Quantum Of the Seas 22nd March 2021 Semi-Live Report

[Ethanol95]

32 minutes ago, Blazza said:

2pm is the earliest as far as I know. We arrived at the terminal right on 2pm and were about the 15th group in the queue. There were even more people in the 2:30pm queue and they were being made to wait. 

I really hope I will still be one of the first ones on board! I can hope! 🙂

[Sail n Snow]

3 hours ago, Ethanol95 said:

I really hope I will still be one of the first ones on board! I can hope! 🙂

Last time we got there too early almost 40 min and had to wait.  They wouldn’t even let you queue in the line yet.  We ended up onboard within 25 min once the 2pm time slot was allowed to enter.  It’s a slow ramp up so you’ll definitely be one of the first on. 

[Sail n Snow]

4 hours ago, Blazza said:

We just got off yesterday and this was our second cruise to nowhere. Thoroughly enjoyed it and have number 3 booked in May.

 

This time for some reason they were asking everyone to view the life jacket safety video prior to landside check-in at the desks. If your party can view it in the app before reaching the cruise terminal it will save a little time and fussing.

 

We were in the 2pm boarding group and were eating pizza in Cafe Promenade by 2:35pm, having deposited our luggage in the room and made our reservations for all shows via the app and 4 Coastal Kitchen dinners at the podium on deck 14.

Thanks for the tip.  Costal Kitchen was great hope you enjoyed it!

[Ethanol95]

Pre-Departure COVID Swab Test (PCR): 

 

Today I went down to Raffles City Shopping Center to get my pre-departure Covid swab test done. This was the Polymerase Chain Reaction Test. We got there around 3:05 pm for our 3 pm slot appointment slot.  Whilst I was entering the premise, I was actually filming this for a vlog that i am releasing later, but the facilitators were very strict about filming. One of them asked me to delete that exact footage right on the spot, which I couldn't do so because my camera was giving me technical difficulties at that time.

 

The testing place was very well organized. I would enter the split archway, one going to the restaurant (Kopitiam) on the left and the other going to a foyer that was the testing area. Once entering the main lobby, I needed to get registered which was done efficiently, all under about 1 minute, before proceeding to my assigned booth for the swab. In the entirety of my time there, I saw only 1 other couple taking a swab who were arriving as I had just finished mine, even my mother who went in about 3 minutes earlier, I never did see, until I left the place and I saw her waiting for me outside. 

 

The Swab: 

Each personal experience of the PCR swab test is different according to each individual. Out of 6 of us who got swabbed at that time, I was the only one who experienced significant pain and discomfort. Mind you, I was well aware that this was more invasive and because of that tried to think less of it. My mother on the other hand, who was scared to death to be swabbed, said it was only uncomfortable at most. To be precise, what i felt can be best described as an elongated injection in my nose whilst they are turning the swab stick to collect my sample. Both sides felt this. Of the 6 of us, 1 of them said they felt absolutely nothing at all (hard to believe, given how i was clenching my fists to try to avoid moving too much). Would I do it again? If for another cruise, yes, I'd probably have to be more mentally prepared then for the pain that I know I might feel! But to each their own. 

 

The countdown is on! 2 more days to go! I am getting excited! Are you? Oh yea! Our party has expanded to 8 now, the maximum number allowed under Singapore Covid-restrictions, so it will be interesting to see whether this becomes more of a burden or still makes for smooth sailing! 

 

 

 

Following the signs to the testing area.

Entrance of the testing area next to the Kopitiam cafe. 

Edited March 19, 2021 by Ethanol95

[AF-1]

Ethanol95;  did you get results from your test same day;  or do you wait for 24 hrs?

[Ethanol95]

43 minutes ago, AF-1 said:

Ethanol95;  did you get results from your test same day;  or do you wait for 24 hrs?

I have to wait 24 hours for test results to come back. They will be emailed to you, or alternatively, I can log in to my 'TrustOne' account and find out from there.

[AF-1]

Thanks for your answer.  Have a great weekend cruise.  Cheers

[Sail n Snow]

16 hours ago, Ethanol95 said:

Pre-Departure COVID Swab Test (PCR): 

 

Today I went down to Raffles City Shopping Center to get my pre-departure Covid swab test done. This was the Polymerase Chain Reaction Test. We got there around 3:05 pm for our 3 pm slot appointment slot.  Whilst I was entering the premise, I was actually filming this for a vlog that i am releasing later, but the facilitators were very strict about filming. One of them asked me to delete that exact footage right on the spot, which I couldn't do so because my camera was giving me technical difficulties at that time.

 

The testing place was very well organized. I would enter the split archway, one going to the restaurant (Kopitiam) on the left and the other going to a foyer that was the testing area. Once entering the main lobby, I needed to get registered which was done efficiently, all under about 1 minute, before proceeding to my assigned booth for the swab. In the entirety of my time there, I saw only 1 other couple taking a swab who were arriving as I had just finished mine, even my mother who went in about 3 minutes earlier, I never did see, until I left the place and I saw her waiting for me outside. 

