I booked my reservation more than a year and a half before our December 1, 2014 sail date. I followed the progress of Quantum at Meyer Werft in Papenburg. To be honest the problem is not with the ship, it is with how the plan was executed. To begin with the crew, they were thrown in to a situation with a lack of training. This isn’t their fault; this is the fault of RCI executives in Miami.

I completely understand where RCI is heading with Quantum; they are trying to maximize profit, nothing wrong with that. But it has such an impact on the passengers it is not acceptable. The Dynamic Dining fiasco was not my cup of tea. On NCL ships one has the option of dining at one of the specialty restaurants or still going to a traditional dining room. The idea seems to be cut down on staff, which means more cabin space for passengers. As far as the smart ship: I am a tech in telecom, I am at a computer more than five days a week. I have several tablets and computers and a smartphone. When I am on vacation I might want to get away from these devices!

Don’t get me wrong, I had a great vacation. I didn’t let these issues spoil it. I just noticed many things. I also asked folks in the elevators what they thought. Most did not like Quantum. I was shocked. I have been on over 11 cruises with RCI, been on Oasis, as well as Liberty and most of the Voyager class ships. I like the Royal Promenade, as well as the clear layout of those ships. A lot of right angles in the hallways of Quantum, plus the Royal Esplanade (especially on deck 4) are not well laid out. Michael’s Pub looks like ti was designed as an afterthought, blocking the flow coming from the theatre. Read more