Quasi-Live on Quantum - Shanghai to Japan

This could explain why my Calendar has changed to "At Your Leisure" instead of the times I have pre-booked for MTD.

This has been reported by others on various ships.

Sorry, we had bad internet in Shanghai and have been recovering from jetlag.

After getting off the ship and to our hotel it was close to 2 in the afternoon, so we had taken up a lot more of the day than we were anticipating. We were staying at the Les Suites Orient on the Bund, a really nice hotel on the Puxi (West) side of the Bund area. We were in a suite with a really nice view of the Huangpu River. The people handling check-in and luggage spoke English, and the restaurant always had at least one person who could speak English.

We walked to the Yuyuan Shopping area, which was about a 10 minute walk from our hotel, and went to the Yu Gardens, a really nice botanical garden area. The shopping area was also really nice, with a lot of shops and restaurants. There were a few actual sitdown restaurants, but most were smaller food court style. You would order your food at a stall and go to a center area to sit and eat. There were a lot of dim sum and dumpling stalls, so we got a variety of plates to try a bunch.

After dinner we went back to the river area and decided to take a river cruise. It lasted about 45 minutes and had a guide talking about the sites in both Chinese and English. This was really nice, and I really enjoyed that it was at night. Shanghai lights up at night and it was really cool to see all the lights on the skyline.

Our second and last day in Shanghai we went to the Shanghai Ocean Aquarium and Jin Mao Tower observation deck in the Bund area, and then took the train to Fuxing Park. This is another garden area in the heart of Shanghai and was a really beautiful sight. We then took the train to Nanjing Road, a main pedestrian shopping area, and just walked along Nanjing Road back to the river and our hotel. We went to a Mongolian restaurant for dinner, which was good, but I didn't realize how much lamb/mutton is in the Mongolian diet. We're more used to American dishes like Mongolian Beef.

We had 200 Yuan left and since our taxi ride to the Port from the airport was 215, and the port is north of the city, I figured we had plenty. Unfortunately, the taxi ride to the airport took just over an hour and cost 246 Yuan. I was trying to use Google Translate to ask the taxi driver to park and just leave the meter running while I ran to an ATM inside the airport, but he saw the Japanese Yen in my wallet and was willing to take 1,000 Yen to cover the 46 Yuan we were short. My quick and rough math made it seem like a decent exchange rate so I agreed, and when we got back to the states I checked the exchange rate and it was a really good offer. At bank rates 1,000 Yen is 58 Yuan, so overall I was really happy he was willing to take the foreign currency. It was a pretty stressful ride once we realized we didn't have enough Yuan and trying to get through the language barrier.

Shanghai airport security was not bad at all; I couldn't access GMail to check my check-in email, so I was going based on memory and thought our flight left at 10:30AM. We got to the airport at 8, just in case security took long, and found out that Asiana didn't even open their checkin counter until 9. It was 9:15 before they were ready to start taking people, and I was freaking out a bit, but we got checked in and found out I misremembered, our flight left at 11:40. Oops.

We got our boarding passes and were through customs/security in about 30 minutes. We decided to eat an early lunch at a Chinese Burger King before boarding. We were delayed a bit due to traffic at Shanghai, but the flight was uneventful. Despite the flight taking almost 15 hours from SFO to Shanghai, the return flight was only 11 hours thanks to the jetstream. The unfortunate side effect of this was it made sleeping really difficult. In Chinese timezone we were in the air from close to noon until just before midnight, so we were never really ready for sleep on the flight. Still, there were several good meals and a good selection of movies so we were entertained if tired by the time we landed.

Retrospective

Alright, so the cruise is done and we are back stateside, it's time for a full retrospective of the good and the bad.

The Cruise as a Whole

The cruise overall was enjoyable but was definitely different. I'm not 100% sure if we'll ever do a Chinese cruise again. It was easily the most stressful cruise we've ever taken. Check in was a pain, dinner lines were obnoxious, and there was a bit of a culture shock, especially with the pushing and shoving.

That being said, we didn't see a lot of the things that people seemed worried about. I didn't notice anybody smoking in non-smoking areas, although the casino and smoking areas were always busy and thick with smoke, and we didn't see anybody spitting on the ship. We saw a lot of spitting in Shanghai, but not on board.

Language Concerns

We only found two Royal employees who didn't speak any English, both photographers, and nobody in the Vitality Spa spoke good English, although they all had enough for a basic conversation. All other employees we encountered spoke English with no problem. Most passengers didn't speak English, but it generally wasn't a problem. Trying to get people's attention so we could get off the elevator (which were almost always packed) was sometimes difficult, but we were always able to get off on the right floor.

Food

Food was somewhat good somewhat bad. I did not like the dinner setup at all, but once we were seated and ordering it was fine. It's important to note though that some things are different than what we are used to, even if the name is the same. For example we got a crab cake and lobster bisque one night, and they were very different tasting than we are used to on US based cruises. The lobster bisque in particular was really different. I'm not sure what exactly, but the broth was really dark and had a taste I couldn't place at all. There were also three different types of Pork Sausage on board, and I never knew which was which since they were all just labeled Pork Sausage. One was what I'm used to, the other two looked a bit different and I wasn't a fan of the taste.

