Just back from Explorer 9 day Bermuda and Bahamas

[denisemac]

Was there 2 CD's being played by the pool? I thought there was only one.:D

[pack your bags]

 

Bermuda is ok but 2 days there is overkill. Especially as one day is Sunday when EVERYTHING closes. Nice beach close to port called Snorkel Beach. Hamilton is ok but to be honest it was just a bit "so what".

 

I just wanted to give my opinion on Bermuda. I was there in 2008, and just absolultely loved it there. It has some of the most beautiful beaches, the whole island is very clean, and the people are the most friendly that I have encountered at any port. There is no constant peddling as in some of the other ports I have been too. I would return there in a minute, and would recommend it to anyone condsidering Bermuda.

[bamelin]

Around the pool is fairly lively by day (you will however be sick to death of hearing the one or two CDs played on deck and the repetetive sound of the "house band" Caribbean Force).

 

By night was a bit dull for us. Most of the bars seemed to be targeting the older generation with piano music, "romantic strings" etc.

 

The Chamber nightclub is open every night until late but it is a pretty dead and gloomy place to be.

 

I ended up losing in the casino most nights and then sitting in the Champagne bar and chatting to the barman.

 

That's disappointing about the Chamber ... was looking forward to some dancing.

[octagonmike]

That's disappointing about the Chamber ... was looking forward to some dancing.

 

 

Feel free no one will stop you.

 

We went in twice with another couple we met. Would have been around midnight and apart from about half a dozen 21/22 year olds the only other people we saw were/was the Cruise Director and his hangers on. The barmen looked really fed up.

[01Sweetpea]

We did a 9 night Explorer OTS cruise in July 2008 with 3 teens and we LOVED IT!

 

TONS of kids, my step-daughter still keeps in touch with a bunch of friends she made on the ship. Lots for them to do between the rock wall, ice skating, teen clubs, etc.

 

It may have been the time of year you cruised that you didn't find alot of kids.

[cruisemateth]

Eek, I'm doing the exact same cruise in 2 weeks!

 

Wife and I are only in our early late 20's and early 30's, I hope it's not too sedate on board!

 

blamelin, husband and I are on the same cruise we also have joined the meet and mingle we are 55 and 60 but really in our minds 20s I also hope it is not too sedate! This is our first cruise with RCCL we have always sailed with Carnival.

[octagonmike]

We did a 9 night Explorer OTS cruise in July 2008 with 3 teens and we LOVED IT!

 

TONS of kids, my step-daughter still keeps in touch with a bunch of friends she made on the ship. Lots for them to do between the rock wall, ice skating, teen clubs, etc.

 

It may have been the time of year you cruised that you didn't find alot of kids.

 

 

I'm glad I didn't find any kids !!!!!

 

I was just surprised how elderly most passengers were compared to previous cruises. Accoring to the staff I spoke to they said that Explorer is pretty much the same all year although one did mention that come June the average age does plummett to around 78 ;)

[octagonmike]

blamelin, husband and I are on the same cruise we also have joined the meet and mingle we are 55 and 60 but really in our minds 20s I also hope it is not too sedate! This is our first cruise with RCCL we have always sailed with Carnival.

 

 

 

Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh !!! People are sleeping ! ;)

[bamelin]

lol

 

Well I'm sure I'll have a good time regardless ... really all I need is, heat, a lounger, my ereader, and a full tummy and I'll be in heaven.

[Puffinater]

Thanks for taking the time to post your review. I agree the Atlantis is an overpriced over hyped destination.

[octagonmike]

Thanks for taking the time to post your review. I agree the Atlantis is an overpriced over hyped destination.

 

 

It's absolutely crap. Just a giant very expensive hotel that has a theme park feel to it.

 

$39 + tax for a 6 slice "family" pizza, $8 for a beer, $5 for a 500ml bottle of water. Scruffy beach a "so what" aquarium that is overstocked with beautiful fish that should be free in the ocean and a small pool for Dolphins.

[MillbrookMom]

I was thinking about going to Bermuda, am I confused or would you recommend the island or not - for Atlantis, is that worth going, isn't that the place w/ waterslides that everyone wants to go to, why didn't you like it? Just trying to figure out if I should waste my time?

 

Family of 4 with 2 young teen boys and we all LOVED Bermuda...best beaches ever, easy to get around, tons to see and do...but it depends on what you are looking for...shopping malls, and casinos...then no...awesome swimming, snorkeling, underground caves, golf...then big yes!!!

[MillbrookMom]

I just wanted to give my opinion on Bermuda. I was there in 2008, and just absolultely loved it there. It has some of the most beautiful beaches, the whole island is very clean, and the people are the most friendly that I have encountered at any port. There is no constant peddling as in some of the other ports I have been too. I would return there in a minute, and would recommend it to anyone condsidering Bermuda.

