Cancelled My Reservation; Waiting for RCL to Get its Act Together

[WillChgo]

I was looking forward to my March 21 sailing but after reading the cruisecritic.com reviews we have decided to cancel and to go on Ruby Princess to Mexico instead. It's rated pretty high among Princess cruises and we got a good deal. I look forward to RCL getting their act together so we can enjoy the Anthem or the Ovation in the future (or perhaps even the Quantum). I have sailed on RCL 5 times before, twice on Celebrity, and once on HA, and particularly liked both our Celebrity sailings and Allure of the Seas.

 

We originally booked the Quantum trip with some reservations already as the itinerary was week and sailing late March from NJ the weather might be cold two of the 8 days of the trip.

 

The dynamic diner concept seems a downer for traditionalists who prefer MDR and relationships with their waiters and stablemates. This was not an issue for us and we were looking forward to the variety of restaurants. What worries me is that many point out the uneven service and the morale problems of the staff that get tons of complaints over things they have no control over.

 

Overall RCL doesn't seem to have its act other. The technology is not working as it should. Looks like IPADs all over are getting in the way of good service. And the logistical operations seem quite uneven.

 

I suspect the Quantum will get better. Maybe by March 21 when we were scheduled they will have ironed out the technological, service, and operational problems that are still keeping many of the passengers unhappy.

 

Or maybe they will still be at it.

 

For all of you fans of the Quantum who are sailing in the next few months I hope they do fix their problems soon!

[rbschultz]

I was looking forward to my March 21 sailing but after reading the cruisecritic.com reviews we have decided to cancel and to go on Ruby Princess to Mexico instead. It's rated pretty high among Princess cruises and we got a good deal. I look forward to RCL getting their act together so we can enjoy the Anthem or the Ovation in the future (or perhaps even the Quantum). I have sailed on RCL 5 times before, twice on Celebrity, and once on HA, and particularly liked both our Celebrity sailings and Allure of the Seas.

 

We originally booked the Quantum trip with some reservations already as the itinerary was week and sailing late March from NJ the weather might be cold two of the 8 days of the trip.

 

The dynamic diner concept seems a downer for traditionalists who prefer MDR and relationships with their waiters and stablemates. This was not an issue for us and we were looking forward to the variety of restaurants. What worries me is that many point out the uneven service and the morale problems of the staff that get tons of complaints over things they have no control over.

 

Overall RCL doesn't seem to have its act other. The technology is not working as it should. Looks like IPADs all over are getting in the way of good service. And the logistical operations seem quite uneven.

 

I suspect the Quantum will get better. Maybe by March 21 when we were scheduled they will have ironed out the technological, service, and operational problems that are still keeping many of the passengers unhappy.

 

Or maybe they will still be at it.

 

For all of you fans of the Quantum who are sailing in the next few months I hope they do fix their problems soon!

 

If you go by online reviews alone, you will end up sitting in your house/apartment doing nothing. Generally people go online and post reviews to complain. People who enjoyed a meal/vacation/cruise/service don't go online to rave about it (unless they had an EXCEPTIONAL time).

[WillChgo]

Of course it makes no sense to go by reviews alone. But it not true that only people who complain post reviews. Allure has 88% of reviewers who loved it. Reflection of the Seas, my last Celebrity Cruise has 89%. Quantum of the Seas has 37% as of today. It started in the 50-60s after the inaugural cruise. It went down to the 30s. There's probably a herd effect going on but you can't ignore the date.

 

That being said everyone has different tastes and preferences. I was just sharing my own thought processes.

[rbschultz]

Of course it makes no sense to go by reviews alone. But it not true that only people who complain post reviews. Allure has 88% of reviewers who loved it. Reflection of the Seas, my last Celebrity Cruise has 89%. Quantum of the Seas has 37% as of today. It started in the 50-60s after the inaugural cruise. It went down to the 30s. There's probably a herd effect going on but you can't ignore the date.

 

That being said everyone has different tastes and preferences. I was just sharing my own thought processes.

 

Quantum has never been over 40%...Like you say the new tech has been on the fritz. Do I think anyone should cancel their cruise months before because of something that can be dealt with with relative ease? No definitely not. If new technology [potentially] not working is going to impact your view of your vacation more than the beautiful new ship and the fact that you are away from work and stress, enjoy your Princess Cruise. I did the Inner Passage through Alaska with Princess and it was fantastic. Their service was poor, nickled and dimed for everything, but the scenery was beautiful, the ship with gorgeous, and I went on one of our most favorite excursions we've ever taken there.

[hallasm]

I were at the Maiden Transatlantic cruise, and true - not everything did work to 100% - however I still enjoyed the cruise and is booked on Quantum January 11, 2015.

Looking forward to be back on Quantum- trust that the initial technical problems have been solved and the staff is at normal Royal Caribbean Standard.

[RJL58]

I love both Celebrity and Royal, my best ships are Reflection and Allure.

 

Quantum is the best of both of these ships with the WOW factor.

 

D Dining is new and totally different to the MDR experience, i loved it and the best spec returant has to be wonderland,,,,,freaky in a good way.

 

I was on Quantum in Nov and back on in Mar so cant wait,

 

So sorry you have cancelled as you say you like X and royal too you would have loved it.......

