China is new home for royal caribbean international's quantum of the seas

[BugsyCruiser]

I have yet to see anything to say that Royal Caribbean had not intended to keep Quantum in Cape Liberty year round for the forceable future. The only thing that we know for sure is that in the fall after Royal Caribbean had made their Quantum Cape Liberty announcement, Bermuda made an announcement that Quantum would not be allowed to sail in their channel due to safety concerns over the amount of water beneath the keel. An announcement that was made even though Quantum is barely larger than the NCL Breakaway that had been making port of calls already. This then led to a lengthy battle over what changes had to be done and who would pay for them all leading up the the recent final hour acknowledgement that under no circumstance would the Quantum be able to call on Bermuda in 2015. This led to the change. Nothing involving some secret plot to screw the US and send Quantum to China. Quantum 3 on the other hand has always been in discussions for that.

 

I really don't understand how people are struggling so much to see the facts. The even more shocking ones are the supposed share holders who are siding with their personal vacation over the company they claim to be supporting. Royal Caribbean did nothing that didn't have to be done and I'm sure they did not want to make these changes. But in the end by the time the entire Quantum class is delivered as long as Bermuda is ready things should settle to how they were originally intended, just with each ship in a different location.

 

If Royal Caribbean really had this planned for years then what benefit did they gain from selling an Anthem of the Seas transatlantic to Fort Lauderdale?

 

I appreciate your input. I can only go by what I heard from another poster on CC in another thread who was aboard EXOS and heard that Bermuda was going to have the dredging of the channel done in time for Quantum to be able to sail there. I guess just come clarification would be nice so everyone would stop pointing fingers at either Bermuda or the cruise line.

 

I do know of people who booked the ta from Southampton to Fort Lauderdale who now say their sailing has been switched to an 8 day ta to Cape Liberty... for obvious reasons of course

[M. St. Louis]

LOL, this ship is cursed. Good riddance to Damaged Dining. Though, I feel bad for the Chinese who end up being stuck with her.

 

If we're lucky, Anthem will get whacked in the same manner. Don't forget to take the cannoli.

[smoosh21]

As a loyal person to Royal I am greatly disappointed they are choosing to to take their newest best ship and send it to a new market and not with those that have shown loyalty to them. I think this shows they believe they have the NY/NJ market in the bag and do not have to worry about keeping us happy by providing the newest and best. I think it shows how loyal they are to us. As a share holder I am glad they are opening a new market but really believe they should have considered the negative impact on the NJ/NY market before they made this disappointing choice. The Liberty should have been based in China and Quantum with those who have shown loyalty. The NY/NJ market is one of the most loyal with the most repeat cruiser and I believe they are counting on that. Sad to see its about the numbers not really keeping loyal cruisers happy.:mad::confused:

 

At the same time, I don't think New York cruisers would have been happy if the Quantum stayed and didnt sail to Bermuda.

 

The truth is when Quantum itineraries were first announced for Winter 2015, I think the number of complaints outweighed the positive comments by at least 2 to 1, probably higher. Many were along the lines of "I want to Sail Quantum, but only if I can go do Bermuda" and "Why can't I go to Bermuda anymore from Port Liberty???" and "When will they announce Bermuda sailings???"

If you look at the Itineraries announced for the Liberty, they are exactly what those complaints asked for. She will be sailing the alternating 5/9 schedule that everybody seemed to want. I have been to Bermuda once and personally have no desire to go back, but to each his own.

 

I have no doubts that the Anthem is going to sail similar itineraries to what Quantum is sailing this upcoming Winter. If the New York market isn't going to sail on a ship that doesn't visit Bermuda, then there is no point in Royal keeping that ship up there. The Freedom class gives you the largest ship that can sail to Bermuda.

 

Now, if the New York market ends up supporting a ship that doesn't go to Bermuda, then maybe Anthem will stay year round.

 

I am sorry, but I think a lot of people would have been complaining just as loudly has Quantum stayed up there and Royal had no Bermuda itineraries.

[smoosh21]

I have yet to see anything to say that Royal Caribbean had not intended to keep Quantum in Cape Liberty year round for the forceable future. .......

 

 

Except, Royal was always playing very coy about that. They never stated that she wouldnt move and they never confirmed she would stay.

