Quantum of the Seas marked a turning point for Royal Caribbean when she debuted, introducing an entirely new class built around technology, flexible spaces, and all weather experiences. Designed for travelers who want big ship features without the overwhelming scale of the largest mega ships, Quantum blends cutting edge attractions like the North Star observation capsule and SeaPlex with a more intimate, neighborhood driven layout. From skydiving simulators and robotic bartenders to thoughtfully designed dining venues and expansive indoor spaces, Quantum of the Seas represents Royal Caribbean’s push toward innovation while still delivering a familiar cruise experience at sea.
I recently completed a short three day trip onboard her and took this opportunity to document the vessel for the site.
As usual we start with our obligatory random photos that typically provide us with an opportunity to understand the general design theory of the ships interiors.
You know you’re on a Royal Caribbean ship since they have the day of the week in each elevator.
How could I not choose this as the random stairwell shot.
Random carpet photo.
Random stairwell landing artwork.
Random hallway photo. Throughout all decks the halls tend to use a calming, neutral colors scheme with dark wood. The carpet has a busy carpet pattern to it to break it up.
Right off the Guest Services area, tucked away along the Royal Esplanade, there’s a framed photo of Kristin Chenoweth, the official godmother of Quantum of the Seas. It’s a small but cool piece of the ship’s history, and a fun reminder of the celebrity connection tied to Quantum’s launch.
QUANTUM OF THE SEAS DECK PLANS
Deck 03
Deck 03 sits at the foundation of Quantum of the Seas’ main entertainment and dining spaces. Forward is the lowest level of the Royal Theater, an immense three deck show lounge that anchors the ship’s large scale production shows.
Moving aft, the deck flows into the lower level of the Music Hall, a two deck tall, multi purpose venue that transforms throughout the day from live music space to late night hangout.
Midship is home to Casino Royale, a sprawling casino floor that remains active well into the evening.
At the aft end of the deck are two of the ship’s main dining restaurants. Instead of a single towering main dining room, Quantum splits traditional dining across several smaller restaurants spread over multiple decks.
The Grande on the port side and Chic on the starboard side. This approach allows each venue to carry its own personality and theme while still serving the same rotating menu each night, creating a more intimate and flexible dining experience without losing the structure of classic cruise dining.
Deck 04
Deck 04 is where Quantum of the Seas really begins to feel like a modern, reimagined Royal Caribbean interior layout. Forward is the main entrance to the Royal Theater, setting the tone for the ship’s entertainment focused design.
Just outside the theater, tucked away on the starboard side, is the exclusive Crown Lounge, a private retreat reserved for the ship’s highest tier Crown and Anchor guests.
Moving further aft brings you to the upper level of the Music Hall, where the space opens up into a lively two deck venue complete with pool tables and casual activities, emphasizing the rooms multi purpose design and utilization throughout the day.
One of the most distinctive features of Deck 04 is found on the port side, where an open ceiling passageway lined with shops creates a spacious, upscale feel. This design is reminiscent of the Celebrity Solstice-class, and it marks the beginning of the Royal Esplanade.
The Royal Esplanade is a long central walkway that winds through the ship’s core and serves as Quantum’s updated take on the classic Royal Promenade.
Anchoring the entrance to this space is the English Pub, giving the area an immediate sense of warmth and character.
As the Esplanade continues, more retail spaces line the port side, while the starboard side is home to Sorrento’s Pizza, one of Royal Caribbean’s most popular casual dining staples.
Nearby is Café Promenade, though on Quantum class ships it operates in a simplified format, focusing mainly on drip coffee along with a selection of premade sandwiches and sweets.
Directly across from it is La Patisserie, which is where guests go for specialty crafted coffee drinks, pastries, and a more premium café experience.
Toward the end of the Esplanade, Boleros sits on the port side, bringing a lively Latin atmosphere to the space.
Guest Services is positioned nearby along with the Crown and Anchor Ambassador station, making this a central hub for both entertainment and ship assistance.
All the way aft, Deck 04 finishes with two additional main dining venues, Silk and American Icon Grill, continuing Quantum’s approach of splitting the traditional dining room experience into multiple themed restaurants spread across several decks.
Throughout Quantum of the Seas, the elevator banks are designed with large open vertical sightlines, creating an atrium-like effect that stretches upward through multiple decks. It adds a real sense of scale and openness to the ship’s interior, and it’s a classic Royal Caribbean staple, making even the core walkways feel grand rather than closed in.
Deck 05
Deck 05 is where Quantum of the Seas truly begins to showcase the ship’s most innovative public spaces, blending classic Royal Caribbean venues with a more modern, open concept layout. Forward is the highest level of the Royal Theater, completing the three deck show lounge and giving the space its full sense of scale.
Walking aft, the starboard side is home to Chops Grille, Royal Caribbean’s signature steakhouse and one of the ship’s most popular specialty dining options.
Directly across on the port side is the photo gallery, a dedicated space for viewing and purchasing onboard photography.
