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

[Life is Good Cruising]

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.

 

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.

 

We had a junket of 250 table and slot players on our 3 night sailing and they only had 1 BJ table where the minimum was $15 a hand and that table was packed every night. We manage to get a sit at the $15 table only 1 night to play BJ. I recall seeing a $50 BJ table, but not a $100 BJ table on our cruise.

 

As many times as we have been on Explorer, they would have only 1 BJ table at $50 a hand and hardly anyone was ever there. The $5 & $10 BJ tables were **always** packed on Explorer. Quite a few times I would asked the pit boss on Explorer if they would lower the $50 BJ table since no one was playing, they did with no problem. I can't see that happening on Quantum.

[wesp]

Ok. My two complaints.

1. Crowded elevators that seem to stop at every floor.

2. And seriously: the smoke from the casino.

 

The sun is out. Northstar is open. All seems right in the world. Now if they only refilled the soft serve machine.....

 

 

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[puggylicious]

Bummer about the cigarette smoke. I definitely won't spend any time or money in the casino. Can't stand the smell clinging to my hair and clothes. Loving your posts. Looking forward to more.

[Bmulder1]

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.

 

Interesting comments about the noises within the rooms. We had a Junior Suite which was absolutely beautiful but there was a loud creaking noise coming from within the wall right behind our bed. Thankfully we are not light sleepers, but I could see how this would be a real problem for some people.

[Bmulder1]

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

 

Funny that it was working for you for one day only. Mine worked flawlessly for 5 days (email, Internet etc.) I did pay the $14.95 for the Royal IQ chat and text feature. Maybe that had something to do with it?

[Chadr135]

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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How much did it cost to park at the pier? We are loving the updates and reviews, thanks so much and enjoy!

Edited January 5, 2015 by Chadr135

[Life is Good Cruising]

How much did it cost to park at the pier? We are loving the updates and reviews, thanks so much and enjoy!

 

It is still $19 a day to park at the pier. Find the pier parking very safe to leave your car.

[Lady Hudson]

Too bad about the casino. I am on the ship now and agree too smoky plus the high minimum tables are not a lot of fun. I will be playing much less (which means I will lose less). That will be good for me but not RCI. I have always enjoyed the ship casinos because they were not cut throat. Guess that is changing.

[Georgeny]

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.

 

As a former 40 year smoker who is never bothered by smoke, I agree the casino smoke situation was bad. That was surprising as I would have thought with today's attitude about smoking that a new ship would have a great ventilation system installed in such an area. It's like the smoke just hangs there. I go to a cigar bar for lunch with friends once a week. place has been a cigar bars for 50 years and doesn't have as much lingering smoke smell.

 

George in NY

[Georgeny]

Funny that it was working for you for one day only. Mine worked flawlessly for 5 days (email, Internet etc.) I did pay the $14.95 for the Royal IQ chat and text feature. Maybe that had something to do with it?

 

Possible, think their whole system was working very strangely.

 

George in NY

[wesp]

A few updates from Sunday evening.

 

Mamma Mia = WOW

After so many years of shows with mediocre content by the Royal Caribbean Dancers, we had a night of WOW. Granted there is not much depth and meaning to the story in Mamma Mia, but the energy and fun of it all is perfect for a show at sea. Watch for the guys dancing in snorkel flippers. Lol.

 

American Icon was a mess. The food was good however the service and atmosphere was chaotic. I ordered the Nebraska short rib and my wife had surf and turf. The short rib was more like a pot roast that was very tender. About half way through dinner my wife realized she only received turf - no shrimp on the plate. Our wait staff did not offer any of the attention as we received in Chic the night before. As we were leaving I noticed the waiter station, usually neat and tidy in the main dining room of olde, was a mess of dirty dishes. Regarding the menu, American Icon looks like a fun place to order dinner from the appetizer menu, something I never thought about under the main dining room system.

 

There was an air of energy and excitement on the Royal Promenade last night as Mamna Mia and Starwater both let out at the same time and people headed toward the center of the ship from theaters on both ends.

 

The weather this morning is sunny and the seas have finally calmed. Today is iFly and a cabin crawl.

 

Wesley

 

 

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[JL&Fam]

If you think the smoke in the casino is bad now, wait until Nassau and the peeps come back on board with their cheap "Cuban" cigars!

 

Cheers,

Jeff

[roe2ship]

A few updates from Sunday evening.

 

Mamma Mia = WOW

After so many years of shows with mediocre content by the Royal Caribbean Dancers, we had a night of WOW. Granted there is not much depth and meaning to the story in Mamma Mia, but the energy and fun of it all is perfect for a show at sea. Watch for the guys dancing in snorkel flippers. Lol.

 

American Icon was a mess. The food was good however the service and atmosphere was chaotic. I ordered the Nebraska short rib and my wife had surf and turf. The short rib was more like a pot roast that was very tender. About half way through dinner my wife realized she only received turf - no shrimp on the plate. Our wait staff did not offer any of the attention as we received in Chic the night before. As we were leaving I noticed the waiter station, usually neat and tidy in the main dining room of olde, was a mess of dirty dishes. Regarding the menu, American Icon looks like a fun place to order dinner from the appetizer menu, something I never thought about under the main dining room system.

