Cruise Passenger Ultimate Guide: Quantum of the Seas
Ship GuideThere is an extensive list of Pacific adventures to look forward to when Royal Carribean’s Quantum of the Seas begins the season in its homeport of Brisbane, Australia’s new gateway to the Pacific.
Quantum of the Seas operator Royal Caribbean is the only cruise line voted by Travel Weekly readers as Best Overall for 10 years. After exploring Queensland’s capital and Australia’s third largest city pre-cruise, let’s see what this 4000+-passenger capacity ship has to offer.
Some ship facts
Built in the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany in 2014, Quantum of the Seas is an engineering marvel. It spans a stunning 348m (1141 feet) in length and 49m (161 feet) in width. Additionally, the 16-deck ship features 2095 staterooms and has a cruising speed of 22 knots. Its most recent fit was in 2019.
Condé Nast Traveler once called it “the first cruise ship built specifically for selfies”. It was also called the world’s first “smartship” because of its pioneering app that helped passengers book meals and activities.
With innovation and infusion of cutting-edge technology, Quantum of the Seas enjoys a reputation as a revolutionary ship in the cruise industry.
Suites and staterooms: the facts
- Quantum of the Seas’ Staterooms are the largest in the Royal Caribbean fleet. It is even larger by 9% than the company’s largest ship Oasis of the Seas.
- Quantum of the Seas has a total of 2094 staterooms which includes 125 Suites, 1446 Balcony Cabins, 148 Oceanview Cabins, 375 Virtual Balcony Interior Cabins, and 28 Studio Single Cabins.
- The cruise ship also boasts a total of 22 ADA-certified wheelchair-accessible cabins. In addition, these staterooms have special amenities like open-bed frames, wider cabin and bathroom doors, wider turning spaces, lower sitting areas, etc.
- Wheelchair-accessible cabins are conveniently located near the elevators.
- Most cabins in Quantum of the Seas are between 16.7sqm and 18.5sqm (180-200 ft2) in size. Also, most of the ship balconies measure 5sqm (55 ft2).
- Quantum of the Seas also provides king-size beds, large-size bathrooms, walk-in closets, larger living rooms, a vanity area, and a step-out balcony for all Suites.
- Suite guests except for Junior Suites get to enjoy bonus amenities like a 24-hour Concierge Service, Salon and Spa reservations, booking RCI cruise excursions, and dining reservations.
- Balcony staterooms include a floor-to-ceiling sliding door which open to a private step-out verandah.
- Most of the Oceanview cabins have a 24-inch Picture Window, except for those at Deck 3, which have non-opening Porthole Windows.
- A pioneering feature of a Royal Caribbean cabin is the Interior Virtual Balcony which is an 80-inch floor-to-ceiling LED 4k ultra-HD screen. It provides real-time streaming of the balcony view from the ship’s outside camera.
- Quantum of the Seas also offers Studios ideal for solo travellers. In addition, Studio cabins range from 9.3sqm to 18.6sqm (100 to 200 ft2) in size.
- Most staterooms have either bunk beds or double sofa beds for third or fourth guest. Additionally, twin beds measure 90cm x 2m (36 x 82 inches) and they’re all convertible to Royal King.
- Quantum of the Seas also features in-cabin babysitting for an hourly fee, with a maximum of four kids per stateroom.
- Quantum of the Seas also has connecting staterooms which are ideal for family or groups.
- Guests must also take into consideration the cabin location before booking as some cabins have obstructed views.
Dining and culinary experiences
Quantum of the Seas offers a list of dining options from complimentary dining to specialty restaurants.
Complimentary Dining
Main dining room
The main multi-level dining room offers a different ambiance on each level and serves multi-course meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Solarium bistro
Emphasising fresh ingredients, this bistro offers predominantly Mediterranean flavours throughout breakfast, lunch and dinner. Meanwhile, Solarium offers an al fresco dining experience.
The Café @ Two70
The Cafe is a gourmet marketplace has a menu featuring hot-pressed sandwiches, crispy custom-made salads, soups and more – all packed picnic-style. Guests who want to linger, can also enjoy the view while looking out of floor-to-ceiling windows of Two70.
Windjammer
An array of global flavours are served at Windjammer cafe. Guests can enjoy anything from scrambled egg Bhurji served with roti, to home-style crispy chicken and waffles for breakfast. In addition, they could try the traditional chicken marsala, savoury pork vindaloo, tangy duck a l’Orange, and the Caribbean goat curry.
Café Promenade
This 24/7 casual complimentary café offers quick come-and-go eats. Here, guests could enjoy a cup of Royal Roast with a flaky ‘croissandwich’ for breakfast. A chicken roti wrap and the New Orleans-style muffuletta for lunch are also recommended. They also offer late-night bites such as fried artichoke and spicy marinated cheese
Sorrento’s
Sorrento’s serves a variety of pizzas from classics including Margherita, to house specialty pies, including the meat-loaded Carnivore. This New York-style pizzeria is open late, which makes it a good spot for an after-hours bite.
Coastal Kitchen
Coastal Kitchen is exclusive for Suite guests and it serves California and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. To start, guests can enjoy decadent French toast with syrup and caramelised bananas for breakfast. They could also the signature Margherita flatbread, heaped with buffalo mozzarella, vine-ripened tomato and fresh basil. Moreover, a tender herb-crusted chicken breast paired with roasted squash during lunch time could be just the thing for lunch.
