Live “Wingin’ It” Quantum of the Seas Transpacific Honolulu to Vancouver April 28-May 8, 2023

[Familygoboston]

Familygoboston and Rsharp are back with a LIVE report of our 10 day repositioning cruise aboard QOTS (live, for as long as we can count on the newly installed starlink “voom surf and stream” internet package. The answer to that, and many other questions remain, but hope springs eternal as we each timed the purchases of our VS&S packages like day traders in a bear market, waiting fruitlessly for the deals that never came. Eventually we pulled the trigger sometime around the big Labor Day sale (eschewing the nearly identical, but seemingly differently deals, offered for Black Friday, New Years, Fourth of July, Fathers Day, Mothers Day, wave season, and pumpkin spice season) 

 

So to get caught up…

If you don’t remember these two clowns…here’s your pre class assignments 

 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1760026-photo-review-allure-eastern-4142013-the-good-karma-cruise/

 

And 

 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1760369-10-years-in-the-making-first-cruise-on-allure-eastern-4-14-13/

 

Not required reading, but if you want the easy “A”- we highly recommend doing it! You’ll get the background on how 10 years ago (almost to the DAY!) two people from two very different parts of the country, one with lots of travel and cruising experience, and one on a first time cruise, met and geeked out on travel planning. How we’ve unwittingly loaned each other money, survived a squall, lived to not tell the tale about QUEST and became fast friends who message each other about a new ship launch or the MDR menu and, of course, EVERY SINGLE TIME we book another cruise! 🤣 (or think about booking a cruise, or someone we know books a cruise, etc. You get the picture.) 

 

We both have loving and tolerant spouses who accept our addiction to cruise geeking… and low and behold also like each other and in the unlikeliest of scenarios, we’ve all become great friends and travel buds. FGB and RSharp do the planning (Ad Nauseam) and reviewing. Mr FGB and Mrs R Sharp roll their eyes, commiserate a bit, and usually two weeks prior to sailing or travel ask what sort of weather to pack for and in the case of MR FGB, what camera lenses he will require. 

 

(Those of you who want extra credit, and oh yes, we will give it, read 

 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2664869-picture-imperfect-live-on-harmony/page/15/#comment-57664732

 

The story of our “last cruise” together in June 2019, just before, well, you know what! 

 

So once you’ve done the reading what’s on the syllabus for this LIVE review? More words than you ever wanted from FGB, pictures, (as long as Elon’s promises hold, take that FWIW) opinions, inside jokes, (we will let everyone inside because we are inclusive like that) and just general hilarity (we hope!) 

 

Join us! We’d love to have you aboard! 

[Familygoboston]

You are back! Shocked, gluttons for punishment,  all of you! 
 

So where have we been since 2019… nowhere really…you? Ok, we don’t need to discuss it, no one wants to but in lieu of cruising, we did “land cruises” ie road trips    RSharp bought a shiny white jeep and trekked from his Midwestern state to Northern New England to explore Vermont, drive up My Washington, set our boots on the Appalachian Trail and explore the coast of Maine at our summer home.
 

The RSharp mobile visiting the biggest stack of file cabinets in Burlington VT.
 

Then when the…well you know… just wouldn’t go away, FGB and Mr FGB flew to Chicago, rented a car and trekked west, attending an outdoor wedding in WI, exploring Omaha, KC and Lake of the Ozarks with the hospitality of the RSharp family. 

This satisfied the travel itch for a bit, but providing no interest micro loans (in the form of cruise deposits) was getting old and it was time to do an actual cruise again. 

 

SO How did we pick this one? Our amazing T R A V E L “you know what” (whom we shall refer to as “He Who Shall Not Be Named” or for simplicity and to avoid any possible issues, henceforth know as HWSNBN) is often guilty of feeding our twin addictions/ sending “deals” across our transoms that we are too weak to resist. After much eye rolling, spouses are on board (the arm twisting gets surprisingly easier with each succeeding cruise and after months of sitting around the house in PJs because of…well you know !) and the trip is planned. We don’t always travel together, after the 2013 Allure cruise, FGB didn’t travel with the RSharp party and their biennial group cruise because they usually traveled in the summer time (not a time FGB travels because I have another secret spot in the summer, one I rarely review because it doesn’t accommodate several thousand people!) We did join group for the 2019 big group cruise and because of some employment changes, the group has more flexibility with timing, we could plan to join the group again. 

