Quantum in Asia, a review

[vacationlover_mn]

11 minutes ago, mugtech said:

Singapore and Hong Kong are two of the greatest cities in the world, very international.  We love cruising from one to the other, staying a few days in both places.  Barcelona was the only city that was as good.  Sure we enjoyed Rome, Naples, Florence, Istanbul, Dubai etc but see no reason to deny ourselves anywhere on earth to go to the Bahamas and the Caribbean multiple times.  Just our view..

We LOVED Barcelona!  As well as every other place in the Med and Europe that we’ve gone to.  However, honestly, I didn’t find Hong Kong, Shanghai, nor Tokyo as amazing as most people seem to?  I think I found Mumbai and the surrounding area more interesting (though the poverty made me very sad :().  Note, one reason we more often do the Caribbean, is that right now we can do only one “big trip” a year, and as Minnesotans, we crave sun and ocean in the winter 🙂 

Edited April 7, 2019 by vacationlover_mn

[snaefell]

Visiting the same place/places multiple times seems a great idea at the time IME,we have done it & now at Pension age really regret the places we haven't managed to get to & now probably never will,the Far East has always appealed but we have not done it before so we are doing it while we can!

[vacationlover_mn]

42 minutes ago, snaefell said:

Visiting the same place/places multiple times seems a great idea at the time IME,we have done it & now at Pension age really regret the places we haven't managed to get to & now probably never will,the Far East has always appealed but we have not done it before so we are doing it while we can!

I am definitely glad I saw Asia (on the company dollar :).  However, hubby has no desire, so I’m cool with other places...  I think our future big spendy trip will be Australia + cruise...  after he gets more vacation at work 🙂. I hate that he doesn’t get almost 6 weeks like I do 😞

[snaefell]

Don't know about in the USA but in the UK Australia seems to be somewhere you have no interest in or are dying to get to,apart from wanting to see the Bathurst I fall into the first category,long way to go to see a motor race!

During the last 20 years of my working life I had fixed holidays,3 weeks in the Summer included so it was the busiest,dearest & hottest time of year,a real pain,amazing how for those 3 weeks holidays can be double or even triple what they are at other times.

We are hoping to get at least one more holiday in the USA,the trouble is the places we want to see again,or for the first time are so far apart that it is going to be a hard choice which ones to leave out!

[grapau27]

On 4/6/2019 at 3:06 PM, xxHadleyxx said:

´For Main Stage entertainment we had:

 

Sequins and Feathers production show the first night.  It was kind of a standard cruise variety act---that said, it was our favourite of those we have seen, by quite a lot.  The music was more upbeat, mostly modern, no long drawn out ballads, the costume were fun and colorful, the choreography interesting and they did not even try to pretend to have a plot.  We really enjoyed it.

 

(this reminds me of another cultural difference, which we saw on the ship and on land as well---Chinese Audience do not clap or cheer much mid show.  That'S got to be hard on the performers--no energy from the audience.  But at the end they were invariably very enthusiastic with standing ovations, etc.  

 

That was the ONLY main stage production show on or 7 night cruise.  We're used to 2 on a seven night and I think there might sometimes be two (a second was named in the survey) but either the two late nights in port were a factor, or the just needing the cast to perform the Star Water show so many times for everyone to get a chance to see it.

 

Other nights we had:

two movie nights (the nights were were in port until 4:00 am and 10:00 pm)

a Motown Group (they were pretty good, not the best of them, but far from the worst)

a Chinese magician (we missed this as we were at Wonderland)

an Australian comedy magician--he was funny and great with the Chinese audience

a former winner of The Voice Philippines---she was good

 

The other big show is the Star Water show held in Two70.  This is the one you need a reservation for.  You make that by picking up tickets on the first sea day (much like for ice shows on some of the other ships).  

The concierge had already reserved enough seats for D+, Gold VIP and suites on a designated night (maybe also Diamond but I am not sure).

My take on StarWater is that it has some very cool tech and the dancing is very well done, but the show itself drags and is boring.  The songs were long and slow and boring--mostly watered down (elevator music) versions of good things (songs by the Police, Bob Marley, etc).  The opening number was a small section of Vogue, repeated over and over with slow musical interludes in between---a number which would have been fun for 2-3 minute but drug on for nearly 15.  Personally, I really WANTED to enjoy this show, but the style just did not do it for me (or my husband) and we could not really get into it (though we both thought the section where a woman sings wearing a flowy white gown which hangs down several meters while she is elevated above everyone else, and the others shook her white skirts, was like a prolonged version of playing parachute in gym class in the 80s lol

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brilliant review.

