Is this true,,,,,,say it isnt so about the quantum

[American Bear]

We are also RCL stockholders, we are D+, and Casino Club members!

In our opinion, RCL has taken the business plan/concept to make the ship the destination!

You see this with RCL going the way of larger ships which give you a lot more entertainment/food choices, and fewer port calls!

This will make some happy who cruise for the ship #1!

 

Those who aren't happy have the option of another business plan/concept by Carnival where we are also a stockholder, and Plat. members.

Carnival has taken a plan where they are buying, and building more Ports, as recent openings in the Turks, Honduras, and future ports in the Dominican Republic, and Haiti! Carnival even ports at Coco Cay, RCL's private island! Their approach seems to be itineraries #1, with smaller ships that are renovated with their ongoing 2.0 upgrades!

 

So there it is, 2 concepts, RCL spending on new big ships with the concept of the ship is the destination, and Carnival spending on new ports with the concept of ports are the destination! :)

Will each cruise line offer a little bit of cross over into the 'others' concept? Yes, but its apparent where each company is headed with their big investments right now!:)

[nelblu]

Yes, but if RCI keeps cutting costs they shouldn't, and worries more about it's stock price than how treating it's customers, it will plummet.

 

With the rest of the market!

[Debde]

No one knew your name even at the end of the cruise. There is a total loss of the personal touch,

 

Heck-I noticed a difference in that 'personal touch' from Majesty to Voyager class. One can only imagine how that is lost on these big girls.;)

With that being said-does not mean one does not enjoy the cruise. just don't think it's like walking in 'Cheers' where everybody knows your name!!

 

Royal, at this time has many ships to choose from so you can tailor your vacation needs. Is that not what we all want- a choice!!

Edited December 6, 2014 by Debde

[JL&Fam]

This is just pretty close to the most useless thread so far about Quantum.

I mean come on, not a review, not really a question!

 

Cheers,

Jeff

[BND]

I think its important that we realize how technologically advanced our society is. Most kids nowadays (and people, like me, in their 20s or so), rely on technology in day to day life. RCCL is preparing for the next generation of families that will be coming up in the next decade or so. Although it sucks, change happens, and I will be there to see Royal go through it. :)

 

Some of us 50+ year olds aren't so out of the loop and we use technology at work and at home. I also think some need to realize that the personal touches are important too. Conversation is becoming a lost art.

 

RCI is shooting themselves in the foot. Most of the wealth in this country is in the 50+ yr old crowd. Most families cruise once or twice and are not going to be the repeat cruisers. Cruising has had a lot of changes over the years and not for the good. Cruising used to be something that people dreamed of doing and was something DH and I and our kids could not afford to do 20 years ago. Whether you want to believe it or not, cruising has been "dumbed down". The technology does not change that, in fact it reinforces it by trying to attract the lowest common denominator and providing less personal touches.

 

Don't worry, you'll be 50 before you know it and you'll be less than thrilled with how things have changed in your lifetime too.

 

We're booked on Anthem in 2016 and I'm already worrying about booking shows and dining. It's not a vacation if you have to do RCI's work for them. For Anthem, we plan to just go with the flow and understand we might not get to do everything even on a 10 day cruise.

 

Allure and Oasis were built with the hope that people would repeat because of all the things there were to do that couldn't be done in 7 days. That really hasn't happened. Some people are repeaters, but most cruise once on them and don't go back because it's not the same and doesn't have the personal touches the smaller ships do. I think they will find the same with Quantum class. Although putting Anthem in Cape Liberty guarantees repeat cruisers because a lot of cruisers that have been going on EX, do it because of where it cruises from, not the ship itself.

Edited December 6, 2014 by BND

[Georgeny]

Yes there have been a few that thought DD and the new ship would be the end of RCI and that the stock would plummet. Funny how it's at an all time high and heading higher.:D

 

Currency value, fuel contracts, etc have more weight on the stock value than the product itself more often than not.

