Dizfan

Hi all. Asked this on a separate thread but no answers yet, so thought I'd try the experts. :)

 

DH and I will be on Explorer next month for the first time (previously been on Liberty, Oasis and Allure). We just upgraded to OS 1314, which is on the front of the hump. There are a number of OS available, and I'm trying to decide whether to stick with the hump location or go for a non-hump OS. I know usually the hump is desirable, but the non-hump OSes seem to be selling faster than the hump ones, so I was wondering if I'm missing something.

 

Also wondering if 1314 (front of the hump) and 1320 (OS on the back of the hump) are any different from each other, other than the way they are facing, and 1314 being a connecting room - I've read some reviews that say the balcony on 1314 is smaller than 1320, but that doesn't really make sense to me as they are just mirror images of each other.

 

Thanks! :D

 

We have stayed in both. I personally prefer 1320. It is definitely my favorite cabin on the ship. I did not notice any difference in size in balconies, which are smaller than a grand suite balcony though. I also tend to go with non-connecting if I can. Realistically, any OS is a great option with so much space. -- Joan

Thank you for the reply. Do you know where it is located?

The Diamond breakfast is on deck 3. You turn right when you get off the elevators and you will see the sign. A small portion of the MDR is sectioned off.

We really have enjoyed our breakfasts there. -- Joan

we are booked on ex for Nye this year this will be our firsttime on ex. we were on liberty in nov and we had a aft js deck ten nice rom but when u walked out on balcony all u could see were bars if u looked xtraight down

was wondering is this the same way on ex at the very back cause we have a superior balcony deck ten I think cabin 1692

 

I would check the cabin reviews website on cruise critic. Here is a link (hope cruise critic doesn't mind since its theirs) http://www.cruisecritic.com/cabinguru/deckplanreviews.cfm?ShipID=186 and check your cabin category. There are a couple of reviews. We were cruising with relatives who stayed in a royal family suite, deck nine, on the back last year and it was fantastic. The only slight problem was the walk to the elevators. -- Joan

I've heard more and more about crime in Nassau. We have never been. We are going next month and was thinking of not doing an excursion just get off and shop, maybe a beach but not much time in port?

Advice??

We have been to Nassau a number of times. Our last cruise a few months back our group of five took a taxi from port to Fort Fincastle and the Queen's Staircase. A really nice personal excursion with absolutely no problems and security all around. We walked back to the ship and never felt threatened. We do tend to travel in group though. -- Joan

[quote name='ckrobyn']Anyone in a GS or above recently can tell me if the balcony furniture has been upgraded ?

We were in a GS on the August 31 New England cruise and the balcony furniture had not been updated. Just the sofa and chairs in the living area. While I love Explorer, the balcony furniture was in extremely poor condition. -- Joan

Hi -

Wondering who is the cruise director on the Explorer? Sailing in her next year and although it can change, I was just wondering?

 

Also, what did you think of the condition of the ship?

 

Thanks

Marita

 

Marita - I am partial to the Explorer and thought she was still in great condition. They replaced the furniture in quite a few of the cabins even though she is going into drydock next year. If Leigh is back from his vacation as your cruise director, you will not be disappointed. He is absolutely hilarious especially with activities director, Frankie. Rumor is Frankie may be upgraded and moving on to a bigger ship though.

Joan

Hi everyone! We are considering the 9 night on the Explorer out of Bayonne. I am wondering about the pool decks and the VIP seating with concierge. We would be going during August which I know is a busy time. Any experience with the pool decks or using the VIP seating area?

We have done the 9 night a couple of times, both with and without VIP seating. Sometimes it can be a little difficult getting chairs near the pool and the gold card seating is a definite plus in that regard. But I would definitely not do concierge just for that perk because we always did manage to get chairs on port days. We just got off Explorer last week (8 night New England) and stayed in a GS but I still love the Junior for the layout and closet space. I am guessing we also both have a real fondness for Disney! Leaving in a few weeks for WDW. -- Joan

they no longer let you bring water or soda on board

We just got off Explorer today after a great eight night New England cruise. I had no problem bringing on a case of water on which I had placed a luggage tag. Our travelling companions did the same. I am wondering if it could depend on the port? We have been doing this for years out of Bayonne with no problem. I also put quite a few bottles of soda in my carryon, mainly because I drink Diet Pepsi rather than the Coke they have onboard. Also, never a problem. -- Joan

Hi everyone,:)

 

Please tell me it will be alright in JS 9618. Apparently, it's directly underneath the Royal Suite you know the one with the piano:confused:

I do see that the piano sits on a carpet. So I hope it buffers the sound. But is it very distracting when it's played. Hopefully, the occupants will be considerate and not play it during the early morning.

 

Thank you

Liz

 

We have actually stayed in JS 9618 twice. There was absolutely no noise whatsoever. I had read the posts and was concerned but it worked out fine for us. Unfortunately, it depends upon who stays in the Royal Suite. -- Joan