Cruise Archives ⋆ The Dining Traveler

Aboard the SS Rotterdam Hotel

Jessica van Dop DeJesus — Fri, 23 Jan 2015 04:14:00 +0000

Rotterdam is known for its modern architecture. From its Kubuswoningen (cube house) to the new futuristic food market, the Markthal everything about the city screams modern. Rotterdam has one of the largest ports in the world thus a very strong maritime tradition. In the midst of the modern and the maritime stands a hotel that provokes nostalgia: the SS Rotterdam Hotel. Blessed by Queen Juliana of The Netherlands in 1958, the former Holland America cruise liner first set sail in 1958.

SS Rotterdam Hotel Facade

Fast forward to December 2014: We stayed one night at the SS Rotterdam Hotel to experience the ship turned hotel. As you step onto the ship you’re transported to the golden years of cruising with its art deco furniture, nautical uniforms of the front desk staff, and the golden accents in the lobby.

Our Classic Room at SS Rotterdam Hotel

The Room: the rooms are former cruise cabins refurbished as guest rooms. The rooms are very retro with 60’s type furnishings but very comfortable. We stayed in a harbor view room. The view is nice but I recommend the port side of the ship which has a lovely city view of the modern architecture of the city.

The Food & Bar: We went to the bar for a night cap and loved the relaxed atmosphere of the bar and the retro decor with plush velour chairs and gold trimmings. We noticed the bar and restaurant are also pretty popular with locals and Dutch tourists. They also have event spaces that according to the Dutchman and his family are pretty popular in the city for corporate events and parties. The breakfast was delicious and quite popular (we noticed non guests at the restaurant for the buffet). There’s everything from custom made eggs to the traditional dutch pancakes. Local tip: Make sure to check out its sister hotel, Hotel New York for lunch and lovely views of the city.

The Bellman at SS Rotterdam Hotel

The Location: Although not centrally located, there are many ways to get to the SS Rotterdam Hotel. If coming from Rotterdam Centraal Station, take a metro and then a bus to get to the hotel (the hotel has also shuttle service from the metro to the hotel). We decided to take a taxi from the central station. The taxi from the station to the hotel was around 25 Euros. There is ample parking if you’re coming by car (15 Euros per day). Another way to get around is by water taxi. Wish we could have done that, but we were too short on time, it’s an affordable way to catch great views of the city!

View from SS Rotterdam Hotel Lido Deck

Verdict: The SS Rotterdam Hotel is a unique experience with its original decor and fascinating story. You get to experience history in every corner of the property (tours are available to guests and visitors at a fee). I truly enjoyed the experience and its character, it felt as if I was stepping into history. You can feel the old glamour of those who crossed the Atlantic or sailed in the blue waters of the Caribbean.

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A visual tour of Quantum of the Seas

Jessica van Dop DeJesus — Thu, 15 Jan 2015 03:56:00 +0000

Last November, I had the opportunity to sail on Royal Caribbean newest ship, Quantum of the Seas. I must say that I am not the biggest fan of cruising. I always found it kind of cheesy (must be the Carnival commercials from the ’90s that are stuck in my mind. When I asked the CEO of Royal Caribbean if the ship’s objective was to convert the cruise adverse he simply answered that Quantum of the Seas is not a cruise experience but a vacation experience. Needless to say, the experience might have converted me to cruising. Here’s a photo essay of my favorite moments on ship:

Felicia: the Ship’s Mascot

The deck: Although it was pretty cold out, I made it a point to wake up early to take some shots of the sunrise. Unfortunately, the sun was covered by many clouds but having a walk on the outdoor deck is great for working off all the calories consumed on ship!

Rice Balls at Jamie’s Italian

The Food: Speaking of working out! You will need the gym and the track after all the great food on ship! Quantum of the Seas has 18 restaurants and 14 bars to choose from. You have everything from Jamie’s Italian, based on the recipes of Jamie Oliver’s famous cookbook to Devningly Decadence from Chef Devin, where all food items are 500 calories or less.

