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Quantum of the Seas - Maiden Transatlantic Voyage - Nov 2-10, 2014 - Live Report

jv_nyc

By jv_nyc,
in Royal Caribbean International

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SailingSiggy

SailingSiggy

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I believe this link will give the correct version of the mnu for Coastal Kitchen. A couple of the other menus listed here are as they are currently on the ship.

 

 

http://media.royalcaribbean.com/content/shared_assets/pdf/menus/coastal.pdf

 

It would be nice to have that confirmed by someone on the ship as obviously other menus are not.

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MADflyer

MADflyer

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Posted
I believe this link will give the correct version of the mnu for Coastal Kitchen. A couple of the other menus listed here are as they are currently on the ship.

 

 

http://media.royalcaribbean.com/content/shared_assets/pdf/menus/coastal.pdf

 

There are a couple of slight variations. I do not have the menu memorized, but know the Rib Eye is currently listed as a Beef Tenderloin and I think there is one additional appetizer and entrée on the current menu.

 

I am sure someone will post a photo soon of the menu. Otherwise, I will come back after returning home and do so.

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Ourusualbeach

Ourusualbeach

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Posted (edited)
It would be nice to have that confirmed by someone on the ship as obviously other menus are not.

 

From that same site of PDF menus the menu for American Icon Grill IS the same menu that is currently on the ship.

 

Link to all the menus.

 

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/findacruise/experiencetypes/category.do?pagename=onboard_cat_dining_options

Edited by Ourusualbeach
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SailingSiggy

SailingSiggy

Posted
Posted (edited)
There are a couple of slight variations. I do not have the menu memorized, but know the Rib Eye is currently listed as a Beef Tenderloin and I think there is one additional appetizer and entrée on the current menu.

 

I am sure someone will post a photo soon of the menu. Otherwise, I will come back after returning home and do so.

 

Thanks. I saw a menu from Grande that listed beef tenderloin. So are same entrees being served in multiple comp restaurants? Adam Goldstein made a big issue in the DD reveal that the variety in dining came from each restaurant having it's own unique menu with 6-8 options per menu. However, I'm fine with beef tenderloin, just asking.

 

Also has it ever been resolved if the "alternate menu" that existed on the mdr menus of steak, chicken, pasta exists or is that another myth that Adam put out there in the reveal?

Edited by SailingSiggy
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SailingSiggy

SailingSiggy

Posted
Posted
From that same site of PDF menus the menu for American Icon Grill IS the same menu that is currently on the ship.

 

Link to all the menus.

 

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/findacruise/experiencetypes/category.do?pagename=onboard_cat_dining_options

 

Thanks. Couldn't see that from the other link. Much appreciated.

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SailingSiggy

SailingSiggy

Posted
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From that same site of PDF menus the menu for American Icon Grill IS the same menu that is currently on the ship.

 

Link to all the menus.

 

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/findacruise/experiencetypes/category.do?pagename=onboard_cat_dining_options

 

And the confusion comes in part from the fact that they have not changed the menus that you reach from using the Quantum link off their website.

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jv_nyc

jv_nyc

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Hi everyone - lots to catch up on!

 

Spent the rest of Thursday afternoon wandering around and taking photos of areas of the ship that we haven't covered yet. All the photos have been uploaded to the Shutterfly site. Spent an enjoyable hour at the Two70 Bar watching the aerialists practice.

 

Headed back to the room where we had received an invitation to join the Captain for dinner at Silk that evening. We went up to the Concierge Lounge at 5pm and then headed to dinner at 6pm - Reyno and Mario were wonderful changing our dinner reservations.

 

Dinner with the Captain was great - the meal was fantastic. Captain Ban definitely has a lot on his mind with this sailing as they're still working on the kinks in the back of the house as well. He was a gracious host and lovely company, and we appreciated that he took the time on this sailing to host a dinner. I didn't take photos of the meal (other than dessert) because it didn't feel appropriate.

