LIVE from Alaska on the Quantum of the Seas

[BirdTravels]

7 minutes ago, Lorey2007 said:

I would also like to know how long it takes to get through the customs bldg to where the bus & taxi's are. Our private excursion said he can pick us up right outside that bldg.

Usually as fast as you can walk. It is either facial recognition (smile at the camera until you get a green light) or a quick flash of your passport to a CBP officer. The slow part is getting off the ship (often slowed by those who “know better” and try to carry their own luggage off the ship, bumping and stumbling all the way down the ship’s halls, gangway, and terminal). 

[BirdTravels]

You can get a fun snack at the Dog House in the SeaPlex. 

 

[Lorey2007]

51 minutes ago, BirdTravels said:

Usually as fast as you can walk. It is either facial recognition (smile at the camera until you get a green light) or a quick flash of your passport to a CBP officer. The slow part is getting off the ship (often slowed by those who “know better” and try to carry their own luggage off the ship, bumping and stumbling all the way down the ship’s halls, gangway, and terminal). 

Just to clarify I meant in Victoria for our excursion at 6:15

 

[BirdTravels]

2 minutes ago, Lorey2007 said:

Just to clarify I meant in Victoria for our excursion at 6:15

 

There is no customs. Just walk off as soon as the ship is cleared. 

[Around_the_globe]

Hello all.

 

Apologies if this has been asked/answered previously, who is the Hotel Director currently on the Quantum? We are sailing in August and it's always good to know. 

 

Thanks!

[SKSMIKE5]

BirdTravels, thank you for the picture of the dock in Juneau, that helps with the distance.

 

I have another question, it appears there is no requirement to take a COVID test prior to disembarking in Seattle, correct? When I booked last year they said everyone would be given a test onboard prior to arrival back in Seattle (did this on our transatlantic last November when we came in to FL). But looking at the departure letter you posted and the RCCL Checklist email I got today for our cruise in a week, it doesn't appear as though that is still required. The Checklist says each guest should check their home country's testing requirements and plan to travel with a test kit to meet re-entry testing requirements if necessary for their home country. Based on all of that, I'm going with we don't have to test prior to returning home to Ohio. Thanks again for all your help! 

[WeMissSeaView]

1 hour ago, Around_the_globe said:

Hello all.

 

Apologies if this has been asked/answered previously, who is the Hotel Director currently on the Quantum? We are sailing in August and it's always good to know. 

 

Thanks!

PHILIP ASHCROFT, HOTEL DIRECTOR - He just started this week.

[BirdTravels]

48 minutes ago, SKSMIKE5 said:

BirdTravels, thank you for the picture of the dock in Juneau, that helps with the distance.

 

I have another question, it appears there is no requirement to take a COVID test prior to disembarking in Seattle, correct? When I booked last year they said everyone would be given a test onboard prior to arrival back in Seattle (did this on our transatlantic last November when we came in to FL). But looking at the departure letter you posted and the RCCL Checklist email I got today for our cruise in a week, it doesn't appear as though that is still required. The Checklist says each guest should check their home country's testing requirements and plan to travel with a test kit to meet re-entry testing requirements if necessary for their home country. Based on all of that, I'm going with we don't have to test prior to returning home to Ohio. Thanks again for all your help! 

Only UNvaccinated guests (i.e., kids) need a disembarkation test. Vaxxed passengers returning to the US do not need testing. 

[BirdTravels]

1 hour ago, Around_the_globe said:

Hello all.

 

Apologies if this has been asked/answered previously, who is the Hotel Director currently on the Quantum? We are sailing in August and it's always good to know. 

 

Thanks!

See Post #43 on this thread. 

[BirdTravels]

Hot, delicious pizza early morning, noon, and night at Sorento’s. 

[CTSandy]

Thanks so much for the detailed report - we are sailing Quantum on August 8 and this was very handy for deciding what we want to do on board.  Surprised no video poker on board but I guess that means I will be spending less time and $$$ in the smoky casino.  Did Alaska last September on Celebrity Millenium, which was a very enjoyable experience. Thinking this will be quite different!

[la_croisiere_s'amuse]

6 hours ago, scooterchamp said:

Do you know how obstructed the obstructed view balconies are on the ship? Is it even worth it to try for one of them or is the view still pretty good? 