The one bad thing we encountered was undercooked food. I had two omelettes over the 6 day cruise that were both undercooked, and my husband got a french toast that looked completely un-cooked. It was soggy and basically looked like they dipped it in the egg batter and served it. We heard a few other English speaking guests complain about undercooked omelettes as well, so it seemed like a common issue this cruise.

Activities

We didn't end up going to any shows, so I can't comment on that, but there was still a lot to do on board. We went to the casino a couple times, but a lot of the table games had higher minimums than we were comfortable with, and the smoke was more than we would like, so we never spent long. There was a good variety of movies (in English with Chinese subtitles) at the pool and indoor theater. There were also a lot of movie channels (in both English and Chinese) on the TV. There were two channels with Disney/Pixar/Family movies, and two with more recent blockbusters.

A lot of things that are typically free now cost; like North Star, iFly, and the bumper cars, so we didn't do any of those things. The Solarium was suite guests only, which was a mixed bag. I went just about everyday to soak in the hottub, and it was nice because it was almost always mostly empty, but I miss having an area that's adult's only. There weren't many kids staying with their parents in suites, but there were some, and sometimes it was a bit annoying to have kids running around. Never too bad, and compared to US cruises I've been on parents were a lot better at keeping control over their kids.

Ports

The ports were all really enjoyable; we absolutely loved Japan. Shore Excursions through Royal were all pretty meh, even talking to other cruisers a lot were disappointed with the guided tours. Doing the ports on our own was nicer, but because all the ports were fairly far from the actual cities it was also a bit annoying.

Shanghai

Another slightly mixed bag. Overall I enjoyed Shanghai, but the pushing/shoving, spitting, and heavy smoking was all a little offputting. We also noticed that there are a lot of mopeds in Shanghai, and they seem to not obey/care about stop lights. So many would go on the sidewalk or just blow through a red light, that crossing the road was almost always a game of frogger.

I think the pushing and shoving is just a culture thing and not rudeness, because we actually found most Chinese really willing to help as best as they could if they noticed we were lost. One restaurant which had a picture menu we were having a hard time ordering. Not really sure why but the waitress just wasn't getting what we were trying to order. The couple at the table next to us didn't speak English but they would point at the menu items we were trying to show to the waitress, hold up a finger to see how many we wanted to order, and told the waitress in Chinese.

Final Verdict

Glad we went, but am not sure if I'd do again. We will definitely visit Japan again, but we'll just do a land tour. Dinner structure was by far the worst part of the trip. We are doing Mariner from Singapore in February, and I hope that will be better, but as long as this style of dining is active on the Quantum I'd strongly hesitate to go again, or if we do go again I would reserve a specialty restaurant every night to avoid the stress and hassle. If the change making Solarium suite only is also permanent, I would only go if I could get a deal on a suite, and we normally just sail in interiors to save money.

Overall I'd say this trip was a mix. There was good and there was bad, pretty evenly split. We got a really good deal on the cruise and the airfare, but without a great deal I wouldn't go again.

I have saved the cruise compasses, I'll try to get them uploaded later this week or next week, as I get time with getting caught up with work and other tasks. Any additional questions I'd be happy to answer as best as I can.

double post.....

awestover89,

We never did get to meet on board! However, I have enjoyed your review and it seems that mostly you enjoyed the cruise.

I think you will find your Mariner of the Seas cruise from Singapore entirely different.....it might depend on the itinerary - but I highly doubt if it is geared to the Chinese market. We did Ovation of the Seas from Shanghai to Tianjin last year and it was nothing like Quantum.

David and I thoroughly enjoyed this cruise - even though we were not Gold card passengers, we were able to enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner in the Coastal Kitchen. This was really a blessing. We did try Chic one morning for breakfast but David had a hard time with the noise so we simply stuck with Coastal Kitchen. In CK we did not get as many choices for meals as you were offered in Main Dining Room - but the food was good with both Chinese and Western meals on the menu. We did try the fillet mignon one night, but it was not good although friends of ours ordered it also and they enjoyed it.

In the ports we 'did our own thing' and although I had made lots of plans on what to do and what to see, we actually just winged it and had a wonderful time. Kochi was the only port that we followed through on our plans. Loved each port!

Have fun on the Mariner!!!!

PS. We did meet up with Patty and Tim - they were lovely, and a lot of fun.

 

A lot of things that are typically free now cost; like ...the bumper cars,

Are you sure that's the case?

They introduced the charge on ifly and north star almost 2 years ago; however there was no charge on the bumper cars when I sailed. Also with ifly and north star you need to both make reservations and check-in so adding a charge is more practical. Queuing for the dodgem cars doesn't seem like it readily lends itself to charging, especially as it's in a multipurpose space.

A lot of things that are typically free now cost; like North Star, iFly, and the bumper cars, so we didn't do any of those things.

As with the post above folks are going to be confused by this. From all reports, this only applies to cruises from China.

As with the post above folks are going to be confused by this. From all reports, this only applies to cruises from China.

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Right, sorry. All of my comments about changes refer exclusively to Quantum sailings out of China.

