Quantum of the Seas Adjusts Protocols

Photo Credit:  Travel Weekly

According to a Reuters news story, Singapore's health ministry on Thursday reported 24 locally transmitted COVID-19 cases, the highest daily number since mid-September, with 17 of the fresh cases linked to a cluster at Changi Airport. This has prompted changes onboard Royal Caribbean Quantum of the Seas which is sailing short cruises to nowhere out of Singapore.

Singapore Raises Alert Level

Further Restrictions Under Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) 

"Over the past two weeks several clusters of infections have emerged, coupled with a pattern of local unlinked community cases. These developments have demonstrated higher attack rates and secondary transmission occurs in “mask-off” settings, households, and at eateries. Given this, the Multi-Ministry Taskforce announced additional measures and restrictions under Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) to minimize transmission of the virus in a swift and decisive manner. These measures are additional measures to what was announced on 4 May 2021. 

To reduce risks of community transmission, indoor “mask-off” activities such as dine-in F&B establishments will cease. Other activities which will also not be allowed during this period include strenuous indoor exercise class or strenuous individual and group indoor sports and exercise activities. In addition, personalized services which require masks to be removed (e.g. facials and saunas), singing, and the playing of instruments that require intentional expulsion of air (e.g. wind or brass instruments) will also not be allowed. The following measures will take effect from Sunday, 16 May 2021 through to Sunday, 13 June 2021."

Royal Caribbean Adjust Protocols

Royal Caribbean quickly responded to the change in the alert level by notifying guests booked on Quantum of the Seas from May 17 - June 13 of the following changes:

• Guest capacity is reduced to 25 percent occupancy. 
• Groups are limited to two guests. This means that at most, the ship will have 1,025 passengers aboard. 
• All restaurants are closed and guests will get room service options or "grab and go" from select restaurants aboard. 
• Capacity for live entertainment shows will be reduced to a maximum of 50 guests and live singing will not be available. 
• Permitted onboard activities, like those in Seaplex, Activity Zone and Pool Zone, will continue to operate at reduced capacity and with enhanced social distancing measures. 
• Masks will be required in the indoor pool.

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Odyssey Delivered to Royal Caribbean Virtually

Royal Caribbean Group is known for their Tradition, Innovation, and Revolution. Today all three of those traits were observed when they virtually took delivery of their newest Quantum class ship, Odyssey of the Seas from German shipbuilder Meyer Werft in a ceremony that was held virtually on Zoom with dignitaries in various locations, live from Odyssey bridge and deck, along with performances live from Quantum of the Seas. As far as I'm aware this is a first for the cruise industry.

After introductions of the VIPs from Royal Caribbean and Meyer Werft, the traditional lowering of the flag of the country of the shipbuilder (German flag) and the raising of the country the ship sails under (Bahamas flag) was done. 

Then the Royal Caribbean and U.S. flags were raised while the anthem was sung by Whitney Drake from the Royal Theater onboard Quantum of the Seas. It was a very stirring rendition of the anthem.

Next was the traditional blessing of the ship done by Father Sanford Sears of Seafarers' House in Fort Lauderdale. The ceremony concluded with a live performance from Two70 on Quantum of the Seas.

The broadcast concluded with a Q&A session with President & CEO, Michael Bayley responding to a few questions. 

More than 10,000 people worked together to turn dreams of this new ship into reality. Odyssey is the 25th ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet. She will begin sailing to Greece from Israel and when the U.S. ports reopen she will homeport from Fort Lauderdale, FL. sailing to the Caribbean. 

Watch this video to see the entire ceremony. Congratulations to Royal Caribbean and Meyer Werft for this great accomplishment during a pandemic.

 

View Odyssey Of the SeasSailings

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I recently completed extensive training and have become Travel Safety Verified. As your dedicated Travel Advisor, your safety is our priority, and it's our job to ensure you have the necessary information you need to give you confidence and peace of mind when making your future travel plans. Click the link to review our Travel Safety program with valuable resources that will answer many of your questions.

