I’ve cruised on four of Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Class cruise ships, and they are by far my favorite ships in the fleet.

Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Class, which debuted in 2014, is famous for its technologically advanced design and modern amenities. There are five ships in the class, all of which fit around 5,000 passengers. They sail around the world, offering some of the cruise line’s most extraordinary itineraries.

While there’s no right or wrong ship to book for a cruise vacation, I find myself returning to Quantum Class ships more than other ships in the fleet. The atmosphere, amenities, and layout of these ships match everything I’m looking for in a cruise vacation.

Here are 7 things Royal Caribbean got right with Quantum Class cruise ships that keep me booking these ships again and again.

Modern design

Quantum Class ships were built to be technologically advanced, modern vessels, and Royal Caribbean certainly succeeded with this goal.

I find Quantum Class ships to be the classiest, most elegant ships in Royal Caribbean’s fleet. The design and decor of Quantum Class ships is more akin to what I would expect to see on a more premium line like Celebrity Cruises.

From the bright, art-covered walkway of The Via to the panoramic Two70 lounge, every space on Quantum Class ships has been thoughtfully designed.

I also appreciate how family-friendly activities, including the indoor SeaPlex and FlowRider surf simulator, are all centered at the aft of the ship. Having kid-focused activities in one place makes the rest of the ship feel like an adult-focused getaway.

Related: 50 best cruising with kids tips & secrets

Compared to Royal Caribbean’s oldest ships, which have outdated decor and poorly implemented layouts, Quantum Class ships are a breath of fresh air.

Indoor pool

All Quantum Class ships, with the exception of Odyssey of the Seas, have an indoor pool for guests of all ages.

Because most Quantum Class ships sail to both cold and warm destinations, Royal Caribbean wanted to design the ship so that pools could be enjoyed in any type of weather. One of the ways they did this was to make a portion of the pool deck indoors and climate-controlled.

While you’ll still find an outdoor pool on Quantum Class ships, the indoor pool is perfect when cruising to destinations like Alaska or Norway. Although the roof is technically retractable and can be opened in warm weather, the ships almost always keep the area enclosed.

Related: Everything you wanted to know about Royal Caribbean's pools

Other Royal Caribbean ships sailing in cold climates, such as the Radiance Class ships, only have an indoor pool in the adults-only Solarium. Even though the ships usually open the adults-only area for kids to swim during certain hours, there’s much more flexibility on Quantum Class ships because the indoor pool is for all ages.

Climate-controlled Solarium

While all Royal Caribbean ships have an adults-only Solarium onboard, the Solarium on Quantum Class ships is the best designed in the fleet.

Royal Caribbean’s Solarium is a pool space for guests sixteen and older and features pools, hot tubs, a bar, and pool chairs. On many ships, the Solarium is located outside, meaning guests cannot enjoy the space in unfavorable weather conditions.

On all Quantum Class ships, however, the Solarium is climate-controlled. Regardless of the weather outside, guests can enjoy the Solarium’s amenities, which include two large jacuzzis, a cascading pool, and in-pool lounge chairs.

Related: Everything about Royal Caribbean's Solarium

Even if they are not swimming, many guests use the Solarium as a hangout space on Quantum Class ships. Its large, floor-to-ceiling windows and comfortable seating make the Solarium a popular spot to watch the scenery outside, play a game of cards, or catch up with friends and family.

Hungry passengers will also enjoy dining at the Solarium Bistro, a complimentary venue located in the Solarium. Guests of all ages can dine at the bistro, which features standard buffet fare for breakfast and lunch and Mediterranean cuisine for dinner. The venue is typically far less crowded than the Windjammer buffet, making it a quieter meal option.

2-story Royal Esplanade

Many Royal Caribbean ships have a Royal Promenade, but Quantum Class ships have a Royal Esplanade.

The two concepts are more similar than different. Both the Promenade and Esplanade are indoor thoroughfares that run through the middle of the ship. Inside you’ll find bars, lounges, shops, restaurants, and service-based areas like Guest Services and the shore excursions desk.

Unsurprisingly, these areas can become uncomfortably busy during the cruise as thousands of passengers attend activities around the ship.

Therefore, one of the things Royal Caribbean got right with the Quantum Class ships was a 2-story Royal Esplanade. Instead of having everything on one floor, they split the Esplanade into two stories.

Not only did this enable Royal Caribbean to add more venues to the Esplanade, but it helped spread out crowds. To get from one side of the ship to the other, you can choose to cross through the Esplanade on either deck 4 or deck 5.

This is far more effective than all passengers walking through the same area, and it helps to cut down on crowds within the space.

Virtual balconies

Virtual balconies debuted with the Quantum Class, which are floor-to-ceiling television screens acting as a “balcony” in an interior cabin. These balconies provide a live feed from outside the ship, allowing guests to "see" outdoors.

Before my recent cruise on Quantum of the Seas, I wasn’t sold on Royal Caribbean’s virtual balcony idea. I had tried a virtual balcony twice previously—once on Ovation of the Seas and once on Anthem of the Seas—but I wasn’t entirely impressed.

