London-Calling

Thanks - anymore? I'm clueless!

As a Brit the shop names have no meaning for me:

Impulse

Kiehl's

Michael Kois

Prince & Greene

Port Merchants

Hublot

Bvlgari

What do they sell, please?:)

Quantum must be the most secretive cruise ship ever built, by any cruise line.

I think with 'Oasis' RCI were so confident that they released all of the details ASAP and let the concept speak for itself. They knew that the Worlds biggest ship would almost self-promote itself. There were very few secrets and even they were not held for very long.

Quantum is a different kettle of fish.

I think RCI were worried that she may come as an anti-climax when compared to 'Oasis'. After all she's smaller and does not have the popular features like Central park, Studio B, a Royal Viking Crown or a Royal Prom (as we know it).

The ship has very few 'wow' spaces. Technology and Dining are designed to create the new 'wows'.

Dynamic Dining is of course a very fundamental change for RCI and not without risk. It will change the design of every RCI ship from now on. RCI probably feared a backlash. After all it is VERY similar to NCL's 'Freestyle'. We may even find aspects of Quantum's design is similar to NCL's newbuilds (same shipbuilder too).

I think RCI decided that they could generate more excitement about Quantum by releasing the details very very slowly, rather than presenting all of the facts up front.

Just my take on events.

I really thought the design of the Oasis Class was a winner and would be carried onto their new builds but apparently not.

It's a big world out their with many different countries and cruise itineraries.

For example if you based an Oasis class ship at Southampton, UK (the worlds second biggest cruise market) Central Park's plants would probably die - it would certainly be too wet/too cold to use at times. Aqua Theatre shows would often be cancelled to rough seas and cold weather. The sun deck would sometimes be deserted.

(Not forgetting that many of the worlds ports/cruise terminals cannot handles a ship that big).

Operating different classes of ships is not unusual for RCI. Some of the 'Radiance' class ships (also built for cooler climates) were being built at the same time as the 'Voyager' class. Some people feel that they are a better design.

Quantum is an evolution of 'Radiance' rather than 'Oasis'.

Wow, this is different. It could be fun though.

It's not new at all. NCL have offered 'Legends in Concert' (tribute acts) shows for a few years on Epic, Breakaway and Getaway.

RCI seem to be turning into NCL!:rolleyes:

It's hard to believe that the Quantum and Anthem deck plans still feature "More to Come" and it's now September!

These must be the most secretive passenger ships ever built.:(

So do we have any clues what is to come?:confused:

I'm How they will turn one massive dining room into multiple restaurants should be interesting.

I guess each floor of the three tier dining room could be divided into one or two dining areas?

Does each floor have it's own galley anyway?

Personally I like it, the way it was built!

The restaurants are much smaller. They are cooking for 400 people instead of 1200. The Wonderland restaurant a paid venue seats only 90.

On NCL ships, many of the dining rooms may share the same kitchens. This will probably be the case with some RCI dining rooms.

Dynamic Dining is very similar to NCL's Freestyle system. Unfortunately with NCL the included food can be mediocre and you have to pay a surcharge to get a better meal and better service. Of course if the included food is too good, the surcharge dining options will not be so profitable.

I hope this is not the case with Quantum.

I am of the opinion that RCI's standard of included food is better than NCL's included food under RCI's original dining system.

Epic, and Breakaway/Getaway are different designs, but in many ways the idea is similar, as is the on-board experience. Although the latter does have some improvements on Epic.

Breakaway/Getaway have conventional cabins although I never had a problem with Epics. (If you share a life how hard is it to share a bathroom? There is a modesty curtain)

Breakaway/Getaway have the 'Waterfront' with many dining options and bars being on an external prom deck so you may get a seat in the fresh-air, if you wanted.

There are some differences in the entertainment too.

Personally I'd go for whichever ship offer the best deal!:)

Do you think quantum will be as good as oasis class. I have to say after I went on Oasis all other ships fall short. I love how people can spread out and you don't feel crowded. Hope this stays with new quantum class. Who agrees?

