Explorer 12/23 planning!!! Please help!

Hi all!!!

This is my first post on the forum! I have really enjoyed looking around and reading, so thanks to everyone who has been posting so that I can learn and read.

So my parents bought our immediate family (11 of us) a Christmas cruise for our gifts this year. :D We will be leaving on the Explorer of the Seas on 12/23. We are so excited! It will be my mom and dad, my sister, brother-in-law, their two girls (13yrs and 9yrs)and my family (me, husband, 6y/o girl, 4 y/o boy, 10 m/o girl!). So it makes for quite an eclectic crew. My family jokingly calls me the "cruise director" as I am usually the person in charge of the putting together and planning of the trips.

With that being said, I was wondering if it is possible to get the daily Cruise Compass from some recent previous sailings? Does anyone have one? If so, could you upload it here or some other option?

I know it will be the Christmas sailing so there will be I'm sure some obvious differences in parties/celebrations, however, I really was hoping to have a general idea of the days to allow for each family to choose some activities that they would like to do so that we can all have a great time. Coordinating for time together, time apart, and all that. If not, I figure we will bring highlighters and try and have a nightly meeting on things that catch our eye going into the next day.

Any suggestions from others? We plan on using the kids place/ nursery a good bit as to get some adult vacation time as well.

I guess that about covers it for now! I so appreciate any help! :)

Welcome to Cruise Critic.

Unfortunately, Explorer has just started itineraries out of Florida, so there may be no history of your particular itinerary. In fact, I believe that the first 4-day itinerary out of Port Canaveral is Dec 23.

Welcome to Cruise Critic.

 

Unfortunately, Explorer has just started itineraries out of Florida, so there may be no history of your particular itinerary. In fact, I believe that the first 4-day itinerary out of Port Canaveral is Dec 23.

Not only that, but it is the ONLY 4 day sailing

Not only that, but it is the ONLY 4 day sailing

I saw that when doing research, it is such an odd cruise compared to all the others offered. Which of course will make planning hard. I just wanted to try and do my best to plan. It seems at though perhaps we will just have to take it as it comes! We can consider it part of the adventure!

I saw that when doing research, it is such an odd cruise compared to all the others offered. Which of course will make planning hard. I just wanted to try and do my best to plan. It seems at though perhaps we will just have to take it as it comes! We can consider it part of the adventure!

That sounds good!!! We are going on one of the 5 night ones in February.

I am called "the Travel Agent" of our group, so I completely understand! However, I don't think there is a cruise compass for that particular sailing.. I am going through the same thing (I am on the explorer right after you!), but I imagine most of the activities will be the same. Just look up old cruise compasses, and be ready for flexibility when onboard! :)

The one nice thing about the Explorer is that it's a pretty small ship with not a ton going on. It'll be pretty easy to do everything you want in a short amount of time.

The one nice thing about the Explorer is that it's a pretty small ship with not a ton going on. It'll be pretty easy to do everything you want in a short amount of time.

Funny how Explorer is considered small now.:)

On an Explorer 14 day holiday cruise about 5 years ago they had an early parade on Xmas morning. Everyone followed Santa to the ice skating rink. The parents sat in the stands. One by one the children sat on Santa's lap with snow falling from the ceiling of the rink and Santa gave them a small present. Eggnog was served during the parade. If they have the parade, I would try to get up early for this. Maybe they will not have the parade because Xmas day is Labadee (which is my favorite easy beach day). Walk off the ship, go to one of the beaches on the bay side, try to get a few chairs under trees and just play in the water. There will be an included barbeque lunch. No need for the expensive rides. Go early for the best seating. Each family can go back to the ship as they are ready. Everyone can nap when you get back on the ship.

I have never been on a ship without caroling the day before Xmas. This is an amazing experience on Explorer. The singing reverberates throughout the ship. You will also be amazed at the decorations.

The show Xmas eve is usually a production show. They may add something special that is holiday related.

People lugged presents (and trees) onto the ship. I would consider at least one present per child. You should be able to find seating together if you want to open the presents together, but Xmas sounds like it will be a full day.

There will probably be an ice skating show. Make sure you check your planner on when to get tickets.

With so many people you will need to get to shows early to sit near each other.

Make sure your reservations are linked so that you are sitting together for dinner.

I would not try to have everyone together for every activity (especially breakfast). Most people like to have breakfast on their schedule and not wait for the one person who wants to sleep late. Don't try to overplan. Some of the kids will love the kids program. Others might just want to hang out together at the pool.

