!!! :D :D :D

 

Come on Carnival, bring us something good to New York for 2016!

[ibcnusoon]

True, but new ship exploration is half the fun when a new class comes in.

 

But if I have to decide between 3 days in Bermuda, vs 3 stops in Nassau, Freeport and Port Canaveral, it's a no brainer.

 

Itinerary for Quantum should be:

 

5 night Bermuda Sat-Thursday

9 night Bermuda/Carribean Thursday to Saturday which includes

Bermuda, St, Marteen, San Juan or St.Thomas, Labadee

 

Quantum of the Seas will sail out of Bayonne, New Jersey in Summer 2015 and offer 5-night Bermuda cruises on May 2,16,30; June 13,27; July 11, 25; August 8, 22, 2015. Quantum will also offer 9-night Bermuda and Caribbean itineraries on May 7, 21; June 4, 18; July 2, 16, 30; August 13, 27; 2015.

[golfadj]

Even with a newer ship, they will still be doing the same ole boring itinerarys

 

We like Bermuda but want longer than 5 day cruises.

 

Takes so long to get to Caribbean limited to where they can go.

 

Might do the 9 day itinerary if pricing is what we consider reasonable.

[ibcnusoon]

I'd be interested in the 9 day Bermuda/Caribbean route. That way we get Bermuda AND the Caribbean, that would be 2 cruises in one from this area.

[irishnyc]

Yes, but saying New York City sounds much better than saying Bayonne, New Jersey. ;)

 

Cunard and Princess have also moved their operation down to the Red Hook pier in Brooklyn.

 

FYI, Carnival still uses the more traditional Manhattan cruise terminal.

 

Yes, I know. I was questioning the other poster because it's not like it's a surprise this ship would sail from Jersey.

[Maraprince]

Not really interested in some of the new features for the Quantum. If I want to be at an amusement park, I will not be booking a cruise to do so. Again, as with so many of their newer ships, not everyone will be using or be able to participate in such physical pursuits. Perhaps it is something the younger cruisers will want, but I am sure there will be extra charges galore to participate and reservations for some things that need to be booked before you even set foot on the ship. But, nonetheless, you are paying for it in your ticket price. Cabins are a different story. Some of the features of the inside balcony cabins sound interesting. Cabins will be larger than the Allure and Oasis...something that RCL has lacked is larger cabins on most of their ships.

 

RCL fans of the Explorer of the Seas were hoping for a newer ship since the EOS is approx. 13 years old and lacking some features it really should have to compete in the NY/NJ market. But I do not think the Quantum was what they would have wished for! Pricing will be high as with any new ship and new features. Have to see just how high it will be.

 

I am not a fan of the Bayonne port. Now, you will have a fancy ship leaving out of port that is sorely in need of upgrading. We left on the sailing right after Sandy hit it and they were pumping water out of the terminal, ripping up wet carpets, photos for the room cards had to be done on board, many passengers suffered damage to their cars, etc. You would think it was a perfect time to work with the Port Authority to do some very much and overdue upgrades if they plan to remain in Bayonne. Plus, they share it with Celebrity. Only one dock is there now and when if ever a second dock will exist is the big question. Bus to the ship is another sore point with people jumping the lines and taking seats while passengers who need assistance boarding are sometimes pushed aside and then need to wait for the next bus.

 

Don't see it as a real competitor...rather a different way to go on a cruise.

 

MARAPRINCE

[ibcnusoon]

Here's her press release pamphlet:

 

http://royalcaribbeanpr.interactmag.com/2/Quantum-of-the-Seas-Multimedia-Press-Kit/

[MrPete]

Not really interested in some of the new features for the Quantum. If I want to be at an amusement park, I will not be booking a cruise to do so. Again, as with so many of their newer ships, not everyone will be using or be able to participate in such physical pursuits. Perhaps it is something the younger cruisers will want, but I am sure there will be extra charges galore to participate and reservations for some things that need to be booked before you even set foot on the ship. But, nonetheless, you are paying for it in your ticket price. Cabins are a different story. Some of the features of the inside balcony cabins sound interesting. Cabins will be larger than the Allure and Oasis...something that RCL has lacked is larger cabins on most of their ships.

 

RCL fans of the Explorer of the Seas were hoping for a newer ship since the EOS is approx. 13 years old and lacking some features it really should have to compete in the NY/NJ market. But I do not think the Quantum was what they would have wished for! Pricing will be high as with any new ship and new features. Have to see just how high it will be.

 

I am not a fan of the Bayonne port. Now, you will have a fancy ship leaving out of port that is sorely in need of upgrading. We left on the sailing right after Sandy hit it and they were pumping water out of the terminal, ripping up wet carpets, photos for the room cards had to be done on board, many passengers suffered damage to their cars, etc. You would think it was a perfect time to work with the Port Authority to do some very much and overdue upgrades if they plan to remain in Bayonne. Plus, they share it with Celebrity. Only one dock is there now and when if ever a second dock will exist is the big question. Bus to the ship is another sore point with people jumping the lines and taking seats while passengers who need assistance boarding are sometimes pushed aside and then need to wait for the next bus.

 

Don't see it as a real competitor...rather a different way to go on a cruise.

 

MARAPRINCE

 

I always look at it another way, even when people would say "I don't cruise for rock walls, skating rinks, golf, and in line skating".

 

The good thing is, it draws the crowds that wanted to do those things in that direction, leaving those that wanted to "cruise" with a lot more space, as the crowds were diversified.

 

And as far as Bayonne is concerned, although you end up missing sailing down the west side of Manhattan, it is so much easier getting in and out of there, as opposed to the mess they have on the West side.

