Tyler80

I'm really hoping for two different shows. Are there any other royal ships that have the same show? Have they every done that before?

Technically yes, Liberty, Freedom and Independence of the Seas have all shared Once Upon A Time and In The Air, some overlapping at the same time. But never have two Royal Caribbean ships performed the same Broadway show at the same time.

I'm quite curious now (and not just because I booked her) what they will do with Anthem, now that they plan to make her the Official Quantum Class Ship of the New York City Market. While incorporating a West End production made a lot of sense when the plan was to shuttle her back and forth between Southampton and Fort Lauderdale, it doesn't make as much sense if they plan (key word, plan... nothing set in stone) to keep her in Bayonne year round once she arrives in late 2015 depending on the Bermuda situation.

You are right Dave. I don't know if the entertainment plans still stand for Quantum and Anthem. Or if that really matters since the ships will probably move around anyway. It might seem counterproductive to offer a show on a ship that sails from Bayonne that you can see up the street on Broadway. Or maybe not.

Even though Quantum is going to Asia and is said to have Mamma Mia onboard, it probably won't stay in Asia forever, or at least lets hope not. If Anthem gets a newer West End show, it might interest some in the greater NY area once Anthem re-positions to Bayonne. Things are so up in the air now with ship deployment.

Will I be allowed to bring a small traveling steam iron on the Oasis?

When packing, roll your clothing or fold neatly like stores do to minimize wrinkles. Once in your room, promptly unpack and hang items in the closet to loosen wrinkles.

Don't worry too much about looking like a wrinkled mess, everyone else is in the same "boat" as you are. :D

My children are excited about the cupcake shop on the Independence. Does anyone know if it is free like Sorrentos or chargeable life Ben and Gerry's?

$2.50 per cupcake. Cake is better generally when it is room temperature. The cupcakes are refrigerated according to health code standards.

I was wondering if anyone had any insight or thoughts about the entertainment onboard the Quantum/Anthem.

Originally, Mama Mia was set to be on the QoS when she debuts in NJ.

Knowing that she'll still homeport in NJ for a brief stint, I believe that this will still be the case.

But I'm more curious about what will happen when she moves to China.

It's my guess that they'll just move the show to Anthem when she comes to NJ, but that brings all sorts of contractual questions, such as:

What does the entertainment contract say about employment of the entertainment?

Are they to be employed year round from the time the show launches? There won't be a Quantum class ship in NJ for a period of time before Anthem comes here.

Can they play the show in China, or are rights solely for the time they come out of the US?

Is there entertainment already slated for Anthem from the time that she's leaving from the UK?

What happens to the entertainment scheduled for Anthhem? Is Mama Mia appropriate for the culture in China or do they have to be modified or dropped for different entertainment? Can the entertainment signed/license purchased work in China or do they have to sign/purchase different entertainment?

Come to think about it, what about the crew on-board? Do they plan to hire new crew that's more in-touch to the Chinese culture?

 

Just some of the random thoughts that I had

The Broadway productions onboard Royal Caribbean ships are licensed to Royal Caribbean and the ships which they are performed on. The show onboard a ship doesn't "play" in a certain country. When Mamma Mia is performed on Quantum of the Seas it is likely the ship will have left land and will be in international waters. Contracts for entertainment staff are similar to other staff on the ship, they have a set amount of time or number of months.

Mamma Mia was performed at the Shanghai Grand Theater in 2011. The Chinese are very aware of Broadway and western entainment. Whether the show will stay on Quantum is unknown. Moving a show from 1 ship to another is an enormous task. It was originally said that Anthem would get a newer West End Broadway production. Ship entertainment needs to be appealing to a wide range of people. Remember, there will be more than just Chinese people sailing on Quantum while in Asia. My guess is that things will go as planned because Quantum won't stay in Asia forever.

Having to remember dining time, dining location, shows times, etc is becoming more of a problem now days. ;)

I like the longer itineraries and wish Royal Caribbean would offer longer cruises on larger ships like Quantum. I don't mind sea days and think those are the ultimate relaxation days on a cruise.

Is it just me or does she look like RCI borrowed a chapter from NCL? The front top section sure looks a lot like the EPIC. Maybe a little rounder, but an Easter Bonnet for sure. Do I dislike it? Not sure yet. What do other faithful Royal passengers think?