Have a great cruise!

Hi all!!!

 

This is my first post on the forum! I have really enjoyed looking around and reading, so thanks to everyone who has been posting so that I can learn and read.

 

So my parents bought our immediate family (11 of us) a Christmas cruise for our gifts this year. :D We will be leaving on the Explorer of the Seas on 12/23. We are so excited! It will be my mom and dad, my sister, brother-in-law, their two girls (13yrs and 9yrs)and my family (me, husband, 6y/o girl, 4 y/o boy, 10 m/o girl!). So it makes for quite an eclectic crew. My family jokingly calls me the "cruise director" as I am usually the person in charge of the putting together and planning of the trips.

With that being said, I was wondering if it is possible to get the daily Cruise Compass from some recent previous sailings? Does anyone have one? If so, could you upload it here or some other option?

I know it will be the Christmas sailing so there will be I'm sure some obvious differences in parties/celebrations, however, I really was hoping to have a general idea of the days to allow for each family to choose some activities that they would like to do so that we can all have a great time. Coordinating for time together, time apart, and all that. If not, I figure we will bring highlighters and try and have a nightly meeting on things that catch our eye going into the next day.

 

Any suggestions from others? We plan on using the kids place/ nursery a good bit as to get some adult vacation time as well.

 

I guess that about covers it for now! I so appreciate any help! :)

We are on the same cruise and because it is a 4 day " Unique Cruise " no telling what to expect, however i believe most things will be as usual except for the usual Christmas Stuff that will be on board. There is a Forum for the Cruise that you should check out. It is the Royal Caribbean " meet and mingle"

Hi all!!!

 

This is my first post on the forum! I have really enjoyed looking around and reading, so thanks to everyone who has been posting so that I can learn and read.

 

So my parents bought our immediate family (11 of us) a Christmas cruise for our gifts this year. :D We will be leaving on the Explorer of the Seas on 12/23. We are so excited! It will be my mom and dad, my sister, brother-in-law, their two girls (13yrs and 9yrs)and my family (me, husband, 6y/o girl, 4 y/o boy, 10 m/o girl!). So it makes for quite an eclectic crew. My family jokingly calls me the "cruise director" as I am usually the person in charge of the putting together and planning of the trips.

With that being said, I was wondering if it is possible to get the daily Cruise Compass from some recent previous sailings? Does anyone have one? If so, could you upload it here or some other option?

I know it will be the Christmas sailing so there will be I'm sure some obvious differences in parties/celebrations, however, I really was hoping to have a general idea of the days to allow for each family to choose some activities that they would like to do so that we can all have a great time. Coordinating for time together, time apart, and all that. If not, I figure we will bring highlighters and try and have a nightly meeting on things that catch our eye going into the next day.

 

Any suggestions from others? We plan on using the kids place/ nursery a good bit as to get some adult vacation time as well.

 

I guess that about covers it for now! I so appreciate any help! :)

I will also be on this sailing - our Meet and Mingle thread is here: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2032528

There's already some Explorer info there, so join in and help make this a fantastic cruise!!

Karen

I was just on the 14 night repositioning cruise, our 4th time on Explorer actually. We love this ship & will miss her!

Just an FYI, there is no nursery on this ship. (as a momma to 7, just wanted to make sure you are aware of this!)

I say take it as it comes. ;) In the evening, you'll find the compass for the next day and ya'll can figure out what you want to do. Each cruise, the activities vary anyway.

Have fun!

I'm on the 5 day Nov,29-Dec 4'th, 2014, to Cozumel and Nassau,....So even though it'll vary some, I'll post any compass's I get here on Dec, 5 or 6'th, when I get back for ya'll , ok?:)

Jenn, are you saying there is no kids club? Or just no nursery?

Jenn, are you saying there is no kids club? Or just no nursery?

There is the Adventure Ocean Kid's Club - just not the Royal Tots nursery.

Karen

Jenn, are you saying there is no kids club? Or just no nursery?

There is kids clubs available for potty trained children ages 3 and up but no nursery for children younger than that. There are babysitting services available for 1st come 1st serve at $19 an hour for up to 3 children at a time.