 

And posted a similar response below! :D

[mag]

Bermuda is one of my favorite destinations. I have cruised there more than several times and still have not seen everything. There are many things to do in addition to having gorgeous beaches - Tobacco Bay and the stretch of southern beaches starting at Horseshoe (you can walk this - its gorgeous!). As suggested, take some time to do some research and you will have a wonderful time! FYI, I am not much of a shopper so I don't even count that as part of island time. It is a wonderful place!

[pack your bags]

Bermuda is one of my favorite destinations. I have cruised there more than several times and still have not seen everything. There are many things to do in addition to having gorgeous beaches - Tobacco Bay and the stretch of southern beaches starting at Horseshoe (you can walk this - its gorgeous!). As suggested, take some time to do some research and you will have a wonderful time! FYI, I am not much of a shopper so I don't even count that as part of island time. It is a wonderful place!

 

We also did Helmet Diving while we were there with Hartley's. This was definitely the highlight of the trip!!! They were wonderful and provided us with a once in a lifetime experience, highly recommended!!!!

[ocean waves]

i've been cruising with royal a few times and have been on the 12 day explorer and don't recall the ship being sedate with the " older crowd ". bars were pretty full and of mixed ages and all having fun, some more fun than others;). i love sailing out of bayone for the fact that no airfare is needed. my husband is just 60 and can outlast the best of them. us older cruisers can still have fun, remember we were you once and sooner than you can imagine you'll be one of us.:)

[go jo]

I had a great time on this cruise and am in my 50's my friend is in her late 40's. Bermuda was lovely we went to Horseshoe bay for the first day then into Hamilton and the local port on Sunday. We got a 2 day bus/ferry pass for $20 which was good value. Nassua was very busy as there were 3 other ships in so we took a water taxi to Paradise Island. It was an amazing resort well worth a look. This was my third cruise and my best so far. :)

[octagonmike]

I had a great time on this cruise and am in my 50's my friend is in her late 40's. Bermuda was lovely we went to Horseshoe bay for the first day then into Hamilton and the local port on Sunday. We got a 2 day bus/ferry pass for $20 which was good value. Nassua was very busy as there were 3 other ships in so we took a water taxi to Paradise Island. It was an amazing resort well worth a look. This was my third cruise and my best so far. :)

 

 

Some people are easily pleased it seems :)

[pack your bags]

Some people are easily pleased it seems :)

 

 

And some are not, it seems :p

[akcruz]

Some people are easily pleased it seems :)

 

Everyone is looking for something different. They found what they were looking for. Unfortunately it sounds as if you didn't. I think it is great to know what you do and don't want on a vacation and your experience will help lots of other decide if Explorer is right for them or not.

 

I've been on Explorer and had a great time. I am in my 40's and sailed with my DD for her high school graduation. We both found plenty of others our age on board, and btw we loved Bermuda.

[Maraprince]

Just wanted to clear up some misconceptions the OP may have created with anyone who has never been on the Explorer.

 

Depending on the time of year, demographics of passengers will change. I for one would not like to be sailing with over 1000 children on board! You would not believe how much they can take over the ship and make life miserable for everyone but their parents who do not care what they do as long as they aren't within sight!

 

If you want a "young" crowd, plan on sailing a 3-5 day cruise which is more geared to unlimited partying. Cruises that are longer will attract repeat passengers who can afford to spend more money and time and bring other family members with them.

 

While Explorer may not be chocked full of activities 24 hrs. per day, there are things going on if you check the daily schedule. There is mini golf, a whole game arcade and various performers in the lounges who will play your requests and encourage guests to sing along. There is the ice show and the parades. The Chamber isn't the busiest of places but there is also Dizzy's who will have a speciality show during the voyage.

 

We sailed 2 in one year on the Explorer and the biggest difference we found in the activity/participation level had to do with the origin of the passengers. The first sailing was very friendly and people would just strike up conversations while waiting in line or waiting for the shows to start. The second sailing had more non English speaking passengers who tended to stay with their families or within their own groups since language was a big problem. Found the second sailing to be less "friendly" because of the language situation.

 

Age is relative. We have been on sailings where the 70 or 80 year olds were more physically active than the 20-yr. olds and joined in on almost every activity!

 

If you were to stay in Bermuda, it is very expensive. Bermuda has a lot to offer. You could have visited the Zoo and the Aquarium for one admission or gone to the Crystal Caves that are open on Sundays. Get a one or 2 day bus pass -- much safer than riding a scooter. The locals do not trust tourists to drive cars -- they are smart! Even the license plates on the scooters indicate "tourists" so the locals know and can keep back a safe distance! If you do not want to ride the bus, take the ferry to get between places. No ship tours necessary.

 

You also do not need a tour to get to Atlantis. You can take the water ferry over to Paradise Island where Atlantis is located. You can walk around the grounds but will not be able to do the same things as if you were on a tour.

