First Look at Quantum of the Seas from Los Angeles | Embarkation Day Highlights! 🚢#quantumoftheseas
Stepping onto the ship in Los Angeles felt easy and exciting. Check-in went so smoothly that we barely slowed down before exploring the decks. The weather was warm, and the ship buzzed with everyone’s first-day energy. From the rock wall to the skydiving simulator, every corner promised fun. We could already tell this cruise would be full of good food, great company, and new memories.
As the ship pulled away from port, we took in the view of the harbor and nearby islands. Later, we planned to visit Wonderland for dinner and watch the Halloween parade inside. The crew kept the atmosphere festive, and guests had dressed up in all sorts of creative costumes. The adventure had only begun, but it already felt special.
Key Takeaways
- Boarding went smoothly, making the start of our trip stress-free
- The ship offered many fun spots to explore and relax
- The evening mixed great dining with lively holiday events
Quantum of the Seas Embarkation Experience
Arriving and Checking In
We pulled up to the Los Angeles port earlier than our scheduled time, expecting a wait. Instead, the whole process moved quickly. We dropped off our luggage, passed through security, and boarded before noon. The rooms were already ready, so we went straight to ours to settle in. Everything felt organized and easy, setting a positive tone for the day.
| Step | Description | Time Spent |
|---|---|---|
| Drop off luggage | Port staff handled bags right away | 5 min |
| Security check | Fast and friendly screening | 10 min |
| Boarding | Walked onto the ship shortly after | 10 min |
| Room access | Ready without waiting | Immediate |
First Moments on Board
The weather couldn’t have been better. From deck 15 near the rock wall, we admired the view over Los Angeles. We explored outdoor spots like the FlowRider and the RipCord by iFly, which simulates skydiving. A crew-led birthday celebration added to the lively atmosphere, and we noticed fun touches like Halloween decorations and themed displays throughout the ship.
Highlights nearby:
- Rock wall and surfing simulator
- iFly skydiving experience
- Harp and Horn bar area
- Birthday and holiday activities
Exploring the Ship and Key Areas
We walked between decks 13 and 14, where glass panels let us look straight down into the lively promenade below. The North Star observation capsule was still docked, waiting to lift into the sky later. We checked out both the family-friendly solarium and the adults-only area, each offering plenty of warm indoor space when the breeze picked up outside.
Later that evening, we caught the Halloween parade near Boleros, watched costumed guests fill the aisles, and then headed to Wonderland Restaurant for dinner. The interactive menu, painted with water to reveal each dish, made for a fun start to the meal and a creative first night on board.
Sailing from Los Angeles
Leaving the Port
Check-in went smoother than we expected. We dropped off our bags, moved through security, and boarded within minutes. By noon, we were already exploring deck 15 and settling into our room. Everything felt easy, and we had time to relax before departure.
| Time | Activity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 12:00 PM | Onboard and settled | Rooms ready early |
| 2:00 PM | Waiting for sail away | Sunny with light breeze |
| 4:00 PM | Departure | Leaving San Pedro port |
Views and Weather During Departure
As the ship eased away from the dock, we faced light rain and a warm breeze. The coastline looked calm, and the clouds added a soft glow to the horizon. Catalina Island appeared in the distance while friends on another ship waved as they headed toward Cabo. Despite the drizzle, we enjoyed watching the city fade behind us.
- Temperature:Â Mild
- Conditions:Â Short rain shower, light wind
- Visibility:Â Clear view of Catalina Island and Long Beach
Cruise Route and Schedule
We set sail on a four-day trip with stops and sea days arranged to give us time to unwind. The ship would follow this route:
- Day 1:Â Depart Los Angeles in the afternoon
- Day 2:Â Sea day
- Day 3:Â Ensenada
- Day 4:Â Return at sea toward Los Angeles
That first evening, we got ready for dinner at Wonderland, then watched the Halloween parade near Boleros. Costumes filled the promenade—everything from superheroes to storybook dolls. It was a busy and cheerful start to our trip.
Onboard Attractions and Activities
Surf Simulator and Skydiving Experience
We started the day by checking out the surf simulator, where riders try to balance on waves right on deck. It’s always fun to watch a few wipeouts before trying it ourselves. Next to it sits the indoor skydiving tunnel, a windy chamber that lets us float in the air like real skydivers. It wasn’t running when we passed by, but we planned to return later to give it a try.
To keep things organized, gear and safety checks happen before each session:
| Activity | Gear Needed | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Surf Simulator | Swimsuit, rash guard | Deck 15 near rock wall |
| Skydiving Tunnel | Jumpsuit, helmet | Next to surf area |
Birthday Celebration Events
We found a big birthday party happening right outside the Harp and Horn lounge. September and October birthdays were being celebrated together, and the energy was great. Guests wore colorful outfits, and decorations brightened the space. It made everyone feel part of the fun, even if it wasn’t our birthday.
Highlights included:
- Music and dancing outdoors
- Group photos in front of themed displays
- Treats and drinks served near the bar area
Family Solarium Space
We stopped by the family Solarium, located between decks 13 and 14. The large windows looked straight down to the main promenade. This spot felt comfortable and warm—especially nice when the weather cooled down outside. Kids, families, and groups hung out there while still enjoying views of the ocean.