 

We approached HWSNBN with the idea of an Alaska cruise and he returned with an incredible deal on this repositioning cruise from Honolulu to Vancouver. This met our needs, being a warm weather cruise ( required for Mrs RSharp) and being a new class of ship for all of us. Hawaii is a “new state” to check off for FGB, and everyone was intrigued by the 6 sea days… a chance to really get to explore the ship and hang as a group. 

Group was alerted, bookings made and soon we had our group- a core of about 14 from the original 50+ who were on the 2019 cruise. 

 

But this one is different in a lot of ways! First, the planners usually scour the internet for information about the itinerary and repo cruises only happen once a year, so there’s not a lot to research. Adding to the difficulty was that Quantum of the Seas had sailed to Vancouver in spring of 2022 with only crew aboard… no reviews to read, no Face Book group to stalk. So RSharp and I were planning blind, “winging it” is how we often referred to our planning seshes. Normally, there’s a spread sheet, we discuss what time to have dinners and how they fit with the shows. We plan excursions, and balance them with in board activities like “Love and Marriage” or Quest. But not this time. We didn’t even know which night is “Dress to Impress” (Formerly known as Formal Night) Without this information, we did the unthinkable, what for it… we made a spread sheet empty on the sea days, huge boxes on MS Excel with no plans! No dining booked! No shows penciled in! We are literally “winging it!” 

Empty spread sheets!
 

Now, not a few people in the group are actually quite relieved, you could say even joyous at the idea of having days with not a single thing planned! (We don’t know how or why we are still friends with those people.) But it was anxiety provoking for RSharp and I to stare at those cavernous gaps on the spread sheet, but we will get through it together! 

Edited April 28, 2023 by Familygoboston

[Familygoboston]

The one thing that “winging it” has given us is permission to “pivot” quickly when we need to … this has happened several times during our pre-cruise. RSharp, having taken an incredible trip to Hawaii about 10 years ago, had some specific memories of places to go. But those places have changed entry policies or just become more crowded as Hawaii is more popular with travelers than ever. We pivoted from many plans because accommodating 14 people isn’t as easy as it was a decade ago and certainly a lot harder since, well, you know. 

 

A big dinner planned at Dukes couldn’t accommodate our group. Hanauma Bay snorkeling reservations open at 7 and sell out at 7:10 AM 48 hours before. Tickets to Diamond Head and the Pearl Harbor Arizona memorial must be secured months in advance. We’ve been winging it since we started and continue to “wing it” since we’ve arrived in Honolulu. But are we having any less fun? Nope, we are having just as much fun! The gangs all here, and today is boarding day! 

The gangs all here! 

PRE CRUISE

All of us arrived at different times! Mr FGB and I started our adventure weeks ago with a long cross country flight to LAX, connection to Honolulu on Hawaiian Air. (Stunningly, not one single thing went wrong on our flights! A first since post, well, you know) We overnighted at the Best Western Honolulu airport because of the proximity to the airport, free shuttle, included breakfast and were in our way to Molokai the following morning. 

 

We spent 2 nights at the Hotel Molokai on the lightly inhabited island of Molokai (possibly more chickens than people). Our plan was to meet other long time friends and embark on a 7 day cruise called “Uncruise” aboard the Safari Explorer- an expedition ship that held just 28 passengers for our intimate cruise around the Hawaiian islands of Molokai, Lanai, Maui,  and Hawaii. (If you are interested in Uncruise - cruise in over to the Uncruise section of Cruise Critic, we’ll probably do a review there, and there are others who have. It’s a very different sort of cruise, but we couldn’t leave Hawaii without this more intimate and adventurous exploration of the Hawaiian Islands! We may in fact be the only people to ever cross over on cruises from less than 30 passengers to more than 3k within the week, but we’ve got an interesting travel philosophy. Every cruise can be great, if you accept it for what it is and embrace what it is! It’s like movies, some are Oscar winners and some are marvel movies, both can be entertaining, you just need to know what ticket you bought and embrace the experience!

