Royal Caribbean – Quantum of the Seas

The Quantum of the Seas is the first of her class, the Quantum-class cruise ship. She joined the Royal Caribbean fleet in November 2014. Her godmother is Kristen Chenoweth. The ship has 2,094 staterooms that can accommodate up to 4,180 guests (double occupancy). The ship is 1,141 feet long. 14 of its 16 decks are for passengers. Approximately 1,500 crew members take care of the guests who travel aboard this ship.

Guests aboard the ship can enjoy a wide array of activities. These activities include:

40-foot-long FlowRider® surf simulator
Two70 Lounge and Theater
Bionic Bar
North Star Observation Pod
Royal Theater
Spa & Fitness Center
Seaplex
Pools
Outdoor Movie Screen
Rock Climbing
Arade
Casino
Live Entertainment
and more!

While this isn’t the biggest ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet, there is plenty to do aboard it. There is no shortage of live entertainment to be found aboard. This includes staged entertainment at the Royal Theater or Two70, live entertainment in the Schooner Bar and the Harp & Horn, movies under the stars above the outdoor pool, trivia, origami and other classes, art auctions, gambling, games, and a whole lot more.

Ship

The Quantum of the Seas surprised me as a ship. It has some really good deals this winter to Mexico, and I figured that had something to do with the ship itself. Within minutes of boarding, I realized I couldn’t have been more wrong. The ship is lovely, and for being over a decade old is very well taken care of. While this ship is probably one of the smaller ones I’ve cruised aboard, it used its space very wisely. It was easy to navigate, and there were plenty of spaces to explore and relax in. This ship does go to Alaska, and it would be perfect for that, as there is a covered pool that offers sunlight without having to worry about the weather. The Solarium, which is for adults only, is also great for this. There were quite a few different offerings that will keep all ages happy. Because it didn’t have the big parkway like some of the larger Royal Caribbean ships, there was a feel of intimacy to the ship. It also made things feel like there weren’t as many people aboard as there aren’t any super crowded places all at once, even during the Super Bowl. It surprised me how well designed the ship was in terms of guest flow. I would definitely travel aboard the Quantum of the Seas again.

Rooms

There are several different types of rooms found aboard the Quantum of the Seas. They include:

Interior
Ocean View
Balcony
Suite

The Daps Magic team stayed in Balcony Stateroom 13969. This is a category 3D room. The room included two twin beds that could convert into a Royal King bed, a television, a sitting area with a double sofa bed, a desk, storage areas (an impressive amount!), a full bathroom, and a private balcony. Check out the tour of the room below.

The room was comfortable. While not the largest in the world, there was no shortage of storage space. It seemed like every inch of the room had been carefully thought through to provide as much storage space as possible. This made the room much more comfortable for lounging about and watching the world go by without stuff having to sit everywhere. The balcony was also quite comfortable. The only downside is that if you have a wide lens, because this is near the top of the ship, the view of the sky is somewhat obstructed by the deck above that reaches out over the balcony. There were also rumblings of things moving around quite frequently, as well, presumably for the Coastal Kitchen or Windjammer above. I wouldn’t suggest this room for a light sleeper. The flip side of this location is that it was VERY convenient to get to the Windjammer, the outdoor pool area, bars, and even the Solarium. It was one deck above, so the elevator wasn’t necessary. After going up the stairs, everything was just a quick stroll either forward or aft.

Although this room had a couple of drawbacks, I still enjoyed it. It was comfortable. It had a great view. There wasn’t a ton of traffic in the hallway. It was also a very good deal!

Dining

There are quite a few options for dining aboard the Quantum of the Seas. Some of these are complimentary and others are night. In total, there are 14 options to choose from to eat. They include:

Café Promenade – Included
Deli
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

CAFÉ ALL DAY
When it comes to quick and easy come-and-go eats, there’s no better place than Café Promenade. This casual, complimentary hotspot bustles 24 hours a day, so you can drop by any time — whether it’s for a steaming cup of coffee and a warm glazed cinnamon bun in the morning, or late-night bites like fried artichoke, spicy marinated cheese, and savory meatballs from behind the counter after working up an appetite on the dance floor.