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Peace of Mind - Priceless

What Value is Peace Of Mind

During Your Vacation

This is a true story of two of my guests that were booked on Quantum of the Seas departing New York on Saturday March 20th.  We join the story on Friday morning.

As the day before departure approached, so did a spring snow storm in New York City.  Hundreds of flights were cancelled in advance of the storm - including theirs. This story has a happy ending.

3 Keys to Happy Ending

Springtime in Chicago and New York can be unpredictable and getting to the ship on time could be problematic.   Normally they would have flown to the departure port a day early, but this time they were unable to get out of work for the extra day, so they opted for an early departure on Saturday, the day of the cruise.

The flights were arranged by me on their behalf through Royal Caribbean ChoiceAir program. ChoiceAir benefits include assured arrival to the ship in case of airline complications, total flexibility to pick your preferred airlines and itineraries, and most importantly in this case, 24/7 support.

My day Friday began with a frantic email informing me that their flight had been cancelled. I placed a call to ChoiceAir and was fortunate to get a hold of Evarld, one of the flight specialists, who worked tirelessly looking for options to get them to the ship on time Saturday. After more than four hours of working on the problem, with phone calls back and forth with Royal Caribbean and my clients,  I received a phone call with details for flights departing that evening, which would arrive around midnight. I'd already alerted my guests to head to the airport and told them I'd provide them with the new confirmation information once I got it from ChoiceAir. They were enroute in the limo when I called them.  

Their original schedule was a non-stop flight, but the only possible choices now, with more than 800 flights cancelled, were connecting flights through Atlanta, GA.  Another bonus - they were upgraded to first class.

The second thing they had done towards peace of mind was to purchase Travel Insurance with their booking. In the event they would not have been able to get to the ship on time, they would have been able to file a claim for appropriate benefits.

And lastly, since they put their travel plans in my hands, they weren't the ones on the phone for hours Friday, trying to figure out how to get to New York.   I monitored the flights that evening and saw that they actually arrived in New York around 12:30 AM Saturday.   They emailed a picture of the two of them with big grins onboard Quantum of the Seas.   I could finally breathe a sigh of relief because I knew how much they had been dreaming about this cruise and how devastating it would have been to miss the cruise.

Thank you to Royal Caribbean for actually delivering on your promise when creating the ChoiceAir program.

Together with Royal Caribbean, I've been able to make this dream vacation come true.  If you'd like to plan YOUR next cruise, I'd be happy to assist you.   We have several exclusive offers and Royal Caribbean has a WOW sale currently.  Check out current offers here.

2014 in Review

As the year draws to a close, we'll take a look at some of the headlines from the past year.  2013 had been a year marked by disasters and fortunately that wasn't the case in 2014.   The year wasn't completely without mechanical issues, but they were not like the previous year.

The cruise lines added capacity, especially in the Caribbean, driving prices down.  Passengers that took advantage of the low pricing still got the excellent value that cruising offers.

Norwegian Getaway Courtesy MEYER WERFT

 "First New Cruise Ship 

for 2014" 

Honors went to Norwegian Cruise Line as it took delivery of Norwegian Getaway from MEYER WERFT in Bremerhaven, Germany in January.  The 145,655 gross ton cruise ship, second in the Breakaway Class ships, took only 15 months to be built by the German shipbuilder.

"Most Anticipated New Ship for 2014"

Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas took to the waters in Cape Liberty for a winter program in the Caribbean.  It will then transition to Europe for Spring before departing for its permanent home in Asia.  The ship has several new innovations including North Star where you can ride 300 feet above the sea, bumper cars, and sky-diving.  New dining experiences were also introduced.  Dynamic Dining is receiving mixed reviews.  Read more about the new concept:  Quantum Leap in Dining.

