Planning a cruise and looking for an honest Quantum of the Seas review? This article takes an in-depth look at one of Royal Caribbean’s most innovative cruise ships, currently sailing on the west coast. We just returned from a cruise onboard Quantum of the Seas and I have lots of thoughts!
Sailing from the Port of Los Angeles on select Mexican Riviera itineraries, Quantum of the Seas delivers a modern, high-tech cruising experience packed with indoor attractions, energetic entertainment, and cutting-edge features.
We’ve cruised on Quantum of the Seas twice now and found that while it delivers plenty of wow-factor experiences, it also feels very different from many other Royal Caribbean ships – especially on sunny, warm-weather routes like Mexico. Here’s what you need to know before booking.
Overview of Quantum of the Seas
Quantum of the Seas launched in 2014 and is part of Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Class of ships. It carries approximately 4,900 passengers.
The most noticeable and (in my opinion) defining aspect of the ship is that it was originally designed for the Asian cruise market, where it sailed its first few years. This sharply influences both the ship’s layout and onboard experiences.
You’ll notice:
- Bilingual signage throughout the ship
- A strong emphasis on indoor venues
- A design that prioritizes activities and technology over expansive outdoor deck space
The ship feels more like a floating resort city than a traditional cruise ship, with multiple activity hubs spread across several decks.
Pools, Solarium & Outdoor Spaces on Quantum of the Seas
Quantum of the Seas offers a mix of indoor and outdoor swimming areas:
- An outdoor pool and hot tubs
- A large indoor family pool
- A covered, adults-only Quantum of the Seas Solarium
The Solarium is a standout feature, and where we spent the majority of our downtime while onboard. It’s calm, climate-controlled, and beautifully designed – an ideal retreat for adults looking to relax away from the main pool crowds. There are multiple pools and hot tubs spread over a few levels, all overlooking the ocean through glass walls at the front of the ship.
However, outdoor space is limited for a ship of this size. On warm, sunny sea days, the outdoor pool deck can feel crowded, and lounge chairs fill up quickly.
One other important thing to note for families: Quantum of the Seas does not have water slides, which is very unusual for a Royal Caribbean ship! We’ve cruised to Mexico from L.A. onboard the Navigator of the Seas which is a much smaller ship, and even that cruise had two great water slides! Kids might be really disappointed if this is an important feature for your family.
► Be sure to read my Royal Caribbean Cruises from Los Angeles: Guide & Comparison for an in-depth look at Quantum of the Seas vs. Navigator of the Seas.
Things to Do on Quantum of the Seas
Beyond the pools, Quantum of the Seas is designed for people who love action, technology, and a wide range of indoor activities.
Here’s a look at what you’ll find onboard.
SeaPlex, North Star & RipCord by iFLY
Some of the ship’s most popular attractions include:
- North Star observation pod, which lifts guests high above the ocean for panoramic views
- RipCord by iFLY, an onboard skydiving simulator
- SeaPlex, a massive indoor activity space featuring:
- Bumper cars
- Roller skating
- A full-size basketball court
- Archery
- Xbox Lounge, arcade games, and game shows
- Rock climbing wall
- Spa and fitness center
- Live entertainment and movies
SeaPlex is especially popular with kids and teens and keeps energy levels high throughout the day. It is a huge area of the ship. This two-story, multi-use space changes throughout the day, with bumper car and roller skating sessions, and full-court basketball. The surrounding perimeter of SeaPlex is lined with games like air hockey and ping pong.
Many of these attractions require reservations or have limited availability, so planning ahead is helpful. We really wanted to do the North Star, but found out that there are limited “free” sessions, and we did not want to pay extra to have the experience.
Dining on Quantum of the Seas
Dining on Quantum of the Seas is more segmented than on older Royal Caribbean ships.
Instead of one large main dining room, the ship features multiple themed dining rooms, each offering a different ambiance and menu. While the food quality and service are very good, these dining rooms can feel crowded during peak times. I also found the lower ceilings a bit suffocating.
The Windjammer Marketplace on Quantum of the Seas is the primary complimentary buffet, offering global cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It is fairly standard for cruise ships, but the food was fine! There are also a number of specialty restaurants offering premium dining experiences if that is something that appeals to you.
One highlight we really enjoyed is the Solarium Bistro, an upscale buffet-style venue located inside the adults-only Solarium. It serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with reservations required for dinner.