Café at Two70 – Included
Deli
Breakfast, Lunch

GOURMET MARKETPLACE
The Café@Two70 is a gourmet marketplace where every meal comes with a side of captivating views. Choose from a variety of savory hot-pressed sandwiches, crisp custom-made salads, homemade soups and more — all packed up picnic-style, so you can enjoy them while looking out floor-to-ceiling windows in Two70® or anywhere else onboard.

Chef’s Table – $$$$ – Prix Fixe
Gourmet
Dinner

AS VIP AND INTIMATE AS CAN BE
Welcome to Chef’s Table, the most exclusive and elevated dining experience on our fleet. Join an intimate group of fellow foodies on a private epicurean journey led by the ship’s Chef de Cuisine. You’ll sit down to a white tablecloth dinner spotlighting five exquisite courses that range from scallop carpaccio with yuzu vinaigrette, to grilled filet mignon served with truffle potato puree — each expertly paired with the perfect wine to highlight every flavor on the menu.

Windjammer – Included
Global
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Endless feasts around the world
Windjammer is your go-to spot for tantalizing global flavors. Top chefs drive your taste buds wild, using high quality ingredients to whip up over a dozen international culinary cuisines every day. Go all-in on India one day with authentic chana masala or lamb curry, and the next enjoy a festival of Jamaican beef patties and fresh stewed oxtail. It’s amore at first bite with pastas from signature creamy alfredo to kicked up arrabbiata. And your go-to classics like burgers, chicken and more are always on-demand. Try a little or a lot of everything. Day or night — every trip is different than the time before.

Chops Grill – $$ – Prix Fixe
Steakhouse
Dinner, Lunch

A cut above the rest
Our signature American steakhouse slices up sizzling ways to elevate your meal. A butcher’s display sets the tone — and the flavors — with mouthwatering specialty cuts like high grade wagyu beef and bone-in tomahawks. Watch through the open kitchen as seasoned chefs perfectly prepare your premium selection to your liking and serve it alongside your choice of savory sides — just be sure to save room for dessert.

Jamie’s Italian by Jamie Oliver – $$ – Prix Fixe
Italian
Lunch, Dinner

INCREDIBLE ITALIAN EATS
At Jamie’s Italian by Jamie Oliver, sit down to Tuscan-inspired cuisine crafted by one of Britain’s most famous chefs. Seasonal ingredients meet authentic recipes in family-style dishes that range from homemade pastas and classic Italian entrees, to contemporary creations infused with rustic influences.

Sorrento’s Pizza – Included – Fast Casual Food
Pizza
Lunch, Dinner

Pizza and pints
There’s nothing more satisfying than a great slice of pizza — and Royal Caribbean has spent years perfecting the recipe at Sorrento’s. Whether you’re into classics, like cheese and Margherita, or specialty pies, like the meat-loaded Carnivore or the pineapple, bacon and BBQ-infused Caribbean Dream, Sorrento’s serves up perfection in every slice.

Coastal Kitchen – Included – A La Carte
Med-Fusion
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

CRAVINGS FROM THE COAST
Exclusively for suite guests, Coastal Kitchen fuses Mediterranean influences with farm-fresh flavors from California. Filled with Pacific Coast favorites and Med-inspired entrees, the menu here rotates to spotlight delicious, seasonal ingredients. And you can pair every bite with a glass or bottle of wine off a list that includes vintages from the sun-kissed valleys of Napa to the golden-green hills of Tuscany.

Main Dining Room – Included
Global
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

GOURMET COURSES
In the Main Dining Room, you can experience flavors that take you from Jamaica to Jaipur, a rotating menu of delicious dishes always offering something unexpected. A multi-level restaurant that in the morning is the perfect spot to enjoy a hearty brunch paired with refreshing mimosas, at dinnertime transforms into a world class dining experience with a menu that invites you to taste your way around the world course by course.

Wonderland – $$$ – Prix Fixe
Imaginative
Dinner

Dishes beyond your wildest imagination
Wonderland Imaginative Cuisine is all about pushing the culinary envelope. Dishes are designed to tantalize your taste buds and present a visual feast. Find crispy crab cones topped with fluffy avocado mousse, gazpacho served with pepper spheres and bread foam, and dreamy desserts that will take your breath away. Pair your meal with cocktails described as “magical” elixirs crafted to deliver full-sensory experiences.

