Just set sail from NJ and......

[Georgeny]

The issues I heard about on FB were not that the internet was not working , they said it worked fine . The problem was that the meter was fast.

When people logged out it told them they had a certain amount of time left. When they logged back on there were less mins left . Guest services and the "IT Guy" observed the problem as well.

 

Not a really big deal on the unlimited plan but on hourly plans for example a big problem.

 

Denise

 

Had that issue on 12/20 sailing, also ability to log in system losing user names and passwords on established accounts. Concierge reset mine would then do new account would work until signed off couldn't sign back on again.

 

Captain then gave ship 1 day FREE internet as Xmas present. That was nice deal but doubted that was really a present. I think they are still working through internet issues and when you are charging top dollars for it you really have to get it right.

 

But they were crediting and resetting accounts no questions asked.

 

George in NY

[Georgeny]

It was free and fast for us for 5 days on our Dec. 20th cruise as well. Then Christmas Eve came around and they turned it off for the rest of the cruise. Unless we wanted to pay something like $120...

 

I only remember one ship wide FREE day on that cruise plus normal free 60 minutes each for Diamond level. Though was odd, my iPhone news links would update without logging in but couldn't get email or websites. Very strange the way it worked like that.

 

Didn't find it any faster than regular internet service at sea myself, I should have tried speed tests just didn't bother. Tried connects on iPhone 5s, iPad3rd gen, and Macbook Pro, all worked well enough but nothing that stood out. Perhaps because FREE time was throttled for basic?

 

They are connecting and tracking by mac address which I bet is causing them some problems keeping system straight. They use mac address ( Media Access Control nothing to do with Apple ) since their new system sells by how many devices can use it. In example you buy 2 device package and have family of 4 probably have 4 devices. Only 2 can be on network at given time. They are also selling unlimited service which would be great feat for ships if it works well. Bandwidth has always been limited at sea because of it being satellite based. Remember ship itself uses tremendous bandwidth for communication of systems etc. This is one area that Quantum could be truly innovative for ships if hey get it working right.

 

George in NY

[Georgeny]

Oh one thing that could be a negative. I shan't be gambling. Every table in the casino is a smoking table. Only a very small part of casino is non smoking and that is slots only. Disappointing.

 

Besides smoke issue I noted very high minimums for a ship casino. Many evenings min on blackjack $100, Baccarat $500 min. Not unusual in lands casino's but on ships generally a " friendlier " amount.

 

Please continue your reports very interesting to see what has changed between 12/20 sailing and yours if anything.

 

George in NY

[mw_1970]

Well that was an interesting nights "sleep".

 

Rocking and rolling all night long and we are still swaying this morning.

 

We are forward on deck 7 in an inside glad we aren't on deck 10+ in an outside where the motion in the ocean must be quite something.

 

As well as swaying lots of thuds heard and felt all night long.

 

Feel like I could sleep all day.

[wesp]

We dined in Chic last night. Our waiters were as engaging as always. Alvarado said he has the same section each night so we will ask to sit with him again when we are at Chic later in the cruise. One of our CCers has recommended a waitress in American Icon as well.

 

We are in balcony cabin on deck 7. The design of the ship has life boats just below us so all of the balconies on either side of the center hump do not look straight down to the sea.

 

We have the cabin with the bed by the balcony. I like this arrangement as it gives more area immediately inside the door. We do not have a coffee table and that helps with the space.

 

Embarkation was a breeze once we got through the line of cars arriving at the pier.

 

So far, so good.

 

Wesley

 

 

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[Meggsieboo]

We're on the ship right now. Embarkation was as easy as could be. We got our luggage promptly. Dinner at Izumi's last night was wonderful. Our balcony door creaked all through the night, but when I called maintenance at 7am they came promptly to fix it. The rough seas are a bit of a bummer and my hubby's iFly today got rescheduled. My only two complaints are all the chair reservers in the Solarium and how hard it was to run on the treadmill and lift weights in this weather. I missed the captain's explanation for why it's so rough earlier today. Did anyone catch it?

 

The Diamond concierge said it should be clear by tonight!

[mw_1970]

Our room attendant Presley (great guy) said it will clear later today.

 

Glad that your meals in Chic and Izumi were good. I would just say don't build you hopes up about Silk. Very average and I reckon the WJ would be a better bet !

 

Tonight we eat at Devinly Decadence in the Solarium.