This is an area we have yet to cruise so found your review very interesting and informative.

[Haoie]

Appreciate the details on an under-reported section of the cruise market.

[loji13]

Thank you so much for posting so much details about Quantum.  We are booked on a b2b over Christmas and really looking forward it.  Would you mind me asking, was the Silver and Gold VIP (similar to the Key) available on your Cruise Planner prior to departure and do you have anymore information on what it included?  Also, was there any information on private time on North Star or hiring the day beds in that area?  We are celebrating big birthdays and anniversary and I would like to surprise the other half with some extras.  This is only our 3rd cruise, the first 2 were in OS then GS - we will be in a JS this time so aware we won't have the same perks as a full suite but the VIP passes may help my husband get over the disappointment of the extras he really enjoyed.  

[kernow]

Thanks so much for a very enjoyable review, it's made me even more excited for our Quantum cruise next Feb.

[xxHadleyxx]

On 4/7/2019 at 8:09 PM, vacationlover_mn said:

This might be a controversial statement but...

 

One reason I loved your awesome review, is that it made me realize an Asian cruise isn’t for us.  I was thinking a btb in a few years could be cool.  I’ve been to Asia for work a few times, and DH didn’t think he’d ever care to go.  I thought a cruise might be a good way for me to see some more of the sites... but I think he’d hate it.  There are still MANY more cool places we want to see, that he would LOVE, so I’m ok with skipping an Asian cruise 🙂

 

thanks again!!

That's valid.   You might also consider a cruise on a line which is catering to a western market/passenger while sailing in Asia.  I think Celebrity falls into that category (though I'm not confident about this)

[WaveSplasher]

7 hours ago, loji13 said:

Thank you so much for posting so much details about Quantum.  We are booked on a b2b over Christmas and really looking forward it.  Would you mind me asking, was the Silver and Gold VIP (similar to the Key) available on your Cruise Planner prior to departure and do you have anymore information on what it included?  Also, was there any information on private time on North Star or hiring the day beds in that area?  We are celebrating big birthdays and anniversary and I would like to surprise the other half with some extras.  This is only our 3rd cruise, the first 2 were in OS then GS - we will be in a JS this time so aware we won't have the same perks as a full suite but the VIP passes may help my husband get over the disappointment of the extras he really enjoyed.  

Are you sailing on Quantum B2B from Singapore or Spectrum from Hong Kong? Because  Royal Caribbean runs Quantum in Singapore differently from Hong Kong and China. 

[The_Big_M]

7 minutes ago, xxHadleyxx said:

That's valid.   You might also consider a cruise on a line which is catering to a western market/passenger while sailing in Asia.  I think Celebrity falls into that category (though I'm not confident about this)

 

Celebrity has a more traditional market, mostly because it doesn't base itself there but mostly does one ways, and to a variety of different ports.

 

That said, food is also a weak point on those sailings, which the F&B manager advised had the highest food costs in the world where they operate in trying to achieve a western standard - I would also say they have a more limited food offering for similar reasons.

[loji13]

We are on Quantum from Singapore ☺️

[WaveSplasher]

10 minutes ago, loji13 said:

We are on Quantum from Singapore ☺️

 

Quantum Of the Seas in Singapore will follow the normal Sea, Sky and Star Class like the rest of the Quantum Class Ship sailing around the world, so there's no Silver or Gold VIP. I'm hoping Royal introduces the Key on Quantum but I highly doubt they are going to. 

 

Solarium will be open to all, North Star, Bumper Cars, Ifly are all free. Food in the MDR will have a mix of Asian and Western Dishes. Passenger count will be mix between Asian and Western and from all parts of the world. 

 

You will have to check the cruise planner if they do private runs on the North Star. If not then I think you will need to email Royal on this. 

 

You might find Quantum sailings from Singapore somewhat more "enjoyable" then those sailings round trip from China. 

