Recently I received my media invitation to one of the Quantum of the Seas 2 night inaugural events sailing from Bayonne, New Jersey in November. I already feel like a whirling dervish (more than usual) as I consume all of the information in the invitation and decide which immersive events I need to sign up for. Also who I need to interview and chase around the ship for insider info. It is mind-boggling already and I have barely started.

Michael Schwartz
I guess that’s because this is the newest, most exciting and certainly technology-oriented ship coming our way and there is a lot to digest, figure out and learn. I doubt in my 2 days/2 nights on board (really about 40 hr. overall) that I will even come close to truly getting a feel for the ship but hey, I will take what I can get and be happy to do so.

robo bars
I have signed up for several “media immersion sessions” which are geared towards specific interests. It was hard to choose just one but I managed to narrow the category down to ‘Culinary’ and specifically the amazing Dynamic Dining aspect of this ship. With 18 restaurants being rolled out on board and clients’ interest (and yours , no doubt) in all things foodie on Quantum, I want to know more.
Quantum’s restaurants offer 18 distinctive concepts that will be offered to guests ranging from fine dining, gastro-pubs, Jamie’s Italian, casual choices (naturally) and, of course, the 5 main dining rooms on board – each with different styles, dress codes and design. All the stuff I find fascinating.

Two70
I have also signed up for a session with the very nice Michael Schwartz who is Royal Caribbean’s Culinary Experience Advisor and who is launching Michael’s Gastro-pub at sea. He also has his own craft beer which I have tasted (and enjoyed) and he is apparently going to discuss how he pairs whisky flights, his famous beer and food pairings in the pub. Yum yum.
Another session I hope I can get into is the one on the Entertainment Overview. This will take place in Two70 which you may have read about – “the multi-level great room where technology is at the forefront of the entertainment on Quantum of the Seas”. We will get behind the scenes here to “experience an immersive understanding about the 270° Vistarama and performing Roboscreens”. Sure to be a show stopper, and frankly, I am very intrigued. It looks amazing and the advance word I hear is that it is “another fantastic innovation” from the true cruise line innovators – constantly leading the way.

bumper cars
And I really hope that I can get in to see the North Star and SeaPlex as I haven’t been on a bumper car since I was a girl on the Palace Pier in Brighton, England! And I used to love roller skating in my youth but not sure now how I would manage that… We will hear all about the creative brainstorming behind these novel additions and I will be able to tell you much more upon my return, providing I haven’t bumped or rolled myself off the side or had a run in with the robot bartender who doesn’t have the mixings for my fave drink – a Moscow Mule.

roller skating
I am truly excited to be sailing on this ship – it is never old and always wonderful for me to see new ships as they emerge… sailing out from people’s hard work and creative thinking. I never tire of it and will enjoy every wild and crazy moment I am sure. Never mind that I also love to sing along and tap my toes to Mama Mia - which just happens to be the headline entertainment for this ship.