 

There was an air of energy and excitement on the Royal Promenade last night as Mamna Mia and Starwater both let out at the same time and people headed toward the center of the ship from theaters on both ends.

 

The weather this morning is sunny and the seas have finally calmed. Today is iFly and a cabin crawl.

 

Wesley

 

 

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Thanks for the updates. Can you tell me what time was your dinner at the American Icon? Also, what time did those shows start last night? Trying to get an idea as our entertainment is still not available. TIA and enjoy the rest of your time on Quantum.:)

[wesp]

We had dinner at 5:30. Mamma Mia started promptly at 8:30 with doors open at 7:45. Get there early and sit on the lower level. Starwater is listed at 10:00 pm.

 

 

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[newcruiser08820]

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.

Solarium is not always " adults only"

From website *During inclement weather and select hours, the ship may permit the Solarium pool to be used by persons under age 16 provided they are directly supervised by a parent or guardian"

[Cheerysmom]

Yes

 

All passengers that had pre paid will be reimbursed.

 

I was on the New Year's cruise and had a slight problem with the internet reception being "spotty". Also, luckily I had 60 minutes free because I was Diamond Plus. How did you receive unlimited free internet?

 

We also had a problem with dynamic dining . .. . we had reservations for 7:15. People would just show up and be seated. So, we showed up at 7:10 and people who were in line before us with reservations for 9 got seated before us. I was livid. So we were not seated until almost 8. They were not using the two line system for those with and those without reservations. At least the night we were at silk. And once we were seated it took about 20 minutes for anyone to acknowledge us. ugh.

Edited January 5, 2015 by Cheerysmom

[mw_1970]

Bummer about the cigarette smoke. I definitely won't spend any time or money in the casino. Can't stand the smell clinging to my hair and clothes. Loving your posts. Looking forward to more.

 

I don't have any hair !

 

I decided to play 3 card last night. Smoke wasn't too bad or maybe I was just too drunk to worry

 

Came away $100 up after 90 minutes

[Dave85]

Came away $100 up after 90 minutes

 

 

Very nice, congrats! I never have much luck winning anything in 3 card.

 

 

 

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[mw_1970]

Had a great night last night

 

We ate at Devinly Decadence and we absolutely loved it.

 

We both had superb Chicken Satay to start followed by beef tenderloin and a BBQ Chicken Flatbread pizza. We shared both dishes and they were delicious. Service and food were superb. We have cancelled American Icon tomorrow and rebooked DD. We have decided to only eat at Specialities bow just as we do on NCL.

 

Saw a superb Bon Jovi tribute in Music Hall last night. Almost a 90 minute continuous set and they were brilliant. Music Hall is perfect for this sort of thing. Then we bit the bullet and played in the Casino which was packed but didn't seem so smoky.

 

Ok, so this ship is100% not RCL and anyone expecting it to be will be surprised. NCL should buy this ship and show them how to do Freestyle properly as this staff do not want to do Freestyle. They want traditional dining. There is not enough staff or management on board to make this concept work for RCL.

 

Nevertheless, we are loving it and one major plus this ship has over NCL is the pool decks. They are superb and spacious unlike NCL who give up 1/3rd of their top deck to suite guests only.

 

Today the sun is shining and we have just had breakfast at Cafe Two70 which is a superb venue.

[mw_1970]

The towell "game" is in full force i have removed a folded towell from a bed so my wife and I can sit together. I asked pool attendant and towell guy if this was ok they said go ahead.

 

I got called "a sh1t" by a lovely fat american woman on the next bed for doing so. I am prepared for the altercation that will no doubt follow.

[mw_1970]

By the way, can't remember the situation on other ships but on here you just ask for your towels. They do not ask for room number or cruise card so the towel is not assigned to anyone. I am sure on other ships I have had to effectively sign in and out pool towels.

[Life is Good Cruising]

Thank you for the feedback on Devinly Decadence. I hope we enjoy it as much as you have. Were there many people dining in Devinly Decadence?

 

I know you only spent two nights on board so far, if you get a chance during the week, can you let me know if the restaurants have 2 lines, one for people with reservations and one line for people without reservation.

 

Thank you.

 

Continue to enjoy your cruise :)

[mw_1970]

DD was practically empty as apparently very few people realise it is there as all other restaurants are on lower decks.

 

Yes two lines for all restaurants but people without reservations are trying it on and getting in wrong line on purpose.

[Life is Good Cruising]

DD was practically empty as apparently very few people realise it is there as all other restaurants are on lower decks.

 

Yes two lines for all restaurants but people without reservations are trying it on and getting in wrong line on purpose.

 

Thank you so much for taking the time to respond :).

 

Have you booked Jaime's, that was my favorite restaurant so far.

 

On Explorer we saw a band called Blaze of Glory that also did a tribute to Bon Jovi and they were excellent.

Edited January 5, 2015 by Life is Good Cruising

[mw_1970]

Jamies for tonight. DD again tomorrow and then Chops. After that we will decide which speciality to go to next. It really is easy to get reservations.