Izumi – $$ – A La Carte
Japanese
Lunch, Dinner

THE HOTTEST SUSHI SPOT AT SEA
From delicious sushi rolls to fresh sashimi and nigiri, Izumi serves up an exotic Asian-inspired dining experience. Savor izakaya-style appetizers and rolls that range from classic to imaginative. No matter what you order, you’re in for a far out, Far East feast filled with incredible flavors from Tohoku to Tokyo.

Dog House – Included – Fast Casual Food
Snacks & Bites
Lunch, Dinner

CRAFTED HOT DOGS WITH A TWIST
Everybody loves a great hot dog. Some like theirs served the classic way — between toasted buns with a drizzle of mustard, ketchup and relish. Others prefer theirs course-ground and sprinkled with sauerkraut, Old-World style. And some like hot dogs crafted with a creative twist — like a chicken sausage flavored with juicy apple. Whatever kind of foot long you fancy, Dog House serves up the best sausages at sea.

Room Service – $ – A La Carte
Fee applies
American
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DELICIOUS DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR
Want to savor a meal in the comfort of your stateroom? Order delicious in-room dining any time — day or night. Tuck into breakfast in bed with a fresh omelet or a steaming stack of pancakes. Or enjoy an intimate date night in after a long day of adventure onboard and ashore. Room service makes it easy to treat your taste buds without having to set foot outside your door.

La Patisserie – $ – Café
Coffee

PASTRIES IN PARADISE
Get ready for some French confectionary perfection. Take your sweet tooth on a decadent journey through an exciting assortment of flaky macarons, tantalizing petits-fours and rich artisan chocolates — all paired with tasty espressos, frothy cappuccinos and more at La Patisserie.

The food on Quantum of the Seas was a pleasant surprise. It isn’t the best food I’ve had aboard a ship. However, it was a step up from what we had when we cruised on Harmony of the Seas two years ago. There were quite a few options on board throughout the day. The service and food in the Main Dining Room were always a solid bet, and we enjoyed them each time we ate there. We had both dinner and brunch there during the cruise. We also enjoyed Windjammer, the Dog House (which was in a much better location on this ship), Sorrento’s Pizza, and the Café at Two70 for the complimentary options. I will say this: you can’t get a regular grilled cheese at Café at Two70, which I would have loved. Apparently, the only place to get one abroad is through room service or a kids’ menu. I personally would like to see this changed, as there are few things better than a grilled cheese while at sea.

We also ate at Chops Grill. We had done this before on Harmony of the Seas. This time was arguably as good, or better, than last time. The service was enthusiastically fantastic, as was the food. We enjoyed every moment from when we walked in the door, and then past the moment we left, as our waiter sent me out onto the ship with a fresh glass of wine that I had enjoyed with dinner. This is becoming a can’t-miss dining destination on our Royal Caribbean cruises.

Entertainment

There were quite a few entertainment options aboard the Quantum of the Seas. This ranged from a comedian to shows to live musicians. Some movies were screened daily as well at several locations. We didn’t experience all of the entertainment. However, everything we did experience was quality and did the job of entertaining those who were watching. Perhaps the best testament to the entertainment aboard the Quantum of the Seas is that I didn’t observe people leaving offerings early. Our favorite offering on this ship was at The Schooner Bar. There, a pianist/singer named Nata performed on most of the evenings. She was incredibly talented and connected with those in the bar throughout the trip. It really made for a nice little community that developed over the course of the week. We ended up with a server named Mike who would make sure we were taken care of each night as well. Overall, the entertainment is a strong point on the Quantum of the Seas.

Activities

There are plenty of activities to be enjoyed aboard the Quantum of the Seas. The most obvious one when walking up to the ship is the rock climbing wall. It can be seen from some distance, partially because of the wall and partially because of the giant pink bear that stands next to it on the top deck. The Seaplex gives guests the chance to play basketball, pickleball, or even drive bumper cars! There were also different classes around that allowed guests to do different things that ranged from learning how to fold origami, wine tasting, gameshows, art auctions, tours aboard the ship, and more. Most of these were free, and a couple did have an additional charge. They were nice additions and also had a nice variety. Overall, they were fun. The best was the Super Bowl party that was held on Sunday. Obviously, this isn’t something that would happen on every cruise, but it was a fun addition to this one!

