Every successful enterprise stumbles on occasion; and for us, Quantum of the Seas is RCCL's stumble. As Diamond Plus Crown and Anchor members, we began receiving WOW emails in the spring of 2013. Since our experience on the inaugural voyage of Oasis was absolutely phenomenal, we jumped on the opportunity to sail the same for Quantum. On May 28, the day we could early book, our RCCL concierge phoned us at 4:10 AM; and within 15 minutes we were booked into a family junior suite. All was set, and for the next 18 months we followed the WOW emails, articles, internet links, etc., anxious to experience technology at our fingertips.

Our first encounter with "technical difficulties" occurred after final payment was made in August 2014. We were able to print the usual sea pass. Shortly thereafter, we read an online article about "facial recognition" to be used by RCCL. Cruisers would upload their photos prior to arrival, which would dramatically expedite the embarkation process. We uploaded photos, and since changes were made to our check-in data, new sea passes would have to be printed. Not a big deal, but a change in process without any notification from RCCL. Now, each passenger had his own sea pass, as opposed to one pass for the cabin. When we tried to print my partner's pass, we were unable to do so, since no payment information was available. Yet, a review of the payment tab indicated that all payment information was entered, including responsibility for any charges accrued my me. When we tried to print my pass, all was fine. We phoned RCCL, and the rep was just as dumbfounded as we were. They would look into it and contact us--which never happened. Several weeks later, we tried to print again; and all was fine--until I noticed that we had separate muster stations even though we were in the same cabin. Another phone call; another dumbfounding rep, who, when she checked with the IT department, was told, "impossible, that can't happen." The rep forwarded an email to the RCCL IT department, and she asked us to try again in three or four days. Several days later, all was fine; and we printed the new passes.

Upon arrival at the pier, we were met by the typical throngs of people embarking and disembarking. We had read that RCCL was constructing a new terminal, but what we found was really nothing more than a typical building. We had read that we would be greeted by personnel who would check us in using tablets, and that we would be In our cabin within 10 minutes. We entered the terminal about 10:45 AM and proceeded to the metal detectors, where we noticed a sign indicating no entry without a green check on our sea passes. Where do we get the check? Several minutes later, we found an agent and asked. She said she could mark our passes after scanning them and asking several health questions. While entering data into her tablet, we had to wait a few minutes as the system went down. Finally, we received our check marks and flowed through the detectors. Then, based on past experience, and following those in front of us, we entered the line for Diamond Plus. After several more minutes we were called by an agent, only to be told that we were already checked in. Again, no prior communication stating such. Several hundred people were milling about, as seating was minimal. And then we waited until 12:05 PM, when we were permitted to board. After the boarding photo op, we entered the ship--absolutely beautiful--but where was the champagne, where were the piano players, where were officers and activity crew to assist? There was absolutely nothing to suggest that this was indeed and inaugural voyage! We found our way up to deck 10, only to be met with the usual message that cabins would not be available until 1:00 PM. So much for check-in the cabin in 10 minutes! We chose to stroll around the ship while waiting, and we cannot stress enough that Quantum is incredibly appointed--probably the most beautiful ship we have sailed. Read more