Dog House
The appropriately named Dog House offers crafted hotdogs with a twist. Guests could go for a Coney Island dog, made with classic American beef or for the authentic old-world flavour with a German Thuringer made from finely minced pork. Additionally, there’s also The Big Apple, which is a chicken sausage cooked with apple for a subtle touch of sweetness.
Specialty restaurants
Guests may opt to have the restaurants to themselves through Quantum of the Seas’ buy-out option. Here are some of the specialty restaurants guests could discover during their cruise journey onboard.
Chef’s Table
The Chef’s Table is the most exclusive dining experience in the Royal Caribbean fleet. Guests could sit down to a five-course dinner ranging from scallop carpaccio with yuzu vinaigrette to grilled filet mignon served with truffle potato puree. Each dish is paired with wine to highlight every flavour on the menu.
Wonderland
Wonderland chefs satisfy guests with fantasy gourmet dishes. Guests may choose dishes based on five natural elements – Earth, Sea, Fire, Ice and Sun. Here, you could find crispy crab cones topped with fluffy avocado mousse, gazpacho served with pepper spheres and bread foam. A liquid lobster served with bone marrow and caviar is also on the menu.
Jamie’s Italian
This Tuscan-inspired offers dishes crafted by one of Britain’s most famous chefs, Jamie Oliver. Guests can enjoy house specialties such as creamy burrata garnished with slow-roasted tomato, carta di musica bread and rocket. There’s also the ultimate garlic bread which is a warm artisan buttermilk bun served with herby garlic butter, veggie Parmesan and rosemary. Guests could also treat themselves to chianti-braised short rib served with Parmesan mash and horseradish gremolata.
Chops Grille
This classic American steakhouse offers a menu that introduces a contemporary touch to traditional steakhouse cuisine. Chops Grille is known for its prime meat and their steaks are hand-trimmed, seasoned and seared to lock in the flavours. Moreover, guests may enjoy signature mains such as the Filet, a 250g tender cut of lean midwestern beef, to the tender oven-roasted Rack of Lamb seasoned with thyme and rosemary, or the Prime NY Strip which is a 350g full-flavoured USDA Prime cut.
Izumi
Tagged as the “hottest sushi spot at sea”, Izumi offers a four-course meal that includes one starter, two mains and one dessert. Guests may feast on prawn firecracker spring roll, baked snow crab and salmon dynamite roll, and a decadent chocolate lava cake.
Vintages Wine Bar
An extensive collection of reds and whites is offered at the Vintages wine bar. Guests who have a fancy for a great Reisling may opt to try the light and fruity Dürnberg from Austria, while those who look for something richer may opt for a glass of Cheval des Andes from Mendoza, Argentina.
Quantum of the Seas deck plan
- Quantum of the Seas deck plan shows 16 decks with 2095 staterooms for 4162 guests. It has four swimming pools, 10 jacuzzis, 16 elevators and 16 dining options.
- Decks 3 and 4 house the Royal Theater and the four main dining rooms.
- The two-decker indoor SeaPlex is located on Decks 15 and 16.
- The RipCord, the world’s first skydiving simulator at sea, as well as the FlowRider surf simulator are housed at Deck 16.
- Quantum of the Seas Virtual Balcony staterooms are located on Decks 7-11.
- The three-decker Two70 Cafe stretches from deck 5 through deck 7. In addition, Chops grille, Schooner Bar, Izumi, Wonderland, Vintages, and Jamie’s Italian are housed at Deck 6.
- Most of the balcony cabins in deck 6 have obstructed views because of lifeboats and other equipment.
- For guests who have children, decks 11 and 12 are ideal for booking as they house Adventure Ocean kid’s programme. Also, there are connecting rooms offered in both decks.
- For adult guests, the Solarium, an indoor-outdoor retreat, is located at Decks 13 and 14.
- North star is housed at Deck 15, together with Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center. The running track is also located in this deck.
- Quantum of the Seas deck plan can be viewed here.
Onboard activities
- The ship’s exterior is already an attention-getter because of the North Star pod, an elevated observation capsule where guests could have a view of the ocean from over 300 feet above sea level.
- The Adventure Ocean kid’s programme offers supervised activities and entertainment suited for kids aged three to 17.
- Quantum of the Seas houses a massive two-decker indoor SeaPlex which is considered as the world’s first bumper cars at sea.
- Adult guests could also try Quantum’s Solarium. It is an indoor-outdoor retreat positioned at the front of the ship. This amenity features swimming pools, whirlpools, a bistro and lounge area.
- Quantum of the Seas also offers a FlowRider surf simulator and a high-flying skydiving simulator at sea brought by Ripcord by iFly.
- There’s also the Two70 Cafe transforming from a living room with panoramic views by day to an entertainment centre by night. After dark, the windows transform into big screens and the entire venue is filled with images of aerialists, robots, and more.
- Quantum of the Seas also features original production and performances from classic Parisian cabarets to contemporary theatre productions of Las Vegas and New York.
- Vitality at Sea Spa is also one of Quantum’s features that boasts a thermal suite, heated tile loungers, saunas and steam rooms.
- There is also an array of activities to be found on board like basketball, volleyball, and running areas. Additionally, there is a fitness centre that houses a large gym with resistance and cardio equipment.
Judgment time: Quantum of the Seas
Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas is today’s representation of cruise innovation. It offers a blend of luxury, entertainment and sustainability. With all its cutting-edge features, guests are in for a cruise experience of a lifetime that pushes beyond the boundaries of traditional cruising.