Excursions

This cruise aboard the Quantum of the Seas went to Mexico and had no shortage of excursions. They ranged from sunset cruises aboard a catamaran, vineyard excursions, dining excursions, cultural experiences, and a whole lot more. There really were a lot of options that would definitely satisfy a wide range of people. In this case, we opted not to go on an excursion this time as it was nice to have an empty ship to ourselves and a shorter line for ice cream in the afternoon (can’t miss that on a cruise ship!).

Itinerary

The itinerary for the Quantum of the Seas for this cruise was a seven day-six night cruise. There were stops at Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada. Here is a look at the itinerary:

Day One – Depart Los Angeles, California
Day Two – Sea Day
Day Three – Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Day Four – Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Day Five – Sea Day
Day Six – Ensenada, Mexico
Day Seven – Arrive in Los Angeles, California

This cruise really was more about the cruise than the itinerary for us. The itinerary was fine, but also not my favorite in the world. I would have loved to have a day in Puerto Vallarta or something on it. I think I’d also have liked to go to Ensenada before Cabo San Lucas, just as I think Cabo is a more exciting destination personally. Overall, the itinerary is great for people who like these destinations. I have no complaints about it. We enjoyed hopping off the ship for a little bit at each destination; however, we enjoyed the sunsets and views from the ship more, along with all the amenities and service that were steps away. Oh, we also really enjoyed the whale watching from the ship. Talking to other cruisers, we found out that we were getting a better show from the whales than they had seen previously on whale watching excursions!

Rating: Hat Tip

Service

The service aboard the Quantum of the Seas was fantastic. From the moment we arrived at the cruise terminal in Los Angeles, we were impressed by the service. The entire check-in, dropping off luggage, security, and boarding the ship process was ridiculously smooth, and everyone we encountered was very kind. Once aboard, this trend continued. Our Main Dining room server and his assistant were both fantastic. The assistant would often sing things as he stopped by, which was funny and endearing. We found guest services to be incredibly kind and helpful as well, especially with locating a lost item at one point (it was a success). Throughout the rest of the ship, we enjoyed the service that was competent, kind, and not too formal. Highlights were our room steward, the entire staff at Chops Grill, our Main Dining Room team, Mic at the Sky Bar, and Mike at The Schooner Bar. I don’t know if they will ever read this, but they all should give themselves a pat on the back.

Rating: Hat’s Off

App

The app is pretty important when cruising with Royal Caribbean. It has the schedule, it has guides to just about everything, and it is also the definitive clock. This was important as we did have two time changes during the trip. It was faster than I remember it being on the last trip. It is a great tool for knowing when things happen, when they are open, and what is offered. I think it is a good app, but I think the Princess one is still better. I found myself not always finding what I wanted in the app and going to the internet instead.

Rating: Hat Nod

Wi-Fi

The Wi-Fi aboard the Quantum of the Seas was ok. It wasn’t super fast or reliable. Most of the time, it worked. However, it isn’t the fastest in the world, and at times, the connection would just disappear. It is definitely better than no internet, but I was also glad I have t-mobile and when in port in Mexico, I would often just use my cell service instead. For those of us who take our work wherever we go, I’d like to see this improved in the future.

Rating: Hat Nod

Final Thoughts

The Quantum of the Seas was a really enjoyable ship and cruise. This cruise really was a case where it was more about the journey than the destination. This hospitality aboard Quantum was fantastic, the ship itself was very comfortable, and overall this made for a wonderful way to getaway. As I think back about this trip, I enjoyed the room, I really enjoyed the food, and the service was my favorite. Couple this with fantastic entertainment aboard the ship, it is a great way to spend a week. While the Harmony of the Seas is bigger and could be viewed as better because of its multitude of offerings and size, I really found myself loving this ship. I would definitely cruise on it again and am already looking at an opportunity to do so on the calendar.

Rating: Hat’s Off

Have you cruised aboard the Quantum of the Seas? What type of room did you have? How was your experience? Share your thoughts, opinions, and experiences in the comments below!