tripkat

Hi,

I was wondering if they change up the Tribute bands or use the same ones all the time. If they do change them up, what tribute bands have you seen. Looking forward to this...if it's a band I like [emoji4].

Kathy

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I've done 5-day to Bermuda and doing another in September. Of course I'd prefer 7-9 days, but this was our limit due to also booking a land trip.

We had a ball on the last one and you will too, I'm sure.

I have to say though, that your Interior room price doesn't really seem much of a bargain to me. We paid only slightly more for a balcony.

Either way, enjoy your cruise...there is something to be said for overnighting in Bermuda.

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Bon Voyage!!! Have a wonderful cruise with your family.

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This is the first ship for me, as well. I hadnt really noticed it and then went to find them once we had been confined here. This does not thrill me in a general way now that it looks like they won't be needed for this specific event.

Karina....thanks for your live posts. Stay safe.

Kathy

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I'm pretty much bypassing any posts second guessing RC and the captain. This storm appears to have turned into something no one was predicting...and pretty quickly too. I feel awful for everyone on board that went through this. Was hoping that damage was minimal but if folks are truly disembarking tomorrow, I'm sure we'll be seeing some unfortunate photos and videos.

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Looks like responses tend towards Portofino's as the better dining experience, which of course has me wondering why they are being phased out for Giovanni's. I'm assuming it's a cost reduction thing which typically means a quality reduction as well. That's too bad.

By the way, this is not the first time I've heard Giovanni's compared to Olive Garden, which sounds kind of appalling to me. But, I will try to keep an open mind until I try it for myself.

Kathy

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Does anyone remember the incredible bread basket that Portofino's served? It was really a highlight IMHO. It included breadsticks, a sail-shaped flat bread, and, of course a nice selection of rolls. They served it with three, I think, toppings. Why did they stop this? I like Portofino's better, but they are both very good.

Loved the bread basket and also remember three small plates add-ons, especially thw tapanade.

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Clarea...thanks so much for the information. The Giovanni's menu looks interesting and something I'd definitely like to try.

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Hi all,

I believe I read that Giovanni's would be replacing Portofino on Liberty of the Seas....but not before our September cruise. It got me wondering how these two Italian specialty restaurants compare. We've dined on several occasions at Portofino's but never at Giovanni's. Is one more upscale then the other? Is there a real difference in food choice or quality? Do you have a favorite? I'd love to hear from those who have had an oportunity to dine at both restaurants.

Thanks,

Kathy

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We were there last October but we had a rainy day and didn't get the time on land that we were hoping for. So we're very much looking forward to it as well. Fechter99, an Alaska cruise is something we hope to do one day. Have a great time...love Explorer!!!

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I will be on Liberty in September 2015. What is your sail date? I will be sailing on 9/19/15 to Bermuda:)

Hi....although not addressed to me, we'll be on the 9/19 sailing as well. Have you been to Bermuda before?

Kathy

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Just an update to the chair hogs...this morning we were up on the pool deck at 8:30 or so, and were able to find a couple of chairs in the shade. That's not to say it was easy to do but we did it. We were totally prepared to sit in some of those towel saved chairs if we had to. We also learned that the pool attendants go around to rows of chairs with only towels and fold those towels a certain way into the back of the chair and start their timer. If no one shows up after 30 minutes, they remove the towels and free up the chairs., but it was different attendants today than yesterday so I am not sure they are all enforcing the rules because of our experience yesterday.

 

 

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Thanks for sharing. With an upcoming cruise that's good to know.

Kathy

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Loved your photos and video....thanks so much for sharing them.

We'll be going on board to Bermuda in September and this really whet my appetite. By the way, I think you did A-OK with your new GoPro.

Kathy

And here's my first ever attempt at a time-lapse video using a GoPro. I still have some practicing to do, but I thought it was decent for my first try! :D:o

 

EDIT: Anyone know how to post videos on here?