On Ovation of the Seas, my virtual balcony had a broken screen, rendering it useless for the sailing. And on Anthem of the Seas, I found I was hardly in my room, and the scenery was not particularly interesting outside while in the open ocean.

Related: Royal Caribbean Virtual Balcony: Everything you wanted to know

Nonetheless, I kept an open mind when I boarded Quantum of the Seas, and I found myself enjoying the virtual balcony much more than my previous cruises.

While sailing through Alaska, I appreciated being able to see outside not only to check the weather, but to see whether or not we were sailing through a scenic area. I don’t like to miss out on any of the scenery while cruising to Alaska, so the virtual balcony helped me prepare for the weather conditions and know when I should leave my cabin to head outdoors.

Although a virtual balcony will never be equal to a real balcony, it’s definitely something Royal Caribbean got right with Quantum Class ships.

Large Windjammer

Dining at the Windjammer buffet is a must on any Royal Caribbean cruise, and the Windjammer location on Quantum Class ships is an impressive, well-designed space.

The Windjammer on these vessels is large and spacious. The buffet stations are designed with significant space between each cabin, which helps to cut down on crowding while filling your plate.

Related: Guide to Royal Caribbean's Windjammer Cafe buffet

Aside from the buffet stations, there is ample seating around the Windjammer, so it’s never too hard to find a table. The seating extends all the way to the ship’s aft and even includes outdoor seating. If it’s too cold to dine outdoors, you can enjoy the scenery from the Windjammer’s expansive windows.

On some Royal Caribbean ships, the buffet design leads to the space feeling exceptionally crowded, but it never feels that way on Quantum Class ships. 

Dreamy itineraries

As a destination-focused traveler, I love the diverse itineraries offered on Quantum Class ships. 

Many of Royal Caribbean’s ships—especially the Oasis Class—stay in the Caribbean year round. While there’s nothing wrong with a Caribbean cruise, the itineraries on Quantum Class ships are far more exciting.

Quantum Class cruise ships were built to sail in a wide range of weather conditions, making them suitable for itineraries around the world.

Related: 15 countries you didn't know you could cruise to on Royal Caribbean

Quantum and Ovation of the Seas split their year between Alaska and Australia, whereas Odyssey of the Seas sails both the Caribbean and Mediterranean. Spectrum of the Seas offers cruises in Asia year round, and Anthem of the Seas will soon transfer to Singapore.

Whether you’re interested in visiting Tahiti, New Zealand, Japan, Norway, or Israel, a Quantum Class ship can take you there.

To kick off the summer, I boarded a 7-night Alaska cruise on Quantum of the Seas. In true budget-traveler fashion, I booked an interior cabin for this sailing, for which I paid $1,856.

I’m cruising to Alaska with my mom, bringing the total price per person to $929, or $132 per night. I booked this cruise just two months before the sail date, so prices were steeper than I expected for an interior cabin. Nonetheless, I found the price reasonable for a cruise at the start of Alaska’s peak summer season.

Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Class ships are my favorite vessels in the cruise line’s fleet, so I was excited to sail on Quantum of the Seas from Seattle this week. The elegance, size, and wide range of itineraries on the Quantum Class ships makes them a perfect choice for an Alaska cruise vacation.

Not only are the ship’s public areas top-notch, but the cabins are as well. Cabins on older Royal Caribbean ships often lack storage space, outlets, and stylish room decor. Those on newer ships—like Quantum of the Seas—are a major improvement with modern decor and design features.

Take a tour of my tiny, windowless cabin on Quantum of the Seas for my Alaska cruise. While not as luxurious as a balcony room or suite, staying in a cabin like mine is the best way to explore Alaska on a budget.

My cabin is located on deck eight just a short walk from the elevators, and conveniently located between the daytime fun on the pool deck and evening activities in the Royal Esplanade.

Being on deck eight means I have been taking the elevators more than usual, however, as the cabin is relatively far from the pool deck on deck fourteen. I don’t always feel like climbing six flights of stairs to get to the buffet or pool, but waiting for the elevators isn’t ideal either.

Regardless, I appreciate not being below a loud deck—the decks above and below my cabin are also staterooms. On a prior Alaska cruise, my cabin was located directly below Adventure Ocean, Royal Caribbean's child programming, and was subject to loud sounds coming from the program’s (frequent) dodgeball competitions.

Related: The 5 best cabin locations on a cruise ship

One of the first things you’ll notice when walking into the cabin is the virtual balcony, and no, it’s not a real balcony!

Interior cabins on Quantum of the Seas have a virtual balcony, a floor-to-ceiling television screen depicting a live video feed from outside the ship. While not technically a balcony, this added perk means you can see what’s happening outside the ship.

So far during our sailing, the virtual balcony has proved useful when we’re deciding what to wear into port. If it looks foggy and rainy, we make sure to pack our warmest jackets and umbrellas.