I don't think it looks anything like NCL Epic.

I would take Chicago over preachy Hairspray any day.

What does that mean?

I sure hope they put baggies in there; it may be called the Vomit Comet in short order! The higher you go the more amplified even the slightest movement becomes. Add to that moving up, down, in / out, etc., it could be dizzying.

NorthStar will have a stabilizing system that will keep the gondola level, minimizing movement. NorthStar will also have two large power units each with the capability to independently drive the crane and a diesel driven emergency power pack.

See more here: http://www.ship-technology.com/news/newsmacgregor-to-equip-quantum-cruise-ship-with-crane-gondola-for-360-degree-sea-view

I just don't get the appeal of the the North Star observation feature on the Quantum and the Anthem. First of all, it makes the ships look like some seagoing construction vehicle or commercial freighter with a crane to hoist cargo containers.

Second, when one is in the North Star observation pod (or whatever it is called), what exactly do you observe? Oh yeah, THE OCEAN. Last cruise I took I could do that by just going over to the railing on the pool deck or my balcony and see the same thing. It's not as if I am looking at the Grand Canyon or the skyline of Manhattan. I just don't get it.

Remember the Quantum class of ships are designed to sail the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, many places where there are great birds eye views! Just think being in NorthStar in Bayonne, NJ and seeing all of Manhattan or the Statue of Liberty. ;)

Anyone been on Liberty OTS recently and can tell me about the shows?

I can only reserve ice show tickets....and nothing is listed in the "Platinum Theatre"

 

Do they only have the ice shows? Or do the other shows not allow you to pre-book your tickets to the shows.

 

DH and I do like to go to the theatre shows after dinner...just wondering!

Thanks!

There is no reason to pre-book shows on Liberty. There will be plenty of room and time for everyone to see each show. In the Platinum Theater you will see the Broadway production of Saturday Night Fever, In The Air, and Once Upon A Time in addition to other Headliner acts that will be hired for the week that you are sailing.

You can book tickets for the ice show in advance. I would recommend you see the ice show, it is great. You can also get tickets for the ice show once onboard. Enjoy!

I never travel without insurance. Just like I don't drive without insurance or own a home without insurance. But, some people do... :confused:

No limes on Allure of the Seas last week. I think we all can deal. #FirstWorldProblems

When I was on Oasis there were 6289 onboard and I was wondering where everyone was. I wouldn't be too concerned about crowding. Royal Caribbean does a great job of crowd control.

Call the C&A number or book with a travel agent and have them call Royal on your behalf.

Fried seafood just isn't my thing. When I was on Oasis the place was empty most of the time. Hopefully it will be replaced with something better.

First 25 Reviews

7 - 5 Stars

8 - 4 Stars

4 - 3 Stars

5 - 2 Stars

0 - 1 Star

1 - Not Rated

Not really that bad.

V8 is available in the morning in the Main Dining Room. But it gets served in a tiny glass. So you better order 2. ;)

I'm on a strict low carb meal plan, and I use walden farms salad dressing as it has no carbs, no calories, no sugar, gluten free.... I have individually packaged salad dressing packets- can I bring them on board?

 

thanks!

Yes. If you have special items that pertain to your dietary needs, by all means, bring them onboard.

I have never cruised on Thanksgiving but can only imagine how wonderful it is. Not to cook all day for a meal you basically eat in 15 minutes. No dishes to do, sign me up! :D

Is is hassle free to request a table for two when using the MDR for breakfast and lunch?

 

Are you expected to dine on larger tables or are the MDR staff totally accommodating to people who request just tables for 2? Will be on Indy if the ship makes a difference.

 

Thanks

Just ask for a table for 2. Most of the time they are very willing to accommodate. You might have to wait a few minutes while they clear something.

My wife and I always ask for a table for 2 when it is just us traveling together. We are not fans of eating with people we don't know.

Look at those cute Grandmas! Great photos and review so far. The food at Giovanni's Table looks amazing! :D

Only 15 more to go. Looks like a lot of work to be done yet to meet their deadline.

Only 15 more to go like the whole front of the ship! ;)