Bird's hands (wings?) are pretty full, so I'll field this one. 🙂 

 

Some of the obstructed view balconies are exactly what you describe: a lovely view of a lifeboat. 😉 Others are substantially less obstructed, and a few barely at all. So unfortunately, when it's a Royal Up or guarantee cabin situation, you're definitely taking a chance.  When you're booking an obstructed cabin that you choose yourself, there are resources to help you find the least obstructed ... but here, it's a total roll of the dice. 

[SKSMIKE5]

3 hours ago, BirdTravels said:

Only UNvaccinated guests (i.e., kids) need a disembarkation test. Vaxxed passengers returning to the US do not need testing. 

Thank You!! Enjoy your last night! Hope getting off tomorrow is uneventful!

 

[BirdTravels]

Quantum of the Seas in Victoria 

 

Edited June 6, 2022 by BirdTravels

[BirdTravels]

1 hour ago, CTSandy said:

Thanks so much for the detailed report - we are sailing Quantum on August 8 and this was very handy for deciding what we want to do on board.  Surprised no video poker on board but I guess that means I will be spending less time and $$$ in the smoky casino.  Did Alaska last September on Celebrity Millenium, which was a very enjoyable experience. Thinking this will be quite different!

You may be in luck. They are planning to update the Casino in the July timeframe. You may have all new machines to play on. 

[BirdTravels]

Day 7 Main Dining Room

 

[BirdTravels]

Good Night

[J0Y0US]

Have to say with the prices of bottled Alcohol that is the way to go over a drink package. Sure you can only drink it in your room but if you have a balcony thats not too bad to have for evening drinks. Possibly even bring dinner back or a late night snack to the room.

[J0Y0US]

16 hours ago, BirdTravels said:

Hot, delicious pizza early morning, noon, and night at Sorento’s. 

I saw a video from someone else who didn't really like Sorento's on the Quantum compared to others but this was on like the 2nd cruise out of Seattle.

 

How would you rate the pizza? Pretty good?

 

Also were they doing custom orders at this point? I saw on previous sailings you couldn't do anything custom to the pizza just order from a preset menu.

Edited June 6, 2022 by J0Y0US

[reallyitsmema]

4 minutes ago, J0Y0US said:

Have to say with the prices of bottled Alcohol that is the way to go over a drink package. Sure you can only drink it in your room but if you have a balcony thats not too bad to have for evening drinks. Possibly even bring dinner back or a late night snack to the room.

 

You can not buy a bottle of liquor from the store on the ship and bring it back to your cabin.  Any alcohol purchased from the store is delivered to your cabin the last night of the cruise.  There are bottles that you can buy precruise from gifts and gear but they are only 375ml at a ridiculously high price.

[BirdTravels]

1 hour ago, J0Y0US said:

I saw a video from someone else who didn't really like Sorento's on the Quantum compared to others but this was on like the 2nd cruise out of Seattle.

 

How would you rate the pizza? Pretty good?

 

Also were they doing custom orders at this point? I saw on previous sailings you couldn't do anything custom to the pizza just order from a preset menu.

No custom orders from Sorento’s. Not sure about room service. 

[BirdTravels]

Back to where we started. 

 

Our disembarkation timeline 

7:35 leave stateroom

 No line at Deck 5 security

7:45 in the cruise terminal

8:00 picked up bags in luggage hall, through Customs, on RCCL transfer bus, Leaving port. 

(basically kept walking without delays from our stateroom)

8:55 arrive SEA bus terminal (lots of traffic)

9:15 checked bags, through security and in airport waiting area.

 

 

 

[BirdTravels]

Getting to the airport. 
 

The Bird always choose the RCCL bus transfer. As soon as a bus is full, it leaves for the airport. $29.95 per person ($60 total for 2 of us). 
 

Comparable Uber and Lyft prices at the time we left the terminal (remember to add 18%-20% tip to the prices below). We normally book a XL because of our luggage. 
 

 

 

[BirdTravels]

That’s a wrap. Happy that some of you could sail along with The Bird to Alaska on the Quantum of the Seas. 

[biomedbob]

Our Grand daughter and her husband are doing this for their Honeymoon.   This rollcall isn't very active because I guess there will be a lot of first time cruisers.  I trying to come up with ideas that others who will onboard will say "Hi" whenever they see them.  I thought if folks would bring ice box magnets to put on their cabin door or something else just to mess with them.  They are a very unique couple....she has bright red long hair, and he is about 300 lbs.

 

Any ideas would be appreciated.  They will be in cabin 10118.

 

They are Clayton & Savannah