It also helps us see whether it’s day or night outside. Without checking your phone, it can be confusing to know what time it is when staying in a windowless cabin, especially if you wake up in the middle of the night.

Our cabin has a king-sized bed, although we called our cabin attendant shortly after embarking in order to have the beds separated into two twin-sized beds. As I’m traveling with my mom, I prefer having the beds separated so we each get our own space.

The cabins on Quantum of the Seas certainly have more outlets than Royal Caribbean’s oldest ships, but unfortunately there’s only an outlet on one side of the bed. I always prefer having outlets on both sides of the bed for convenience when charging electronics during the night.

Across from the bed is a television, where you can watch live TV, on-demand movies, check your account balance, order room service, and watch a map of the ship’s current position.

Also by the bed is a full-length mirror.

In the back of the cabin is the living room, so to speak, which includes a sofa, desk, and dresser.

The desk is an excellent place to catch up on work for Royal Caribbean Blog! It also functions as a vanity and has a large mirror.

At the desk are two North American style outlets, two USB ports, and one European style outlet. I packed a European outlet adapter so that I could make use of all outlets in the cabin.

Related: I tried the best inside cruise ship cabin hacks to see how well they worked

Having a couch is nice when cruising with two people in the cabin. Some interior rooms only have a small chair, which makes relaxing anywhere except the bed difficult.

The dresser has five drawers and is the most convenient place to unpack belongings during the sailing.

There is also a mini cooler in the dresser where you can place drinks and snacks.

I love the layout of our interior cabin and it feels spacious, even for being such a small room. Having a couch instead of a chair adds more living space, and it feels more like a balcony-sized room compared to many interior rooms I’ve stayed in previously.

If I had to change one thing, I would move the bed to the back of the cabin so we didn’t have to constantly walk around a small passageway by the bed to get to the rest of the room.

The amount of storage space in the cabin is impressive. There’s more than enough room to store belongings throughout the sailing. Each side of the bed has a closet, one of which has shelves, drawers, and the cabin’s safe.

On the other side of the bed is a wardrobe-style closet meant for hanging clothes. The closet door has two small shelves attached to it, which has been useful for keeping miscellaneous belongings organized during the cruise.

Additionally, there are two storage drawers above the sofa, two more above the bed, and shelves on each night stand. We have not found all this extra storage necessary, although it would be useful if sharing the cabin with three or more guests.

My tiny interior cabin comes with an equally tiny bathroom. Inside the bathroom is a toilet, shower, and sink as well as shelves and hooks for storage.

The shower has a detachable shower head. All showers come with a 2-in-1 body wash and shampoo combo, and the shower has two shelves for storing additional bath products.

While not quite as opulent as a suite, balcony, or even oceanview cabin, I find my interior room to provide everything I need for an enjoyable week onboard. While we’re only three days into the sailing, our cabin has already become a home away from home, and I have no regrets about booking the cheapest cabin available.

When choosing which type of cabin to book for an Alaska cruise, the correct answer will ultimately depend on your budget. Although booking a balcony cabin is not necessary, many passengers appreciate having a private outdoor area to enjoy the views.

Similarly, booking a suite is a wonderful way to splurge and celebrate such a remarkable, beautiful cruise itinerary.

Ultimately, there’s no right or wrong cabin to book for an Alaska cruise. While I might consider splurging on a more expensive stateroom in the future, for now, my cozy interior cabin is all I need.

Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Class cruise ships are some of the newest and most modern ships in the fleet. They are packed with signature activities, diverse dining options, and technology integrated throughout the ships.

Of all the Royal Caribbean ship classes of cruise ship, the Quantum Class was designed to take a step forward with its modern design and onboard activities.

Let’s take a look at everything the Quantum Class has to offer, and how the ships within the class differ from each other.

Quantum Class cruise ships

Royal Caribbean has five Quantum Class cruise ships.

• Quantum of the Seas is the first ship of the class, and she sails from Seattle, Vancouver, and Brisbane, offering Alaska, South Pacific, New Zealand, Australia, and transpacific cruises.
• Anthem of the Seas is the second ship of the class, and she sails from Cape Liberty and Southampton, offering both Caribbean and European cruises.
• Ovation of the Seas is the third ship of the class, and she sails from Seattle, Vancouver, and Sydney, offering Alaska, Australia, South Pacific, New Zealand, Hawaii, and transpacific cruises.
• Spectrum of the Seas is the fourth ship of the class, and she sails from Shanghai and Singapore, offering cruises throughout both Southeast Asia and Japan.
• Odyssey of the Seas is the fifth and last ship of the class, and she sails from Fort Lauderdale and Rome, offering Caribbean, European, and transatlantic cruises.

Quantum Class ships were designed to function in both warm and cold weather conditions, and the ships feature more indoor areas than other Royal Caribbean ships. Because of this, you can find Quantum Class ships doing a range of itineraries around the world, from Norway to England, Alaska, Thailand, China, Japan, and the Caribbean.