 

The whole sailing you were on was geared to someone who likes to kick back and go to the beach/relax. No one moves fast in the islands

 

Don't you know that 70 is the new 50 and that 60 is the new 40! Don't put down those older than you because some day you will be their age! People in their 20's knit too.

 

 

MARAPRINCE

[Maraprince]

Just wanted to add that I have a "friend" who has to be moving 24hrs. or else will make life miserable. Unless we walk the entire island we have not done anything in port! No time off for eating/shopping. Think Energizer Bunny....has to be constantly moving and hates sea days or just sitting still in a lounger by the pool for even an hour!

 

Many RCL repeat passengers do not get off in ports and prefer to enjoy the solitude of the ship while everyone else is ashore. They are not interested in the ports but rather the voyage. Some of them are just relaxing or can be doing research for a book they are writing.

 

Paradise Island itself is very beautiful and then there is Nassau with its Straw Market. We always see what tours are being offered to get information on what there is to see and do in the ports. Either we book with a local tour operator, get a cab, or just use local transportation to see the islands on our own or with other passengers. Each island has something different to offer and has its own flavor. We like the opportunity to meet and mix with the locals which no ship's tour can offer. With the islands visited all speaking English and accepting US money there should have been no problem doing things and getting around once there.

 

Probably a little more research prior to booking your sailing would have revealed that the Explorer and this sailing were not a good match for you.

 

 

MARAPRINCE

[marci22]

Depending on the time of year, demographics of passengers will change. I for one would not like to be sailing with over 1000 children on board! You would not believe how much they can take over the ship and make life miserable for everyone but their parents who do not care what they do as long as they aren't within sight!

 

MARAPRINCE

 

Interesting how you can lump all children together and you probably won't get many comments but if this comment was made about any other "group" there would be outrage.

 

I have seen many children onboard and yes sometimes there are a few bad apples but for the most part they have been pleasant and courteous, in stark contrast to some of the adults I have personally encountered.

[bamelin]

 

The whole sailing you were on was geared to someone who likes to kick back and go to the beach/relax. No one moves fast in the islands

 

That's the main reason I picked this itinerary ... lots of time to relax (9 day itinerary, 4 of which are sea days), and all port stops offering 4 days of fantastic beaches, arguably some of the best in the world.

 

While in another situation I might have looked for a port heavy itinerary, I'm so burned out right now, I just need to relaxrelaxrelax

[octagonmike]

Just wanted to clear up some misconceptions the OP may have created with anyone who has never been on the Explorer.

 

Depending on the time of year, demographics of passengers will change. I for one would not like to be sailing with over 1000 children on board! You would not believe how much they can take over the ship and make life miserable for everyone but their parents who do not care what they do as long as they aren't within sight!

 

If you want a "young" crowd, plan on sailing a 3-5 day cruise which is more geared to unlimited partying. Cruises that are longer will attract repeat passengers who can afford to spend more money and time and bring other family members with them.

 

While Explorer may not be chocked full of activities 24 hrs. per day, there are things going on if you check the daily schedule. There is mini golf, a whole game arcade and various performers in the lounges who will play your requests and encourage guests to sing along. There is the ice show and the parades. The Chamber isn't the busiest of places but there is also Dizzy's who will have a speciality show during the voyage.

 

We sailed 2 in one year on the Explorer and the biggest difference we found in the activity/participation level had to do with the origin of the passengers. The first sailing was very friendly and people would just strike up conversations while waiting in line or waiting for the shows to start. The second sailing had more non English speaking passengers who tended to stay with their families or within their own groups since language was a big problem. Found the second sailing to be less "friendly" because of the language situation.

 

Age is relative. We have been on sailings where the 70 or 80 year olds were more physically active than the 20-yr. olds and joined in on almost every activity!

 

If you were to stay in Bermuda, it is very expensive. Bermuda has a lot to offer. You could have visited the Zoo and the Aquarium for one admission or gone to the Crystal Caves that are open on Sundays. Get a one or 2 day bus pass -- much safer than riding a scooter. The locals do not trust tourists to drive cars -- they are smart! Even the license plates on the scooters indicate "tourists" so the locals know and can keep back a safe distance! If you do not want to ride the bus, take the ferry to get between places. No ship tours necessary.

 

You also do not need a tour to get to Atlantis. You can take the water ferry over to Paradise Island where Atlantis is located. You can walk around the grounds but will not be able to do the same things as if you were on a tour.

 

The whole sailing you were on was geared to someone who likes to kick back and go to the beach/relax. No one moves fast in the islands

 

Don't you know that 70 is the new 50 and that 60 is the new 40! Don't put down those older than you because some day you will be their age! People in their 20's knit too.

 

 

MARAPRINCE

 

 

Just saying that I didn't particularly enjoy the ports.

 

The ship was lovely and the people all so friendly (I get on really well with older people :D )

 

Seriously just found things a bit sedate of an evening. The entertainment outside of the Theatre was very much geared up for the older traveller and much much more sedate than on Liberty out of Miami.