On Safari Explorer before our QOTS cruise. 

Our Uncruise was incredible- with encounters with wildlife and connections to local people in amazing landscapes. And I have every reason to expect that our QOOS cruise will also be joyous- bumper cars and shoes, and dinners with friends! Is it a cruise? Then I’m probably going to enjoy it! 

[Familygoboston]

After our Uncruise, we connected with the first of our QOTS group.  HWSNBN set is up with an incredible deal at the Hyatt Waikiki Place, located just 2 blocks from the beach. It’s a great location right next to an ABC store (and you’ll learn every hotel is situated next to an ABC store!) and an alley full of inexpensive food trucks.

ABC store next door for sun screen and wine! 

food trucks in the alley! 
 

The hotel is in various states of upgrades, the lower floors are very loud, with street noises and roosters crowing at all hours. This has been mitigated by running the AC fan which sounds alternatively like a raging wind storm and a jet airplane taking off next door.
Hyatt Waikiki Place

pool area with outdoor seating where breakfast is offered 

But it is worth it, the price is right, there is good WIFi, a hot, included breakfast, and guest laundry at a reasonable cost. I’m not sure I could have swallowed prices at 5-10 TIMES the price of this for beach front when we can check out towels and beach chairs and walk two blocks. The staff is friendly and attentive. If you can get past a little noise and cosmetics, it’s been a great option for precruise. 

[Familygoboston]

Honolulu Tours and Pre Cruise

 

I’m sure Rsharp will jump in with thoughts and photos from our precruise too- but here’s a little of what we’ve been up to!
 

Day one we explored SE Hawaii by rental car, checking out (but not snorkeling!) Hanauma Bay, the Koko crater, and Makapuu point and dining at a little shrimp and steak shack. 

snorkelers with reservations head to Hanauma bay

 

On our second day, we explored Pearl Harbor, using Charleys Taxi to travel, visiting the somber Arizona Memorial and remembering the fallen there. 

Reservations required to visit the AZ memorial, but the movie and other attentions can be seen standby

On our third pre cruise day, we hiked Diamond Head and enjoyed Waikiki beach. This time trying Uber. 

Waikiki as seen from Diamond Head summit, this one mile hike each way is steep but not too technical. 
 

On 4th day we did the the North Shore on the Surf Bus, RSharp had taken this tour years ago and it’s still excellent, narration of the route, two stops for local macadamia nuts and fruit (and potty) and once at the North Shore opportunities for 2 activities, as well as excellent (and unexpected!) recommendations for lunch and famous Hawaiian Shave

The Surf Bus picked us up in Waikiki and took us to the North Shore

 

one of the options was a short 1/2 mile hike to the Waimea Falls, where swimming was offered

 

On our 5th day, we did a boat turtle snorkel with Living Oceans, an excellent outfit with very safe operation and friendly helpful staff. 

while not guaranteed, there’s an excellent chance to see green sea turtles both from the boat and in the water snorkeling. We also spotted a mantra ray! 
 

Transportation 

All the transportation options are comparatively expensive, because it’s an island thousands of miles away from the mainland, cars are expensive, gas is expensive and an uber XL (which you’ll need for cruise luggage) to the airport is about 50 bucks, Charleys taxi took a friend to the airport for about 40 bucks.
Renting a car costs a couple of hundred for the day and gas about $4.5 a gallon and most difficult thing is parking in most places, our hotel charges over $50 a day.
The turtle tour is not far from the cruise port, and Uber surge pricing to the area was over $60 for an XL in the morning, but only $30 coming back at a quieter time. So comparing taxi vs pricing on the Uber app is helpful. We were able to walk to most of Honolulus   Waikiki attractions on foot, usually less than mile each way. 

