The Quantum has been over-hyped. Big ideas, little follow through. In building the ship that "changes everything," RCI changed what makes cruising so pleasurable: personal service. All of the new technology has come at a high price. I have never felt so unwelcome and unnoticed as a guest on a cruise ship. The boat is beautiful, more elegant and soothing than flashy, but there is very little service. The running of the ship was clearly a challenge to the staff who were often unable to answer questions or provide assistance to passengers. The idea that you have to carry your smart phone or tablet with you for the trip in order to get a meal kills the relaxed feel of cruising. Everything - activities, dining and shows - require the passenger to make reservations. And forget the spa...you can't book online with the app or get them to answer their phone! If you don't want to hassle with the poorly designed software (or can't download the necessary app) you are at a great disadvantage. The first two days of our cruise was spent fighting the technology to make sure we would have a place to eat. If you want to change a reservation, good luck. Often times, the online service told you there was no availability. All of the new features on board were of limited availability, so if you can't figure out how the new systems work, you end up disappointed, or "on stand by"

Because of the technology, service has obviously been scaled way back. For example, there are virtually no bar servers. On day 5, in the casino, I was finally approached by a server and asked if I wanted a drink. For four days I went directly to the bars by the pools, in the casino, in the solarium, even in the lounges, to get my drinks...and I always waited. I like cruising when the servers come to you so you can continue to read, chat and relax.

Let me add that the staff appeared equally frustrated. The dining servers stumbled around trying to take orders on iPads which was much more time consuming and awkward for them. Just write stuff down! The iPads didn't seem to allow them to make any substitutions or modifications to orders although they personally tried to be accommodating. The SeaPlex staff was clueless about organizing throngs of people who wanted to rollerskate and use the bumper cars. There was no organization of crowds waiting in lines and passengers began to fight for spots...quite inappropriate for a family cruise. Read more