Edited April 8, 2019 by WaveSplasher

[xxHadleyxx]

7 hours ago, loji13 said:

Thank you so much for posting so much details about Quantum.  We are booked on a b2b over Christmas and really looking forward it.  Would you mind me asking, was the Silver and Gold VIP (similar to the Key) available on your Cruise Planner prior to departure and do you have anymore information on what it included?  Also, was there any information on private time on North Star or hiring the day beds in that area?  We are celebrating big birthdays and anniversary and I would like to surprise the other half with some extras.  This is only our 3rd cruise, the first 2 were in OS then GS - we will be in a JS this time so aware we won't have the same perks as a full suite but the VIP passes may help my husband get over the disappointment of the extras he really enjoyed.  

They were never made available in our cruise planner.  

I only saw pricing for the highest level (I think Gold) VIP listed on board.  They were not pushing it at all (at least among English speakers) and the sign was the electronic one by the theater on deck four.  It showed pricing info scrolling between English and Chinese for only part of day 2 that I saw.

 

Price was 50$ per day per person.  It said every one in the cabin had to buy it and by day 2 at the latest.  Included were:

 

Solarium access from early morning until it closed at 9 pm.  Including happy hour from 5:30 to 9. During happy hour the same drinks that Diamond coupons could be used on are available for free on the solarium bar and some hot snacks were set out.  Breakfast in the solarium bistro was also included

 

Priority boarding/ and disembarkation 

 

Priority escort off the ship in ports (VERY useful at the first stop in Japan where it takes a few hours to get everyone through customs).   Priority line for bumper cars.  Reserved seating at mainstage  shows (in balcony).

Other normal concierge services.

 

Concierge lounge access (which had happy hour from 4-6:30 but no bar set up in the area, so it's much better in the solarium).

 

I think gold also got meals at costal kitchen and one free ride on Northstar.  But I'm not positive of that.

 

 

I saw nothing about reserving Northstar for a private group, but Iimagine it could be done for a price.

 

I'd be surprised if you could reserve private use of loungers in the solarium others already paid to have access to.  That said, we spent lots of time in there and there was always a good selection of every seating type, Including the big round beds, available.

 

 

[xxHadleyxx]

I'd hope to cover cruise staff activities and that Japanese immigration process today, but we've changed hotels again and have terrible wifi.  Hopefully tomorrow will be better.

[vacationlover_mn]

2 hours ago, xxHadleyxx said:

That's valid.   You might also consider a cruise on a line which is catering to a western market/passenger while sailing in Asia.  I think Celebrity falls into that category (though I'm not confident about this)

Thanks!  DH might like that...

[mugtech]

59 minutes ago, vacationlover_mn said:

Thanks!  DH might like that...

Norwegian does 11 and 12 day cruises between Singapore and Hong Kong, and other than more Asian food available than usual the cruise was very much like other NCL cruises.  There were a lot of Germans on our 3/4 to 3/16/19 cruise on the Jewel, as German was the only language other than English used in any announcements.  Next year her sister ship, the Jade, will be doing the same intineraries in March, worth checking out.

[Hop77]

10 hours ago, loji13 said:

We are on Quantum from Singapore ☺️

 

Hey, is your sailing on 23rd Dec? We will be onboard too. Btw, I am from Singapore. 

[Hop77]

10 hours ago, WaveSplasher said:

 

Quantum Of the Seas in Singapore will follow the normal Sea, Sky and Star Class like the rest of the Quantum Class Ship sailing around the world, so there's no Silver or Gold VIP. I'm hoping Royal introduces the Key on Quantum but I highly doubt they are going to. 

 

Solarium will be open to all, North Star, Bumper Cars, Ifly are all free. Food in the MDR will have a mix of Asian and Western Dishes. Passenger count will be mix between Asian and Western and from all parts of the world. 

 

You will have to check the cruise planner if they do private runs on the North Star. If not then I think you will need to email Royal on this. 

 

You might find Quantum sailings from Singapore somewhat more "enjoyable" then those sailings round trip from China. 

 

May I know where did you get the confirmation that sailing from Singapore in the Quantum will follow the Sea, Sky and Star class program? I am very anxious to get the confirmation as RC has upgraded me to a grand loft suite, I booked the grand suite guarantee, and I really hope to have the once a lifetime Star experience. Thanks. 🙂

[WaveSplasher]

3 hours ago, Hop77 said:

 

May I know where did you get the confirmation that sailing from Singapore in the Quantum will follow the Sea, Sky and Star class program? I am very anxious to get the confirmation as RC has upgraded me to a grand loft suite, I booked the grand suite guarantee, and I really hope to have the once a lifetime Star experience. Thanks. 🙂

 

Hi, I'm from Singapore too. 