 

After dinner, we headed into Two70 and caught the end of Star Water. My DH does not like to go to shows, but after seeing the aerialists, the dancers and how the technology blends into the show, he wants to the see the full show now. Not sure if this will be the same show that's running after this cruise because it it was more of a 20s-swing style vs. a water themed show, but whatever is playing in Two70, you will not be disappointed.

 

Then we headed to the Casino. I called it an early night.

 

Friday

Slept in and had a late lunch at Johnny Rockets; I like the concept on this ship better than others. It's a walk-up and order type of place vs. a dinner. Food is good, and I think better than others.

 

Then headed to the spa for a massage and came back to the room to rest and nap. Around 6pm, we headed down to Michael's for a beer and a snack. Then we were going to go to Two70, but there was a private event going on. So we decided to go to Vintages. We realized late that the wine dispensers were being offered for free because they needed to be tested as well. Hmm, gotta remember that for tonight.

 

Then it was off to Chic for dinner (photos are on Shutterfly). It was one of my favorite meals of the cruise. I had the Crab Cake, the Caesar Salad and the Salmon. Then the Carrot Cake for dessert. We ordered a bottle of wine and had a lovely conversation with the four others that we were sitting with. So far we haven't missed the main dining room. I think with the option of sitting alone or with others, those that choose to sit with others want the company so you don't run into the situation where a table in the traditional MDR has folks that would rather be along or prefer not to be outgoing (not criticizing - I'm an introvert myself).

 

After dinner, we hit the Casino.

 

Saturday

This morning, we awoke to rougher waves and winds. We had lunch at Coastal Kitchen, which was good. The food is really fresh and light. Then I spent some time uploading the photos to Shutterfly from the Concierge Lounge while we waited for to join our group for the Bridge Tour.

 

The Bridge is really nice; it's similar to the one on the Oasis class ships. On the wings, there is a cutout in the floor with glass to look down on the side of the ship and water alongside her. Captain Ban was on deck and met with us. Photos will be posted soon.

 

Here are some general takes on the ship and new concepts:

1. I love how this ship blends the neighborhood/spacious concepts of the Oasis class with the beauty and intimacy of the Solstice class ships. The colors, the art, the music, the flow is wonderful and peaceful. When you walk by the sculpture in The Via, watch how the reflections of people cause it to twinkle - it's a really cool and calming effect.

2. Signing up for this cruise, we knew we'd be guinea pigs, and if you just keep that in mind that it's part of the experience, it can be fun.

3. Two70 is my favorite place on the ship - it really transforms throughout the day. Susie Q is the bartender there, and she takes care of people really well.

4. So far I like Dynamic Dining. We haven't had any issues, and having a table for two or many is not an issue. One behavior change I've noticed in guests is that when they're seated at a large table, they welcome others to join them. For example, in Wonderland, there is a massive table in the middle, but the items on it break it up into small intimate seating. There was a group of four sitting at one end, and they quickly started talking with the two seated next to them, and the six of them invited the single traveler, who was at a table for one, to join them. There's a sense of community if people want it, but if not, there are plenty of tables for two.

5. Regarding the menus, there are a few of us that are speculating that the menus that we have on this cruise aren't going to be representative of a more traditional sailing because they just seem so different. This seems to be a hot-button topic here, so I'm not going to fuel the fire too much.

6. The Concierge Lounge is my favorite on any ship I've been on. It's at the aft and has a wonderful view. The only downfall is that it's a long walk through the cabin hallways of Deck 12 to get to it - it's a little hidden.

7. The staff are top-notch, but exhausted. They've been working non-stop since Royal took ownership of the ship to get it ready for us. The items that haven't been ready aren't a big deal, and can be fun. For example, they were hanging artwork in the Concierge Lounge during happy hour the other night.

8. The technology has potential once the bugs are worked out. The automated services on our TV aren't completely working (e.g. the directory, our account statement, etc), the Royal iQ app gets better every day (we no longer have our stowaway mystery passenger linked to our account on it) and the tablets that the waiters are using will get better. Unfortunately, most of the waiters that we've had needed to go back to pen and paper because the tablets were losing orders. Again, these kinks will be worked out, and honestly, everyone onboard is trying to make up for it. Usually it results in a free drink. None of these kinks are taking away from this very relaxing cruise.