 

By the way Love the Solarium. Haven't tries to get a chair there yet and was a bit peed off that no one is stopping kids being present up there. There is another large inside pool area right next to Solarium so why people can't just take their kids in there and observe the rules I don't know.

 

Glad we bought Ultimate Package as the Starbucks Coffees (all) are included. We love cafe at Two70 what a great place and great choice of snacks.

[HiCSailor]

Can you let me know how long it took before you could use the pool...when does the weather get better to enjoy the outside of the ship...\

 

 

Enjoy the cruise...

 

You know QOS has two indoor pool areas; so plenty of watery fun to be had even on the coldest of days.

[mw_1970]

Except all pools and hot tubs are closed today due to the rough seas. Both indoor areas still full of people relaxing and enjoying the sun that has now come out.

 

Pity about the ankle biters in the adults only area but then the weather really isn't good enough for them to use open decks and as I say both indoor pool areas are very busy.

Edited January 4, 2015 by mw_1970

[HiCSailor]

We're on the ship right now. Embarkation was as easy as could be. We got our luggage promptly. Dinner at Izumi's last night was wonderful. Our balcony door creaked all through the night, but when I called maintenance at 7am they came promptly to fix it. The rough seas are a bit of a bummer and my hubby's iFly today got rescheduled. My only two complaints are all the chair reservers in the Solarium and how hard it was to run on the treadmill and lift weights in this weather. I missed the captain's explanation for why it's so rough earlier today. Did anyone catch it?

 

The Diamond concierge said it should be clear by tonight!

 

Marine weather shows some big winds and seas. Only so much the stabilizers can erase, but it does look like the ride should smooth out overnight as you move further south.

[Dave85]

Did you happen to notice the table minimums in the casino? Others have reported them being very, very high.

 

 

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[mw_1970]

Marine weather shows some big winds and seas. Only so much the stabilizers can erase, but it does look like the ride should smooth out overnight as you move further south.

 

I'm just hoping the very loud crashes and bangs last night were as a result of the rough weather and not that I have just lucked out with a noisy room that is adjacent in some way to the nocturnal workings and shifting of stuff.

[kiyoko]

Did you happen to notice the table minimums in the casino? Others have reported them being very, very high.

 

 

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Someone told me that on the Christmas cruise there was a junket of 150 passengers of table players. I'm clueless on this, but maybe the minimums were raised for just this cruise because of it. Just guessing.

[mw_1970]

There is a $50 BJ table and two $15 tables.

 

Baccarat (?) $50

 

3 Card min $10 ante and bonus and min $5 pair plus I think. Same goes for ultimate Holdem.

 

Bring a gas mask.

[fish6]

What times were you at the pier......does there seem to be a set pattern as to busy times with traffic, etc.....

[wesp]

Anyone on board ready to play Rumikub?

 

We arrived at 11:45. The car line waiting to drop off wasn't bad at all. If you took your security pictures in advance that will save lots of time. I parked the car after dropping off bags and it was a short walk from the car to the pier.

 

 

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[Dave85]

There is a $50 BJ table and two $15 tables.

 

Baccarat (?) $50

 

3 Card min $10 ante and bonus and min $5 pair plus I think. Same goes for ultimate Holdem.

 

Bring a gas mask.

 

 

Thanks, and wow that's unusually high for both BJ and 3-card. I would play at a $15 min BJ table because I'm comfortable with the game and have been playing for years... But I think they will have a hard time making novice players comfortable enough to jump in at that rate.

 

 

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[wesp]

One of the features in 270 is this great video show.

 

 

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[Jimmers]

I'm just hoping the very loud crashes and bangs last night were as a result of the rough weather and not that I have just lucked out with a noisy room that is adjacent in some way to the nocturnal workings and shifting of stuff.

 

I'd be interested in reading your followup on this. Our balcony room on deck 6 was so noisy we had to wear earplugs every night. Creaking, groaning, popping, mechanical noises, banging at all hours of the day and night. One of the noises sounded like a heavy cart was being rolled across the floor above us. The popping sounds I found were coming from the door frame and the only thing that silenced it was opening the door a crack. Others in our group with adjacent cabins all had similar problems.

 

We thought it was just a deck 6 issue but as the week went on we spoke with at least 3 other cruisers from other decks who reported similar noise issues. One couple was in a suite.

 

And your post is the 3rd or 4th one I've read since returning where noisy rooms have been brought up. Maybe we've been lucky on past cruises but we've never had any noise issues and earplugs have never been on our packing list.