 

Royal only does the Silver/Gold program when sailing from China. Talking to Royal Caribbean office in Singapore, they have assured me that Quantum follows the International version of the Royal Suite Class when she's based here. Also based on past experience with Ovation Home-porting in Singapore before, they have never implemented the China Suite Program here at all. 

 

 

 

[loji13]

16 hours ago, xxHadleyxx said:

They were never made available in our cruise planner.  

I only saw pricing for the highest level (I think Gold) VIP listed on board.  They were not pushing it at all (at least among English speakers) and the sign was the electronic one by the theater on deck four.  It showed pricing info scrolling between English and Chinese for only part of day 2 that I saw.

 

Price was 50$ per day per person.  It said every one in the cabin had to buy it and by day 2 at the latest.  Included were:

 

Solarium access from early morning until it closed at 9 pm.  Including happy hour from 5:30 to 9. During happy hour the same drinks that Diamond coupons could be used on are available for free on the solarium bar and some hot snacks were set out.  Breakfast in the solarium bistro was also included

 

Priority boarding/ and disembarkation 

 

Priority escort off the ship in ports (VERY useful at the first stop in Japan where it takes a few hours to get everyone through customs).   Priority line for bumper cars.  Reserved seating at mainstage  shows (in balcony).

Other normal concierge services.

 

Concierge lounge access (which had happy hour from 4-6:30 but no bar set up in the area, so it's much better in the solarium).

 

I think gold also got meals at costal kitchen and one free ride on Northstar.  But I'm not positive of that.

 

 

I saw nothing about reserving Northstar for a private group, but Iimagine it could be done for a price.

 

I'd be surprised if you could reserve private use of loungers in the solarium others already paid to have access to.  That said, we spent lots of time in there and there was always a good selection of every seating type, Including the big round beds, available.

 

 

Thank you for all the information.  The sun loungers I was referring to are day beds beside the North Star bar - I seen a post for Anthem (albeit a while ago) where you could reserve them for the day at a cost that included champagne.  I just wondered if you had seen this on Quantum?

 

Does anyone know if the 'Key' will be and option for Quantum sailings?

[loji13]

5 hours ago, Hop77 said:

 

Hey, is your sailing on 23rd Dec? We will be onboard too. Btw, I am from Singapore. 

Yeah we are on the 23rd sailing, we have a bit  further to travel, we are from Scotland ☺️

[xxHadleyxx]

3 minutes ago, loji13 said:

Thank you for all the information.  The sun loungers I was referring to are day beds beside the North Star bar - I seen a post for Anthem (albeit a while ago) where you could reserve them for the day at a cost that included champagne.  I just wondered if you had seen this on Quantum?

 

Does anyone know if the 'Key' will be and option for Quantum sailings?

Ah, no I didn't see it!   But very few people were out on the outside decks and we spent very little time there ourselves.  We only had one day with temps reaching into the 60s.  Otherwise it was highs in the mud 50s, add wind on deck and not pleasant to sit outside.   We appreciated all the aspects of Quantum which make her a good cold weather ship

[loji13]

1 minute ago, xxHadleyxx said:

Ah, no I didn't see it!   But very few people were out on the outside decks and we spent very little time there ourselves.  We only had one day with temps reaching into the 60s.  Otherwise it was highs in the mud 50s, add wind on deck and not pleasant to sit outside.   We appreciated all the aspects of Quantum which make her a good cold weather ship

We only have one sea day each leg, and was hoping to make the most of it and not have to fight the chair hogs haha.  A bit extravagant to pay for but nice for a special occasion, that is unless it's throwing it down!

[xxHadleyxx]

1 minute ago, loji13 said:

We only have one sea day each leg, and was hoping to make the most of it and not have to fight the chair hogs haha.  A bit extravagant to pay for but nice for a special occasion, that is unless it's throwing it down!

Lol.  Sailing out of Singapore is likely different, but sailing from Shanghai we saw no chair hogs.  Every time we walked through either the solarium OR the public indoor pool area chairs and loungers were available.  Some of the people we've met here in China tell me that sunbathing isn't really a thing in this culture.   Maybe that's why?