 

The moral is that if you see a cruise you like, book it. It is very possible it won't be back. A few years ago, Celebrity had a sailing that went up the Coast of Norway and all the way to Svalbard. I had it booked, but changed my mind and figured that I would do it the next summer. Well, that itinerary has never come back. In fact, in 2015 Celebrity isnt even doing an Arctic Circle Cruise up to the North Cape of Norway.

 

I have learned to never assume a ship will be in a location, or doing a sailing, longer than they currently have available to book.

[London-Calling]

I'm not sure why American's are getting upset about the re-deployment of Quantum?

 

You can still experience big new ships and 'Dynamic Dining' on-board Epic, Breakaway and Getaway!:)

 

As for talk of RCI being 'loyal' to US customers, this is business NOT friendship! I'm rarely loyal to any one product, I switch brands dependent on price and convenience etc.

 

There are plenty more ships in the sea!

Edited April 21, 2014 by London-Calling

[London-Calling]

I have learned to never assume a ship will be in a location, or doing a sailing, longer than they currently have available to book.

 

Yes!

 

The advantage of cruise ship business for the owners is that it is very mobile. Ships can quickly be redeployed where the demand is.

 

(Some British lines like P&O and Fred Olsen still cruise the North Cape)

Edited April 21, 2014 by London-Calling

[marci22]

I'm not sure why American's are getting upset about the re-deployment of Quantum?

 

You can still experience big new ships and 'Dynamic Dining' on-board Epic, Breakaway and Getaway!:)

 

As for talk of RCI being 'loyal' to US customers, this is business NOT friendship! I'm rarely loyal to any one product, I switch brands dependent on price and convenience etc.

 

There are plenty more ships in the sea!

 

Generally agree, but Royal made a big deal about Quantum sailing out of Bayonne, had their dining reveal in NYC, etc. Then they say 'oh yeah going to China instead'.

 

It's not really about loyalty so much as expectations. When companies set up expectations and then do not deliver, it is not the same as not providing those expectations in the first place. It's just poor customer relations.

[JPEvans]

I'm not sure why American's are getting upset about the re-deployment of Quantum?

 

 

 

You can still experience big new ships and 'Dynamic Dining' on-board Epic, Breakaway and Getaway!:)

 

 

 

As for talk of RCI being 'loyal' to US customers, this is business NOT friendship! I'm rarely loyal to any one product, I switch brands dependent on price and convenience etc.

 

 

 

There are plenty more ships in the sea!

 

 

NCL's freestyle dining is different. Quantum'a dining from what I understand is the different dining rooms have their own menus and themes. NCL free dining have the same menu at the different dining rooms.

 

 

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[JPEvans]

Generally agree, but Royal made a big deal about Quantum sailing out of Bayonne, had their dining reveal in NYC, etc. Then they say 'oh yeah going to China instead'.

 

 

 

It's not really about loyalty so much as expectations. When companies set up expectations and then do not deliver, it is not the same as not providing those expectations in the first place. It's just poor customer relations.

 

 

I thought it was strange to make such a huge deal and suddenly pull the plug. If they did the switch with Anthem it might of been less of a shock.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[DEIx15x8]

Except, Royal was always playing very coy about that. They never stated that she wouldnt move and they never confirmed she would stay.

 

The moral is that if you see a cruise you like, book it. It is very possible it won't be back. A few years ago, Celebrity had a sailing that went up the Coast of Norway and all the way to Svalbard. I had it booked, but changed my mind and figured that I would do it the next summer. Well, that itinerary has never come back. In fact, in 2015 Celebrity isnt even doing an Arctic Circle Cruise up to the North Cape of Norway.

 

I have learned to never assume a ship will be in a location, or doing a sailing, longer than they currently have available to book.

 

The original announcement last May actually stated that she would be staying and listed the Bermuda itineraries with the winter ones that went for sale. All of the fliers and the site listed Bermuda as a destination that she would call upon from Cape Liberty.

 

You are correct though, she is a floating resort and their is no guarantee of anything until it's on sale and even then it's not 100%. They have less than 25 ships and an entire world to cover, you would expect some fluctuation over the years, and IMO moving ships around is better for everyone than if they just left the same ship in a port for I don't know, a decade (Explorer, lol).