It may also apply to some sailings on Ovation when she's in China.

anneic,

Yes, overall we really enjoyed the cruise, and are glad we did it. It's just something that based on the cost and experience I probably wouldn't do a second time; I'd rather spend the $2,500 or so this trip cost in cruise+flight and try something we haven't done, such as Baltic or Australian cruises, or return to Japan without a cruise. Or maybe another Alaska cruise, we really enjoy those.

CK is interesting; we only tried to go once and ask, since the cruise compass and sign out front said gold only, and the person at the door pointed at the sign and said only gold cards can enter, so we just didn't bother trying again.

Bumper cars was another thing that I just believed the cruise compass saying there was a charge and I didn't go to the Seaplex to actually double check. We knew China sailings charged for North Star and iFly; we were told that while waiting in line for the North Star on Anthem, but the bumper cars we had never heard about, and Solarium being suite only was a surprise as well. Those are two things that I'm not sure if they are normal on Quantum China sailings, or something unique to our cruise for some reason.

We were very lucky with Coastal Kitchen - obviously it was because I had booked it for our first night online before they pulled it and closed it down. However, when they posted it back up the only time slots left were 9.15pm so I booked each night at that time thinking I could change or cancel once on board. (And hoping we could dine there at all as I read somewhere it was not available for junior suite guests) which is was the case.

When we went to check about it, a phone call was made to the Manager who said we were welcome for all meals as long as there was room, which there always was. Anytime dining.

Nice and quiet and very relaxed. We were very grateful.

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Any sailing out of Shanghai and Beijing (where Ovation will be based) are short cruises designed specifically for the Chinese market and as such things previously offered for free on these ships will now be charged. Other things like drinks and spa may be slightly cheaper (again, just for that particular market).

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Took a little bit longer than anticipated, but our full day by day review complete with photos and scans of the cruise compass is live on my personal travel blog. http://adventureswithanthony.com/our-adventures/best-of-japan-cruise/

Links to the cruise compasses are on the main page (just click on the Compass icon) or at the top of each individual page for the days we were on the ship. Generally the review just rehashes what I've posted here, but it has some additional pictures and of course the scanned cruise compasses, if anybody is interested.

If you'd rather just see the cruise compasses without going to the blog, I'll also post their direct links. All are PDF files and are 6 pages each, the main cruise compass and the daily planner.

http://adventureswithanthony.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/QotS-CC-Day_1.pdf

http://adventureswithanthony.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/QotS-CC-Day_2.pdf

http://adventureswithanthony.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/QotS-CC-Day_3.pdf

http://adventureswithanthony.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/QotS-CC-Day_4.pdf

http://adventureswithanthony.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/QotS-CC-Day_5.pdf

http://adventureswithanthony.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/QotS-CC-Day_6.pdf

Better late than never i always say. Thank you for taking your precious time to pen such detailed information about your exotic cruise in the far east. I'm sure many future cruisers will find your information especially from the daily cruise compass extremely useful in the planning process.Take care:D

Took a little bit longer than anticipated, but our full day by day review complete with photos and scans of the cruise compass is live on my personal travel blog. http://adventureswithanthony.com/our-adventures/best-of-japan-cruise/

 

Links to the cruise compasses are on the main page (just click on the Compass icon) or at the top of each individual page for the days we were on the ship. Generally the review just rehashes what I've posted here, but it has some additional pictures and of course the scanned cruise compasses, if anybody is interested.

 

If you'd rather just see the cruise compasses without going to the blog, I'll also post their direct links. All are PDF files and are 6 pages each, the main cruise compass and the daily planner.

 

http://adventureswithanthony.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/QotS-CC-Day_1.pdf

http://adventureswithanthony.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/QotS-CC-Day_2.pdf

http://adventureswithanthony.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/QotS-CC-Day_3.pdf

http://adventureswithanthony.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/QotS-CC-Day_4.pdf

http://adventureswithanthony.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/QotS-CC-Day_5.pdf

http://adventureswithanthony.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/QotS-CC-Day_6.pdf

thanks SO much for posting the compass

Took a little bit longer than anticipated, but our full day by day review complete with photos and scans of the cruise compass is live on my personal travel blog. http://adventureswithanthony.com/our-adventures/best-of-japan-cruise/

 

Links to the cruise compasses are on the main page (just click on the Compass icon) or at the top of each individual page for the days we were on the ship. Generally the review just rehashes what I've posted here, but it has some additional pictures and of course the scanned cruise compasses, if anybody is interested.

 

If you'd rather just see the cruise compasses without going to the blog, I'll also post their direct links. All are PDF files and are 6 pages each, the main cruise compass and the daily planner.

 

http://adventureswithanthony.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/QotS-CC-Day_1.pdf

http://adventureswithanthony.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/QotS-CC-Day_2.pdf

http://adventureswithanthony.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/QotS-CC-Day_3.pdf

http://adventureswithanthony.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/QotS-CC-Day_4.pdf

http://adventureswithanthony.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/QotS-CC-Day_5.pdf

http://adventureswithanthony.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/QotS-CC-Day_6.pdf

This has all been most useful and insightful, thank you.

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