[Familygoboston]

Waikiki 

Waikiki has enough to do even if you never left the area to do other pre cruise activities.  We were able to dine, both sit down and fast food or food trucks. The ABC markets have fresh sandwiches and salads. 
There are lots of shops, getting more upscale the closer you get to downtown! 

The beach is beautiful with lots of pocket parks and foot wash stations. Be sure to check out all the statues along the sidewalk. And there’s a free hula show on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Check the web for times, but it’s generally at sunset! 

sunset in Waikiki. 
 

children perform hula at the public Kuhio park at sunset 

Waikiki at night 

[Mrs.Dukes]

Sounds like you’ve had a great start to your vacation. I look forward to reading about your cruise. Have a great time!

[Familygoboston]

Boarding Day! 
Our group transported separately, and we are in line at the terminal! The most exciting day! 
Bags are dropped and ready to go! 

[Familygoboston]

Boarding Day

Our first time aboard Quantum class! She’s really lovely, large and tricked out with fun stuff like Oasis class, but oriented to the sea and the views in a way Oasis class is not. 
We had a 12 AM health check and 12:30 PM check in time, but people all showed up at noon, causing a big crush. We were sort of at the head of the crush  and were onboard by 12:30 

[crzndeb]

Right behind you on the Ovation. Just about to cross the Equator. I’ve done the crossing ceremony before, so opted to stay in cabin and take a pic of TV, when we hit 0.0 degrees. 14 degrees to go…LOL

[Familygoboston]

Boarding Day

A full day getting organized- let’s face it, our group was all over the place today! 🤣

People booked specialty dining, complimentary I fly and north star. We noticed that as diamond members - 2 on our party could book them as soon as we boarded, others in the group with fewer cruises had to wait till later in the day. But we booked both for our first full sea day, day 5. 
Some on our gang booked some specialty restaurants. We decided to do late dining and when that timing doesn’t work out, we’ll go to the buffets or cafes! 
I think some of our group was a bit out of sorts trying to learn a new class of ship after being familiar with Oasis class! But although I didn’t do a full tour today, I did capture a few photos around the ship. 

the promenade 

The solarium pool

Views from 270 

270

The main theater 

The pool scene from deck 15

[Familygoboston]

We decided to relax in deck and watch the sail away while listening to the live band on the pool deck. 
Relaxing on the upper deck 

this photo is from Waikiki beach taken by a passenger who just got off as our ship passes by Waikiki this evening! 
 

We took in the comedian tonight, at the 7 PM show. Was hoping CD Michael would have the number of passengers aboard this cruise but he did not. 

 

Dinner was seated at 7:45 with doors closing st 8 PM for second seating. (5:45 and 6 pm for early seating) 

our wait staff! Very professional!

Day 1 menu aboard QOTS.  We are still noticing “shortages” of things that ran out during the last cruise, Fosters beer,  drink mixes and my husband seemed to have found the last squirts of ketchup at the windjammer today. We are hopeful that the ship will be resupplied over the next few hours, eliminating the shortages! 
On a positive note, tonight’s fish dish was excellent, very fresh! 
Tomorrow we anchor in Lahaina Maui in the morning and most of our group has a waterfall hike, including lunch and swimming in the pools. 

[LouChamp]

Aloha. Welcome to Hawaii! I love your posts, pictures and vibrant personality. You are the type that brightens a room and certainly put a smile on my face. Have a wonderful voyage!

[amshowers]

We are sailing on Quantum in July and it will also be our first time on this class of ship.  Thanks for taking us along and I look forward to learning the ship with you.  Have a great trip!

[crewsweeper]

Great start.  Would love to read about your Safari Explorer cruise.  Co-worker and family are looking at that next year. From your early pictures, QOTS looks a lot like the Odyessy in terms of layout, definitely not an Oasis ship.  But you'll love the events and cafe at 270.

