quantum pax stitched up on bcn Dubai trip

[read52]

Actually some of the changes are happening already. We were on the March 29 sailing right after the cruise that had noroviris. We were told on Saturday by text and phone that boarding would be an hour late and no explanation. I knew from these boards what the problem was so I thought great they will clean it. Boarding started at 1:00 pm. They said the rooms would be ready at 3:30. Checked at 3:30 and was told 4:30 so we went to the muster drill which was crazy since no one had their cards. After drill, checked again and since not ready so we went to our dinner reservation at The Grande with our luggage. Finally at 7:30 pm we were able to get in our room. No compensation, also no towels and a few other items that they kept trying to bring us at 9:00 pm. My husband has health problems so we just wanted to go to bed. A large group of trainees who spoke some English but did not understand it were on the ship and more old staff were leaving on a weekly basis. Starwater was only two days and the rest were canceled. Tried to explain our disappointment with first day but everytime we went to guest services the lines were out the door.

 

It is a beautiful ship with great food, shows and activities. I don't understand why RCCL would keep it here only a few months and then change everything.

[talia-co]

interesting thread. We are also on this cruise. We are disappointed that the news from RCCL came after final payment.

Edited April 12, 2015 by talia-co

[read52]

We sailed with a group from Australia and another few people from the UK. We picked up on quite a few "expressions". The group from Australia also came to DC for a few days. I was happy to take them on a tour of the Mall area.

[ChipLondon]

Err how exactly was I getting "Snippy", I commented to another person in the UK, and clarified the translation of the "Stiched Up" comment to friends overseas that I acknowledge might not have got the meant meaning of the phrase.

 

I now find myself in a position where I have to assume that "Snippy" means being picky at another, because in the UK I would be looking for a pair of scissors to get snippy with.

 

See it works both ways but I was the one that offered up an explanation of the term, and whilst I am on the subject.....................

The language that we all use on the pages is called English, therefore an Englishman's use of it will always be the correct version, although we do have to accept that many other countries do try their best to mess the beautiful language up. Mind you we also do that in different parts of the UK, the Queens English is not what it used to be.:eek::) Although I have rarely heard of the need to translate English in English.

 

And now I also have to explain before I get accused of being "Snippy" or "Stiching Someone Up" that the above statement was said in JEST, because some people don't always get the English sense of humour. :D

 

JEST is another English word that some may need to look up in the English Dictionary :eek:

 

Now where are my flameproof speedos :eek::eek:

 

 

those of us Across the Pond would not necessarily have known that. no need to get snippy due to a translation error. to us, stitches are what happens when you fall off your bike and split your skull open.

 

Edited April 12, 2015 by ChipLondon

[jannandjohn]

Err how exactly was I getting "Snippy", I commented to another person in the UK, and clarified the translation of the "Stiched Up" comment to friends overseas that I acknowledge might not have got the meant meaning of the phrase.

:

 

 

I think this thread is hysterical..

I wonder how the "snippy' ones will cope if ever they visit Australia ...:D:D

 

 

Aussie English translations...

A

agro - aggravated, hot tempered

aluminium - aluminum [note spelling and pronunciation difference]

apples, she’s - everything will be alright

Are you right? - Can I help you with something?

arial - antenna

arvo - afternoon

avos – avocados

B

back of Bourke - very far away

bags – to claim or take dibs on something. [i bags the top bunk.]

bail somebody up - to corner someone physically

bangers & mash - sausage and mashed potatoes served together

barbie - barbecue

barrack for - to cheer for

battler - someone working hard and only just making a living

beanie - knit hat, usually woolen; toboggan

bevin - white trash [That bevin spent more on his car stereo than his engagement ring.]

biff - a fight

big-note oneself - to brag [see also skite]

bikkie - biscuit (see biscuit)

billabong - watering hole

billy - kettle

biro - pen

biscuit - cookie

bities - biting insects

bitumen - asphalt road surface

bitzer - mongrel dog; mutt

bloke - a man

bloody oath! - exclamation of astonishment. Also my oath!

blotto - drunk

blower - telephone

blowie – a pestering fly

bludger - a lazy person who doesn’t work

blue - a fight

bog - 1) toilet, or the act of using the toilet [He reads his magazine on the bog.], 2) to be stuck [The car was bogged in the mud.]