The individually plated dishes and quieter atmosphere make it feel more refined and definitely less crowded than the Windjammer buffet. We ended up having dinner here several nights and really enjoyed the experience!
Among the many bars and lounges, Quantum of the Seas features the Bionic Bar, where robotic arms mix cocktails ordered via tablet. It’s a fun experience and great for photos, though drink options are limited and of course, you have to be 21 to order a drink.
One drawback on this ship is the lack of casual pool-deck dining. Unlike many Royal Caribbean ships, there’s no grab-and-go venue near the pool, meaning quick snacks usually require heading indoors to the buffet or pizza place.
Quantum of the Seas Staterooms & Cabins
Staterooms on Quantum of the Seas are slightly larger than those on older ships, with efficient layouts that make good use of space.]
Most standard cabins include a couch in addition to the bed, which adds comfort for families or longer sailings. Bathrooms are compact but well designed.
If your budget allows, a balcony cabin is highly recommended, especially on a Mexico cruise. The extra space, fresh air, and coastal views add a lot to the overall experience.
I really loved being able to sit outside and enjoy the views, especially since our cruise included an overnight stop in Cabo San Lucas.
Embarkation, Disembarkation & Crowd Levels
Embarkation at the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro was smooth and efficient, and boarding the ship went quickly.
Disembarkation, however, felt slower. With nearly 5,000 passengers onboard, public spaces became crowded as groups waited to be called, making the process feel drawn out. If you can, keep your luggage with you so you can depart early rather than having to wait for your group to be called.
The real problem, however, is when you have to take tender boats to reach a port of call. Crowd flow is a real challenge at tender ports like Cabo San Lucas, where long lines can form to board the boats to shore. You’ll need to get a number the day before (and there was a long line for us to get it!) and then wait for your group to be called. It’s manageable, but patience is required.
When the ship visits ports like Ensenada where it can dock, getting on and off is not an issue at all!
Is Quantum of the Seas Worth It?
Quantum of the Seas typically comes with a higher price point than smaller Royal Caribbean ships sailing from Los Angeles. Whether it’s worth the cost depends on how much you plan to use the ship’s signature attractions.
If you’re excited about North Star, iFLY, SeaPlex, and indoor entertainment, the value is there. If your ideal cruise day involves lounging by the pool, soaking up the sun, and casual outdoor dining, the experience may feel less aligned with your travel style.
Who Should Cruise on Quantum of the Seas
Quantum of the Seas is a great fit if you:
- Love high-tech attractions and nonstop activities
- Prefer indoor entertainment and climate-controlled spaces
- Want to use the spacious adults-only Solarium
- Are cruising during cooler, possibly rainy months
- Don’t mind crowds in exchange for variety and energy
Families with kids who enjoy video games, bumper cars, and active days will find plenty to love. Travelers seeking a laid-back, outdoor-focused cruise may want to weigh other options.
Quantum of the Seas FAQs
Is Quantum of the Seas good for families?
Yes, Quantum of the Seas is popular with families thanks to attractions like SeaPlex, bumper cars, the Xbox lounge, and indoor pools. Families looking for water slides and outdoor play space may prefer a different ship.
Does Quantum of the Seas have water slides?
No, Quantum of the Seas does not have water slides.
Is Quantum of the Seas a newer ship?
Quantum of the Seas launched in 2014 and is part of Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Class.
Where does Quantum of the Seas sail from?
Quantum of the Seas sails from the Port of Los Angeles on select Mexican Riviera itineraries.
What makes Quantum of the Seas different from other Royal Caribbean ships?
Quantum of the Seas focuses heavily on indoor, high-tech attractions like the North Star observation pod, RipCord by iFLY, and the SeaPlex indoor activity space.
► If you’re thinking about a cruise to the Bahamas, be sure to check out our guide to free things to do on CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island.
Final Thoughts: Quantum of the Seas Review
Quantum of the Seas delivers a bold, modern cruise experience filled with innovation and energy. It’s a ship that excels at keeping guests busy and entertained. While it may not be the perfect match for travelers seeking a relaxed, sun-soaked Mexican Riviera cruise, it offers a distinctive take on cruising.
If the features I’ve outlined in this Quantum of the Seas review sound appealing, this can be an exciting, memorable, and activity-packed vacation at sea.
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