Quantum of the Seas

The main pool sits raised above the deck, ringed by loungers and facing a big LED screen for movies and deck parties. There are two large hot tubs, the Sky Bar, and a kids area with a mini wave pool, a splash pad and tiny loungers. Overhead, the North Star capsule swings guests high above the ship on a giant crane arm. Danny calls riding it into the glaciers a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

RipCord by iFLY brought indoor skydiving to sea for the first time. Guests get a briefing, a flight suit and a helmet, and instructors adjust the wind speed for each flyer, with kids starting as young as four. Next door, the FlowRider surf simulator is complimentary, with sessions for beginners and advanced riders. The rock climbing wall has routes for every level, including some just for kids.

The SeaPlex is a climate-controlled indoor sports and entertainment zone, warm when it’s cold outside and cool when it’s hot. Its court hosts basketball, pickleball, dodgeball and free-throw contests, then turns into the bumper car track, another first at sea. There are arcade games, ping pong and an Xbox lounge up above. The SeaPlex Dog House serves complimentary hot dogs and brats, a favorite that started on the Boardwalk of Oasis of the Seas.

The Solarium is an adults-only retreat over two levels at the front of the ship. It’s climate controlled like a winter garden, with a cascading pool that steps down into smaller pools, hot tubs, day beds and padded loungers facing the bow. The Sunshine Bar keeps drinks coming, and observation wings above the bridge are great for photos. Just inside, the Solarium Bistro serves breakfast and lunch, then a complimentary Mediterranean menu at dinner.

Adventure Ocean spreads across two decks. A nursery with drop-off care looks after little ones from six months to three years, including naps, meals and diaper changes. Kids 3 to 5, 6 to 8 and 9 to 11 each get their own space, with crafts, games, video games and a science lab. Teens have the Fuel nightclub and the Living Room, with recliners for video games, a library and movie nights.

Two70 is named for its 270-degree wall of glass at the back of the ship. By day it’s a lounge for scenic cruising and movies. At night the floor-to-ceiling windows become a projection screen, six robotic screens move with the performers, and parts of the floor and ceiling open for aerial acts. Starwater is the signature show here. Café @ Two70, next door, serves complimentary made-to-order sandwiches, soups and salads.

Guests in a Grand Suite or above, and Pinnacle Club members, get the Suite Sun Deck with day beds and wraparound views, the Suite Lounge at the back of deck 12, and the concierge. They can also dine at Coastal Kitchen for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Danny calls Coastal Kitchen the best suite perk. Star Class loft suites add a Royal Genie, and junior suite guests can book some Coastal Kitchen dinners based on availability.

Chops Grille is Royal Caribbean’s original specialty restaurant, and Danny calls it an unapologetic steakhouse. Quantum Class ships tuck the Chef’s Table inside Chops, a multi-course dinner paired with fine wines, with the chef explaining each course. Izumi serves sushi, sashimi and rolls, and Jamie’s Italian has handmade pastas. Specialty dining carries an extra cost unless you have a dining package or Star Class. Danny recommends reserving early.