9. The internet and wifi connectivity has gotten better. A couple of days ago, there was a team that was testing service in cabins, and it's improved since then. We still won't have O3B until we're about 100 miles outside of Bayonne.

10. One funny thing that happened the other morning (related to being guinea pigs) was that the PA system came on when it shouldn't have, and the whole ship heard a conversation on the bridge that wasn't supposed to be heard. I don't remember the exact time, but it was before 7am.

11. Those of you who like the jogging track on the Oasis will be disappointed by this one (fortunately there are plenty of treadmills). It's very narrow is you will need to weave in and out of the crowds, especially if there continues to be a long line for the Northstar because it usually ends up on a portion of the track.

12. The SeaPlex is great - pictures don't do it justice for how large it is. We wandered up there late one night when they were having the disco party, which is a much better idea than having the disco its on venue (like the Dungeon on the Voyager class). We didn't stay long because the Music Hall is more our style.

13. Our stateroom is very comfortable, and there are a few improvements that I suspect will happen over time. For example, the coffee table is too large for the room, and the sharp corners are just begging for a shin to run into them.

14. The artwork on this ship is around the theme of "what makes life worth living." It very beautiful. As one of the inaugural gifts, we received a book that features all the artwork.

 

Thanks again for being patient with us answering all your questions. We'll definitely make sure they're answered when we're back home.

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Travalerie

Travalerie

Posted
Posted
Pencruise - please take a look at this album on the Shutterfly site. The Superior Grand Suite is lovely; like a small apartment. :)

 

https://quantumlaunchers.shutterfly.com/cabins/7

 

Do suite guests have the same room service charges for some of the hot items? Are you able to order from the main restaurants like American Icon?

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CarpeCerevisi

CarpeCerevisi

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Hi everyone - lots to catch up on!

 

...

10. One funny thing that happened the other morning (related to being guinea pigs) was that the PA system came on when it shouldn't have, and the whole ship heard a conversation on the bridge that wasn't supposed to be heard. I don't remember the exact time, but it was before 7am.

 

I hope it didn't go something like this:

 

Should we alert the passengers?

 

No there's nothing we can do, let them enjoy their last ... WHO TURNED THAT INTERCOM ON???

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podgeandrodge

podgeandrodge

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Posted (edited)
Wondering if there's any live piano music in the Schooner Bar? Is it open to the esplanade and thus the din drifts in - ala Oasis and Allure?

 

Thanks!

Yes, piano player on grand piano with seats arranged around it, right beside royal theatre.

 

1c33a2f9915070b63e42273218c1afc6.jpg

Edited by podgeandrodge
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queenL

queenL

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Posted
Where is the art with the men scribbling behind the glass? That is fantastic. I have always enjoyed the art on RCI's ships, but I think they have outdone themselves this time. Can't wait to see it myself.

 

Just outside the Schooner bar. If you think that is cool check out the eyeball art. Lots of eyeballs just looking at you. The just finished assembling it outside the Windjammer.

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HiCSailor

HiCSailor

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Posted
Here's a chart for Q's dining venues along w/prices, dress code, deck location/level,meal time and 'notes'...

 

Thanks!

When booking my dining, I scribbled out some notes to augment Royal's cruise planner. This should help many down the road as they negotiate the reservation process.

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OfTheSeasCruiser

OfTheSeasCruiser

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Posted
Thanks for putting this together. I understand that Grande was listed as formal dress except that Royal will not enforce the dress code it lists. What a shame in that it is about the only place that originally required formal. Royal please enforce the formal dress as listed.

 

I haven't seen anything saying the formal dress won't be enforced. I have read that it is a little more of a relaxed formal and that the first night will be casual due to luggage delivery, but I believe it still will be dressier then the other restaurants.

 

Where did you here that it won't be enforced?

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