 

Here's a link? https://youtu.be/NX9PKxhAmBc

Tanya bought some jewelry at the Clocktower Market and we perused all the shops since it was fun and we were waiting for the rain to die down. The rain wasn’t letting off, so we just made our way back to the ship as fast as we could. We went back to the cabin and changed clothes. It seemed heading to the Horseshoe beach was becoming a more distant possibility.

 

 

 

We were hungry again, and Tanya suggested Johnny Rockets. As we ate our lunch, wouldn’t you have guessed it? The rain stopped and the sun came out. Well, it looked we were going to have a good port day yet.

 

 

 

 

We went out again and walked around the Wharf, checking out the really old buildings and the area in general.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We did find a beach in the Wharf walking distance from the ship and found people there playing volleyball, swimming, drinking and generally having a good time, but I had my heart set on Horseshoe. But by that time, it was around 1pm and the all aboard was a 330pm. We took in the rest of the sights and headed back to the ship.

 

 

 

During my initial cruising research, I was considering NCL Breakaway 7 day Bermuda cruise, but after consulting with my better half, she really did not want to just be on one island for 3 days. I asked her after this Bermuda outing whether she would want to take a cruise back there and it was a resounding yes! She really wanted to see the rest of the island now. Another cruise … and to Bermuda … that definitely works for me.

We had the same result in our first foray to Bermuda last fall. It was a bit disappointing as my heart was set on seeing Horseshoe Bay as well. We will be back in September with an overnight and hoping for better weather this time around😊

Kathy

Thank you both for your responses. Sounds like I'll be packing that gown!!

Hi all,

Hubby and I will be sailing the LOS in September to Bermuda. I've never worn a gown on formal night before, but just bought one I really like for a wedding next month. I'd love to wear it again on formal night but wonder if those days of real formal wear have passed. I don't want to be the only one....do any women still wear gowns to formal night or should I just leave it home?

Kathy

Really enjoying your review. Love the added videos. We'll be sailing on LOS in September so your review is hitting the spot [emoji5]

Also....would love some pics or video of the Solarium if you get there....thanks!

Well, I can't wait to share my experience with everyone.

 

This certainly is a time for firsts. First cruise, first review, first time using photobucket and YouTube.

 

Now back on topic ... The Main Dining Room.

 

 

All these pictures were taken by a Iphone 6 by the way with nothing added.

 

I discovered the wonders of panoramics too during this cruise and here is one of the MDR.

 

Really enjoying your review. Love the added videos. We'll be sailing on LOS in September so your review is hitting the spot [emoji5]

Hubby and I love the SR experience and will visit a few times over the week. I think the food is better and willing to pay for a more upscale experience.

One more day and then we're off on the Explorer of the Seas....can believe it's finally here.

Great to hear after some of the reviews I've been seeing. Wil be boarding in 14 days. I really love this ship.

27 days to go and I am beyond excited....started packing and daydreaming everyday. First nine-day cruise, first grand suite....can't get here fast enough😄

Sorry, I didn't check. Try [noparse]EX_Concierge@rccl.com[/noparse].

Clarea,

Thanks so much for your help. I just received a response to my email request and was able to reserve the last over the water cabana on Barefoot Beach. Makes me think that if I had just listened to the RCCI rep and waited to hear from the on board concierge next month I might have been out of luck.

Thanks again,

Kathy

You can find the Concierge email addresses in this document:

 

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1hKBiGZ9Gqcp2G2owtX3RyQy7yQ0ijgxCL0nPjQKK8j4/edit?pli=1#gid=0

Hi....thanks for the the document, but there is no email link for the Explorer. Anyone have that or know where to find it? Thanks

Kathy

If you are in a Grand Suite or better, you can contact the Concierge on board and request a cabana.

Hi,

Do you know if this can be done prior to the cruise? I just spoke with someone from RCCI and they said I needed to hear from the on board concierge via email about a week out from the cruise. Yet, I could swear I read somewhere here on CC that there were email addresses we could use to contact them . I'll be on the 10/23/14 sailing on the Explorer of the Seas. Thanks in advance for any info you can share.

Kathy