bogan – unsophisticated person

bonnet - hood on a car

bonzer - great

boot - car trunk

bottle-o - bottle shop, liquor store

brekkie – breakfast

brolly – umbrella

brumby - a wild horse

bub - baby

bubbles & squeek - mashed potatoes and pumpkin or sweet potato fried in a pan

buck’s night - bachelor’s party

Buckley’s chance - no chance

bugger - 1) an exclamation of anger, disappointment, 2) a description of a child or a person you sympathize with [poor bugger], 3) something that is beyond repair [His tv was buggered. His knee is buggered.], 4) to be tired [Man, I’m buggered.].

bumbag - fanny pack

bung - 1) to put [bung it over there.], 2) to pretend, over exaggerate [He was bunging it on]

bunyip - a mythical creature in Aboriginal folklore that lives in a water hole in the Outback (a similar phenomenon to the Loch Ness Monster)

bush - rural area, away from the city [He lives in the bush.]

bushie - a country person

bushranger - a highwayman, outlaw. Similar to America’s Jesse James.

busker - street performer

C

camper van - RV

capsicum - pepper [the vegetable. Australians put green capsicum on their pizza and use capsicum spray to defend themselves.]

car park - parking lot

cark it - to die

cheerios - small cocktail sausages

cheers - thanks

chemist - pharmacy

chewie - chewing gum

chin wag - to talk

chockers - filled to capacity, overflowing [also chock-a-block]

chokkie - chocolate

chook - chicken

Chrissie - Christmas

chuffed - to be very glad; stoked

chunder - vomit [see also technicolor yawn]

clayton’s - not the real thing

click - kilometre

clobber - clothes

clucky - yearning to have children [she’s getting clucky.]

cockie - farmer

come a gutser - make a bad mistake, have an accident

crack a mental - express extreme anger or rage

crack on - to hit on someone romantically

crikey - exclamation of surprise

crook - 1) To feel ill, 2) To be poorly functioning [i.e., a crook knee], 3) To get mad at [Get crook on]

crust - a living; job. [What do you do for a crust?]

cuppa - a cup of tea/coffee [Want to join me for a cuppa?]

cut lunch - packed lunch, sandwiches

D

daggy - dorky

dagwood dog - coney dog

dakking - depantsing

daks - pants

damper - bread made from flour and water

dear - expensive

derro - a bum, derelect

diary - daily planner

digger - an Aussie soldier [particularly from WW1 but now the term is used generally]

dinkum - straight up, the real thing [fair dinkum, dinky di]

dob - to rat on [He dobbed me in. He’s a dobber, a tattle tail.]

docket - receipt

dodgy - 1) Shady [a dodgy person], 2) Poorly made or done [That’s a dodgy rollercoaster], 3) Of ill-repute

dog’s breakfast – messy. Dogs aren’t known for eating neatly.

dole - welfare

doona – comforter blanket

doover lackey - whatchamacallit

drop kick - fool

dummy – baby’s pacifier

dunny - an outhouse [a unique part of Australian heritage, now the term can be used to describe a toilet]

dux – valedictorian

E

earbashing - nagging, non-stop chatter

Eftpos - debit purchase using a bank card

engaged - a phone line when busy, or an occupied public toilet

entree - appetizer [The main course is actually called the main course.]

esky - cooler for keeping food and drinks cold

excess - deductible [insurance term]

exy – expensive

F

fairy floss - cotton candy

feral - 1) wild, untamed, 2) disgusting, nasty

fete [pronounced fate] - a fair

fibro – building material similar to drywall

flagfall - connection fee [for phone cards, etc.]

flash - flashy, expensive

flat - apartment

flat out like a lizard drinking - busy [or just flat out]

flick - to get rid of a thing or person. [Joe gave Suzy the flick]

footpath - sidewalk

footy - football [can mean either Aussie Rules or rugby, depending on where you are in Australia]

fortnight - every two weeks

fossicking - searching for something, rummaging, ferreting

full on - busy [i wanted to return your phone call but I was full on.]

full stop - period (punctuation)

G

galah - 1) a pink and grey parrot known for being noisy and clumsy, 2) a foolish person

garbo - garbage collector

gate crasher - party crasher

give it a burl - try it, have a go

glad wrap - seran wrap, plastic wrap

globe - light bulb

go - a chance. [Give him a fair go.]

gob - mouth

gobful, give a - to sternly give someone a piece of your mind. [The hoon was revving his engine loudly, so I gave him a gobful.]

gobsmacked - surprised

going off - a night spot or party that is a lot of fun. [The place was really going off.]

