However, as the ship neared its completion Royal Caribbean announced that Quantum of the Seas would be the first ‘Smart Ship’ in the World.  Not satisfied with being able to skydive or be lifted 300ft in the air, they wanted to ‘give the guest the first day of their vacation back‘ by being able to pre-book everything.   They wanted to eliminate lines at check-in and guest services.  How have they done this?  By giving every crew member their very own tablet, taking away the desks and having staff standing around ready to assist the guest.  Next-generation check-in or “no check-in, check-in” as Richard Fain refers to it, is designed to enable the guest to get from the sidewalk to ship in 10 minutes, and it works!

Smart Check-In

When I arrived a City Cruise Terminal, Southampton with my set sail pass and photo already uploaded (see previous blog), I sheepishly approached a staff member standing with a tablet and asked her where I needed to go.  She zapped the barcode on my set sail pass and went through a series of steps on the screen, asked a couple of questions and then pointed me in the direction of security.  No sea pass card, no health questionnaire to fill out, nothing.  I thought that would be coming later, so carried on through security, again straight through, no queues and into the departure lounge.

As I entered there had been an announcement for people to board so I carried straight through to the ship. No time to check my bag, go to the bathroom, get a coffee, get bored and restless, just straight onto the ship.  It felt very strange, I couldn’t figure out how they would let me on board, I didn’t have my sea pass card.  I thought there had been a mistake!  But sure enough, as I walked through the ship security they scanned the barcode on my set sail pass and let me on.

First Impressions

I stood in what appeared to be an atrium wondering what to do.  Do I need to go somewhere now?  Is that it?  and how do I get into my room?  I looked around thinking “this does not feel like a Royal Caribbean ship”.  To be honest I didn’t feel like I was on a ship at all!  It was light, sophisticated, arty and just downright cool.  But with a quick glance around, I saw the familiar sight of Sorrento’s and new I was in the right place.  It was just different.  The Royal Promenade was no longer and instead, there is a Royal Esplanade.

I went to find my room in the hope that I would somehow be able to get into it.  On arrival, I was pleased to find an envelope waiting for me with a sea pass card inside.  I waved the card in front of the door lock and it opened.  There before me was a brand spanking new balcony stateroom and my wow band awaiting me on the bed.  I loved the design of the room. The flat-screen television, cool decor and the addition of two USB charger ports gave a modern feel.

New Look Buffet

I went to the Windjammer to get some lunch to find, again, no queues.  If you have cruised on Celebrity Solstice-class ships you will be familiar with the Oceanview Cafe layout.  This has been adopted on the Quantum class and eliminated queuing.

The lunch was delicious as expected on Royal Caribbean, so once I had finished I set off to explore the ship.

Wandering around it really was a case of wow, wow, wow.   Seeing the iFly and the North Star in action was like stepping into the future.  I took photos of everything and tried to take it all in.

After a good walk of the decks, it was time for a cocktail.  I was greeted by a friendly bartender at the Sky Bar.  This was the Royal Caribbean that I know and love.  The crew are always happy to see you and make you feel special.

 

 

Dinner Time

We opted to dine in The Grand. The 1920’s theme and white-glove service gave it a truly ‘Grand’ experience. The twelve complimentary dining restaurants, offer restaurants to suit all palettes.

 

Entertainment

After a lovely meal, it was time to check out the entertainment.  The one of a kind Two70 is an iconic venue that fuses technology with entertainment. The incredibly talented singer and aerialist-cellist gave an enchanting production of Starwater.

For lovers of musicals and fun Mamma Mia is a must.  The performance and production equalled that of Broadway and West End standard.

It seemed the the Music Hall was a favourite with most passengers. As the evening turned into the early hours, you could see this really was the ‘place to be’.  I wonder if Royal Caribbean have anticipated exactly how popular it will be with guests.

Additions including Wonderland, Bionic Bar, Two70, Music Hall and other unique and quirky features, delivers the WOW factor.