[barb in ga]

We'll be on Quantum for the May 29 Seattle 7 day. Bringing 3 generations; 4 grandparents, 4 parents, and 2 girls 7 and 13. We're really excited and glad to see the menus posted.

Barb

[rsharp83]

Rsharp here. Yeah this is my crew of 14 cruisers. (In 2019 we had 54). But this is a smaller closer group. But a group that is obviously read for adventure. 

I started this day with a huge rainstorm that looked to thwart our plan for a 6am Diamond Head hike. But somehow the clouds broke in time so up the volcano we climbed. 
 

I wrote this post in a swirl of sleep deprivation and cursing at Elon Musk for failure of Starlink Then finally dropped the phone in mid sentence and succumbed to sleep…

 

I’ll try to do better. 
 

R#
 

 

[rsharp83]

Meanwhile, this is the best picture I’ve taken. 
 

 

[rsharp83]

Today is day #2 and our first Maui day. Many years ago my wife and I came to Maui for our 10th anniversary. And I hooked up with a group called Hike Maui. We spent all day off the beaten path in the Hana region, hiking to waterfalls, and every other sort of attraction. The guide was fantastic and fed us delicious organically grown fruit the whole day.  It ended with he and I jumping into various water holes off of cliffs for 45 minutes at the end of the hike. To this day, it’s probably the best excursion I’ve ever done. So I was eager to book it again, and show my friends what a great experience this company provides. However, it was not to be. They were booked and even if they weren’t, we couldn’t have made the tour time with the tenders. So we did what I typically never do, booked a ship sponsored tour.  We are headed to the rainforest to look at waterfalls etc. crossing my fingers…

[Familygoboston]

9 hours ago, crewsweeper said:

Great start.  Would love to read about your Safari Explorer cruise.  Co-worker and family are looking at that next year. From your early pictures, QOTS looks a lot like the Odyessy in terms of layout, definitely not an Oasis ship.  But you'll love the events and cafe at 270.

Oh I’m def going to review it! Look for it under my screen name on the uncruise tab or you can check out our blog- in the signature. I won’t be able to do it for a while because the photos have to be processed and I have to get back to my laptop! But I’ll be posting all about it, it was incredible! 

[Familygoboston]

9 hours ago, barb in ga said:

We'll be on Quantum for the May 29 Seattle 7 day. Bringing 3 generations; 4 grandparents, 4 parents, and 2 girls 7 and 13. We're really excited and glad to see the menus posted.

Barb

I’ll post each night as long as I have service! 

[Familygoboston]

I’ll let Randy describe our day hiking in Maui. But I thought I’d share tonight’s menu! 

 

[Familygoboston]

Black Rock Beach at Sunset 

We have an overnight in Lahaina Maui tonight. This gives us the opportunity to go out and see the sunset and the Lele Kawa (Cliff Diving) Ritual at the Sheraton Black Rock. The beach, like all Hawaiian beaches is open to the public, and you can Uber up to the resort and just head out to the beach, we stopped at the bar for drinks and then made our way out to the beach to see the ceremonial lighting of the torch and cliff diver. 

 

 

 

[Familygoboston]

Lahaina Maui at night 

After the ceremony we took an Uber back to Lahaina, where we wandered. We enjoyed a gelato at Banyon Treats near Banyon tree park and wandered a bit around the shops. Did you McFleetwood has a bar here?
Also, we found a place to rent chairs, umbrellas and snorkel gear at Boss Frogs which is just off of Front street in Lahaina. Tomorrow we’ll get there in the morning and head back to Kanapali Beach for a day in the sunshine. 

 

 

[Familygoboston]

Lahaina Maui at night 

After the ceremony we took an Uber back to Lahaina, where we wandered. We enjoyed a gelato at Banyon Treats near Banyon tree park and wandered a bit around the shops. Did you McFleetwood has a bar here?
Also, we found a place to rent chairs, umbrellas and snorkel gear at Boss Frogs which is just off of Front street in Lahaina. Tomorrow we’ll get there in the morning and head back to Kanapali Beach for a day in the sunshine.