Explorer Newbie

My wife and I are Platinum NCL but are trying to expand our experiences. We will be on Explorer of the Seas Sept 17, and are looking for must do/see/eat tips from other experienced cruisers.

Good start here: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/search/royal-caribbean/explorer

We'll be on board with you kids......while we have not sailed on the Explorer, we've sailed three other RCI ships over the years. I know we have people with us concerned about cool weather and the pools, the solarium is sheltered quite a bit from elements and has two covered hot tubs, also there is a nice large hot pool in the gym on the same deck. We booked "first night done right" as we know the first night with "anytime dining" can be very chaotic.....so it was a good idea we thought. They will assign us either in Giovani's Table or Chops and if we don't like where they put us we can try to change once on board. If you have anytime dining you can call the dining line each morning to get a reservation time for dinner or just ask on your first night. So looking forward to a nice time, we're taking an umbrella as rain can always be in the forecast.

We also booked first night done right. Can we choose where to eat? Either way will be good.

They assign you a restaurant if you don't like you can try to change once on board

We've been on the Explorer many times and love her. For activities, parades, etc. that take place on the Promenade, get there early and get a seat at the British Pub bar. The Promenade can get crowded for parades, etc. The café on the Promenade has pretty good pizza slices, small sandwiches and cookies for a quick snack. The Schooner Bar is very popular and fun. The Viking Lounge is a great spot for a quiet drink or card game during the day, if the weather is bad. Don't miss the ice shows.

Silvia (Cruise Director's Staff) is fantastic. Best activity staff member I've had the pleasure of sailing with.

Enjoy!

If you decide to go to Johnny Rockets, go on the first or second day so that the milkshakes and buns are really fresh.

Don’t discover the steam room right at the end of your cruise like we did ;)

Is there a mini bar in the cabin? If so, is it included in the drink package?

Is there a mini bar in the cabin? If so, is it included in the drink package?

Yes, but it's not included. Nor is room service included in the drink package.

Yes, but it's not included.

and is empty - you have to order anything you want.

Where is the best lunch for day 1?

Where is the best lunch for day 1?

Windjammer.

Is the buffet not chaotic on EOS during embarkation? (unlike every other cruise ship in the world?)

Is the buffet not chaotic on EOS during embarkation? (unlike every other cruise ship in the world?)

Yes, it gets crowded, but that is where the most variety of food is served. Isn't that the "best"?

Ice show,,,, Quest game show are a must to see Viking crown lounge sit at the windows and just watch everything going on. I really miss that ship and want it back here in NJ.

Yes, it gets crowded, but that is where the most variety of food is served. Isn't that the "best"?

I was thinking more relaxed, drink service, sit down with a menu and not crowded. (Oh and good food!)

AJ

I was thinking more relaxed, drink service, sit down with a menu and not crowded. (Oh and good food!)

 

AJ

Check if Giovanni's, Izumi, or Chops is open for lunch. I doubt it,but it's worth a try. Otherwise, there is no sit down menu service for lunch on embarkation day.