The ships are all of a similar length, gross tonnage (GT), and capacity (at double capacity):

• Quantum of the Seas: capacity of 4,905 guests, 1,141’ long, 168,666 GT
• Anthem of the Seas: capacity of 4,905 guests, 1,141’ long, 168,666 GT
• Ovation of the Seas: capacity of 4,905 guests, 1,138’ long, 168,666 GT
• Spectrum of the Seas: capacity of 5,622 guests, 1,139’ long, 169,379 GT
• Odyssey of the Seas: capacity of 5,498 guests, 1,138’ long, 169,300 GT

Quantum Ultra Class

Spectrum of the Seas and Odyssey of the Seas are technically in the Quantum Ultra Class. Quantum Ultra Class ships are very similar to the regular Quantum Class, and should be looked at more as a subset of the Quantum Class as opposed to an entirely different class of ship.

There are a few differences to note between Quantum and Quantum Ultra Class ships:

• The Sports Deck in the aft of a Quantum Ultra Class ship also has a SkyPad. The Skypad jets out over the side of the ship with a glass floor walkway of the ocean below.
• Quantum Ultra Class ships have a unified Main Dining Room as opposed to the separate dining rooms on the Quantum Class ships.
• They are slightly larger than the original Quantum Class ships.
• Quantum Ultra Class ships feature a Teppanyaki restaurant in addition to Izumi Sushi.

Activities and Things to Do

SeaPlex

A unique feature of the Quantum Class ships is the SeaPlex. Unlike on other Royal Caribbean ships where the sports court area is outdoors, Quantum Class ships have an indoor sports arena called the SeaPlex.

The SeaPlex is a hub of activity throughout the cruise. During the day it’s common to see complimentary dance and exercise classes available as well as pickleball, soccer, roller skating, and volleyball.

One of the most popular activities at the SeaPlex are bumper cars. Each Quantum Class ship has select times available throughout the cruise for bumper cars. As this is a highly anticipated activity a line usually forms, so be sure to go to the SeaPlex early.

Another unique activity in the SeaPlex is Circus School, where guests can try their best acrobatic skills on a flying trapeze.

On the upper level of the SeaPlex is an arcade as well as areas for activities like video games and table tennis.

RipCord by iFLY

Quantum Class ships are the only ships in Royal Caribbean’s fleet to offer RipCord by iFLY, an indoor skydiving simulator. To participate in RipCord by iFLY, guests must first watch an introductory safety video to learn proper body positioning and hand signals.

Following the video, guests dress in proper attire and try to fly in the skydiving chamber.

On most sailings, there is both a complementary and extra cost option for RipCord by iFLY. The complementary option includes a one minute flight time whereas the fee for a longer flight of two minutes is usually around $49.99.

Advanced flying lessons may be available as well for an extra charge.

North Star

The North Star is one of the most popular activities on Quantum Class ships. It is an observation capsule that rises from the pool deck to 300 feet above sea level to provide 360-degree views of the ship at sea or in port.

On most sailings the North Star is complementary when the ship is in port and comes with a fee of around $29.99 when the ship is at sea. The North Star is weather-dependent and if it is too windy or rainy, it will likely not be operating.

Skypad

The Skypad is available on Spectrum and Odyssey of the Seas. This is a bungee trampoline where guests can jump on trampolines while attached to a harness. There is also a virtual reality experience available with the Skypad, where guests put on a virtual reality headset to play games while jumping.

Other activities

Quantum Class ships also have a rock climbing wall and FlowRider. There is no mini golf available. The only water slides on Quantum Class ships are the kids-only slides at Splashaway Bay on select ships.

Pool Deck

The pool deck on a Quantum Class cruise ship has both an outdoor pool, indoor pool, kids splash area, and an adults-only Solarium.

Because Quantum Class ships were designed to function in all types of weather conditions, they have an indoor pool with a retractable roof. This area is climate controlled to allow for swimming even on the most chilly mornings when cruising to places like Alaska.

In addition to the indoor pool is the adults-only Solarium. This is a space for guests 16 and older. The Solarium on Quantum Class ships is totally enclosed with a see-through sunroof. It features hot tubs, a multi-level pool, and plenty of seating opportunities. The Solarium Bistro is also found here.

The Solarium is a complementary venue with the exception of China sailings, where it is reserved for Gold and Silver suite guests.

The kids area at the pool is the older H20 Zone on Quantum and Anthem of the Seas, whereas Ovation, Spectrum, and Odyssey of the Seas have the upgraded Splashaway Bay. The H20 zone is more of a splash pad area with water sprayers.

Splashaway Bay, one the other hand, has several small water slides and play areas, including a large bucket that dumps water over the area every few minutes.

The pool deck on each Quantum Class features a casual dining venue, plenty of seating, and several bars.

Entertainment and Venues on Quantum Class ships

There is no shortage of entertainment options on Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Class cruise ships. Whether live latin music at Boleros, acoustic guitar at the English style pub, or comedians in the theater, guests will always find something to enjoy.

The primary entertainment venues on Quantum Class ships are the Royal Theater and Two70.

