Hello Fun Fam! We're back after an incredible 21 days at sea, journeying from the iconic Sydney Harbour all the way to the stunning shores of Honolulu aboard Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas.
This wasn't just a cruise; it was a true Trans-Pacific crossing, sailing a total distance of 13,375 km or 6,682 nautical miles and truly becoming our floating home for three weeks.
In this full, honest review, we're sharing everything about our once-in-a-lifetime adventure, covering the good, the not-so-good, and all our hot tips!
What we cover in this ultimate review:
• Our Cabin Experience: We opted for a large balcony cabin, which was a fantastic size with a sleek, modern bathroom and good storage. Discover our hot tip on which room locations to avoid if you want to sleep in, and our honest thoughts on the sofa bed for our daughter.
• Dining on Board: From the vast selection at the Windjammer buffet (though sometimes it was a bit of a hunt and fight for a table) to our experiences in the Main Dining Room, we'll share our culinary journey. Find out why we skipped specialty dining as non-seafood eaters and our thoughts on the repetitive main dining room menu.
• Endless Activities & Entertainment: The Quantum of the Seas truly offers something for everyone, with activities always plentiful and the app always having loads to do! We jumped into thrills like the ifly simulator, watched others tackle the FlowRider, played dodge cars and laser tag, and took in truly spectacular panoramic views from the Northstar Observatory. We also loved the trivia sessions, name that tune, and silent discos. Hear why we thought bingo wasn't worth the money or time.
• Shows & Ship Vibe: Learn about the entertainment that started strong with some great productions but sometimes felt like 'fillers' as the cruise drew on. Despite this, the ship had a great vibe, with plenty of spots to unwind, from relaxing by the pool day or night to enjoying a cocktail from the Bionic Bar. And yes, we loved coming back to a new towel animal friend each night!
• Unique Journey Experiences: This long-haul cruise was packed with unique moments! We experienced the fun traditions like the crossing the equator ceremony and the incredible atmosphere when we officially crossed into Hawaiian waters – the ship threw an amazing party complete with a balloon drop! Plus, find out what it was like to cross the international date line and experience the same day twice!
• Port Adventures: Get our lasting impressions of Sydney, New Zealand (Picton's Marlborough Sounds, Wellington's charming cityscapes, Auckland's vibrant waterfront), French Polynesia (Moorea, Raiatea), and finally Hawaii (Honolulu, Waikiki's incredible beaches, the iconic Koala Ranch, and a truly special encounter with the Honu). We'll share why we preferred to navigate ports ourselves and why we'd consider a tour next time for places like Moorea and Raiatea to see more of their natural beauty.
Would we do this cruise again? Absolutely! It was truly an incredible journey, a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that exceeded our expectations. Cruises really are a 'build your own adventure' way to travel, allowing them to be as relaxing, adventurous, or jam-packed as you want to make them.
If you're considering a similar long-haul cruise, our top advice is to embrace the journey, make the most of the ship's offerings, and be prepared for anything – from a sudden downpour to a delightful sun shower as you sail away!
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0:00 Welcome & The Grand Start
0:20 Our Floating Home: Cabin & Ship Life
1:00 The Culinary Journey: Food & Dining
1:48 Thrills & Entertainment Onboard
2:33 Shows, Vibe & Daily Delights
3:10 Life at Sea
3:53 The Vast Ocean & Unique Crossings
4:58 Port Adventures: From Sydney to Hawaii
5:58 Final Thoughts & Would We Do It Again?