Quantum and Oasis have a similar space-ratio, so Quantum should not feel any more crowded.

Quantum: The problem with filling a ship with dining rooms and bars (just like Epic, Getaway and Breakaway) is that you do not leave much room for 'wow' spaces which Oasis has many of i.e. Central Park Boardwalk, Royal Prom, studio B etc.

Instead, RCI are tying to wow us with dining options and technology. Real innovations or silly gimmicks - only time will tell.

I don't think any ship will beat Oasis for many years, because of he sheer scale.

We could get into quite a complex debate about what is a “Royal Prom” and what is not.

Quantum’s (whatever it is called) will certainly be different to those on-board the Voyager, Freedom and Oasis class ships.

Quantum’s may not have the scale (length, width and height) I associate with their other “Royal Proms”. It also does not appear to be constructed in a straight line. It does not have cabins overlooking it.

Many mega-ships have a corridor passing through the centre, with retail, bars and dining either side. NCL’s Epic and Breakaway ships do, for example. However I would not call them “Royal Proms”.

Whatever Quantum's is called I don’t think it is really a “Royal Prom” as such. Others will disagree.;)

A cruise blog has revealed that Quantum will NOT have a Royal Promenade as such.

I was not expecting a full-blow RP, but the class does not appear to have anything which could be called a RP as we know it.

A few months before Quantum arrives at Southampton and we are missing info on the bars, lounges, casino, spa and some sort of Royal Promenade.

I believe there are still 5 "more to come".

Never has a ship been so secretive!

One thing lacking is a Park Cafe. I love this space on the Oasis Class and the roast beef sandwiches are the best I've ever had.

I loved it to!

The Park Café if part of Quantum's/Anthem's Two70 Lounge.

It's great to try different ships/lines.

Personally I think RCI have some of the world's most amazing ships in term of cutting-edge design, but NCL are in second place with Epic, Breakaway and Getaway.

Breakaway and Getaway are similar in many ways to Epic, but they win because of their extra design feature "the waterfront".

I find NCL's freestyle a refreshing change compare to RCI's more traditional dining system. NCL win on dining 'flexibility' and their very wide choice of cuisine. The entertainment is different to RCI's but also very good.

NCL have more optional surcharges but sometimes their fares are lower - swings & roundabouts!

NCL's new ships are packed with dining rooms, bars and entertainment venues, HOWEVER for this reason they lack the big open 'wow' spaces that RCI are famous for.

Personally I will continue to cruise with and BOTH lines and enjoy the differences*.

(*Saying that 'Quantum' dining does not look so different from NCL's model)

All I can say is I hope NCL is planning for more interesting itineraries than what the Oasis-class ships are doing now...

Unlikely: The more interesting the ship the more boring the itinerary!

There are rumours circulating the net that NCL will be ordering two 200,000 gt ships.

That's almost as big as Oasis!

Of course it may or may-not be true.

Quantum has not even been built yet, so it’s not fair to judge it, but here are my observations and concerns anyway:

Quantum is a strange beast.

RCI have been famous in the past for ships with ‘wow’ spaces – Viking crown lounge, tall atriums, Royal Promenade’s, Studio B/Ice Rink, Aqua-theatre, Central Park and some large breath-taking dining rooms etc.

I was very surprised when I heard about ‘Dynamic Dining’ which is clearly inspired by NCL’s freestyle. However let’s be honest, NCL have had several decades practice at it.

The problem with ships with multiple dining rooms (Epic, Breakaway and Getaway for example) there is very little room for ‘wow’ spaces*. Evert inch of the ship becomes packed with dining options, bars and conventional entertainment spaces. RCI have thrown away one of their unique features. (Two70 may be the exception here).

However, RCI have been clever with Quantum. The ‘gimmicks’ such a the ‘Seaplex’ (with bumper cars), I-Fly and the ‘North Star’ (observation pod) are located on the top deck. After all there is little room inside the ship.

These ‘gimmicks’ will of course appeal to kids but they are hardly aimed at us grown-ups, are they?