Two70 is an entertainment venue unique to Quantum Class ships. With floor-to-ceiling windows spanning 270 degrees, Two70 offers dramatic views of the ship’s aft. The venue is open to guests throughout the day and can be a great place onboard to relax and watch the world go by.

Two70 features technology in all of its performances. With six television screens that can be programmed to move in many directions, Two70 even hosts some virtual concerts with performers on the screen instead of in person.

Right near Two70 is Cafe @ Two70. This is a complementary, casual grab-and-go restaurant open for breakfast and lunch, usually closing around 5PM. Cafe @ Two70 offers breakfast pastries, bagels, soups, salads, sandwiches, and more.

The main entertainment lineup on Quantum Class ships is as follows:

• Quantum of the Seas: Starwater Show in Two70; Sequins & Feathers and Sonic Odyssey in the Royal Theater
• Anthem of the Seas: Spectra’s Cabaret in Two70; We Will Rock You and The Gift in the Royal Theater
• Ovation of the Seas: Pixel’s Cabaret in Two70; The Beautiful Dream and Live. Love. Legs in the Royal Theater.
• Spectrum of the Seas: The Silk Road in Two70; The Effectors and Showgirl in the Royal Theater
• Odyssey of the Seas: The Book in Two70; The Effectors and Showgirl in the Royal Theater

Technological Features

Technology is at the forefront of the Quantum Class ships and is evident in the ships’ designs, activities, and guest experience.

The art on Quantum Class ships features technology, with some art pieces consisting of screens which can change color through touch. On Ovation of the Seas, for example, is a butterfly art piece. As guests walk by, butterflies “fly” away on screen.

A fun activity to try on Quantum Class ships is Expedition Two70. By using the Royal Caribbean app, guests can participate in a “scavenger hunt” in Two70. As you walk through the venue, virtual obstacles appear.

You must point your phone at the object and destroy it before moving to the next level. By completing each level, guests receive a virtual mask, and once all masks have been found, the game is complete. This can be a fun activity for kids or adults while onboard.

Spectrum and Odyssey of the Seas have a digital key option, where guests can open their stateroom door by using the Royal Caribbean app. Instead of fumbling around pockets and purses to find your SeaPass card, guests can simply open the Royal Caribbean app on their phone and hold it to the key on the door.

Quantum Class ships were also the first class of ships to offer a Virtual Balcony. Passengers staying in an interior cabin can book a room with a virtual balcony, which is a floor-to-ceiling television screen offering real time views from the outside.

All Quantum Class ships have the Bionic Bar, a venue where robot bartenders mix your favorite drinks. Guests can create a custom drink using an iPad ordering system or choose from a menu of featured drinks.

Differences between the Quantum Class cruise ships

Quantum Class ships share the following dining and bar venues:

• Chef’s Table
• Solarium Bistro (excluding Spectrum of the Seas)
• Windjammer Marketplace
• Izumi Sushi
• Wonderland
• Chops Grille
• Sorrento’s Pizza
• Cafe @ Two70
• Main Dining Room
• Schooner Bar
• Sunshine Bar
• Bionic Bar
• Two70 Bar
• Vintages (excluding Odyssey of the Seas)
• Coastal Kitchen (excluding Spectrum of the Seas)
• Jamie’s Italian (excluding Odyssey of the Seas)
• English-style pub (excluding Spectrum of the Seas)
• North Star Bar (excluding Odyssey of the Seas)
• Boleros (excluding Spectrum of the Seas)

One benefit of sailing on a Quantum class ship is the amount of outdoor dining space available. On Quantum, Anthem, and Ovation of the Seas, there are a couple outdoor dining options.

First is at the WIndjammer, with a patio at the very back offering views of the ship’s aft. This is especially a nice area on sailings through scenic areas such as the Alaska Inside Passage.

Second is the outdoor patio available at Jamie’s Italian. Guests can choose to eat indoors or at the covered patio outdoors. As the restaurant is on Deck 4, guests can enjoy close-up views of the ocean as they sail.

Quantum of the Seas

Other than the dining and beverage venues shared on all Quantum Class ships, Quantum of the Seas has Noodle Bar, La Patisserie, and the SeaPlex Dog House.

Noodle Bar is the pool deck dining venue on Quantum of the Seas, and has both complementary and extra cost options. Complementary options include chicken tenders and mini-hot dogs, and specialty items include chicken satay, Taiwanese spicy beef, and noodle soup.

As Quantum of the Seas will transition to a North American and Australian market following the conclusion of its Singapore sailings, some onboard dining and venues may change. However, due to the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, this may not be happening in the near future.

For example, currently located on the Royal Esplanade is a Japanese pharmacy. Here, guests can shop for Japanese beauty and wellness products. This is something that could change when the ship moves to the American and Australian market.

Likewise, the extra casino space on Quantum of the Seas may be turned into different venues. There is also no Diamond Club currently, and in its place is the Golden Room reserved for VIP Casino Royale guests.

