Quantum of the Seas Review
Royal Caribbean 2 night "Opening Cruise" - First RCI cruise post-pandemic.
Rating by category
Additional details
We booked this cruise as it was the first sailing by RCI after the pandemic had started, and it was one of the few travel options available to Singaporeans, and we are also regular RCI cruisers, so it was an easy decision.
As the pandemic was still going on at the time of this review, there were many safety measures in place. The sailing was only open to residents of Singapore, and no port stops were permitted. The capacity of the ship was limited by regulations to 50%, though from what I've heard, the opening cruise was limited even further, to about 30%. All guests had to do a PCR test a few days before boarding and an antigen rapid test after disembarkation. Masks were also required in all public spaces (except when eating, drinking or by the pool) and physical distancing measures were implemented. Finally, guests had to carry two contact tracing devices, one from Royal Caribbean and the other a token (or smartphone app) issued by the Singapore government. These restrictions are in line with the current state of affairs in Singapore, so there wasn't really a difference compared going about life on land.
Other than the above, not many things were different from a usual cruise with RCI. All the onboard facilities were open, if slightly modified to accommodate, and all restaurants operated. However, buffet-style service in the Windjammer and Suite Lounge were replaced with staff members serving guests. Also, on this sailing, the Windjammer was closed for dinners.
Cabin Review
Grand Suite with Large Balcony - 1 Bedroom
This was an excellent cabin. There was plenty of space for two people, with a separate living area and bed area. The bed was comfortable and large, and the living room had comfortable seating too. The bathroom was also spacious, and amenities were provided. The couple of complaints I had about the room (very minor) were that the bed area got pretty warm at night, and the shower water pressure could have been better. Other than that, it was a great cabin.
The highlight of this cabin is surely the large balcony, which features both the standard side-facing area as well as an extended area diagonally to the front of the cabin. This was pretty spacious, but we definitely appreciated that the door to the forward-facing area could be opened and closed too, giving us extra privacy when we weren't using that area.
Port Reviews
Singapore
The new procedures implemented because of the pandemic were done well, and boarding and disembarkation were both smooth.