good on ya - compliment, good for you

googie egg - children’s talk for egg. A popular saying is to be full as a goog.

gorgeous - an endearing term, often used to describe personal characteristics rather than physical attractiveness

grannie flat - inlaw suite (an addition to a house for extended family to live)

greenie - an environmentalist

grog - alcoholic beverage

grot - a slob

grotty - messy

gruts - underwear [see also knickers for females]

H

happy as Larry - to be blissfully happy [No one knows who ‘Larry’ actually is.]

hash - the pound symbol on a phone (#)

hawker - solicitor [signs in business windows often say ‘No hawkers.’]

hen’s night - bachelorette party

hire - to rent [He hired a car at the airport.]

his blood is worth bottling - a very helpful person

hoick - to lift, jerk, throw in an inelegant manner

holiday - vacation [The kids are on summer holidays.]

hoon – hoodlum

hotel - often just a pub, many times the center of social life in a town

hundreds and thousands - round sundae sprinkles

Hungry Jack’s - Burger King

I

ice block - popsicle

in the poo - in trouble

indicator - turn signal in a car

J

jack of (something) - sick and tired of

jackaroo - Outback cowboy

jelly - gelatin dessert [what Americans call Jello]

jillaroo - Outback cowgirl

jockey strap - bungee cord

jumbuck - sheep

jumper – sweater or light jacket

K

kero - kerosene

kindy - kindergarten [which is actually preschool in Australia]

knackered - tired [see also buggered, stuffed]

knickers - underwear (female)

knock back - refusal (noun), refuse (verb) [i knocked him back when he asked for the car keys.]

knocked up - to be tired, exhausted

L

lady bird - lady bug

larrikin - a bloke who is always enjoying himself; harmless prankster

layby - layaway

lift - elevator

lippy - lipstick

lob in - to drop in to see someone

lollies - candy

lollipop lady - crosswalk lady in a school zone [she holds a red stop sign that looks like a big lollipop.]

loo - toilet [see also toilet, bog, dunny]

lot of, the - all of

M

Macca’s - McDonald’s

manchester - linen

mate - friend

mate’s rate - cheaper than usual for a friend

maths - mathematics

metho - methylated spirits, used as a solvent

Mexican - a person from south of the Queensland border

mince - ground meat

mobile - a cellular phone

Monday week (or any day substituted) - occurring next Monday

mongrel - 1) despicable person, or 2) a mutt [see also bitza]

moosh - face

mozzy - mosquito

muesli – granola

N

naked flame - open flame

nappies - diapers

narky - upset, picky, impatient

newsagent - news stand

nick - condition [That car’s in good nick.]

nick off - to leave [see also shoot through]

not the full quid - not bright intellectually

not within cooee - figuratively a long way away; far off; outside of shouting distance [Joe is on the other side of the paddock; he is not within cooee.]

noughts and crosses – tic tac toe

nuddy, in the - nude [see also raw, in the]

number plate - license plate

nutter - crazy person

O

ocker - an unsophisticated person with a thick Aussie accent

off one’s face - extremely drunk

oldies - parents

on a good wicket - earning a good income

ordinary – horrible (eg, The service at that restaurant is pretty ordinary.)

oy! - A way of getting one’s attention

Oz – Australia

P

pacer - mechanical pencil

packets - lots of money [“He’ll make packets.”]

paddocks - field, usually for farming

paddy wagon - police van

panel beater - car body worker

pash - kiss enthusiastically

patty cake - cupcake

pavlova - a rich, fluffy Australian dessert with a meringue flavor

pay out - to tease someone [also take the mickey out]

pay packet - paycheck

petrol - gasoline

pike - to avoid fun, leave early [Joe is such a piker.]

pikelet - a miniature pancake, often served with jam

pinch - to steal

pining - to long for a person or thing

plod - police

plonk - cheap wine

pokie - slot machine [short for poker machine]

polly - politician

pommie - or pom. Somebody from England

pongs - smells [That roadkill pongs.]

port - suitcase

posh - upperclass, snobby

postie - mail deliverer

poxy - of poor quality, cheap

pram - baby stroller

prang - a fender bender

prawn - shrimp

preggers - pregnant

prezzy - present, gift

pushie - a push bike, bicycle

Q

queue - a line (the kind you have to wait in, such as at the amusement park)

quid, make a - earn a living [How do you make a quid?]