From here, the deck transitions back into the Royal Esplanade, with a clear opening down to Deck 04 that reinforces the multi level, shopping district feel that defines Quantum class ships.
Along this stretch sits the Schooner Bar, one of Royal Caribbean’s most recognizable venues, bringing a traditional nautical lounge atmosphere into the heart of the ship.
Further along is Izumi, offering both teppanyaki and sushi.
Past Izumi, the layout becomes even more dramatic as the walkway splits into two paths, with a large opening in the center that reveals the Royal Esplanade below in its entirety, making this part of the ship feel like an indoor boulevard.
Anchoring this central area is the Bionic Bar on the port side, one of Quantum’s most famous features, where robotic bartenders mix and serve cocktails in a futuristic, high tech setting.
On the starboard side is Wonderland, the ship’s most imaginative specialty restaurant, designed as a whimsical, almost theatrical dining experience where the menu feels more like a culinary performance than a traditional meal.
Just beyond this hub is the Shore Excursions desk, for guests planning port days and destination activities.
Continuing aft through the stairwell brings you into The Via, another major design highlight of Quantum of the Seas. This wide open space is lined with shops on the starboard side, while the port side is home to Jamie’s Italian, the well known Jamie Oliver restaurant that delivers rustic Italian classics in a casual yet upscale setting.
Toward the aft end of The Via is Vintages, the ship’s dedicated wine bar, offering a quieter and more refined atmosphere compared to the livelier venues forward.
Adjacent to Vintages is the Next Cruise desk, a dedicated booking area for guests looking to reserve their next Royal Caribbean sailing while still onboard. And next to it is the art gallery.
At the very stern of Deck 05 is one of the most impressive spaces on the entire ship, the Two70 complex. The entrance begins with Café Two70, a casual venue serving light bites throughout the day and best known for being the home of Royal Caribbean’s famous roast beef sandwich.
From there, the space opens into the massive Two70 lounge itself, a revolutionary multi purpose venue that combines panoramic floor to ceiling ocean views with advanced technology and immersive entertainment. During the day, Two70 functions as a relaxed observation lounge where guests can enjoy the scenery in a modern, comfortable setting. At night, it transforms into a high tech performance space, complete with moving robotic screens, digital projection effects, and the signature “virtual balcony” style displays that create a fully immersive show environment. It is a perfect example of Quantum’s design philosophy, taking a traditional observation lounge concept and turning it into something far more dynamic, flexible, and futuristic. This is infact the first Royal Caribbean ship that ditched the trademark Viking Crown Lounge and many consider Two70 to be this class of ships version of it.
On Deck 5, out by the rescue craft area, Quantum of the Seas has a promenade that runs along both the port and starboard sides. It doesn’t wrap all the way around the ship like a classic promenade deck, but it does include several open sections where you can step out and get unobstructed views straight over the side. It’s a great spot for sailaways, photography, or just getting some fresh air without fighting the crowds up at the pool deck. Note that on one of the sides, is a smoking area.
Deck 06
Most of the deck is dedicated entirely to cabins. At the very aft of the deck is the upper level of the Two70 complex, giving guests an elevated perspective over one of the ship’s most impressive venues and the panoramic ocean views beyond.
One of the hidden gems on this deck is tucked away on the port side: the ship’s Library.
Deck 07-10
Decks 7 to 10 are all cabins.
Deck 11
Deck 11 is also cabins but has the Adventure Ocean children’s area there.
Deck 12
Deck 12 is another stateroom focused deck. At the very aft of the deck is the Concierge Lounge, an exclusive retreat reserved for suite guests.
Deck 13
Forward is the lower level of the Solarium, Royal Caribbean’s adults only retreat, offering a quieter escape from the family friendly pool areas above. With its enclosed design and sweeping forward views, it feels like a private conservatory at sea and is easily one of the most relaxing spaces onboard.
This deck also features one of the ship’s most underrated outdoor areas: the open deck spaces located on top of the bridge wings. These small exterior platforms offer incredible forward facing views and a true sense of being out on the ship itself rather than inside another enclosed venue. And yes, as someone who clearly has their priorities in order, having bridge wing deck access is obviously one of the most important features a cruise ship can possibly offer.
Deck 14
The very front of the deck is home to Quantum of the Seas’ entirely glass enclosed, adults only Solarium, a space that feels more like a modern conservatory than a traditional cruise ship retreat. With panoramic views and a calm atmosphere, it is easily one of the most relaxing areas onboard.
The Solarium also includes its own bar and the Solarium Bistro, and this is one of the best insider tips on the ship: use it for breakfast and lunch. There is almost always plenty of seating available, and it is consistently far less crowded than the Windjammer.
Walking aft from the Solarium, you transition directly into the ship’s glass enclosed indoor pool area. Because Quantum class ships were designed with cooler weather itineraries in mind, one of the main pools is fully enclosed and climate controlled, allowing guests to swim comfortably regardless of wind, rain, or colder temperatures outside.