 

Stock is dollars and cents, in example you would have presumed that Carnival Corp stock would have plummented on the sinking and deaths and costs of the Costa Concordia. Jan 9 stock was 34.28, sank Jan 13th, biggest 18 million shares trade day after closed at 31.56, barely a blip. Loss was pennies a share to corp. And if you were a buyer, today 44.62, you made a nice profit.

 

In reality between insurance, limited liability etc he stock merely recorded a bump in the road. How RCL handles it's financials is what determines the stock price along with some mixture of perception and overall markets. Also how they string their debt load, Quantum costs almost a billion, the debt structure far more important at this point than whether we as cruisers like or dislike product.

 

This is also why only really three players in this business now, Carnival Corp. RCL Corp and Asian Star. So stock really not a measure of anything. I may not like DD but I love the stock, make enough $$ to sail the other lines :)

 

George in NY

[Georgeny]

I think its important that we realize how technologically advanced our society is. Most kids nowadays (and people, like me, in their 20s or so), rely on technology in day to day life. RCCL is preparing for the next generation of families that will be coming up in the next decade or so. Although it sucks, change happens, and I will be there to see Royal go through it. :)

 

Yes I realize how technologically advanced society is now and I personally apologize to your generation and the next for having invented, built and marketed all this stuff for you. We gave you a fish, we should have taught you to fish yourselves ;)

 

You were forced to grow up on the web, we should never have created it. You only use cellphones, we should have never invented them or the wireless technology to be used in them.

 

Our generation was the same, we didn't realize that someone invented the water closet we only knew that we had indoor plumbing, toilets! We didn't know how to start a fire without a bic lighter etc. So all generations think they are the IT one. We did, FREE LOVE man, STD's what are they.

 

http://www.reuters.com/article/2010/12/22/idUS182429596720101222

 

George in NY - said with a smile no flames unless from a bic

[ante2001]

This is just pretty close to the most useless thread so far about Quantum.

I mean come on, not a review, not really a question!

 

Cheers,

Jeff[/quote This post is getting a lot of interesting responses( which I really appreciate) for being useless

[Stags14]

I have not been on the new ship, but technology should enhance an experience, not replace it.

 

The notion that technology is taking over is a bit extreme. I can see the crew utilizing the technology to make their jobs easier but not to DO their jobs.

 

I'm not sure what this dynamic dining is but on our last cruise we ate dinner at the windjammer and loved it.

 

On the Allure we had to make reservations for shows, really wasn't a big deal. We did it the day of and got into every venue we were interested in. We tend to take our vacations in stride anyway - whatever happens, happens. No schedules to tend to.

Edited December 6, 2014 by Stags14

[cindyscruise]

I remember when the Oasis and then Allure came out. What negativity about Oasis - too big and all the comments about "I'll never sail her service terrible, no one knows what they are doing" etc. I didn't think I would ever want to sail on one that big but here I am 2 cruises on Oasis and 1 on Allue and another Oasis planned for June 2015. Not sure if I will try the new ships. Haven't experienced dd for myself yet so I will hold my opinion. I can always make a reservation for the same restaurant and probably could request the same waiter. Will have to wait and see for that one. However, the last few cruises I have been on the dining room had so many empty seats with people going to the specialty restaurants or the windjammer, apparently many don't eat in the mdr. RC, carnival, princess are mass market cruiselines and as such cater to the masses. I believe the smaller ships will remain traditional so this way there is something for everyone.

[Missus Makkem]

D o not worry too much about the Quantum she will soon be in China and we can read what they think about her.

Now that should be interesting.

 

Me I can live without her but will see how the Anthem differs next year,

[ante2001]

D o not worry too much about the Quantum she will soon be in China and we can read what they think about her.

Now that should be interesting.

 

Me I can live without her but will see how the Anthem differs next year,

 

Too funny .....