Also just an fyi, the kiddie pool & slide is only for potty trained children as well. ;)

Explorer 5 Day Compass's I Promised:

http://s125.photobucket.com/user/ragenx/library/ExplorerCompass

Our cruise documents for the 12/23/14 Explorer Christmas cruise say that we will embark at terminal 10, is there any way of knowing ahead of time if we will be coming back to Terminal 10? I believe the only other ships in Port on the 27th when we return are two carnival ships.

Our cruise documents for the 12/23/14 Explorer Christmas cruise say that we will embark at terminal 10, is there any way of knowing ahead of time if we will be coming back to Terminal 10? I believe the only other ships in Port on the 27th when we return are two carnival ships.

On an Explorer 14 day holiday cruise about 5 years ago they had an early parade on Xmas morning. Everyone followed Santa to the ice skating rink. The parents sat in the stands. One by one the children sat on Santa's lap with snow falling from the ceiling of the rink and Santa gave them a small present. Eggnog was served during the parade. If they have the parade, I would try to get up early for this. Maybe they will not have the parade because Xmas day is Labadee (which is my favorite easy beach day). Walk off the ship, go to one of the beaches on the bay side, try to get a few chairs under trees and just play in the water. There will be an included barbeque lunch. No need for the expensive rides. Go early for the best seating. Each family can go back to the ship as they are ready. Everyone can nap when you get back on the ship.

 

I have never been on a ship without caroling the day before Xmas. This is an amazing experience on Explorer. The singing reverberates throughout the ship. You will also be amazed at the decorations.

 

The show Xmas eve is usually a production show. They may add something special that is holiday related.

 

People lugged presents (and trees) onto the ship. I would consider at least one present per child. You should be able to find seating together if you want to open the presents together, but Xmas sounds like it will be a full day.

 

There will probably be an ice skating show. Make sure you check your planner on when to get tickets.

 

With so many people you will need to get to shows early to sit near each other.

 

Make sure your reservations are linked so that you are sitting together for dinner.

 

I would not try to have everyone together for every activity (especially breakfast). Most people like to have breakfast on their schedule and not wait for the one person who wants to sleep late. Don't try to overplan. Some of the kids will love the kids program. Others might just want to hang out together at the pool.

 

Have a great cruise!

How have I never done a Christmas cruise, this sounds amazing!!

To the OP, you and your varied crew will ALL find something to delight on the Explorer, actually one of the larger ships at sea... production shows, headliner acts, the wonderful ice show... sports court, mini golf, ice skating, rock wall, fully-equipped gym with free and pay classes... pool deck... kids club, with their own pool area and video arcade... spa and salon... casino... parades...

Be sure to enjoy the beautiful views from the as-yet-unrevamped Viking Crown Lounge (although access to this may be limited during happy hour if it is in use by upper tier C&A events)... great dancing and DJ in the as-yet-unremoved two-story awesome nightclub... fun shopping and events on the Promenade, including the captain's reception, food demonstrations, and live music... oh yeah, live music all over the ship including a terrific orchestra in the theatre, pool band, piano bar in the Schooner Bar (great trivia games, napkin-folding classes and port talks there, too)... a tiny screening room for (relatively) recent movies down on deck 2...

Yeesh, wish I was back on board. :( I think it's actually hard to fit all this into a 4-night cruise, especially if they offer the amazing holiday events as described by the quoted poster. Have a great time!!!:D

Our cruise documents for the 12/23/14 Explorer Christmas cruise say that we will embark at terminal 10, is there any way of knowing ahead of time if we will be coming back to Terminal 10? I believe the only other ships in Port on the 27th when we return are two carnival ships.

There is a lot of confusion with the departure/arrival docks because of the new construction. We are getting of the Freedom on Jan 4 and getting on the Explorer that SAME day. When we called RCCL last week, they told me their records show both ships at the same spot - terminal 10! Then they told me to call the port. Logistics may be a mess.

I just read where a ship departed from one dock and returned to another and bussed passenger to their cars at port parking.

If you are considering any off site parking - that may be the way to go. The off site folks will know where to drop you and where to pick you up.

good luck and enjoy

M

Just watched the Explorer come back in this morning and a Carnival ship was docked at terminal 10 and Explorer went to terminal 6, there goes the theory that if there is only one RCCL ship in port it will come back to where it left from.

Regarding the ice skating show, note that Explorer divides up the passengers by muster station to attend the show. There are no tickets--they just check your seapass. This will be in the first day's compass or you can ask at guest services which day/time will be yours, so you can plan your time. It will be in the compass again the day of the show.