Just down the hall, doors led to the adults-only Solarium, with quiet seating and plenty of heat from overhead lamps. We liked that both areas gave us options depending on our mood and the weather.
Dining Experiences
Wonderland Dining Overview
Tonight we’re trying Wonderland for dinner. It’s the first time here for April and Rose, so we’re all curious to see what makes it different. The entrance sits near the Halloween parade route, which adds a lively mood before we sit down. The setting feels bright and playful, with servers who clearly enjoy making the experience fun.
Painting the Hidden Menu
Before we even order, we get a short demonstration. Each of us gets a paintbrush and small cup of water. We brush across a blank-looking card, and words appear as if by magic. The writing slowly fades, so we have to read our choices fast. We joke that it’s “brushy brushy then yummy yummy” because without the painting, you can’t see what to eat. It’s silly but makes everyone laugh right from the start.
Steps we follow:
- Dip the brush in water.
- Paint across the blank menu.
- Read fast before it disappears.
- Choose what to order.
Comparing Other Dining Spots
While we’re excited about Wonderland, we talk about other restaurants onboard. Some ships are swapping this one for Teppanyaki grills or expanding Izumi, which we’ve enjoyed before. On other cruises, we tried similar spots on Carnival ships and liked them too. It’s nice having a mix of styles—from interactive dining like Wonderland to quiet meals at places such as Izumi—since it keeps each night interesting.
| Venue | Style | What We Like |
|---|---|---|
| Wonderland | Creative, hands-on | Fun menu reveal |
| Izumi | Japanese | Fresh sushi, calm setting |
| Teppanyaki | Grill show | Lively cooking experience |
Festive Events and Entertainment
Halloween Parade Moments
We watched guests line up near Bolero’s, dressed in creative costumes for the evening parade. Princess Peach, Kylo Ren, and even a spooky doll character appeared. Some wore steampunk outfits or police costumes, and there was even a pair dressed as Chip and Dale.
Everyone really went all out. We joked that a few people must have unpacked fast because it was only the first night. The parade began right on schedule, with upbeat music and cheers filling the ship.
| Character | Costume Type | Notable Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Waldo | Classic | Bright red stripes |
| Princess Peach | Video Game | Pink dress and crown |
| Kylo Ren | Movie | Realistic mask and cape |
| Annabelle or Megan | Horror | Creepy doll outfit |
| Chip & Dale | Disney | Matched pair costumes |
Seasonal Themes and Ship DĂ©cor
The ship looked lively with Halloween decorations around the decks. Colorful lights and themed displays created a festive mood near the Esplanade. Staff and guests decorated spaces with pumpkins, autumn colors, and playful signs.
Between activities, we stopped by areas like the FlowRider and even checked the view near Deck 15. Music played softly in the background, making it feel like a floating celebration. The cheerful setup carried into dinner time at Wonderland, where our menu appeared only after brushing water on the paper—a simple but fun touch that matched the evening’s creative theme.
Scenic Moments and Memories
Evening Glow and Ocean Views
We stood on the deck watching the ship pull away from San Pedro as soft rain hit the rails. The light from the setting sun reflected on the water, giving the coast a warm glow even through the gray clouds. We spotted another ship leaving Long Beach and guessed it might be heading toward Cabo.
Later, the sky cleared, and we saw Catalina Island fade behind us. The calm waves, distant lights, and cool breeze made this one of those quiet moments we love most at sea.
| Time | View | Feeling |
|---|---|---|
| Late Afternoon | Rain and sunlight mixing over port | Peaceful |
| Sunset | Catalina fading in the distance | Relaxed and content |
Departure from San Pedro and Long Beach
We waved as the pilot boat turned back toward shore and felt the gentle shift when the engines took over. A plane flew above us while the friends’ ship moved out ahead. The coastline slowly shrank behind us.
We took a short break near the deck bar, talking and laughing as the lights of Los Angeles disappeared. The night air felt crisp, and we knew our trip toward Ensenada had truly begun.
- Location:Â Leaving San Pedro and passing Long Beach
- Companions:Â Friends, pilot boat, and ship crew
- Vibe:Â Excited, relaxed, ready for adventure
Tips for a Smooth Cruise Vacation
We arrived early for check-in, about an hour and a half before our scheduled time, and it worked out great. The line moved quickly, security was simple, and we were on the ship before noon. Arriving early can help you avoid long waits and give you extra time to explore before others board.
Once on board, we went straight to our stateroom since it was already ready. Dropping off our bags made it easier to walk around freely. It’s a good idea to travel light on embarkation day so you’re not weighed down while waiting for luggage.
We spent time checking out the FlowRider, the RipCord by iFly, and other attractions before they got busy. Trying activities early helps you skip the lines later.
| Tip | Why It Helps |
|---|---|
| Arrive early | Less waiting and faster boarding |
| Drop off bags quickly | More freedom to explore |
| Visit attractions early | Avoid crowds |
| Check daily events | Join fun activities like parades and parties on time |
On our first night, we wore casual clothes to watch the Halloween parade before dinner at Wonderland Restaurant. Having dinner plans set ahead of time made our evening smoother. We also learned to keep a few festive touches packed, like themed shirts, for unexpected events.
A little planning and flexibility made our first day stress-free and fun.