[jimandtoni]

I think its important that we realize how technologically advanced our society is. Most kids nowadays (and people, like me, in their 20s or so), rely on technology in day to day life. RCCL is preparing for the next generation of families that will be coming up in the next decade or so. Although it sucks, change happens, and I will be there to see Royal go through it. :)

 

Change only sucks when the change is NOT an improvement....

[Bookish Angel]

I don't care about my waitperson getting to know my preferences as I don't care for fawning, obsequious service, anyway. I just want polite, unobtrusive service while dining with just my husban.

[jimandtoni]

We are also RCL stockholders, we are D+, and Casino Club members!

In our opinion, RCL has taken the business plan/concept to make the ship the destination!

You see this with RCL going the way of larger ships which give you a lot more entertainment/food choices, and fewer port calls!

This will make some happy who cruise for the ship #1!

 

Those who aren't happy have the option of another business plan/concept by Carnival where we are also a stockholder, and Plat. members.

Carnival has taken a plan where they are buying, and building more Ports, as recent openings in the Turks, Honduras, and future ports in the Dominican Republic, and Haiti! Carnival even ports at Coco Cay, RCL's private island! Their approach seems to be itineraries #1, with smaller ships that are renovated with their ongoing 2.0 upgrades!

 

So there it is, 2 concepts, RCL spending on new big ships with the concept of the ship is the destination, and Carnival spending on new ports with the concept of ports are the destination! :)

Will each cruise line offer a little bit of cross over into the 'others' concept? Yes, but its apparent where each company is headed with their big investments right now!:)

Oh no...i may have to cruise on Carnival

[nelblu]

D o not worry too much about the Quantum she will soon be in China and we can read what they think about her.

Now that should be interesting.

 

Me I can live without her but will see how the Anthem differs next year,

 

The Chinese, are more respectful. Plus, we'll need translators if they post. LOL

[Wilda]

It appears the long time cruisers aren't going to stop bashing this new ship & RCCL. While it's not a ship I envision sailing on, people need to accept that RCCL is building these for the next generation of cruisers & their families, not those of us that have been cruising awhile.

 

Did anyone really think they added Cartoon Characters, Barbie, FloRiders, Carousels, Splash Zones, Zip Lines, & all that other stuff to entertain the old timers? They're doing everything they can to attract families & it's fine with them if we move on.

 

There are other choices. If you aren't happy, just go. The decisions have been made & complaining isn't going to change them.

 

Couldn't agree more with your post! One of the reasons I like the RCI product is they are not afraid to change things up. I love the innovation on their ships and prefer to make up my mind about whether I like a ship after I have sailed ;) We will probably try Anthem when all of the hullabaloo dies down and the prices level off.

[Missus Makkem]

The Chinese, are more respectful. Plus, we'll need translators if they post. LOL

 

Not nessesarily its amazing that they are taught English.

 

Met quite a few Chinese youngsters on our last Adventure cruise starting to work for RCI mostly in Windjammer but very interesting to talk to them.

[zeridan]

No one knew your name even at the end of the cruise. There is a total loss of the personal touch, you are not special and they seem not to be tasked with making you feel that way. The loss of the main dining room is a big part of that and the rushed staff that just does not have the time to care for the guest. Adequate crew, No Belly Flop contest, Worlds Sexiest Man, Wine tastings, martini classes, beer tasting, drink special, Royal Caribbean singers & dancers, fair well show, 70's dance party, and many more missing things I can not list them all. This was a fail to me and I was disappointed in virtually all of the ship. We are scheduled on the Quantum and the Anthem and are already calling to cancel and get to a real Royal Ship not this new terrible excuse for a SHIP or buy a camper and watch other sail out. i guess they still met the WOW for me What Obtuse Waste. I am also a share holder and looking to dump the stock since the fleet is going this way. I guess the biggest miss for me is telling your crew here is a tablet and making it seem pretty clear they were not to think or act on their own any longer, the tablet decides how well you are treated.

 

Regardless of how you feel about the ship, dumping company stock due to an emotional reaction is absurd.