R

rack off - To rudely tell someone to leave

rapt - excited [see also stoked]

raw, in the - nude [see also in the nuddy]

reckon - you bet! or Do you imagine...?

rego - car registration

rellies - relatives

richard, had the - broken and beyond repair

ridgy-didge - original, genuine

rip snorter - great, fantastic. [it was a rip snorter of a party.]

rissole - a meat patty eaten on a plate

road train - semi truck hauling multiple trailers

rock melon - cantaloupe

roo - kangaroo

ropeable - very angry

rort - cheating, fiddling, defrauding; usually used of politicians

roundabout - traffic circle

rubber - pencil eraser

rumble strip - audible lines (on a road)

S

salvos - the Salvation Army

sanger - sandwich

sarsparilla - drink similar to rootbeer, AKA sars

schoolie - someone of school age

scratchies - rub-off instant lottery tickets

sealed road - paved road

seedy - sleezy, perverted

seppo - an American (derogatory)

servo - gas station, specifically a service station

she’ll be right - everything will be alright

sheila - woman (derogatory)

shonky - of poor quality or character

shoot through - to leave [see also nick off]

shout - to pay for a group, usually in reference to buying a round of drinks [it’s my shout. I’ll shout this one.]

sickie - a day off work when one calls in with a fake illness

silent number - an unlisted phone number

singlet - tank top

skerrick - an immeasurably small quality

skite - to brag about oneself [see also big-note]

skivvy - thin turtleneck shirt

skull - to drink quickly; to chug

slasher - brush hog, large extension on a tractor for cutting grass and brush

slippery dip - a playground slide

smoko - a smoke or coffee break

snag - sausage

solicitor - lawyer

sook - crybaby [stop being such a sook.]

spack - to throw a fit [Don’t have a spack attack.]

spider - a drink with ice cream in it; a float

spit the dummy - to throw a fit

spot-on - perfect

sprung - caught doing something wrong

squiz - an inquisitive look

stacks on – something yelled before a group of people pile on top of someone else [stacks on Joe!]

stanley knife - utility knife

star jump - jumping jack

stickybeak - nosy person

stocktake - physical inventory count

stoked - excited [see also rapt]

struth - exclamation of astonishment

stuffed – 1) to be tired [i’m stuffed], 2) to mess something up or break something [ben’s car is stuffed.]

sultana - raisin

sunnies - sunglasses

superannuation - or super, personal retirement fund, I.R.A.

surgery - doctor’s office

suss - 1) suspicious, 2) to scrutinize something, to suss out

T

ta - thank you

take-away - food to go

taking the mickey out - tease someone

tall poppy - someone who is very successful and as a result is the target of jealousy

tea - dinner

tea towel - dish towel

technicolor yawn - to vomit [see also chunder]

tee-up - to set up an appointment

texta - felt pen

thickshake - a milkshake. If you order a milkshake, you’ll get a whipped milk drink with no ice cream

throw cushion - couch pillow

tick - a checkmark

tiggy - a game of tag played by kids

tinny - 1) a tin row boat, 2) a can of beer

tip - landfill

to have tickets on oneself - to have a high opinion of oneself. [see also up onself]

towey - state of anxious anticipation, nervousness, restlessness

toffee apple - candy apple

togs - swimming trunks

toilet - not just the bowl in a restroom but the actual restroom itself. Aussies do not use the term restroom. [i need to go to the toilet.]

torch - flashlight

towbar - a tow hitch on a car

trackies - track suit; sweat pants

trakky daks - sweat pants

trolley - shopping cart

troppo - gone crazy by the heat [He’s gone troppo.]

trots, the - diarrhea

tucker - food

tyre - how Aussies spell a tire on a car, bike, etc.

U

uni - college

up oneself - to have a high opinion of oneself. [see also to have tickets on oneself]

up the duff - state of being pregnant [see also preggers]

ute - utility vehicle, usually a pickup truck or car with utility bed

W

wagging - skipping school

wally - fool

wheelie bin - roadside garbage can

whipper snipper - weed eater

windcheater - windbreaker, light jacket

windscreen - windshield

whinge - to whine

wobbly - excitable behavior, throwing a fit [to chuck a wobbly]

wog - a germ; illness [stuck in bed with a wog.]

Woop Woop - a long way from civilization [Joe lives out in Woop Woop.]

