Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas: everything on board for families

Royal Caribbean’s colossal Quantum of the Seas blurs the traditional boundaries of cruise travel, merging relaxation with exhilarating adventure. Here’s everything families should know about the buxom Brisbane-based ship, writes Aleney de Winter.

We board Quantum of the Seas in Brisbane bound for the South Pacific. My crew is most excited by the thought of dipping their toes into the brilliant blue waters of Vanuatu and New Caledonia. But it turns out the real allure of Quantum of the Seas lies beyond the places it voyages to, divine though they are. They are soon just as eager to dip their toes into the brilliant blue waters of the ship’s three pools. There’s an indoor pool and an outdoor pool area with whirlpools, a poolside bar, and the H2O zone, with a rainbow-hued mini-wave pool for the little ones. But the Solarium Pool, a three-tiered adults-only haven, hits the spot for me.

Royal Caribbean for kids

There’s so much happening on Quantum of the Seas that it’s hard to laze for long. For those longing for a rush of adrenaline, Royal Caribbean has RipCord by iFly, a skydiving simulator at sea, which I have admittedly approached with a mix of excitement and pant-wetting fright. The FlowRider surf simulator offers a chance to conquer the waves, no matter your skill level. Or perhaps you’d prefer to burn off some energy on the rock climbing wall. There’s also the SeaPlex, a multifunctional venue that transforms from a bumping, dodging, and tyre-squealing bumper car arena to a cool roller skating rink and epic laser tag arena. On the mezzanine level, there’s also an X-Box zone and ping pong tables for those inclined.

You’ll also find the usual cruise staples like art auctions, bingo, trivia, immersive game shows, salsa and line dancing lessons, towel and napkin folding classes. And even a fascinating Q&A session with Captain Krzysztof, which we thoroughly enjoyed. In fact, should he ever feel like a change of pace, he could always moonlight as a comedian.

Kids’ club on Quantum of the Seas

Younger guests will find joy in the complimentary Adventure Ocean program, offering supervised age-specific activities for young cruisers aged three to 17, tailored to developmental stages and interests. Spread across two floors, there is also a dedicated nursery and open playroom with hosted play sessions where parents and tiny tots can play together.

Teens have two havens of their own, one for kids aged 12–14 and another for kids aged 15–17, as well as a teen disco for late-night revelry (with adult supervision, of course!).

Spa at sea

Beyond its adrenaline-pumping activities, Quantum of the Seas offers a world of relaxation and rejuvenation. The Vitality at Sea Spa is a serene oasis boasting a smorgasbord of beauty treatments as well as wellness treatments to make you feel a million dollars. Whether it’s under the expert touch of a massage therapist, in a session with the ship’s acupuncturist, or even planning a little cosmetic enhancement, it’s hard not to emerge feeling refreshed and renewed. There’s also a state-of-the-art fitness centre with programs catering to every fitness level and a wide range of equipment and classes. Whether you are a regular gymgoer or eager to stretch things out with a session of pilates or yoga, Quantum has you covered.

Shops onboard Quantum of the Seas

The Royal Promenade, the bustling main street of the ship, is lined with a variety of shops catering to every taste. From high-end designer brands like Bulgari and fine jewellery and watches to brand-name perfumes and cosmetics and souvenir shops brimming with Quantum of the Seas memorabilia, there is something to tempt every credit card.

Royal Caribbean entertainment

The entertainment line-up on Quantum of the Seas is dazzling! The signature production, Starwater, is a visually stunning spectacle at the technologically advanced Two70. The production explores the nature of human emotion through dance and world-class vocal performances, leaving us wowed and wanting more. At the other end of the ship is the Royal Theater. Here, we caught high-energy stage productions including Sequins & Feathers. It is a blaze of vibrant costumes and electrifying routines that wouldn’t be out of place on a Las Vegas stage. And Sonic Odyssey, a unique musical journey featuring performing artist William Close, his incredible Earth Harp, and a host of singers and dancers, left us just as dazzled.