[Dave85]

I'm not sure where anyone has stated on this thread that everything revolves around the U.S. I must have missed something there.... :rolleyes:

 

I actually am one of the minority that doesn't have a problem with what they done, just an issue with how it was done. It had been touted for a long time that Quantum was going to sail year round from Cape Liberty and that Anthem was going to sail the winter months from Fort Lauderdale. If it was never their intent to do that(which now obviously is the case) they could have just come out and said that from the beginning and I'm pretty sure there wouldn't have been even close to the anger and frustration that is being stated on this thread.

 

A little honesty never hurts I always say

 

 

I'm not so sure you're in the minority with that position! That's my precise problem with how they managed this situation, and many others seem to agree.

 

 

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[Maraprince]

What I find to be more curious than whether or not Quantum will be going to Bermuda, is the way ships are being moved around after such a short period of time -- 6 months is less time than a normal crew contract period. Then on top of this, more changes will be made in the casino, menu, etc. before Quantum arrives in the Orient to essentially what is a new ship.

 

It would have made more sense to bring Quantum out in China a few months later. Really does seem that this was always intended and Bermuda is being used to justify the move since Anthem will not be ready for a bit.

 

Looks RCCL was trying to keep passengers in the Northeast interested by dangling a new ship with new innovations at them to secure bookings more than a year ahead of schedule.

 

MARAPRINCE

Edited April 21, 2014 by Maraprince

[FIRELT5]

The dredging operation will commence at the end of the year to support the cross pointe marina which will be located at the west end of Bermuda which is owned by WEDCO according

To the folks who I spoke to at the Dock Yard on 4/12/14. There is a bit of behind the scenes activities ongoing in Bermuda which you will not find in the online press. The QOTS move to Asia was a business decision and time will tell. The placement of the Anthem in Florida would of been in direct competition with the Oasis & Allure in an already saturated market. The Anthem will command a much higher price in the NYC area than Florida.

 

http://www.seatrade-insider.com/news/news-headlines/bold-quantum-move-has-strategic-sizzle-in-china-sparks-doubts-in-us.html

[CarpeCerevisi]

To paraphrase the New York Daily News, "Goldstein to city: Drop dead."

 

Let's pull the Quantum after a short stay and then replace it with the Liberty at twice the price of other cruise lines, and then we'll tease them with the Anthem.

[lizzy77]

Obviously RCI have made this business decision so the shareholders should be very happy.

As cruising has gotten cheaper they are also more dependant on what is spent onboard. We sailed on Mariner as she was being deployed to Asia. The shops were gutted and replaced with high end shops. And I mean vv expensive shops as the Asians and Chinese have the money now and want the best.

We have also cruised mostly on American based ships and we have found that americans drink much less than others on our side of the world. :o and are also less inclined to patronise the Specialty restaurants. On our last cruise which was 90% Australians, the specialty restaurants were booked out on the very first night::p we had never experienced that before:cool:

[Maraprince]

To paraphrase the New York Daily News, "Goldstein to city: Drop dead."

 

Let's pull the Quantum after a short stay and then replace it with the Liberty at twice the price of other cruise lines, and then we'll tease them with the Anthem.

 

 

While RCL may plan to price the Liberty at a much higher price than the competition, where it will sail and what is offered on board will ultimately determine what the cabin prices will end up being. In this case, all ships are not created equal.

 

MARAPRINCE

[jarz85]

It's disappointing reading some of the comments on here. I have nothing against North America, but some people act like it's the only civilised place in the world. This is great news for Australians and New Zealanders! The newest ship we've had access to (without having to travel for over 24 hours to get to) is the Celebrity Solstice (which has just turned 5 y/o). We've never had easy access to Freedom or Oasis class ships. Why is it so unreasonable of RCI to send a new ship out this way...?

 

 

This is EXACTLY what I was thinking. Since cruising on the Epic and Allure I have fallen in love with the mega ships. Now instead of flying 24 hours to get to the USA we can just take an 8 hour direct flight and almost be at the ship!

 

I don't want to sound harsh, but reading some of the posts on here makes me realise how some people think 'the whole cruising world should revolve around them'. It's a bit selfish..

[FIRELT5]

Or RCL is following CCL and trying to position itself in the Pacific Rim.

 

http://www.cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/10982.html

Edited April 22, 2014 by FIRELT5

[icat2000]

Interesting comment "ThaT Australians are among the largest passenger groups on Asian cruises.

 

I'm still of the viewpoint that RCL move is to counter act Princess big push into these regions.