Quantum of the Seas has has a total of 2,094 staterooms:

• 375 interior (including those with a virtual balcony)
• 148 oceanview
• 1446 balcony
• 125 suites

Anthem of the Seas

Other than the dining and beverage venues shared on all Quantum Class ships, Anthem of the Seas has La Patisserie, Johnny Rockets Express, and the SeaPlex Dog House.

Anthem of the Seas is the only Quantum Class ship to have Johnny Rockets Express. Located on the pool deck, guests can order classic American cuisine including milkshakes, hamburgers, french fries, and chicken tenders. Johnny Rockets Express is priced a la carte on Anthem of the Seas, with prices around $8 for a hamburger and $5.50 for a milkshake.

Anthem of the Seas is also the only Quantum Class ship with a full length Broadway musical. We Will Rock You is performed on Anthem of the Seas, which features some of Queen’s best hits including Bohemian Rhapsody, We Will Rock You, and Killer Queen. The Broadway show is complimentary for guests.

Anthem of the Seas has has a total of 2,091 staterooms:

• 378 interior (including those with a virtual balcony)
• 148 oceanview
• 1436 balcony
• 129 suites

Ovation of the Seas

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Other than the dining and beverage venues shared on all Quantum Class ships, Ovation of the Seas has La Patisserie, Fish & Ships, and SeaPlex Dog House.

Ovation of the Seas is one of two Royal Caribbean ships to have Fish & Ships. This is a casual venue located on the pool deck. Recently on Ovation of the Seas, Fish & Ships has offered both complementary and extra cost items, although the complimentary options are subject to change. Menu highlights included fish and chips, lobster roll, fried calamari, and a deep-fried candy bar.

Ovation of the Seas has a total of 2,091 staterooms:

• 378 interior (including those with a virtual balcony)
• 148 oceanview
• 1436 balcony
• 129 suites

Spectrum of the Seas

Spectrum of the Seas is based out of Asia, so the onboard restaurants and venues are geared toward the Chinese market. Because of this, there are more differences to note on Spectrum of the Seas compared to other Quantum Class ships.

You will find more casino space on Spectrum of the Seas, including the Golden Room and VIP Casino located in the Royal Esplanade. These rooms are in addition to the Casino Royale on Deck 3.

As opposed to Boleros, as you will find on other Quantum Class ships, Spectrum of the Seas has Star Moment. Star Moment is a karaoke venue where guests can sing karaoke in front of other guests or rent out a private karaoke room with up to ten other passengers.

Dining & Beverage on Spectrum of the Seas

Other than the dining and beverage venues shared on all Quantum Class ships, Spectrum of the Seas has Teppanyaki, SeaPlex Dog House, Splashaway Cafe, La Patisserie, Noodle Bar, Sichuan Red, Leaf & Bean, The Hot Pot, and the North Star Bar.

Many of these dining venues are found on other Royal Caribbean ships, whereas a few are unique to Spectrum of the Seas.

Leaf and Bean is a tea and coffee shop specializing in both Chinese and western beverages and pastries. Menu selections include a Hong Kong Milk Tea, Thai Tea, Dragonfruit Cheese Tea, and a Blue Mojito.

Splashaway Cafe is located right next to Splashaway Bay on the pool deck and offers kid-friendly cuisine including mini-hot dogs, chicken tenders, and sesame fried chicken. Asian-inspired cuisine is also available, such as spicy Kung Pao chicken over rice and hot soup.

Another restaurant unique to Spectrum of the Seas is Sichuan Red. Inspired by the diverse and spicy cuisine from the Sichuan region in central China, Sichuan Red is a specialty restaurant found only on Spectrum of the Seas.

Menu highlights include Hoisin duck salad, tender beef with tofu, Kao Yu simmer pot, steamed Maine lobster tail, and Royal sea cucumber. Sides include spicy Sichuan noodles, wontons with spicy sauce, and fried rice. For dessert be sure to try the crispy black sesame balls.

Noodle Bar is a complimentary venue located within the Windjammer Marketplace. Here guests can enjoy a buffet selection of fresh noodle soup. Also located near the Windjammer is The Hot Pot. This is a specialty dining venue where guests can cook their meals right at their table inside a steaming pot of stock.

Unlike on other Quantum Class ships, Sorrento’s is located next to the Windjammer Cafe.

Spectrum of the Seas has a total of 2,137 staterooms:

• 366 interior (including those with a virtual balcony)
• 142 oceanview
• 1487 balcony
• 142 suites

Spectrum of the Seas is the only Quantum Class ship to have the Ultimate Family Suite. This is a massive, 2809 square foot suite that can accommodate up to eleven guests. Inside the suite are three master bedrooms, one kids room, an in-suite slide, recreation room, balcony with a jacuzzi, and a master bathroom that extends over the side of the ship.

The Suite Club is another unique feature found only on Spectrum of the Seas. Located on the upper decks of 13 through 16, this was the first suites-only area in Royal Caribbean’s fleet. Spectrum has two suite tiers: Gold, with 36 suites available, and Silver, with 106 suites available.

