Quantum of the Seas – Staff Review

I was lucky enough to be one of four Bolsover Cruise Club staff invited aboard the Quantum of the Seas for its inaugural voyage and after months of speculation, the ship certainly didn’t disappoint! The North Star was high in the sky as we approached the dock and proved to be a very popular attraction for everyone on board. Although the ship is really quite huge, it still manages to retain a personal element; staff are exceptionally helpful and were always nearby to assist with any queries, and the ship never felt crowded.

Quantum of the Seas excels in terms of activities and entertainment. The Ripcord by iFLY is really something else – where else do you have the opportunity to fly, never mind at sea! The Flowrider takes pride of place at the aft of the ship (just beneath the Ripcord by iFLY and along with the much discussed 30ft magenta polar bear that guards the climbing wall!) and, although there seemed to be a shortage of willing ‘surfers’ given the freezing cold and rather breezy channel weather, there is no doubt in my mind that it will be incredibly popular in in warmer climes and just looked so much fun!

Quantum of the Seas has a really fun atmosphere that I think will appeal to families and couples alike. There is absolutely something for everyone on board. The SeaPlex was an amazing space and anywhere with dodgems, roller skating, circus trapeze classes and a hovering DJ deck is a winner in my eyes. No doubt the area will be massively popular with kids and teens on board – there is even a designated nightclub and ‘Living Room’ on the same floor (complete with flatscreen TV’s, foosball tables and games consoles, naturally). Elsewhere the Vitality at Sea spa area was truly relaxing and the infinity style pool was a really peaceful haven from busier areas of the ship. Mamma Mia was performed to exacting standards in the Royal Theatre, and the show was absolutely incredible (rumour has it that the cast is being touted as the best to ever perform the show – Broadway and West End casts included!!)

Dining on board was fantastic and with 18 restaurants to choose from we were never short of inspiration for mealtimes! We spent our first evening at Jamie’s Italian – the first at sea! The food and relaxed atmosphere was just as you would expect from one of Jamie’s land based restaurants, with the added benefit of the only outdoor dining area on board. The Grande Restaurant was also delicious and had a much more formal atmosphere. We really were spoilt for choice and I would definitely advise giving everywhere a try during your time on board as there were rave reviews for every venue.

I thought that Quantum of the Seas may be a little impersonal given the size, but it wasn’t at all. It’s just incredibly fun and really does have something for everyone. I can’t wait to go back!