Quantum Changes for Cruisers
Prepare to be WOWED – The Quantum Class

Regal Princess Kicks off Princess Cruises 50th Anniversary Celebration

When the brand-new Regal Princess began its Caribbean sailings in November, we were onboard to enjoy the introduction of Chocolate Journeys which is part of the 50th Anniversary celebration that will be fleet-wide starting in January.   Princess Cruises teamed up with Norman Love to introduce this new culinary experience. You won't want to miss the anniversary celebration.

Circles of Regal Princess
4 Reasons to Sail the Love Boat in 2015

As these new ships entered service one ship that had been front and center in the industry news for more than 2 years, made its final voyage as it was towed to Genoa, Italy where it will be scrapped.

Costa Concordia Parbuckling (Salvage Operations)

Costa Concordia Parbuckling (read more)

This image extracted from a live video of Costa Concordia's Parbuckling Procedure, which began mid-September, 2013 in Giglio, showed how slow the process was to right the vessel.

The installation of 15 sponsons positioned on the starboard side (land side) and the remaining 4 on the right side (sea side) was completed in order to proceed with the refloating phase and have the wreck ready for towing by the end of June 2014.  The towing to Genoa, Italy actually began July 22, 2014.

As 2014 ends, Captain Schettino is still on trial,  Costa Concordia is being dismantled, and costs of the largest salvage operation in history continue to mount.

Costa Concordia Salvage Begins 
Costa Concordia the Final Journey


 

Quatum Leaps Out of Building

#QuantumoftheSeas docks out of building hall
& looks over #AnthemoftheSeas sections
Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Actually It Took 3 Hours
To Completely Emerge

Today is an exciting day in the construction of Royal Caribbean's newest ship, Quantum of the Seas.  In nearly 4 months, the ship will begin its actual career when it sails to the United States for its launch. 

It will only be in the U.S. for a short period of time before it repositions to Asia where it will take up residence in its home port of Shanghai, China.  Quantum of the Seas will hold 4,180 passengers, vastly increasing the company's capacity in China by 66 percent.



Watch this Live Stream (Replay) as Quantum of the Seas Floats Out of Meyer Werft
   

Visit our Quantum of the Seas Microsite

Related Blog Articles:

Quantum Changes for Cruisers
Prepare to be WOWED – The Quantum Class
Royal Caribbean Has a New Star

Two Sisters Under Construction

Ever Wonder What Soaring Like a Bird is Like

RipCord by iFly on Royal Caribbean Quantum of the Seas

Why Would Anyone Step Out of a Perfectly Good Airplane?

Have you ever wanted to experience the sensation of flying through the air, but didn't have the guts to step outside of a perfectly good airplane?

"The chance to fly and be balanced in the air is a wonderful feeling and I've tried it" - Richard Fain, Chairman &CEO Royal Caribbean, Ltd.

That's right: Fly! 

Another first you'll find only on Royal Caribbean is RipCord by iFly®.   This skydiving simulator lets you experience the sheer thrill and exhilaration of flying. RipCord by iFly®'s air machine will keep you afloat in a safe, controlled environment. So you can feel the wind in your hair, and utter WOW of flying, all without ever having to leave the ship.

You Can Soar Like an Eagle


The sensation of flying takes place inside a 23-foot tall glass flight chamber so guests will have stunning ocean views as well.  It is surrounded by a viewing platform for friends, family and other spectators.  It's located on the Sports Court at the aft of the ship, will overlook the FlowRider surf simulator and is situated adjacent to the Rock Climbing Wall.

Without the Risk

According to The Dropzone.com Skydiving Fatalities Database, which is an unofficial record of fatal skydiving accidents since January 1, 2004, fatalities are declining but there were still 14 recorded in 2014.   If you don't have to step out of an airplane, but can have the same experience, would that be something you'd be more likely to try?


PREPARE TO BE WOWED^SM

Royal Caribbean International® unveils a Quantum leap forward in cruising. With newly designed staterooms, innovative features, and transformative venues, Royal Caribbean's newest ship, Quantum of the Seas, elevates cruising to an entirely new level. Sailing Fall 2014 from the New York area.