Gold is the most exclusive suite tier on Spectrum of the Seas. Gold guests can choose to dine in the Gold Dining and Lounge restaurant on the ship’s top deck. They can also access The Balcony, which is an exclusive outdoor area also located on the top deck of Spectrum of the Seas.

Silver guests also have their own private restaurant and lounge as well on Deck 13. There is also The Boutique, a room that can be used for Gold and Silver guests for private shopping, wine tastings, and small parties.

Odyssey of the Seas

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Other than the dining and beverage venues shared on all Quantum Class ships, Odyssey of the Seas has Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar, Teppanyaki, Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, Starbucks, El Loco Fresh, and The Lime & Coconut.

El Loco Fresh is a casual pool deck lunch option that serves grab and go burritos and quesadillas as well as a taco and nacho bar. A topping station is available with a selection of salsas, guacamole, and hot sauce.

Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen is the newest Italian restaurant in Royal Caribbean’s fleet. Menu highlights include a meat and cheese platter, selection of traditional pizzas, spaghetti carbonara, and steak muffuletta. Located next to Giovanni’s is Giovanni’s Wine Bar, where guests can enjoy a variety of Italian wines and small bites.

The SeaPlex on Odyssey of the Seas differs from other Quantum Class ships. Located within the SeaPlex is Playmakers, a sports bar complete with televisions, table games, and even a private room that can be reserved to watch sporting events.

Playmakers serves sports bar food such as hamburgers, chicken fingers, onion rings, nachos, and fries.

The SeaPlex is also home to Zone Zero. This is a 4D virtual-reality experience where guests physically roam and interact with the world around them while wearing a full virtual reality suit. This activity comes at an extra cost and is accessible by reservation only.

Odyssey of the Seas Pool Deck

The Pool Deck on Odyssey of the Seas has a totally different design than the other Quantum Class ships. While it follows the same layout, Odyssey of the Seas has the new Caribbean style pool deck also found on ships like Freedom and Navigator of the Seas.

The Caribbean style pool deck features tropical decor and colors. It has several casitas, which are covered, padded day beds available to reserve at an extra cost. Outside of the casitas are standard pool chairs as well as comfy loungers throughout the pool deck.

As opposed to the Pool Bar and North Star Bar on other Quantum Class ships, Odyssey of the Seas has The Lime & Coconut. Following the pool deck’s tropical color pattern and vibe, The Lime & Coconut features island-inspired drinks such as the Rum Runner and Goombay Smash.

One important difference is that Odyssey of the Seas has no indoor pool like the other Quantum Class ships. Instead, there are two outdoor pools.

There are also several hot tubs on the running track deck overlooking the pool deck.

Odyssey of the Seas has 2,105 staterooms:

• 366 interior (including those with a virtual balcony)
• 132 oceanview
• 1482 balcony
• 125 suites

Who is the Quantum Class best for?

The Quantum Class offers activities and amenities for every type of cruiser. As the second biggest class of ships in Royal Caribbean’s fleet, Quantum Class ships are definitely not small, but they are not as large as the Oasis Class ships, either.

Families will especially enjoy the Quantum Class. With activities like RipCord by iFLY, bumper cars, rock climbing, trapeze, roller skating, the North Star, and the FlowRider, it will be difficult for kids to be bored while on a Quantum Class ship.

Those who enjoy unique entertainment options will especially like watching original productions in Two70. Two70 is a venue unlike any other in Royal Caribbean’s fleet and the use of technology, music, dancing, and acrobatics is especially impressive.

Lastly, because Quantum Class ships were built for many types of weather, they can be a great option for sailings that may encounter bad weather. If it is raining while onboard a Quantum Class ship, there are still a plethora of activities to enjoy, whether in the SeaPlex, indoor pools, or Royal Esplanade.

Quantum Class Tips & Secrets

Making reservations on the Cruise Planner is important for any Royal Caribbean cruise, but is especially important when sailing on a Quantum Class ship. Activities like the North Star and RipCord by iFLY often have select complementary reservations available. Once those are fully booked, the only options left usually have a fee.

A “secret” about Quantum Class ships is the animal statue located near the rock climbing wall on the Sports Deck. These are also known as the ships’ mascots, and each ship has a different massive animal statue.

• Quantum of the Seas: Felicia the Bear, a 30-foot, eight-ton pink bear
• Anthem of the Seas: Gigi the Giraffe, a 32-foot, four-ton colorful giraffe wearing a bright pink inner tube
• Ovation of the Seas: Panda Family, a 6.5-ton mama panda helping her baby panda climb the side of the ship
• Spectrum of the Seas: A pile of five small pandas handing balloons to a small panda on the top of the ship
• Odyssey of the Seas: A pink cat playing with a ball of yarn

Some hidden secrets of Quantum Class ships include the following:

• Solarium bridge wings that hang over the side of the ship, which are fantastic viewing areas for sailaway
• Glass floor between decks 13 and 14 looking 9 decks down to the Royal Esplanade
• Solarium Bistro, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant within the Solarium that is usually less crowded than other dining venues

Should you cruise on Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class or a Quantum Class cruise ship? For families, this is a tough decision, with each offering something different and we have a breakdown of what each ship excels at and why it is a great choice.