 

The Swab: 

Each personal experience of the PCR swab test is different according to each individual. Out of 6 of us who got swabbed at that time, I was the only one who experienced significant pain and discomfort. Mind you, I was well aware that this was more invasive and because of that tried to think less of it. My mother on the other hand, who was scared to death to be swabbed, said it was only uncomfortable at most. To be precise, what i felt can be best described as an elongated injection in my nose whilst they are turning the swab stick to collect my sample. Both sides felt this. Of the 6 of us, 1 of them said they felt absolutely nothing at all (hard to believe, given how i was clenching my fists to try to avoid moving too much). Would I do it again? If for another cruise, yes, I'd probably have to be more mentally prepared then for the pain that I know I might feel! But to each their own. 

 

The countdown is on! 2 more days to go! I am getting excited! Are you? Oh yea! Our party has expanded to 8 now, the maximum number allowed under Singapore Covid-restrictions, so it will be interesting to see whether this becomes more of a burden or still makes for smooth sailing! 

 

 

 

Following the signs to the testing area.

Entrance of the testing area next to the Kopitiam cafe. 

In Dec this was in one of the convention center rooms.  I like this setup a lot better. We had an 11 am appointment today and were in and out in 25 min.  The line moved fast and was efficient. 
 

I’m not sure if it was the person or just the angle but this time the swab made my eyes water.

[Ethanol95]

11 minutes ago, Sail n Snow said:

In Dec this was in one of the convention center rooms.  I like this setup a lot better. We had an 11 am appointment today and were in and out in 25 min.  The line moved fast and was efficient. 
 

I’m not sure if it was the person or just the angle but this time the swab made my eyes water.

Yea it was extremely fast, in and out in under 5 minutes total for me! Some say, whether you get a 'nurse' makes a whole difference. My mum and her sisters had women take theirs and said they were very reassuring and very good. Mine was an old man, not so sure that i had the same treatment. 

[Chiliburn]

34 minutes ago, Ethanol95 said:

Yea it was extremely fast, in and out in under 5 minutes total for me! Some say, whether you get a 'nurse' makes a whole difference. My mum and her sisters had women take theirs and said they were very reassuring and very good. Mine was an old man, not so sure that i had the same treatment. 

Do they do the test as in China,you know the back door?

[Ethanol95]

23 minutes ago, Chiliburn said:

Do they do the test as in China,you know the back door?

Nah, we get the usual way, the front door 🙂

[kdnurs]

On 3/4/2021 at 12:58 AM, WaveSplasher said:

Hi, I just disembark from Quantum today. 

 

There were 1690 Guests onboard. Crown and Anchor count was about 300. Highest is 567 points. 
 

Here are some tips:

 

Bring your trace together tokens or download the app. I have seen people getting turned away and asked to go home and collect their token. If you lose your Tracelets, head down to guest service. No charge

 

Book the earliest appointment slot for your check in. The shows and activities were mostly sold out by 5/6pm

 

Once you clear immigration, immediately use the APP to book the shows! We did it right by the ship before boarding and booked all the shows and activities needed . 
 

if you want to play bumper car, book the earliest slot on the first day. Once you finish, you can rebook. This gives you additional bumper car rides for the other days. 
 

Skip the Normal North Star and go for the Free Mode North Star aka North Star Extended. Pay 40USD onboard. Only can be booked onboard. 
 

Doors to the Shows open up 30 mins before. Get there early and get the good seats of your choice.

 

XBox and table games are 20 mins each. Book them at the sea plex counter on your first day. 
 

As we were Diamond, we get 4 drinks free daily. Max 12 USD or below. Can’t be used at the Bionic Bar.

 

No dinner at the Windjammer Everyday. 
 

We enjoyed the service and the food offered. 

 

No Swab Test is needed after arrival into Singapore. you can just head home.

 

 

 

Good afternoon!!! Were your 4 free drinks for Happy Hour or anytime throughout the day? TIA 

[direptor]

On 3/21/2021 at 12:30 AM, kdnurs said:

Good afternoon!!! Were your 4 free drinks for Happy Hour or anytime throughout the day? TIA 

Its any time of the day before 10pm which is the last order timing. You can still use the free drinks to get coffee etc though before they close at 11pm.

[Ethanol95]

Welcome all to Embarkation day! There is so much for me to comment on, but I simply don't have the time to write an entire essay right now with all the things I need to prioritise to make it a great trip. I will try to be succinct as possible.

 

We arrived at Marina Bay Cruise Center (MBCC) at 2:25 pm, 5 minutes before our boarding time. Already, outside was a separate queue for the 3:00pm and 3:30pm boarding group and it was long. The notable difference cruising now compared to pre-covid era is the increased amount of security and documentation checks. We used Trace Together to scan 3-4 different QR codes for different purposes. On top of that we had to show our set sail pass and passport numerous times (better safe than sorry). The immigration has become a lot smoother at MBCC. No fingerprint, just facial recognition, a real improvement. Upon boarding I actually wanted to film more, but I was surprised at how strict the cruise terminal was in allowing videography and photography. Even standing by the railings to snap a shot of the ship got me talked to. Here are some shots of the terminal. The entire check-in process was good, but not seamless. I found myself struggling to juggle my bags, with passport in one hand, set sail pass/mobile in the other. But i'm relieved it was relatively efficient.