Y

yabber - to talk a lot

yakka - work (noun) [That was hard yakka.]

yarn - chat

yobbo – a silly person; show-off

yonks - what seems like forever [i haven’t seen her in yonks.]

Yowie - mythical Bigfoot creature in Australia

Z

zed - the pronounciation of the last letter of the alphabet.

Edited April 12, 2015 by jannandjohn

[crafty chook]

We are from Brisbane, Australia & booked from 13 May out of Barcelona to Singapore. We have not heard a thing about not being able to see Mamma Mia & this was one of the reasons we booked this cruise. Very disappointed. Maybe our Travel agent knows something but she is on holidays for a couple of weeks!! Hope we get compensated with OBC for all the disruptions I have been reading about through Cruise Critic. Any other Aussies doing this trip please free free to email me at brendaj1505@gmail.com so we can compare notes

[jannandjohn]

We are from Brisbane, Australia & booked from 13 May out of Barcelona to Singapore. We have not heard a thing about not being able to see Mamma Mia & this was one of the reasons we booked this cruise. Very disappointed. Maybe our Travel agent knows something but she is on holidays for a couple of weeks!! Hope we get compensated with OBC for all the disruptions I have been reading about through Cruise Critic. Any other Aussies doing this trip please free free to email me at brendaj1505@gmail.com so we can compare notes

 

there are quite a few Aussies on those 2 legs..

why not join us / them on your rollcalls

we have ben discussing this for a looooong time.

 

13th

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2044886

 

29th

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2045256

 

 

and just in case you didnt see the letter from RCL

Originally Posted by LindaMarie513 View Post

Here is the actual e-mail for those who have not received it yet.

 

Dear Linda,

 

Thank you for joining us onboard Quantum of the Seas. We invite you to explore all the exciting first-at-sea features onboard. Have a drink made by the world's first robotic bartenders. Dive into our skydiving simulator. See it all and beyond from North Star, a glass observation capsule that treats you to incredible views from 300 feet in the air. There are also exciting new restaurants and partnerships with noted chefs like Jaime Oliver, Michael Schwartz and Devin Alexander and an amazing range of entertainment options such as Starwater in Two70, Sonic Odyssey in the Royal Theater and an incredible line up of headliners and talented musicians including the Quantum of the Seas Orchestra.

 

As we make our transition from the United States to China we will be doing some enhancements onboard to prepare for our arrival in China. Due to the extent of the work required in certain areas, some venues will need to be closed while these improvements are taking place. Music Hall will need to be closed for the duration of your sailings. The live entertainment usually presented in Music Hall will be relocated to other venues in the ship. "Mamma Mia" will not be in production during your sailings in order to prepare for our new show "Sequins and Feathers." However, the theater will be open and providing a variety of world-class guest entertainers Emperors of Soul, Westcoast and Masters of the House as well as our own singers and dancers. Additionally, North Star will be closed for the last five days of the May 13th voyage and the first five days of the May 29th voyage, but will then open for regular operation for the remainder of your trip.

 

In addition, during the May 29th voyage Johnny Rockets will be closed for some improvements, but you'll still be able to enjoy hamburgers, hotdogs and fries at the Windjammer Marketplace or the poolside grill. The casino also will be going through a series of enhancements and will be closed for the first seven days of this voyage. A new and expanded casino will be available for your enjoyment on June 6, 2015.

 

As a gesture of goodwill, and to thank you for your patience with the closures and your understanding regarding the work that may be visible from time to time, Royal Caribbean International would like to provide you with an onboard credit. This credit will be automatically applied to your onboard account. You may spend these credits at any venue on the ship — from the spa and shops to the specialty restaurants, bars, lounges, and the casino — and on shore excursions. The choice is yours.

 

Onboard Credit Amount per Stateroom

 

Sailing Date.....Interior.......Ocean View.........Balcony Suites....Junior Suites & Above

 

 

May 13th...........$200 .........$200...................$250.....................$500

 

 

May 29th.........$400............$400..................$500....................$1000

 

 

 

We will do our very best to minimize any further inconvenience to you and our shipboard team looks forward to welcoming you onboard.

 

If you have any questions, please contact your professional travel agent or, if you booked directly with us, contact Royal Caribbean at (866) 562-7625.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

 

.

.

