Quantum of the Seas
When it launched in 2014, Royal Caribbean’s 4,180-guest Quantum of the Seas defined the line as the most technologically advanced ship at sea. The first in the Quantum class, this vessel is arguably all about the activities: Highlights include bumper cars, a skydiving simulator, and a lounge with robot bartenders. Quantum of the Seas also introduced a whole host of other features to the line: Hot new restaurants include an Italian spot designed by British TV Chef Jamie Oliver, and Wonderland, the line’s “Alice in Wonderland”-themed molecular gastronomy fine dining spot.
While Quantum of the Seas did cruise primarily in Asia from 2015 to early 2020, the ship is now sailing itineraries in Alaska, the South Pacific, Australia, and New Zealand. Like its younger Quantum-class siblings, this vessel offers a good mix of thrilling and challenging activities (especially for teens and tweens in and around the SeaPlex space), some satisfying specialty dining concepts, and some stellar nightlife venues featuring live music and theatrical performances.
What We Love
Music Hall: The two-story show lounge with red curtains, café-style tables, and an impressive sound-proofing system is designed for cover bands.
Two70: This gorgeous aft lounge features towering glass windows overlooking the wake, fun seating choices, and a great bar. During the day, you can grab a sandwich or salad from the cafe and enjoy the sunlight streaming through the space. At night, this is the place for shows — during which entertainers rise from the floor and drop from the ceiling, and robotic screens contribute to the entertainment.
Best Known For
North Star: This amusement park-style ride takes place in a giant podlike structure attached to an arm that raises and lowers the pod into the sky and out over the sea. The ride is short, and you may have to wait in line to try it. But it’s the best vantage spot for photos on board.
Online Check-in: You can check in and upload a photo from home, so that when you get to the port, you walk right up the gangway — an impressively fast embarkation experience for a ship with nearly 5,000 passengers.
Major Broadband Improvements: The Wi-Fi on board is fast enough that you can upload photos, stream your favorite TV shows, and Skype with friends back home. And while the daily fees aren’t exactly cheap, it is a better deal than on some competing mainstream cruise lines.
Who It's Good For
Families with Tweens & Teens and Activity-Focused Couples: There is plenty to enjoy on this tech-savvy ship, from simulated sky diving and actual bumper cars to robotic bartenders and an adults-only Solarium oasis with its pool and hot tubs.
Don't Say We Didn't Warn You
There are no Waterslides: There are pools to splash in, but Quantum-class ships don’t have a single corkscrew waterslide to add water-based thrills.
It’s a Big Ship: The technology has made moments like embarkation smoother and much more comfortable, but you’ll still find crowds and lines in certain situations.