 

The company obviously know what it is doing, even if you don't like it. Their stock just made the S&P 500 and is already climbing again. The company is extremely profitable. Things are going well for our friends Royal, and I am proud of them.

 

Quantum class is clearly not for you. They never promised every ship would be for every customer, quite to the contrary in fact. Keep sailing on the ships you love, and relax, it is a vacation. =)

[mollyeilis]

Heck-I noticed a difference in that 'personal touch' from Majesty to Voyager class.

 

On the other hand, on the 5th day of our Freedom cruise a bartender who had seen me and DH together *once* on the first night not only knew our names (before I handed my card over) but knew what we wanted, even though DH wasn't with me at that time.

 

On Vision, we didn't have that experience at all. Totally anonymous.

[aloha of the seas]

I know you are saying change is inevitable, but do we change such stables as the Schooner Bar, the Windjammer and the Viking Crowne Lounge. As much as people like these venues, that is as much as people like some of the things that are disappearing on the Quantum. If Royal plans on changing its image, maybe they should let their older cruisers transfer their cruise points to Celebrity who remains more traditional

[Ocean Boy]

The RCI experience has always been somewhat different depending upon whether you were on a Sovereign, Radiance, Voyager/Freedom, or Oasis class ship. So the Quantum class seems to be somewhat unique also. We go between Oasis and Voyager/Freedom class depending on what we are looking for with a particular cruise. It is simply a matter of deciding what you want, or which class suites you best, and sailing on those ships.

 

I think it is a good thing that RCI offers choices instead of each class of ship offering exactly the same experience. I don't know yet if Quantum will be right for us. I'll keep reading reviews and trying to get a feel for things. That is the same tact I took with Oasis/Allure. Those ships turned out to suite us. Maybe Quantum will and maybe it won't.

[DM_KidAtHeart]

Why did you quote someone else and not say you were quoting? And why did you choose to quote only a negative review? I read all reviews then experience something myself and make up my own mind.

 

 

 

When I sail on the Quantum in February I expect it to be a new experience. I am really looking forward to the ship itself and the shows. I am a little hesitant about the dining, but I think it will be like any other vacation where I choose a different restaurant each night. Only after I go will I know whether I want to do it again.

 

 

 

I would expect a brand new ship with a brand new crew to have growing pains. The first several cruises they are not going to have it all together. There is a steep learning curve for everything. Did you have your job down pat on the first day? I sure didn't.

 

 

 

I think Royal is smart to try something new. I expect they will tweak the activity offerings and the menus as they find out what works and what doesn't. If companies don't innovate, they stagnate and grow stale. I like the fact that each ship, even in the same class, has a different vibe. That way I get to stay with Royal yet have a different experience each time.

 

 

These are my sentiments exactly.

 

 

Sent from iPhone using Cruise Critic App

[ante2001]

I know you are saying change is inevitable, but do we change such stables as the Schooner Bar, the Windjammer and the Viking Crowne Lounge. As much as people like these venues, that is as much as people like some of the things that are disappearing on the Quantum. If Royal plans on changing its image, maybe they should let their older cruisers transfer their cruise points to Celebrity who remains more traditional

 

well said

[RoyalDiamond]

Sailed on Quantum twice already....Yes, a beautiful ship. But, it just didn't have that Royal Caribbean "feel" to it. It had more of a Celebrity feel to it.

The evening activities were very lacking. In fact, the headliner on night 3 also performed on night 4. Then, the headliner on night 5 also performed on night 6. There should have been a little more variety. The dynamic dining, for us, was fantastic. I loved going somewhere different every night. Different strokes for different folks. So, we were kind of bored. Don't get me wrong, I'm NOT complaining. I love cruising no matter what. And no, I don't want every ship to be the same. So, while Quantum is stunning and gorgeous, and I'm happy we experienced it, I'm ready to return to the other ships in the fleet.

 

Peter