We sailed on a two night cruise in November on Quantum to get a preview for our February 13th cruise. Quantum is a beautiful ship and we had a great time! We are C&A Platinum and sail from Cape Liberty two times a year and loved Explorer! Embarkation on our two night cruise was so fast; we were on board in 9 minutes! Our February cruise embarkation was awful, honestly, the worst ever. We arrived at our assigned time of 12:15-12:45 and dropped off our luggage without issue. We were through security in a few minutes but then the nightmare began. We were told to sit in a “holding area” to await check-in. There was no line, no process or order to this. There was one Royal representative walking down between chairs checking people in, however, as one party left another took their seats and they were getting checked in before the people who were sitting further down. I approached Royal staff to ask about the process and was instructed to wait. I then noticed there were traditional counters for checking in. When I asked if I could check in there, I was told no and that I would still have to wait in the holding area. This made no sense. I found a supervisor and asked if I could wait on a counter line and she indicated I could, however, without a smile or general helpful attitude but rather with annoyance. We did wait on a line for Platinum and were checked in within 20 minutes. I want to mention that the entire terminal was chaotic. In November, we were checked in as we walked in via an iPad. There was no holding area. Not sure who thought out this process but it’s not a process. They need to bring back lines. People understand lines. Whoever thought sitting around waiting for someone to approach you was a good idea, was very wrong. I have sailed Explorer 5 times previously and NEVER waited more than a few minutes to board, even with the bus ride! Embarkation on Quantum on February 13th was a disaster. It took us over an hour from sidewalk to ship. Not impressed and definitely not wowed!

Once on board, we proceed to our cabins which were ready because it took so long to check in. We opted for the new category Obstructed Balcony, mid-ship on Deck 6 Starboard. The cabin was lovely with lots of room and storage. The color and décor was so warm and comfortable. The view of the lifeboats did not bother us in the least. We don’t typically sit on out on our balcony and besides it was February, there were very few warm days. I know others did not think it was worth the fare savings, but we liked it. The location was great as it was close to everything and it was quiet.

After dropping off our coats and bags, we headed to Shore Excursions to try to book a cabana in CocoCay. I wish they would bring back online booking of cabanas for all guests. No surprise that they were already booked but we were able to book a cabanette in CocoCay for $50. More on this later. Read more