In our brand new RoyalCaribbeanBlog video, we offer a look at what makes each class of cruise ship different and which types of cruisers would enjoy each.

And if you love this video, we have lots of other great cruise videos to watch on our Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel!

By the way, have you subscribed yet? Be sure to subscribe to our channel and never miss a single video!

So check out the video and then let us know: Do you prefer an Oasis Class or Quantum Class ship and why?

Should you cruise on Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class or a Quantum Class cruise ship? For families, this is a tough decision, with each offering something different and we have a breakdown of what each ship excels at and why it is a great choice.

In our brand new RoyalCaribbeanBlog video, we offer a look at what makes each class of cruise ship different and which types of cruisers would enjoy each.

And if you love this video, we have lots of other great cruise videos to watch on our Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel!

By the way, have you subscribed yet? Be sure to subscribe to our channel and never miss a single video!

So check out the video and then let us know: Do you prefer an Oasis Class or Quantum Class ship and why?

Should you cruise on Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class or a Quantum Class cruise ship? For families, this is a tough decision, with each offering something different and we have a breakdown of what each ship excels at and why it is a great choice.

In our brand new RoyalCaribbeanBlog video, we offer a look at what makes each class of cruise ship different and which types of cruisers would enjoy each.

And if you love this video, we have lots of other great cruise videos to watch on our Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel!

By the way, have you subscribed yet? Be sure to subscribe to our channel and never miss a single video!

So check out the video and then let us know: Do you prefer an Oasis Class or Quantum Class ship and why?

The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority owns and operates the deep water, marina and upland holdings throughout Victoria's harbor and is working on expanding the docking infrastructure of Greater Victoria Harbor to allow cruise ships larger than a Quantum Class ship.

The project is planned for completion by May 2019, which is when Royal Caribbean's Ovation of the Seas is expected to visit Victoria regularly.

This $6.8 million expansion project involves extending the existing berth and moor vessels by more than 55 meters, then adding a breasting "dolphin" and an additional structure that restricts the longitudinal movement of the ship when it’s moored near the pier. 

When complete, the harbor will be able to handle cruise ships of up to 200,000 gross tons.    

The construction project was awarded to Ruskin Construction Ltd. through a competitive bid process. Work began in October 2018 with the installation of falsework to temporarily support pouring of the concrete bollard platforms to which the ships will be moored. 

Ovation of the Seas will visit Victoria regularly beginning in May. The ship measure 348 meters in length, features 18 decks and can accommodate as many as 4,900 passengers — about 1,000 more passengers than the Royal Caribbean vessel that moored at the harbor previously.    

The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority owns and operates the deep water, marina and upland holdings throughout Victoria's harbor and is working on expanding the docking infrastructure of Greater Victoria Harbor to allow cruise ships larger than a Quantum Class ship.

The project is planned for completion by May 2019, which is when Royal Caribbean's Ovation of the Seas is expected to visit Victoria regularly.

This $6.8 million expansion project involves extending the existing berth and moor vessels by more than 55 meters, then adding a breasting "dolphin" and an additional structure that restricts the longitudinal movement of the ship when it’s moored near the pier. 

When complete, the harbor will be able to handle cruise ships of up to 200,000 gross tons.    

The construction project was awarded to Ruskin Construction Ltd. through a competitive bid process. Work began in October 2018 with the installation of falsework to temporarily support pouring of the concrete bollard platforms to which the ships will be moored. 

Ovation of the Seas will visit Victoria regularly beginning in May. The ship measure 348 meters in length, features 18 decks and can accommodate as many as 4,900 passengers — about 1,000 more passengers than the Royal Caribbean vessel that moored at the harbor previously.    

Royal Caribbean announced two weeks ago Michael's Genuine Pub locations on Quantum Class ships will be replaced with a new pub concept, and we have our first look at the changes.

Royal Caribbean Blog reader Richard Wrather shared these photos of the new Brass & Bock pub on Anthem of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean Blog reader Rich Freudenberg shared this look the Amber & Oak pub, along with the menu on Ovation of the Seas.

The photos in this post reflect the changes made to each of the Quantum Class ships to replace Michael's Genuine Pub with the kind of pub typically found on other Royal Caribbean ships.

Royal Caribbean announced two weeks ago Michael's Genuine Pub locations on Quantum Class ships will be replaced with a new pub concept, and we have our first look at the changes.

Royal Caribbean Blog reader Richard Wrather shared these photos of the new Brass & Bock pub on Anthem of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean Blog reader Rich Freudenberg shared this look the Amber & Oak pub, along with the menu on Ovation of the Seas.

The photos in this post reflect the changes made to each of the Quantum Class ships to replace Michael's Genuine Pub with the kind of pub typically found on other Royal Caribbean ships.