 

BTW, we couldn't find any on the ship but we were able to buy some at the CVS on our first port of call. Hopefully it won't come to that for you.:)

[little britain]

Nice to read another 'positive' 'English' view...keep it up! LOL:D

 

ps: it has been posted on FB that the wifi is free because Richard Fain is on board.

Edited January 4, 2015 by little britain

[Life is Good Cruising]

Our room attendant Presley (great guy) said it will clear later today.

 

Glad that your meals in Chic and Izumi were good. I would just say don't build you hopes up about Silk. Very average and I reckon the WJ would be a better bet !

 

Tonight we eat at Devinly Decadence in the Solarium.

 

By the way Love the Solarium. Haven't tries to get a chair there yet and was a bit peed off that no one is stopping kids being present up there. There is another large inside pool area right next to Solarium so why people can't just take their kids in there and observe the rules I don't know.

 

Glad we bought Ultimate Package as the Starbucks Coffees (all) are included. We love cafe at Two70 what a great place and great choice of snacks.

 

I would be interested in your feedback on Devinly Decadence as we made a reservation for dinner at the end of this month. Thank you :)

[mw_1970]

I'd be interested in reading your followup on this. Our balcony room on deck 6 was so noisy we had to wear earplugs every night. Creaking, groaning, popping, mechanical noises, banging at all hours of the day and night. One of the noises sounded like a heavy cart was being rolled across the floor above us. The popping sounds I found were coming from the door frame and the only thing that silenced it was opening the door a crack. Others in our group with adjacent cabins all had similar problems.

 

We thought it was just a deck 6 issue but as the week went on we spoke with at least 3 other cruisers from other decks who reported similar noise issues. One couple was in a suite.

 

And your post is the 3rd or 4th one I've read since returning where noisy rooms have been brought up. Maybe we've been lucky on past cruises but we've never had any noise issues and earplugs have never been on our packing list.

 

BTW, we couldn't find any on the ship but we were able to buy some at the CVS on our first port of call. Hopefully it won't come to that for you.:)

 

Hmmmm

 

I had ear plugs in and it still kept me awake as it wasn't the sound but the huge vibrations. It was almost like an earthquake.

 

We have the Ultimate package and were surprised to find a bottle of sparkling wine on ice delivered to our room today as complimentary. I had no idea this was coming. Doesn't matter as we can get as much sparkling as we want but a nice touch nonetheless.

[mw_1970]

Thanks, and wow that's unusually high for both BJ and 3-card. I would play at a $15 min BJ table because I'm comfortable with the game and have been playing for years... But I think they will have a hard time making novice players comfortable enough to jump in at that rate.

 

 

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We are at sea today. Just went down to bite the bullet and play. The smoke is unbearable (and thats from an ex smoker of 25 years).

 

There really aren't many tables on here and ALL are in smoking area. The bar in casino is "No Smoking" Yet 5 ft away is the smoking area. It really is horrible. Oh well, thats $500+ less they wont be getting. Shame as I love to play and it's part of a cruise for me.

 

Still, lots of positives. Lots.

[mw_1970]

Anyone on board ready to play Rumikub?

 

We arrived at 11:45. The car line waiting to drop off wasn't bad at all. If you took your security pictures in advance that will save lots of time. I parked the car after dropping off bags and it was a short walk from the car to the pier.

 

 

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Same tim we arrived. If only two lanes of cars didn't have to filter down into one lane we would have all been here even quicker !

 

As you say, follow the planner online, set up on board account and take or upload photo in advance and you'll be on within minutes of arriving at the port. Very very efficient if you get past the moaning unorganised "this is soooooooo different" types with miserable angry faces. "nobody told us"!!!!!

[Dave85]

We are at sea today. Just went down to bite the bullet and play. The smoke is unbearable (and thats from an ex smoker of 25 years).

 

There really aren't many tables on here and ALL are in smoking area. The bar in casino is "No Smoking" Yet 5 ft away is the smoking area. It really is horrible. Oh well, thats $500+ less they wont be getting. Shame as I love to play and it's part of a cruise for me.

 

Still, lots of positives. Lots.

 

 

Ugh, I'm sorry to hear that (as someone sensitive to smoke). Hopefully it will clear up a bit when you guys get down to the warmer weather and more of the smokers move outside. I've been totally spoiled by the great non-smoking section on Oasis and Allure. I was harshly thrusted back to reality on my last cruise, on NCL Breakaway, where there was no such division.

 

 

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Edited January 4, 2015 by Dave85