QUANTUM OF THE SEAS
The new cruise terminal awaits! The ship is docked with the forward end close to the car park. What a site.
This was a last minute booking. While booking in online I found this thing called "THE KEY". my cruise was for 4 days no ports but I thought i'd try this package anyway. This was going to cost me $34 AUD a day. I did't purchase the drinks package and thought this was a better option. OMG was I right. Thinking about boarding with over 4000 people I didn't want to stand in line. Even if you have a suite this could be a good package to have. The total cost for 4 days $134.58 included the top internet package.
The Key Guests will enjoy the following exclusive and special amenities during their cruise vacation:
Priority access into the terminal (within booked arrival time) on Day 1
Carry-on bag drop off in the Main Dining Room with stateroom delivery
Exclusive welcome lunch in the Main Dining Room featuring the Chops Grille® menu
Private time at onboard activities
Including Rock Climbing, FlowRider and more
Priority departure at tender ports of call from ship-to-shore
VIP access at shows in the Main theater, Aqua Theater, Studio B, and Two70 (all guests must have a reservation in order to qualify)
VOOM® Surf & Stream 1 Device high speed internet – 1 package per paying guest
On debarkation day, enjoy an exclusive á la carte breakfast and choice departure
The day prior to boarding I received a new set sail pass with a key on it. This was a key to everything and many discounts. I received my cabin card with a key attached. Everyone when on board what this meant. As I approached the terminal I handed in my luggage. They showed me over to the gentleman on the far isle with the suites and THE KEY where to board. I had booked in for a 2pm boarding. With this KEY i was allowed to board anytime. I arrived at 11.30am I was shown on board through the express lane as quick as it takes to walk up to check in. They asked to see my RAT test and passport or DL and then I was cleared to go through customs. The normal process through customs was quick and easy.
As I walked on the ship two young crew members saw my card and said this way MA"AM. I was shown to the Grande restaurant where all the KEY people where having lunch. 3 course Chops Grill lunch with drinks. Beer, Wine, Soft drinks being served. Didn't have to pay any extra this comes with this KEY purchase. After meeting a new table of friends I set sail to find my cabin and search the ship.
I was travelling alone on this one so I brought a Single Studio. For all you singles out there. Not a bad cabin. Very comfortable with a balcony. I found a cabin on deck 7. Cabin 7652
I found the room was lovely. You do need a USD plug. I found all the information on the top of the fridge. There's tea and coffee making facilities in the room. They also supplied a face mask. And on the second day I received a bowl of fresh fruit for the cabin. Couldn't fault the cabin crew. They made the funniest little critters each night :) I figured the first one was a monkey. The 2nd one's a little different. Think it's a crab.
The ship was looking new bright and a lot of laughter on board. People were happy to be travelling again. Many groups and families on board.
There's many restaurants, shows, events happening through out every day. Always something to do.
A couple of things I did notice. with 4500 or more passengers on board its a smart move to go to the restaurants when you board and book in a time for dining. I meet up with a friend and we went down and spoke to the Restaurant manager. She booked us in on table 170 by the window for 5.30 pm every day. I was suppose to be on a 8pm dining. but when you ask you shall receive. She changed our dining. AND I'm glad we did.
We had the prefect window view while the sun was setting every evening. We dinned in the American Icon restaurant and the menu changed every evening. Was prefect. The food and drinks were plenty and the staff were so friendly and lovely to talk too.
The reason I'm glad we pre booked as soon as we boarded, was that first evening when all the every time dining option was open ..the queue was a mile long every night. Even though we had booked in for 3 nights on table 170 by the window we thought about going to a different restaurant but we didn't like the other options. Very happy to have booked it in. - WATCHED THE SUNSET EVERY EVENING.
The other thing I did notice was unlike other cruise lines where you have a lot of waiters/bar waiters there was very few on this sailing. They were around but you had to search for them. The queue in the TWO 7 bar area was always a long queue to order a drink. We were lucky and found a waiter but they were hard to find.
The bars and cafes were endless. So many to choose from. The Casino Royale Deck 3 midship, Royal Theater Deck 4 forward, Two70 Deck 5 aft, Boleros Deck 4 Midship, Music Hall Deck 3 Forward, Schooner Bar Deck 5 forward, Harp & Horn Pub Deck 4 midship, Vintages Wine & Tapas Bar Deck 5 Aft. There was always something going on in these bars, music, events, shows. No lack of things to go see and do.
The dining was the same. Cafe @ Two70 Deck 5 aft end, Chef's table Deck 5 forward, Chops Grille, Deck 5 forward /Steakhouse, Coastal Kitchen - Deck 14 aft American - This is suites only dining, Izumi Sushi Japanese Deck 5 midship, Jamie's Italian Deck 5 Miship, Solarium Bistro Deck 14 forward - in the Solarium area, Sorrento's Pizza Deck 4 midship, Splash away Cafe Deck 14 midship, Windjammer Marketpalce Deck 14 aft, Wonderland Deck 5 Midship American. And of course your main dining options Deck 3 & 4. The American Icon & Silk.
The shows were good too. Production show Sequins & Feathers, Dave Callan both these were in the Theater. Didn't enjoy Dave Callan but the Show was ok. I had reserved seating due to the Key benefits.
All in all the cruise was wonderful. Enjoyed breakfast one morning room service. The Solarium bistro is often forgotten about. Do try it for Breakfast one morning or a lunch. Very quiet and you can take in a swim while you're there. I'm an early riser and found myself up there in the morning. Walk followed by a lovely breakfast then a swim. 4 hours later around 10 am its time to hit the bars.!@!!
Had a great time. Well worth seeing the ship and would highly recommend it to anyone that loves cruising. Just remember it is USD on board. Take a few USD if you have them and place them on your shipboard account. Your tipping is already included in the price. It's up to you if you wish to tip your crew. They are the best!!!