Explorer 4/17 -just back

We just got back from the Eastern route on the Explorer. This was our first experience with RCL and was very pleased.

I do not have time to do a formal review but here are my highlights.

Embarkation - arrived at the port at 11:30 and was on the ship by 11:45. Painless. (not upgrades ship was full)

Cabin - Aft cabin 7390. I think the balcony was bigger than the room. It was awesome. The room was smaller than I expected but we fit the 3 of us without a problem.

Food - Very Good. We ate in the dining room every night and windjammer for most breakfasts and lunch. Went to Johnny Rockets twice (no charge except for soda/shakes). I was a little disappointed in the burgers, not the same as the JR's we have in CT.

Shows - The Ice show was awesome! I give these skaters a lot of credit. The ice in the rink is awefull and only one skater fell (in the same place I did). The production shows were good (can only take so much singing and dancing). The comedians were great.

Casino - Some of the best dealers anywhere. They were all very personable. I only wish they dealt me better hands

Cruise staff - Our servers were awesome and our stateroom attendant was very efficient but I swear he was invisible, except for the first day, we never saw him. Almost everyone we encountered were pleasant. James Andrews was the cruise director, he was a lot of fun.

Kids program - Good - I just wish there hours were longer and that they did not close during the day. My daughter ( 11) liked it and most night wanted to leave dinner early to get there for an activity.

Overall appearance - In good shape. We had a few minor issues with our stateroom but nothing major (lightbulb out/ Refrig had to be replaced). I did notice that certain areas were not as clean as I would expect but it was a full ship and there were a ton of pre-teen/teens running amuk (mostly hanging by the elevators)

Ports - San Juan - would rather skip it

St Maarten - did butterfly farm and marigot. Would skip marigot and got to the beach. The butterflies were cool. Shopping was fun in town.

St Thomas - more shopping, megans bay and paradise point. Overcast all day, so wasnt the optimal weather for beach.

Nassau - more shopping and stayed on the ship and enjoyed the peace and quiet!

Debarking - took longer than I expected. We had red tags, got in line around 8:00 and were in the alamo shuttle around 9:00. Baggage took the longest time.

I would definately sail with RC again.

If anyone has any questions, feel free to ask!

Ellen

Ellen,

Thanks for the great review. We have a balcony cabin with 3 of us, DH and 12 yro daughter and myself so I'm glad you all fit and that your daughter had a good time at the activities. We sail 10/3 and I can't wait!

Why didn't you come to the M&M? There were only 5 people that showed up. Bummer. We were hoping to meet everyone.

Massey,

My daughter slept in the bunk without a problem. She enjoyed it, I'm sure your daughter will too. Have a great trip.

Lisajoy,

I'm sorry we missed the M&M. I can't remember what we were doing but by the time I remembered it, it was too late. There was so much to see and do on the ship, I feel like I would need another week to do it all.

Thanks also for the review. I will be leaving in a few weeks and it will be the first cruise for my parents. I am also planning on being at the pier around 11-11:30, glad to see that time worked out so well for you.

Izzy

Until Carnival Pride:

Roll Call Explorer 5-23

Roll Call Pride 10/17

Elliemaej,

Thanks. I'm sure we'll all have a great time