Indoor Pool at Quantum of the Seas

The Pools: Rainy day? No problem! There are two pools on the top deck of the Quantum of the Seas: one indoor and one outdoor. Working out? The gym is located right next to the indoor pool. Not working out? There’s a bar right next to the pool!

Surf Simulator on Quantum of the Seas

Creativity: Where can you surf, simulate skydiving, and hop on a capsule 300ft above sea level? I find it great for families to have a range of fun and different activities to do together. I had the opportunity to hop on the Quantum of the Seas North Star, which gave me an amazing view of the ship from 300ft above sea level. Another popular feature of the ship are the robotic bartenders. Although it was a fun novelty to see, I loved the interaction I had with the awesome international staff on board. With bartenders from Chile to India, there’s lots of room for great conversation at the real bar!

Robot Bartender at Quantum of the Seas

Technology: One of key things that makes Quantum of the Seas so different. It all started at check-in where the agents were waiting for guests with iPads to check them in. There were no lines and the process was quick and smooth. Along with this technology, guests can book their dining experiences, shore excursions or spa experiences while on board. The ship prides itself in having high-speed wi-fi for all guests, making it easier than ever to share your experience with your loved ones back at home (and in my case Instagram my whole experience!).

The Spa at Quantum of the Seas

Spa: When on holiday, one must pamper myself! I went for the slimming spa treatment at the Quantum of the Seas Spa (yes, I thought a massage will make all the good food go away). I did lose a few inches from the treatment though! I also learned that when the ship is docked, you can get up to 40% off spa treatments. You may want to book a massage versus a shore excursion!

Interior of Quantum of the Seas

Design: I love modern design and was taken by all the details, small and large of Quantum of the Seas. As we walked to our cabin, we were welcomed by small love themed prints along the hallways. All the elevators have unique art on its walls and you are encountered with unique sculptures along the hallways and even on the deck of the ship (see Felicia!).

Wonderland Restaurant

Verdict: I believe Royal Caribbean achieved its goal when they made the ship into a vacation experience versus a cruise experience. For those who we encountered that are cruise vets, they were enchanted by the experience. For me, I am still a fan of the independence that land-based vacations offer but can appreciate the Quantum of the Seas cruise. For those who love cruises, this is a must do experience.*I experienced the Quantum of the Seas as a part of a press trip. As always, all opinions are mine.

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Quantum of the Seas: View From Above on the North Star

Jessica van Dop DeJesus — Mon, 12 Jan 2015 05:07:00 +0000

I must confess I have never been a big of cruising. I always associated them with large ships with buffets and cheesy music. Then again, you can’t really judge something until you’ve tried it. Last November, I had the opportunity to board the second sailing of Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas. I was intrigued when I started to read about all the unique things this cruise has to offer.

The North Star at Quantum of the Seas

There are so many interesting parts of my Quantum of the Seas experience that I decided to make a series to cover it all. I got to experience the North Star, Spa, and my favorite, the many fine dining options during my two days on board the ship.

View from the North Star

To start the series, I am going to begin with the North Star. The North Star is a jewel-shaped capsule that rises more than 300 ft high, giving you a 360-degree view of the ship and the ocean. Although the ship has plenty of unique activities such as a skydiving and surfing simulator, it was the North Star that intrigued me the most.

The ship sailed from Port Liberty in New Jersey on a cold November Sunday. The air was cold and crisp throughout the trip. When I arrived at the North Star launch pad, it was windy and the sea was dark and choppy. I hopped on the capsule and it began to slowly ascend in the air. Although I am not afraid of heights, I have to admit I was a little nervous. Once it reached the top, I finally was able to take it all in and look at the magnitude of the ship, sailing in the moody, dark waters of the Atlantic. I couldn’t help but imagine how gorgeous the view has to be when the ship is docked in San Juan, Puerto Rico or any other tropical destination. Watch the Video Tour:

The verdict: The North Star is a must do experience if you are aboard the Quantum of the Seas. I can only imagine the gorgeous views of places like Shanghai or Athens. The ship is currently sailing in the Caribbean but will have a 16-day sail on the Mediterranean on its way to its final destination in Shanghai. * I sailed on Quantum of the Seas as part of a press preview of the trip. As always, opinions are my own

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