 

 

We were given blue tracelets to allow contact tracing to occur for each passenger. As i'm typing this, the internet is pretty horrible. I can't even upload pictures as of now. Still using hotspot to upload these images.

 

 

I will type more later when I have time tonight. Its been pretty hectic trying to sort out Wifi, Dining and Drinks for my entire party. 

[Biker19]

27 minutes ago, Ethanol95 said:

As i'm typing this, the internet is pretty horrible.

Have you been on Quantum before? Are you comparing to that or Internet at home?

[sgmn]

41 minutes ago, Ethanol95 said:

Welcome all to Embarkation day! There is so much for me to comment on, but I simply don't have the time to write an entire essay right now with all the things I need to prioritise to make it a great trip. I will try to be succinct as possible.

 

We arrived at Marina Bay Cruise Center (MBCC) at 2:25 pm, 5 minutes before our boarding time. Already, outside was a separate queue for the 3:00pm and 3:30pm boarding group and it was long. The notable difference cruising now compared to pre-covid era is the increased amount of security and documentation checks. We used Trace Together to scan 3-4 different QR codes for different purposes. On top of that we had to show our set sail pass and passport numerous times (better safe than sorry). The immigration has become a lot smoother at MBCC. No fingerprint, just facial recognition, a real improvement. Upon boarding I actually wanted to film more, but I was surprised at how strict the cruise terminal was in allowing videography and photography. Even standing by the railings to snap a shot of the ship got me talked to. Here are some shots of the terminal. The entire check-in process was good, but not seamless. I found myself struggling to juggle my bags, with passport in one hand, set sail pass/mobile in the other. But i'm relieved it was relatively efficient.

 

 

We were given blue tracelets to allow contact tracing to occur for each passenger. As i'm typing this, the internet is pretty horrible. I can't even upload pictures as of now. Still using hotspot to upload these images.

 

 

I will type more later when I have time tonight. Its been pretty hectic trying to sort out Wifi, Dining and Drinks for my entire party. 

Thanks for doing the review. Very interesting to see how things are on board. Hope you and your group have a great trip. Will be following along with interest 

Sue

[Ethanol95]

13 minutes ago, Biker19 said:

Have you been on Quantum before? Are you comparing to that or Internet at home?

I've never had the need to use the ship's wifi to upload that many photos before. It often disconnects. 

[direptor]

2 minutes ago, Ethanol95 said:

I've never had the need to use the ship's wifi to upload that many photos before. It often disconnects. 

Are u using the surf and stream package or just the surf? The surf 1 is pretty bad but it was free with Diamond so i just bear with it.

 

[Biker19]

5 minutes ago, Ethanol95 said:

I've never had the need to use the ship's wifi to upload that many photos before

As mentioned in previous post, get used to "pretty good" ship based internet. Good thing you are not on a ship with O3B internet.

[Ethanol95]

28 minutes ago, direptor said:

Are u using the surf and stream package or just the surf? The surf 1 is pretty bad but it was free with Diamond so i just bear with it.

 

I bought the surf + stream package, so guess I expected more from it..

[Ethanol95]

Exploring the ship is made much harder with staff sitting at entrance's and exits of each place in the ship. Guests have to scan their set sail cards once before proceeding, at some stations, my temperature has to be taken, at others staff check for the 'TraceTogether' app. Not sure why there is a discrepancy. I wanted to go explore the seaplex but the staff said, "sorry, we are only allowing guests with bumper car reservations into the seaplex at this time". Kinda bummed that they are that strict, but it is what it is. I'm probably going to soak in hot tub at the solarium before dinner.

 

The gym is surprisingly empty today. I've only seen less than 5 people in that massive gym. Staff are also very strict about ensuring guests wear their face masks properly. My mask keeps slipping down past my nose bridge, and countless times already I've been reminded to bring it up. Guess It's time to buy a 'royal' mask!

[direptor]

43 minutes ago, Ethanol95 said:

I bought the surf + stream package, so guess I expected more from it..

I feel that its possible too many Singaporeans are buying it and the usage rate is so high that the connection is bad. I had better experiences in the past on Quantum, the recent sailings connection is terrible.

[Sail n Snow]

1 hour ago, Ethanol95 said:

I bought the surf + stream package, so guess I expected more from it..

It depends on cloud coverage. It seems slow right now.  On our last trip it was the same.  Sometimes fast enough for a FaceTime call and others couldn’t send a text. 

[Biker19]

25 minutes ago, direptor said:

I feel that its possible too many Singaporeans are buying it and the usage rate is so high that the connection is bad.

Considering the ship is sailing at barely 1/2 capacity, there should be much fewer issues with the system being over subscribed.

[#55worktoplay]

@Ethanol95

 

Thanks for taking the time to do this. 
 

I hope you have a great trip!