You MUST Act Quickly

Royal Caribbean recently announced that Quantum of the Seas^® stay in the New York area will be short-lived.  The ship will sail out of Cape Liberty in Bayonne, New Jersey, as scheduled in November, 2014.   Following that it will be redeploying to China in Spring 2015 where it will homeport  in Shanghai, China starting in May, 2015.

Sister ship, Anthem of the Seas^®, will sail Caribbean waters in her 2015 North American debut, departing round trip from Cape Liberty.  There will be several months gap, after Quantum leaves the New York area, before you will be able to fly at sea.

Explore our microsite to watch videos and learn more about this new ship sailing this Fall. Then Make Your Plans to Soar Like an Eagle.

  
 

Visit our Quantum of the Seas Microsite

 

Quantum Leap in Dining

Royal Caribbean Introduces

Dynamic Dining

If you've cruised on Royal Caribbean before, you are familiar with traditional dining and specialty dining options.   Now the cruise line known for their innovations are introducing a new twist on dining, Dynamic Dining, a new world of culinary exploration on Quantum of the Seas^SM and Anthem of the Seas^SM.

No Set Dining Times

No Required Formal Nights 

18 Dining Options

There are five complimentary, full-service main restaurants, three new restaurants designed by award-winning chefs, and much more.

 Explore Dynamic Dining on our Interactive micro-site

(click Dining from Drop Down Menu Bar)

Watch this video about the new dynamic dining options on Royal Caribbean Quantum-Class ships.

Largest Ships Fastest Internet at Sea

Meeting the Challenges of Today's Wireless Use at Sea

Like it or not, we live in a connected society today and there is an increasing demand to stay connected everywhere you travel.   On land, you probably are noticing more and more locations providing free WiFi connectivity.   In fact, that has become a competitive advantage for many food chains.

Demand at Sea

Staying Connected via Social Media at Sea

Even before the recent outburst of wireless device use, there has always been a need to stay connected while on a cruise.  Cruise lines introduced internet cafes years ago to meed those needs.  As times changed, they added the ability to stay connected using your own wireless computer from select areas of the ship.  The demand increased and ship-wide internet access was born.

It isn't unusual for a passenger to have several wireless devices with them during their cruise vacation.   They are on Facebook, Twitter, and other Social Media sites instantly sharing their vacation with family and friends back home.   When news breaks, you can be sure you'll find a video, shortly after the event, on YouTube.

Royal Caribbean & O3b Maritime

We first reported on this topic in our article, High Speed Internet at Sea Coming Soon, in June, 2012.  O3b Networks announced a milestone multi-year, multi-million dollar agreement with Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. to provide high-speed satellite-delivered broadband service aboard the world’s largest cruise ship. 

The plans are finally coming to fruition thanks to custom-built antennae which were shipped to Florida last month, and installed on Oasis of the Seas. Testing confirmed the ships' ability to match the fastest broadband connections on shore.

According to information provided by Royal Caribbean, the higher internet speeds will make it feasible for a guest to download streaming video or post video clips to Facebook.

By the time the new system becomes available on Royal Caribbean's newest ship, Quantum of the Seas, Royal Caribbean CEO Adam Goldstein said guests can anticipate "several new, show-stopper uses of the bandwidth."

Goldstein continued, "If you're a first-time guest on one of these ships, you won't realize how much work it took to make the wireless so pervasive – or that your cell 'tower' is 4,900 miles over your head. If you are a return guest, you'll be blown away by the improvement. It's that dramatic."

This is exciting news !!!

For those that have used the internet on any ship, not only aboard the Royal Caribbean fleet, you can attest that it takes a lot longer to get a simple task, such as sending an email, done  and it is more expensive consequently.    

Royal Caribbean is developing new pricing plans for added service.     Obviously, someone will be paying for the system's implementation costs, which makes us a little concerned about the pricing.  We hope that this new speed isn't priced such that it isn't utilized.