Continuing aft brings you into the ship’s main outdoor pool deck. Due to Quantum’s smaller overall size compared to Oasis class ships, the massive poolside movie screen is positioned differently than you might expect. Instead of facing forward or aft, it is oriented along the port side of the pool area, giving the deck a slightly different flow and layout.
The aft portion of the pool deck transitions into the H2O Zone, a family friendly water area featuring a beach entry style pool design that is clearly aimed at younger cruisers and families.
Off the starboard side is The Noodle Ship, a casual grab and go venue. Chicken fingers and fries are complimentary, but most other menu items come with an additional surcharge, making it a convenient option, but not entirely free across the board.
On the port side is The Living Room, the ship’s dedicated teen hangout space, giving younger guests their own modern lounge away from the main public areas.
The rest of the deck is dominated by the Windjammer, Quantum’s main buffet restaurant and one of the busiest dining venues onboard throughout the day.
Just inside on the starboard side near the entrance is Coastal Kitchen, the exclusive Suite Class dining room that offers a more elevated menu and a quieter atmosphere reserved for eligible guests.
Nearby, there is also a small outdoor deck space that provides al fresco seating, a great option when weather conditions allow and a nice way to enjoy buffet dining with fresh ocean air.
Deck 15
Deck 15 is one of the ship’s most active outdoor levels, and it is fully encircled by the jogging track. At the very front, the track doubles as a forward facing lookout area, offering one of the best views on the ship, especially when sailing into port or during scenic cruising.
Inside the forward section is the Vitality Spa, the ship’s main wellness complex, offering treatment rooms, relaxation spaces, and the full range of spa services Royal Caribbean is known for.
The Salon is also located here, providing hair, nail, and beauty services.
Just aft of the spa is the glass enclosure that covers the indoor pool area below, reinforcing the Quantum class theme of making key outdoor spaces usable in all climates.
Continuing aft brings you to the North Star Bar, positioned near one of the ship’s signature attractions. While the North Star itself is discussed more on the next deck, this bar is a natural gathering point for guests waiting for their ride or simply enjoying the surrounding views.
Moving further aft, the deck opens up into a wide sun deck that wraps around the main pool area below, offering plenty of loungers and open air seating.
Past the pool zone, the ship transitions into a more enclosed indoor section, though the jogging track continues to loop around the outside edge, maintaining the deck’s continuous circuit.
At the forward end of this indoor section, the Arcade is located on the starboard side, drawing in families and younger guests throughout the day.
Just beyond that is SeaPlex, one of the defining features of Quantum of the Seas. SeaPlex is essentially a massive indoor sports and activity arena, designed as a flexible, multi purpose space that can transform depending on the schedule. During the day it may function as a basketball court, roller skating rink, bumper car arena, or general activity zone, while at other times it becomes an event space for games, family programming, and unique onboard experiences. It is one of the most innovative venues Royal Caribbean has introduced, especially for ships designed to operate in colder weather regions where outdoor activities may not always be possible.
At the aft end of SeaPlex is The Doghouse, a casual grab and go hotdog and sausage eatery similar to what is found on the much larger Oasis class ships.
Stepping back outside on the starboard side brings you to the rock climbing wall, a long standing Royal Caribbean staple that remains one of the most recognizable attractions across the fleet.
Directly opposite on the port side is RipCord by iFLY, the ship’s skydiving simulator. This attraction uses a powerful vertical wind tunnel to create the sensation of freefall, allowing guests to experience the thrill of skydiving in a controlled environment, and it remains one of the most iconic “only on Royal Caribbean” experiences that defines the Quantum class as a more adrenaline focused ship.
Deck 16
The topmost deck on Quantum of the Seas is split into two distinct sections. Forward is the Fitness Center, a spacious gym with panoramic ocean views, packed with modern equipment and designed to feel more like a land based health club than a typical cruise ship workout room.
Just aft of the gym is the entrance to the North Star, easily the most striking and instantly recognizable feature of the Quantum class. Mounted on a massive mechanical arm, North Star is an enclosed glass observation capsule that lifts guests high above the ship and out over the ocean, creating a one of a kind sightseeing experience. It is part thrill ride and part observation platform, offering 360 degree views that are especially dramatic during sailaways, port arrivals, and scenic cruising. More than any other attraction onboard, North Star represents the Quantum class philosophy of blending engineering, technology, and entertainment into something that feels futuristic.
The aft section of this deck becomes a wraparound walkway overlooking SeaPlex below, giving the space a more open and interactive feel. Along this upper level are four dedicated alcoves, each designed as its own mini activity zone, including areas for table tennis and a dedicated Xbox gaming lounge. It is a clever use of space that keeps the deck active even when SeaPlex is running a specific event.
At the very end of the deck is the FlowRider surf simulator, another Royal Caribbean signature attraction.
Cabin Tour Coming Soon