NEWS — SPECIAL REPORT
AGENT FEEDBACK: ‘Stunning’, ‘jaw-dropping’ and ‘wow factor’ – just some of agents’ views of Quantum of the Seas
The other ships launching out of Southampton in 2015 will have something to worry about
when they see the technical advances that Quantum and Anthem are bringing to the industry. It’s the nearest a cruise ship has ever come to representing a hotel room in terms of the cabins – my first impression on entering one was that I was in a five-star hotel. Paul Frost, Jetline Cruise
The two things that really impressed me were the virtual balconies, which were
Dining Quantum and Anthem will be the first Royal ships not to have a main 2,000-seat dining room. Instead they will have four full-service complimentary restaurants, plus 15 other eating venues. The four main restaurants each have 435 seats and serve different cuisine: The American Icon Grill, serving US classics; Silk, serving pan-Asian food; Grande, for European classic fine dining (guests can wear black tie in this restaurant); and Chic, for modern, innovative and refined cuisine. Those staying in the suites can dine in the Coastal Kitchen, and all can use the Windjammer Cafe for breakfast and lunch. There are several restaurants which charge a premium – like Jamie’s Italian, the Solarium Bistro (for healthier options), Wonderland (think Heston Blumenthal-type experiements!) , Chop’s Grill and Chef’s Table.
Cabins/staterooms The cabins were so tastefully decorated that it felt like walking into a posh hotel. But it was the virtual balconies that created the most excitement. Floor-to-ceiling screens show live views from four cameras on the bridge. ❯ Letters, page 36
just stunning, and the Dynamic Dining, which is just wonderful. This ship will definitely attract new people to cruise and I’ll be on TV every night for the next few months banging on about it. John Cooper,
Liverpool Cruise Club
Quantum of the Seas makes other cruise ships look like tubs. This ship is 100% for
modern cruisers, rather than the old blue-rinse brigade. Seamus Conlon,
Cruise.co.uk
Seeing Quantum has reaffirmed just how much Royal Caribbean leads the way in innovation.
There are a lot of ships coming on stream, but in terms of the wow factor, it’s going to be hard to find anything else as jaw-dropping. It’s perfect for new-to-cruise and families. The challenge is getting more people to know it exists. At Thomson, half of what we sell is new- to-cruise and it’s the perfect
product to switch people from a land-based holiday. Karen Doyle, Tui
I can see now, with all the new ideas and innovation, why Royal Caribbean has got to
charge a bit more for Quantum and Anthem, but it’s worth every penny. The magnitude of the connectivity is genius. A picture speaks a thousand words and with guests now being able to post pics on Facebook or Facetime friends from the ship instantly, this will be fabulous PR for Royal Caribbean. They have really raised the bar again.
Janet Whittingham, Travel Counsellors
From the skydiving and other activities, to the West- End shows and designer
staterooms, this really cements the value proposition of cruise. People always talk about the one in nine ‘cruise considerers’ and this ship will be the tipping point to making them try a cruise for the first time. When I heard about some of the tech features, I thought it might be a bit gimmicky, but seeing them makes you realise they are all well thought-out and will bring joy to thousands of passengers. Dave Mills,
Iglu.com
I have been to the launch of every Royal Caribbean ship since 1994, and to the launches
of ships from other cruise companies, but this one has the wow factor. It’s a quantum leap for Royal Caribbean and for the cruise industry as a whole in every single aspect – from the staterooms to the entertainment
4 September 2014 —
travelweekly.co.uk • 13
to the technology. It has real multigenerational appeal – and is perfect for new-to-cruise customers. It wouldn’t matter if you never left this ship. I will sell it as the destination – the ports of call will be a bonus. Sharon Fleming, Thompson Travel International
Just when you think it can’t get any better, it does. Royal Caribbean step it up every time.
Non-cruisers will want to sail on this – they just don’t know it’s there so we have to work together to get the message across. It’s perfect for families and also for couples. I can see myself sitting in Two70 – and you don’t need to be a child to want to go on the dodgems! Alison Earnshaw, Cruise118
What an amazing insight into the incredible work that goes into creating
modern cruise ships. Our few days at the shipyard have really demonstrated to us all the level of innovation and investment being made across the industry to make cruises the ultimate holiday choice.
Andy Harmer, Clia UK & Ireland
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