Edited April 12, 2015 by jannandjohn

[Cindy]

We were on Mariner of the Seas 2 years ago when they did the same thing on the repo cruise. They had renovations going on everywhere which didn't really bother us. However we found that they had new Chinese staff on board to cater for the Chinese customers and they lacked in the service department and we found this to be be a bigger issue than the reconstruction. The shops were all renovated and high end so we saved our money there. We really couldn't complain too much as that cruise was the cheapest we have ever paid and we did get a small amount of OBC as well. The ports and the Suez Canal were amazing and we did get into Cairo which was a highlight.

 

We were on the last Galveston Round-Trip before the repo, and even then there were venues closed for construction and large numbers of new staff. I agree that the new staff weren't up to speed, and service was spotty depending on where you were. I thought the biggest issue was service in the shops, where the new staff was struggling and had no idea how to talk to customers.

 

The other issue I had during that cruise was the almost constant banging. We stayed on board in one port, and our day was anything but relaxing because we were surrounded by sawing and hammering.

[Scotland01]

I'm even more shocked now and I know how how much their visas are costing them for India alone. Once again with no refunds in the UK market, even more disgusting behaviour from RCI.

 

Peter

Good to hear your relevant comments.(met you on Adventure TA last year)

Margaret

[NorbertsNiece]

Am on a cruise involving prepaid visas at some expense.... would I cancel because a show was not going to be performed or some activities cancelled? No. I'm on board for the ports of call. I missed a couple of shows on Oasis as their booking system was totally unfit for purpose so I bit the bullet.

 

As far as compensation goes that's really nice of RCL.... however..... Is a person in an inside cabin less inconvenienced than a person in a suite thereby getting less OBC as a result?

[insidecabin]

The issue might well be the same as the Oasis if you close a venue and relocate activities to inappropriate spaces the cascade effects everyone.

 

Checked today and in the UK the cruise is still been sold with Chicago as one of the amenities.

[MADflyer]

Am on a cruise involving prepaid visas at some expense.... would I cancel because a show was not going to be performed or some activities cancelled? No. I'm on board for the ports of call. I missed a couple of shows on Oasis as their booking system was totally unfit for purpose so I bit the bullet.

 

As far as compensation goes that's really nice of RCL.... however..... Is a person in an inside cabin less inconvenienced than a person in a suite thereby getting less OBC as a result?

 

I know you know the answer to this as you are such an experienced cruiser, but the variation in compensation is due to the fact that the cruise industry charges 'per diem' rates that vary in this way. Typically pricing of categories can be generalized by an inside rate, outside rate, balcony rate and suite rate.

 

Even a very popular cruise pricing website categorizes their price watching mechanism in this way.

 

This is, of course, why this variable OBC policy has been the tradition with RCI and, in fact, the entire cruise industry. This makes the compensation have some relationship to the price paid.

 

They are in no way stating that the inconvenience is more severe for any one passenger than another. In fact, any disruption, that affects public space could actually be stated to have effect in reverse order as those in the inside cabins might be expected to spend more time in public spaces and those in a suite more time in their stateroom or suite lounges and other priority services.

[MADflyer]

What is clear is that Cruise Critic is a big winner here.

 

Many of those now making their way here to make a post about their dissatisfaction have posted their first post about this subject or are very 'infrequent' posters here.

 

What is interesting is how many of the 'speculations' made immediately and continuously here on CC when RCI announced Quantum was going to China are actually being done. These were all discussed prior to these sailings being open for sale.

 

Just go to the 'Countdown to Quantum' section and there are to many posts to count that mention:

 

1. The Music Hall will be closed during the cruise and converted to additional

'Casino' space.

 

2. Mamma Mia will be taken off Quantum and replaced by another show.

 

3. Johnny Rockets will be removed.

 

4. Machines in the Casino will be replaced by new machines preferred by the Chinese markets.

 

Most of these were confirmed here by November of 2014

 

The only thing not 'announced' here on CC was the maintenance or conversion they seem to be doing on the Northstar.

Edited April 12, 2015 by MADflyer

[spotted dog]

I read the prior posts back in late 2014/early 2015 about rumors of changes to the ship. Because of the CC posts, I checked with RCI and was told there were no plans to make changes. I specifically asked about the rumors that Mamma Mia was going to leave the ship in Barcelona and was assured that they had no plans to remove Mamma Mia.

 

So...I made final payment (expensive) and bought my airline tickets (also expensive). My frustration and anger with RCI is due to the fact that they blatantly deceived us about the amenities on this cruise when I could have canceled at no expense and booked a different trip. Now I'm stuck since it's not an option to simply lose this much money by cancelling.