But the entertainment doesn’t stop there. Across the ship, we find a variety of talented performers. Singers belt out favourite tunes, which we may or may not have joined in on. (Loudly. And off key). Illusionists and side-splitting comedians left us in stitches. Plus, live music and DJs meant so much dancing that we easily worked off all the food we devoured in the dining rooms.

Dining onboard Quantum of the Seas

Speaking of food, you will find no less than four main dining rooms on Quantum of the Seas. All meals are included in your fare. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, each offers a nightly changing menu with classic dishes like Escargots Bourguignonne and New York strip steak, along with more innovative creations. Guests are also offered the choice of either the personalised service of a fixed dining time or the flexibility of My Time Dining.

Windjammer

All-you-can-eat buffet Windjammer is also open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. At the brekkie bonanza, you’ll find everything from fruit and French toast to crispy bacon and omelettes to order. Lunch and dinner bring grilled meats, burgers, fresh salads, cold cuts, hearty soups, and fiery curries, as well as a variety of sandwiches made with fresh bread and a tempting dessert bar. There’s a similar, if smaller, selection available at the adults-only Solarium Bistro, which offers buffet benefits without the crowds.

24/7 snacks and light meals

Head to the SeaPlex Doghouse for an interesting selection of hot dogs or Sorrento’s Pizza, which serves up slabs of freshly made pizza until the wee hours. Next door is Café Promenade, which serves coffee, snacks, pastries, and sandwiches around the clock. Or for light snacks like hot-pressed sandwiches, homemade soups, and customised salads for hearty meals, head to Two70 Café.

Speciality restaurants

Quantum of the Seas’ speciality restaurants offer more unique and upscale culinary adventures for an additional fee. Start with pastries and barista coffee at La Patisserie. Or dim sum and noodle bowls at The Noodle Shop. For a more elevated experience, Izumi offers the freshest sushi and Japanese delicacies in a stylish and contemporary setting. Craving a classic steakhouse experience? Chops Grille offers succulent cuts of prime beef (and a sublime lamb rack that I’m still salivating over) as well as seafood specialities and decadent desserts in an elegant setting. There’s also the rustic charm of Jamie’s Italian, which serves up outstanding Italian, including freshly made pasta and speciality dishes, in a lively, welcoming atmosphere. My tagliatelle topped with lobster was sublime, and a lemon tart topped with sticky Italian meringue was the stuff of sugary dreams.

Alice in Wonderland-themed dining

But for something special, especially with little ones, it’s hard to beat Wonderland’s whimsical approach to dining. The menu playfully presents dishes and unexpected flavour combinations. This super-fun adventure down the culinary rabbit hole is as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the taste buds.

Bars on Quantum of the Seas

Ready to kick back with a cold one? While the kids are at Adventure Ocean, there are several bars to enjoy some adult time. On the top deck, there’s the Sky Bar and the North Star Bar. There’s also Boleros, Vintages Wine Bar, The Harp & Horn, an Irish-style pub, and the super cool Bionic Bar, where robot bartenders mix drinks to order. And if you have the kids in tow, the impressive two-story Music Hall is a hive of all-age activities and shows day and night, and Schooner Bar doubles as a piano bar where the whole family can enjoy live music, request songs, and enjoy sing-alongs.

Rooms with a view

With so much happening on board, our stylish stateroom barely gets a look in, but it must be said that the accommodation options on Quantum of the Seas are top-notch. The vessel offers 2,094 staterooms and suites that cater to every traveller’s needs, and whether you’re seeking the opulence of a spacious suite, a balcony stateroom, an accessible room, or the innovative virtual balconies of an interior stateroom, the good news is that everyone gets a view.

Our cleverly designed balcony stateroom offered ample space with plenty of storage, a spacious bathroom, and a large balcony perfect for relaxing and soaking up the sunshine and sea air. If you need a little extra space, family-connected staterooms are available to create a larger, multi-room suite that allows parents and kids their own private spaces. There are also family junior suites, which offer a separate sleeping area for the kids with bunk beds or a pull-out sofa and a private balcony for soaking up sea views.

Find out more at royalcaribbean.com