[FIRELT5]

Interesting comment "ThaT Australians are among the largest passenger groups on Asian cruises.

 

I'm still of the viewpoint that RCL move is to counter act Princess big push into these regions.

 

http://www.seatrade-insider.com/news/news-headlines/princess-pulls-back-to-one-ship-in-japan-adds-shorter-cruises.html

 

Your probably right.

 

At this point it probably would be cheaper to fly to china and sail on the QOTS than to sail on the Liberty Of The Seas which will be sailing 30mins from home, lol :)

Edited April 22, 2014 by FIRELT5

[little britain]

Obviously RCI have made this business decision so the shareholders should be very happy.

As cruising has gotten cheaper they are also more dependant on what is spent onboard. We sailed on Mariner as she was being deployed to Asia. The shops were gutted and replaced with high end shops. And I mean vv expensive shops as the Asians and Chinese have the money now and want the best.

We have also cruised mostly on American based ships and we have found that americans drink much less than others on our side of the world. :o and are also less inclined to patronise the Specialty restaurants. On our last cruise which was 90% Australians, the specialty restaurants were booked out on the very first night::p we had never experienced that before:cool:

And don't forget the top shelf whiskey that they are partial to.....they will spend a lot of money, and drop a lot of money in the casino. It is a win-win situation for RCI.

[js]

I am less than a sailing away from being Diamond on RCCL and have been that way for a while. I have been sailing NCL and have loved the experience. Our last NCL cruise was in March and sailed the Breakaway last July. I have the Breakaway again in August and can tell you that NCL concierge and butler service for suites is the way to go and cannot see how RCCL can compare.

 

That being said, I have been there and done that with Bermuda (even sailed to Bermuda on the EOS 9 night once out of Bayonne) and SOOOO wanted to book the Quantum for Summer 2016 for both my dd (college) and ds (HS) graduation. I really REALLY wanted a new ship in Bayonne. I've done the EOS in Bayonne but also sailed on her while she was in Florida. I NEED SOMETHING NEW without having to fly. I am not going to book the Liberty but may actually have to get myself on the Oasis/Allure but I SO wish the Quantum was staying here. OR, I may look into a different cruiseline sailing out of NJ/NY but I don't want Bermuda.

 

This news was very disappointing to me.

[FIRELT5]

http://bermudasun.bm/Content/NEWS/News/Article/Greenrock-on--greaseballs---Tourism-dies-if-we-don-t-protect-environment/24/270/76843

[smoosh21]

 

That being said, I have been there and done that with Bermuda (even sailed to Bermuda on the EOS 9 night once out of Bayonne) and SOOOO wanted to book the Quantum for Summer 2016 for both my dd (college) and ds (HS) graduation. I really REALLY wanted a new ship in Bayonne. I've done the EOS in Bayonne but also sailed on her while she was in Florida. I NEED SOMETHING NEW without having to fly. I am not going to book the Liberty but may actually have to get myself on the Oasis/Allure but I SO wish the Quantum was staying here. OR, I may look into a different cruiseline sailing out of NJ/NY but I don't want Bermuda.

 

This news was very disappointing to me.

 

I dont see Royal NOT sailing to Bermuda from New York. I think that is what the market up there is calling for. I think that is the main reason that they decided to move the Quantum now, rather than later. I have no personal desire to go back to Bermuda, so I wouldn't sail out of New York because of that.

 

I would look to Boston and do a New England Canada cruise in the late Summer early fall if you want to sail somewhere new without flying

[js]

I dont see Royal NOT sailing to Bermuda from New York. I think that is what the market up there is calling for. I think that is the main reason that they decided to move the Quantum now, rather than later. I have no personal desire to go back to Bermuda, so I wouldn't sail out of New York because of that.

 

I would look to Boston and do a New England Canada cruise in the late Summer early fall if you want to sail somewhere new without flying

 

Thanks. I really was interested in the 9-12 night sailings in the summer that did not go to Bermuda. I have a HS and college Juniors, with different spring breaks so summer is when we can sail right now. My kids would be bored with the New England Canada cruises and I may be too. I was sailing Quantum for the ship, not itinerary. I may still go back to RCCL since I still want to get on the Allure/Oasis and need to find out which one gets better reviews or if one is less expensive over the other since I don't care which one I sail.

I am, though, looking forward to the Breakaway again in August sailing in the Haven, which will be Heaven in my book!