 

At least there are plenty of other cruise lines to give my business to in the future.

[Ocean Boy]

The issue might well be the same as the Oasis if you close a venue and relocate activities to inappropriate spaces the cascade effects everyone.

 

Checked today and in the UK the cruise is still been sold with Chicago as one of the amenities.

 

Are you talking about Allure as Chicago has never been on Oasis.

[MADflyer]

I read the prior posts back in late 2014/early 2015 about rumors of changes to the ship. Because of the CC posts, I checked with RCI and was told there were no plans to make changes. .

 

When dealing with a corporation you need to be very aware with how you approach issues. Due to the hierarchical systems present in organizations, no call center rep, getting near minimum wage in Oregon or Guatemala or the Netherlands is going to tell you anything that is not 100% confirmed in text in their computer. They will not risk their job to give any information that is not authorized from above. While mid-management might be somewhat more open, they are also going to proceed cautiously with information.

 

This is not inherent to only RCI, but to most organizations.

 

While the changes to Quantum went into the planning stages immediately following her announced deployment, RCI is not going to release information in small doses throughout the year, but they would wait to make announcements only when all plans have been finalized.

 

Corporations really only confirm anything with a press release when things are only 100% clear and you can call information that leaks out prior to that 'rumors' if you wish, but that is not a very good way to proceed as a consumer.

 

I am imagining that the Quantum final plan was signed off on only after Adam Goldstein and Michael Bayley returned from their extensive 3 week trips around Asia/Pacific a couple weeks ago, when they announced Ovation was also going to China.

 

The 'actual' changes to Quantum were most likely only 'set in stone' when they finalized design plans for Ovation. That has just happened.

 

Any experienced cruiser, and that is what you find here on CC, was going to know that changes were going to be made. Stating that these are only 'rumors' is your choice, but it seems like many here provided very useful information.

[Scotland01]

Of course we on CC going on this sailing were aware of rumours about changes which is why some of us from UK, Australia and US contacted senior management not call centre operators for answers before final payment. We were assured nothing was going to change. I should point out that I did not book the sailing to see Mamma Mia having already seen an excellent London production but to experience the Quantum of the Seas on an excellent itinerary.

[MADflyer]

Of course we on CC going on this sailing were aware of rumours about changes which is why some of us from UK, Australia and US contacted senior management not call centre operators for answers before final payment. We were assured nothing was going to change. I should point out that I did not book the sailing to see Mamma Mia having already seen an excellent London production but to experience the Quantum of the Seas on an excellent itinerary.

 

That is excellent news. If you have email statements from such key players stating that 'nothing was going to change' you have a very good case.

 

This would then be considered almost fraudulent behavior and I would not be surprised if you were able to get some sort of refund or at least a sizeable 25 to 30% Future Cruise Credit as well.

 

I was on the Quantum maiden voyage and while I had also seen Mamma Mia at the west end premier and in Sydney, Madrid and Stockholm previously I did enjoy the Quantum production, but did understand since November that it was 'officially' not going to be on Quantum past the call in Barcelona.

 

I would imagine that while the Onboard Credit announcement proceeds the actual cruise, RCI will also handle written formal complaints accordingly. I hope they are able to satisfy your need for compensation and that you can really enjoy your sailing.

[mo&fran]

When dealing with a corporation you need to be very aware with how you approach issues. Due to the hierarchical systems present in organizations, no call center rep, getting near minimum wage in Oregon or Guatemala or the Netherlands is going to tell you anything that is not 100% confirmed in text in their computer. They will not risk their job to give any information that is not authorized from above. While mid-management might be somewhat more open, they are also going to proceed cautiously with information.

 

This is not inherent to only RCI, but to most organizations.

 

While the changes to Quantum went into the planning stages immediately following her announced deployment, RCI is not going to release information in small doses throughout the year, but they would wait to make announcements only when all plans have been finalized.

 

Corporations really only confirm anything with a press release when things are only 100% clear and you can call information that leaks out prior to that 'rumors' if you wish, but that is not a very good way to proceed as a consumer.

 

I am imagining that the Quantum final plan was signed off on only after Adam Goldstein and Michael Bayley returned from their extensive 3 week trips around Asia/Pacific a couple weeks ago, when they announced Ovation was also going to China.

 

The 'actual' changes to Quantum were most likely only 'set in stone' when they finalized design plans for Ovation. That has just happened.