 

Now Red Hook is a horse of a different color.

[big_duck]

 

Now Red Hook is a horse of a different color.

 

It's not Red? :confused:

 

I was just saying to the wife the other day, what cruising is missing is a good bumper car ride. ;)

[MrPete]

It's not Red? :confused:

 

I was just saying to the wife the other day, what cruising is missing is a good bumper car ride. ;)

 

I can't go on the one they have at the local amusement park (Rye Playland). You have to be 6' or under. :(

[Maraprince]

More ways for the kids to injure themselves or others!

 

And what happens if one of the new things gets stuck....mechanics on board to get people out of them? I can just see the posts coming in....I was stuck for 30 mins. on that thing and no one came to help me!

 

MARAPRINCE

[clairentommy]

It wouldn't seem like a new york cruise without sailing down the hudson with all of the attractions of NY in sight.....you'd feel like you were missing out on something. Granted I've only sailed once but I loved the first part of the cruise sailing from the Manhattan terminal.....it just gives you a buzz at the beginning of the cruise.

 

Maybe with their new ships they'll change the port or demand upgrades to the terminal......think i'd still go for the Manhattan terminal though :rolleyes:

[Tapi]

Not really interested in some of the new features for the Quantum.

 

I always need to chuckle at people that say they would not be interested in sailing on a specific ship because it has a few things they would never use. Think about it. Would you stop cruising on Carnival because you have no interest in casinos, the steakhouse, or their fitness center? NO. You just do what you like and skip what you don't like.

 

Same can be said about the Quantum (or any other ship for that matter). Granted, Royal Caribbean has to hype the innovative stuff (because it does set them apart), but these ships offer SO MUCH more than the gimmicky stuff. It's actually a bit of a shame that Royal doesn't advertise more these other things.

 

...something that RCL has lacked is larger cabins on most of their ships.

 

Not 100% accurate. While the most basic staterooms are still smaller, standard staterooms with balconies and above on Royal Caribbean have been comparable to Carnival's for decades now (about the only class that has considerably smaller cabins is the Sovereign class, which is being retired). In fact, standard balcony staterooms on Royal have more square footage than Carnival's. I won't even talk about suites. Carnival's version of a suite is shame inducing when compared to pretty much the rest of the industry.

 

The whole "Carnival has bigger cabins" is one of those outdated observations that Carnival loyalists keep repeating, but that doesn't have as much merit any more.

 

but I am sure there will be extra charges galore to participate and reservations for some things that need to be booked before you even set foot on the ship...

 

You'd be surprised. Only a handful of the things that set Royal Caribbean apart cost extra, with the majority being free of charge. That's another inaccurate statement that some people like to repeat without much merit.

 

And about reservations: GREAT IDEA! You have no idea how many times I've skipped a show on a Carnival ship because there's nowhere to sit. By reserving your show time in advance, you know that you'll have a guaranteed seat. Pretty basic and easy concept to comprehend, yet some people think that it's something bad. :confused:

[Maraprince]

I always need to chuckle at people that say they would not be interested in sailing on a specific ship because it has a few things they would never use. Think about it. Would you stop cruising on Carnival because you have no interest in casinos, the steakhouse, or their fitness center? NO. You just do what you like and skip what you don't like.

 

Same can be said about the Quantum (or any other ship for that matter). Granted, Royal Caribbean has to hype the innovative stuff (because it does set them apart), but these ships offer SO MUCH more than the gimmicky stuff. It's actually a bit of a shame that Royal doesn't advertise more these other things.

 

 

 

Not 100% accurate. While the most basic staterooms are still smaller, standard staterooms with balconies and above on Royal Caribbean have been comparable to Carnival's for decades now (about the only class that has considerably smaller cabins is the Sovereign class, which is being retired). In fact, standard balcony staterooms on Royal have more square footage than Carnival's. I won't even talk about suites. Carnival's version of a suite is shame inducing when compared to pretty much the rest of the industry.

 

The whole "Carnival has bigger cabins" is one of those outdated observations that Carnival loyalists keep repeating, but that doesn't have as much merit any more.

 

 

 

You'd be surprised. Only a handful of the things that set Royal Caribbean apart cost extra, with the majority being free of charge. That's another inaccurate statement that some people like to repeat without much merit.

 

And about reservations: GREAT IDEA! You have no idea how many times I've skipped a show on a Carnival ship because there's nowhere to sit. By reserving your show time in advance, you know that you'll have a guaranteed seat. Pretty basic and easy concept to comprehend, yet some people think that it's something bad. :confused:

 

 

EOS cabins are smaller than Carnival cabins. They also have the "phone booth" showers/clam shells. No shelves in the bathroom and very poor water pressure. Storage space is also a problem on RCL. We were only 2 in the cabin and we booked different category balcony cabins with only a small difference in the overall space. How you would manage to have a 3 or 4 in an overhead which our cabin could hold, you would need to take turns and take the least possible clothing and the smallest suitcases ever to fit everything into their cabins.

 

I have sailed with friends and relatives on RCL and other than the ice show and mini golf, no one in our group was interested in ice skating, roller skating, or rock climbing and we were various ages and in good health. We did play some WI games one day and took some dance lessons. When we sailed on Carnival, we made all the main shows, saw the comedy shows, caught some of the different bands in their spots, went to afternoon tea (which RCL does not do), participated in some of the indoor trivia games, bean bag toss, towel animals. Some of us had to walk out of the Quest on RCL due to vast overcrowing and it just wasn't safe to have people standing on the steps during the Quest. That was when we caught a movie instead.

 

We keep our amusement rides for land. Had they decided on having a bowling alley....!

 

MARAPRINCE