According to Royal Caribbean, the new high speed internet connections will be available beginning August 2014.

Meet Us at ChamberFest 2013

Visit Our Booth
Streamwood ChamberFest 2013

Attention car enthusiasts - don't miss the 2013 Streamwood ChamberFest & Car Show this Saturday from 10 AM - 2 PM. There will be several racing cars present as well as some of the local favorites from our monthly shows that are held at The Loop Bar & Grill in Streamwood.

Would you like to see some of the fastest cars in the world compete?

We'll have information at our booth about the 2014 Grand Prix voyages on Azamara Club Cruises.

Ask about Grand Prix Voyages

Monaco Grand Prix. Join us for the renowned Monaco Grand Prix, one of the world's most challenging Formula One races through the narrow streets of Monte-Carlo. The thrill of screaming engines and burning tires is matched by glamorous crowds and yachts, buzzing helicopters, and celebrities who know a good party when they see one.

You can select from a 4 Night or 8 Night voyage, both of which will be in Monaco on race day.  Whether you purchase Grand Prix tickets and watch the race, visit the Grand Casino, or other nearby attractions, your day in Monaco will certainly be one of the highlights of your cruise vacation.

Fast Cars Not Your Thing
How About Bumper Cars

Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas which is currently under construction will feature a multi-purpose entertainment complex which will include bumper cars.

In addition to bumper cars, the ship will include many of the features from the Oasis-class along with some new innovations such as  a parachuting simulator, virtual balconies and many more.  Studio staterooms will allow solo travelers to enjoy their space, inside and out, with 12 of the 28 cabins including balconies.

 Related Blog Articles:

Quantum Changes for Cruisers
Prepare to be WOWED – The Quantum Class
Royal Caribbean Has a New Star
Two Sisters Under Construction

Visit our Quantum of the Seas Microsite

Two Sisters Under Construction

Quantum of the Seas Keel Laying
Photo courtesy Meyer Werft

Royal Caribbean

New Sister-Ships

Construction Milestones

On August 2, 2013, in the German village of Papenburg, the traditional "laying of the keel" took place at the Meyer Werft shipyard for Royal Caribbean's new ship Quantum of the Seas.

The maritime industry is one that is filled with traditions that live on today.   One of those traditions is the laying of the keel ceremony, which is marked by a celebration that includes the placement of a ceremonial coin under the new ship's keel for good luck.   In modern times,  laying down of the keel is when the first block, or section of the ship, is lowered into the building dock.  This marks the initial step in construction of a ship, so by shipbuilding tradition, the construction is dated from this event.  

A 430-ts block was put in place in the yard's covered building dock. Harri Kulovaara, Executive Vice President Maritime of Royal Caribbean International, put down the lucky penny in the dock before the block of the new ship was lowered by the 800-ts crane. 

The first of a total of 74 blocks of the new cruise liner weighs 430 tons. This keel-laying marks the official start of construction of the Quantum of the Seas. For the time being the 167,800-gt Quantum of the Seas is the biggest ship the shipyard has built so far.

Anthem of the Seas Steel Cutting - Courtesy Meyer Werft

Prior to this the first steel-cutting for her sister ship Anthem of the Seas took place at MEYER WERFT 's laser centre. Delivery of the Anthem of the Seas is scheduled in the spring 2015, that of the Quantum of the Seas as early as in the autumn of 2014.

The Oasis and Allure of the Seas will remain the largest ships in the industry, at 220,000 gt, when these two new ships join the Royal Caribbean fleet. 

The ship will include many of the features from the Oasis-class along with some new innovations such as  a parachuting simulator, bumper cars, virtual balconies and many more.  Studio staterooms will allow solo travelers to enjoy their space, inside and out, with 12 of the 28 cabins including balconies.
   

Visit our Quantum of the Seas Microsite

Related Blog Articles:

Quantum Changes for Cruisers
Prepare to be WOWED – The Quantum Class
Royal Caribbean Has a New Star