 

So many people are comparing QOS to radiance, freedom and oasis class and thinking it will be the same its not. its a totally different/unique class/style of crusing.

 

And to complainers just dont go on a new ship till at least 6 months out period.

[little britain]

I love both Celebrity and Royal, my best ships are Reflection and Allure.

 

Quantum is the best of both of these ships with the WOW factor.

 

D Dining is new and totally different to the MDR experience, i loved it and the best spec returant has to be wonderland,,,,,freaky in a good way.

 

I was on Quantum in Nov and back on in Mar so cant wait,

 

So sorry you have cancelled as you say you like X and royal too you would have loved it.......

 

So many people are comparing QOS to radiance, freedom and oasis class and thinking it will be the same its not. its a totally different/unique class/style of crusing.

 

And to complainers just dont go on a new ship till at least 6 months out period.

Totally agree and very well said.:D

 

I was on Quantum TA and it definitely ranks in my Top 5 cruises (and I have done 33)

If people go on Quantum expecting the 'usual' RCI experience, yes, you may be disappointed. But I think enough people have said, she is not like the 'usual' RCI ships at all. In fact my review of the TA (which I gave it 5* ) I even called her the Celebrity Quantum.

 

I predict that once that message gets across, once people stop panicking thinking they have to prebook restaurants, once people get used to the DD concept then this gal is going to be 5* all the way....

[LoneStarJeffe]

I think the key is many people who booked thinking "new ship" are realizing it is not just a new ship but a completely different cruise experience. For those who do not feel the cost is worth it for that experience based on reviews so far, I do support them making the hard decision to book something they feel will deliver better value for their money.

 

We are booked in January. I have been reading the reviews and can pick up on things I do not like such as slow service at the different restaurant options. But I like the itinerary and feel like we can manage if we have to using Windjammer and other options.

 

I love the concept of Two70 and iFly. I love the solarium pool area. I love the ports. We have a balcony to get away from others when we want. I have books loaded on my Kindle. I plan to enjoy some adult beverages but I am happy with plain cruise coffee. I want some hot tub time and will donate small amounts to the casino. If lines get too long, I believe I mentioned I have a balcony. So we are looking forward to a new and beautiful ship.

 

But I understand the decisions other make. I do not think they are complainers but people who simply do not see the new style of cruising Quantum has offered as being in line with what they want for a cruise experience.

[WillChgo]

I think the key is many people who booked thinking "new ship" are realizing it is not just a new ship but a completely different cruise experience. For those who do not feel the cost is worth it for that experience based on reviews so far, I do support them making the hard decision to book something they feel will deliver better value for their money.

 

We are booked in January. I have been reading the reviews and can pick up on things I do not like such as slow service at the different restaurant options. But I like the itinerary and feel like we can manage if we have to using Windjammer and other options.

 

I love the concept of Two70 and iFly. I love the solarium pool area. I love the ports. We have a balcony to get away from others when we want. I have books loaded on my Kindle. I plan to enjoy some adult beverages but I am happy with plain cruise coffee. I want some hot tub time and will donate small amounts to the casino. If lines get too long, I believe I mentioned I have a balcony. So we are looking forward to a new and beautiful ship.

 

But I understand the decisions other make. I do not think they are complainers but people who simply do not see the new style of cruising Quantum has offered as being in line with what they want for a cruise experience.

 

The problem for me is not that it is a different cruise of experience. That's exactly why I originally booked. The problem are the many glitches and poor execution many have encountered in the execution of that experience.

 

I really do hope RCL listens to the many critics of the Quantum. It will make it better for everyone in the future.

[Treacher1]

I mentioned this on a previous post, and I will say it again. Many of us are NOT against a new method of cruising. We are totally frustrated with how cumbersome it is to make dining and entertainment reservations - and some people board and even though the reservations are on the tv in their cabin - the restaurant has NO record of the reservation. THAT is frustrating - so we go in March - hope all these computer glitches are resolved till then. It is not the new cruising - it is the losing of reservations that some are experiencing that we find so aggravating. We are not negative - just frustrated. Smooth sailing to all!!

[RJL58]

The problem for me is not that it is a different cruise of experience. That's exactly why I originally booked. The problem are the many glitches and poor execution many have encountered in the execution of that experience.

 

I really do hope RCL listens to the many critics of the Quantum. It will make it better for everyone in the future.

 

IMHO........I say again you need to re book on QOS you will love it.......:cool:

[bay guy]

I think, from reading many of the negative reviews, that many expected Quantum to be a newer version of the other RCI ships and were disappointed and unwilling to accept the fact that it is a totally new cruise ship concept and fairly different from other ships out there.

 

Things change and you have to be willing to go along with the changes.

 

We were on the 12/1 cruise. Having read many reviews before we left, I was prepared to encounter certain problems. What I found was that the overwhelming majority of the problems had been resolved before we got there.

 

A couple of our dining reservations got mixed up and all we did was walk up to the hostess stand of the restaurant we wanted to eat at and explained the mix up and the response was ALWAYS, " Give us a minute and we will be able to seat you. We just need to determine where you will sit." Since we were always willing to sit at a table with others, there was no problem at all. If we wanted a table for two, that took a couple of extra minutes.

 

Personally, I beleive you made a mistake canceling your March cruise. I beleive you would have found that any problems you encountered wouldn't have been any worse than the minor problems we all experience on most vacations.