Quantum of the Seas Review
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After we booked this cruise there were lots of rumours about how the ship was changing e.g. No Mamma Mia, extended shopping and casino, smaller music hall (now we know why - see below). We contacted RC who denied that anything was changing. However, all the rumours turned out to be true.
First - embarkation. We had been told the ship arrived in port at 7 am. We booked boarding time of 11:45. Unfortunately, out taxi driver got very lost and we arrived an hour after this, in a bit of a panic that we were late. There were no signs for baggage drop and it was unclear even which door of the terminal to go in. We found the baggage drop where it was only just setting up and the staff were only just being trained! Once inside Katy was helpful in explaining that the ship only arrived at midday and we would start boarding til 2 pm. This eventually slipped by degrees to 3:30 as we watched previous passengers disembarking. Very smiley but totally inexperienced Booking in staff, in matching school uniforms were also being trained and Katy told us this was only the 2nd time RC was using Tianjin. The delay enabled us to meet our fellow western passengers - about a dozen in total. We were confused where the rest of the passengers were.
Once on board, we walked through the deserted ship for a welcome and delicious lunch at 270. The 'deserted ship' was to become a feature of our holiday. Checking into our room slightly late, due to the delay we found it clean and comfortable and were helped out during our stay by Eduardo. All the staff, and there were plenty of them, were friendly and attentive, though not informed very well about the overall running of the ship. Over the next few days we were given 4 different explanations for the late departure: weather, sea traffic, longer distance than expected from last port(!) and finally, from the Hotel Manager on the 4th day, that the ships arrival had always been scheduled for midday - so why were we given a boarding time of 11:45? All the other westerners we met had the same problem. We were very concerned about our arrival time back in Tianjin as we had booked flights home the same day and needed to be able to rely on RCs info. Internal communication needs looking at RC please.
Cabin Review
Port Reviews
Nagasaki
There was no information on board, no shore guides, no maps, no shopping guides. This was a major problem. There were also minimal English speaking tours and other English guests ended up on Chinese tours. We found it easy to get around on the streetcar once we had picked up a map in port. Streetcars had readable destinations and numbers as well as Japanese writing. We went to the atomic bomb museum and peace park. Very moving and informative. Only a short time in port so this was all we did.
Beijing
We spent 4 days here before the start of the cruise. It was fantastic - so much history to see - temple of heaven, forbidden city, tianenmen square, walked on the Great Wall, and enjoyed the Chinese food ( though didn't sample the seahorse, snake, starfish, scorpion etc in the food market). Beijing traffic is unbelievable- can't believe I didn't see an accident. Walk on red, green, whatever you like, watch out for bikes, electric scooters etc as they don't obey lights either. Change lane or u turn whenever you like. There are 5 ring roads and traffic is limited on a daily basis by registration number. We had a local guide which I would really recommend.