 

Any experienced cruiser, and that is what you find here on CC, was going to know that changes were going to be made. Stating that these are only 'rumors' is your choice, but it seems like many here provided very useful information.

 

You are totally correct in the explanation of the way things work.

When somebody contacts RCCL with a question like all of the questions raised n this thread, all they (the RCCL representative) can say is what they know for sure, that there are no changes that they are officially aware of and authorized to tell anybody .

If you want to blame somebody, blame Goldstein or Bayley, for not releasing the details sooner, or maybe even not deciding well in advance what changes needed to be made, so travelers can be made aware of what to expect.

But, should we be surprised? Look at the Oasis dry dock and the apparent last minute changes that were made that could not be accomplished in the time allocated for dry dock,

[delirious9876]

I read the prior posts back in late 2014/early 2015 about rumors of changes to the ship. Because of the CC posts, I checked with RCI and was told there were no plans to make changes. I specifically asked about the rumors that Mamma Mia was going to leave the ship in Barcelona and was assured that they had no plans to remove Mamma Mia.

 

So...I made final payment (expensive) and bought my airline tickets (also expensive). My frustration and anger with RCI is due to the fact that they blatantly deceived us about the amenities on this cruise when I could have canceled at no expense and booked a different trip. Now I'm stuck since it's not an option to simply lose this much money by cancelling.

 

At least there are plenty of other cruise lines to give my business to in the future.

Complain to executive office level if you have e mail proof of being misled :)

 

E mail Michael Bayley or Adam Goldstein :)

[insidecabin]

Are you talking about Allure as Chicago has never been on Oasis.

 

No.

 

Quantum pull up a list of cruises in a search look at the ship details

 

There in plain text Chicago.

 

https://booking.royalcaribbean.co.uk/searchCruise.htm?des=106451&from_month=04&from_year=2015&to_month=05&to_year=2015&chd=0&adt=2&type=co&brand=RCL&cur=GBP&lang=en

Edited April 12, 2015 by insidecabin

[jannandjohn]

No.

 

Quantum pull up a list of cruises in a search look at the ship details

 

There in plain text Chicago.

 

https://booking.royalcaribbean.co.uk/searchCruise.htm?des=106451&from_month=04&from_year=2015&to_month=05&to_year=2015&chd=0&adt=2&type=co&brand=RCL&cur=GBP&lang=en

 

I tried to do a few searches for Chicago, everything seems to point to Allure though

 

eg..

Based on some updates to Royal Caribbean's web site, it looks like guests can look forward to

some exciting new changes to Allure of the Seas

.

 

Among the changes coming to the ship, the Broadway musical Chicago will be replaced by Mamma Mia, the Broadway musical based on the music of ABBA.

Mamma Mia is also being shown on Quantum of the Seas currently but there's speculation the show will be removed from Quantum of the Seas when she goes to Asia.

Edited April 12, 2015 by jannandjohn

[insidecabin]

Do a USA booking still says Mama Mia.

[insidecabin]

I tried to do a few searches for Chicago, everything seems to point to Allure though

 

eg..

Based on some updates to Royal Caribbean's web site, it looks like guests can look forward to

some exciting new changes to Allure of the Seas

.

 

Among the changes coming to the ship, the Broadway musical Chicago will be replaced by Mamma Mia, the Broadway musical based on the music of ABBA.

Mamma Mia is also being shown on Quantum of the Seas currently but there's speculation the show will be removed from Quantum of the Seas when she goes to Asia.

 

Do trial booking and look at what you are being sold.

 

This link might not work in uk.

 

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruises/16NightsSuezCanal-BarcelonaToDubai-QN16R010/onboard-experience/entertainment-nightlife

Edited April 12, 2015 by insidecabin

[lovetocrusie9918]

I am on the May 13 cruise and is very disappointed with the changes. I understand that China is a big market, but RCCL should not disappoint the US and UK customers. This group is their bread and butter. If no one from this group will go on RCCL ever again, they will not survived on the China market alone. Don't they know how the China people trashes the things? They are known as locust, nothing will survives after they leave. The ship will be so wore out, that is mind as well be 10 years older.

 

One of the reason I am taking this cruise now is I can't image what the ship will look like after it comes back from China. It seems like there are many changes in Celebrity too. When I was on the Constellation last year, the service was horrible. Service is one of the advertising thing in Celebrity. I am a loyal customer in both Celebrity and RCCL, with the recent experience I am definitely seeking other cruise line.