Interestingly, much of the entertainment relies on Hi-Tech. Now I’m sure that flying video screens and laser-harps will all be very impressive, but will all these gadgets really help make ‘good’ shows?

I sometimes see modern movies and find myself saying “The special effects were fantastic, but the acting and the story was weak”. Will that be the case with Quantum’s show?

I’m not sure.

We will enjoy ourselves and make the best of everything but more research next time.

Yes, you have made a very BIG MISTAKE! You have decided to dislike the cruise even before you step on-board. That's not a great way to start, is it?;)

Getaway and Breakaway are AMAZING floating resorts, there are only a few ships as impressive.

However, NCL like many, are mass market cruise lines and have all the advantages which that brings and the disadvantages too. Of course there's a lot of people on-board, of course the pool and decks get busy, of course there are surcharges. If you really don't like those aspects of the experience, best pick Regent, Crystal or Seaborne and pay twice as much!

What you do get with Getaway is an impressive choice of entertainment and dining, with unparalleled flexibility.

Stop worrying and go with an open mind - ENJOY!

(I bet that this will not be your last cruise on Getaway!)

Clearly this is Waterfront 2.0, err wait 4.0, see all the space! Will NCL redesign the waterfront?

Probably too late for Escape but Bliss having a small waterfront versus MSC in 2017?

I wonder what the black rectangular windows are at the stern. Maybe a panoramic lift (elevator)?

MSC have said that their 'Vista' newbuilds will have an internal 'Promenade' probably RCL style, I guess. They have also said that 'Seaside' (above) will have a 'Waterfront' type feature. (NCL have started a trend.)

That design at the stern of Seaside does looks just like a 'split superstructure' to me. That big black window could be at the end of a internal promenade, if she has one!

Just guessing.;)

Back to Escape: so she will definitely have some additional public spaces, there's room on her deck plans for them. A lounge might be nice, given the lack of one. However we may just get even more income generating spaces, such as dining rooms or even an extra entertainment/sports facility?

I wonder if the existing Getaway spaces will be mainly duplicated or could there be some major changes?

I guess that they cannot make big structural changes and they will want 'Breakaway+' to have continuity with the 'Breakaway' class. However re-branding/changing the usage of spaces is very feasible.

Epic, Breakaway and Getaway are simply in a different league than Gem and the other Jewel class ships.

Not all the food and service on-board NCL's mega ships is excellent, but as there are something like 20 options you will find something to you liking. The entertainment on offer is a step-up - in fact a number of steps-up.

There are the only ships which really compete with RCL's big ships.

GO FOR IT!

(And you save money - win, win!)

So MSC have ordered two Mega-ships, which will be the third biggest ships in the world (based on gross tonnage).

I'm kind of wrong! The two new 'Visa' ships will be the third biggest. Seaside is a little smaller (but still VERY big)

I also said: The RCI and NCL like feature, will prove interesting: a Royal Promenade, (internal 'street') and a 'Waterfront' (external promenade).

Also a bit wrong!

Vista will have the internal promenade, Seaside the external promenade.

Too many MSC new-builds is confusing me!;)

Seaside slide show here: http://youtu.be/_O7MZYipt8E

Vista slide show here: http://youtu.be/aC1dTIqhCu4

Slide show here: http://youtu.be/_O7MZYipt8E

So MSC have ordered two Mega-ships, which will be the third biggest ships in the world (based on gross tonnage).

The RCI and NCL like feature, will prove interesting: a Royal Promenade, (internal 'street') and a 'Waterfront' (external promenade).

Exciting! What do you think?

I would be happy to know a bit more about the company CMV. Do they market in the UK?

Thanks for the advice.

CMV are British and run several older/smaller Ocean Ships. They are a 'budget' operation often offering good-value, but of course NOT 5 star products.

It's seemed odd that they started offering River Cruises, as they have a 'budget' image, although the early prices for their river cruises were not cheap. However there are deep discounts now.

It looks like they are only chartering the boat until June this year, anyway.

http://www.cruiseandmaritime.com