Explorer of the Seas to Alaska thoughts after

[counsdr]

Hmm that could be a problem since I use a CPAP machine that needs to be by the bed. I am sure I am not the first person that has used one?? Has anyone else brought one on board? Can you bring an extension cord?

I've been bringing my CPAP on board for 15 years! They are wonderful about assisting you with that! As Bob said just contact special services. They will have a heavy duty extension cord in your room as well as a gallon of distilled water. I always bring duct tape with me and then tape it down so I don't trip over it! One time, I forgot the duct tape and my room steward went and got some for me and taped it down for me!!! :D

[Oceansaway17]

Just back and a couple reflections. I thought the crew was outstanding. I heard reviews where they were overworked and could be a bit grumpy but I never saw that. They might have been overworked and I know everyone has a bad day every now and then, but in my case everyone was great. And I also know that your own attitude is important.

 

The food was okay but not great. We did not do any of the specialty dining. The lobster on the second formal night was very good and they offered seconds. Another day we had prawns that were very good. Other than that, the seafood I had tasted very fishy, I think mostly the scallops. I had heard that the steak wasn't good but finally braved it the last night. I did not care for it. It wasn't exactly tough but had an odd taste which I think was due to the fact that they over salted and went a bit overboard with the garlic powder. Other than that, I enjoyed most of the appetizers, sides, and desserts. I think the chefs did the best that they could with what they had to work with.

 

Shows were good. There was so much to do and so little time. I didn't make it to a few shows or even to the hot tub but did relax, enjoy many things, and really didn't want to get off the ship on Friday. I met many very wonderful people on the cruise. I am usually an introvert but sort of stepped out of my comfort zone. I enjoyed talking with many interesting people.

 

There were only a few times that we had to wait a bit for an elevator and most people were aware and courteous to not jump in front of others that had been waiting in line. There were of course the few that, whether they were oblivious or just rude, jumped in front of others that had been waiting. I had an elderly companion with me and the only reason I worried about the longer waits was because of her. Otherwise I would have been fine enjoying the moment.

 

Then there was the couple next door who we shared a balcony with - we didn't use the balcony that much, except the sea day when I went out there to enjoy the scenery and glacier. I got up early that day, took my shower and headed out to my balcony to enjoy fresh air and great scenery. Then the neighbors came out and I got a nice dose of second hand smoke. I finally decided to call the operator and report them because I did not want to spend that day, which I had really been looking forward to, dealing with the smoke. Security got right on it. I understand they were given a warning and if they were caught again, they would be fined. Sorry folks, but your smoke affected many people around you that morning and likely other mornings that I just wasn't out there sharing a very small space with you. There were other times that I was on the balcony and smelled smoke but not from the cabin beside me so it wasn't as bad. Okay, sorry for that rant, but I wish people could understand how their actions affect other people. Rules are made for a reason.

 

Valuable things that I gained from reading the forums - you really can order two appetizers, entrees, desserts, etc. Yes, you have to have a conscience about it, but you are on vacation so enjoy. I asked for the beds to be separated ahead of time but that did not happen. I don't think there is good communications in that regard so just expect that you might need to get that taken care of later if the bed setup isn't like you wanted it. Once on board I requested the change and it was taken care of promptly. I brought sticky notes and a pen which me and my roomie benefitted from - we did not stay together all the time like I would have if my husband had been with me, and being able to put a sticky note on the door saying where we were or our plan for the next few hours/day was helpful since we didn't have cell phone communication. I brought a few magnets with hooks on them that came in handy to hang lanyards and other things on. I also packed a small basked to put toiletries in that I could put on the shelf under the sink - there was ample space for storage but I think this made it a bit easier. The thing I was most happy about bringing was duck tape. I knew I could use if for a lot of things or maybe never need it. My roomie needed to sleep with a sleeping pad and the plug was on the opposite side of the room, so we would plug her heating pad in each night then put duck tape over it on the floor so that I wouldn't trip over it. We did have to request an extension cord which they gave us. This would be the same if you have a CPAP machine because the outlet is on the opposite wall from where you would want it. And I'll also mention that there is only one outlet (basically two plug holes) in the entire room. I brought a triple outlet that could plug into one which was helpful. Another helpful thing might be the USB chargers that you plug into the wall and give you the opportunity to charge two devices at a time. I requested extra hangers for clothes and two blankets to use out on the balcony. Those were nice, and just a reminder that it doesn't hurt to ask for what you want.

 

So all in all a great cruise and I'm looking forward to the next.

 

 

 

If you go back try the Radiance of the Seas. They have covered pools and nicer ship in my opinion

[AndWe]

Can you tell me EXACTLY where the smoking sections are on the Explorer -- apart from the Casino? I'm in an aft balcony and I'd hate to have a far walk for my morning coffee and cigarette. I haven't been able to find this info anyplace!

[Clarea]

Can you tell me EXACTLY where the smoking sections are on the Explorer -- apart from the Casino? I'm in an aft balcony and I'd hate to have a far walk for my morning coffee and cigarette. I haven't been able to find this info anyplace!

One side of the outside of decks 4, 11 and 12.

[Sirlancelot]

I know I am jumping in here but I did not know how to start a new thread! I wondered from people who got off self assist in seattle - how close to the 6 AM "docking in Seattle time" could you be off the ship and headed for SEA-TAC airport? It is so hard to decide when to book that flight home! Thanks a bunch!

[chellecruise12]

I know I am jumping in here but I did not know how to start a new thread! I wondered from people who got off self assist in seattle - how close to the 6 AM "docking in Seattle time" could you be off the ship and headed for SEA-TAC airport? It is so hard to decide when to book that flight home! Thanks a bunch!

We did self assist last July. What flight times do you have available & how are you getting to Sea Tac I would 1st ask? We had an 11:07 am flight out & we had plenty of time. We had arranged Seattle Express to pick us up & they were waiting when we disembarked. We were to our shuttle by 7 am. I would suggest the earlier you get off the easier & quicker things are.

[Shekim]

We are on the 9/23 Explorer cruise, so we will miss you unfortunately.

Please stop by the pub and tell Alex and Stephan (Stefan) that Kim, Kim, Lisa, Dave said hi and we miss our nightly shots. Alex makes great shots; so does Stephan.

[Clarea]

Please stop by the pub and tell Alex and Stephan (Stefan) that Kim, Kim, Lisa, Dave said hi and we miss our nightly shots. Alex makes great shots; so does Stephan.

You responded to a 2-year old post. We took that cruise back in 2016.

[Sirlancelot]

We did self assist last July. What flight times do you have available & how are you getting to Sea Tac I would 1st ask? We had an 11:07 am flight out & we had plenty of time. We had arranged Seattle Express to pick us up & they were waiting when we disembarked. We were to our shuttle by 7 am. I would suggest the earlier you get off the easier & quicker things are.

 

 

Hi. Flight options are 9:45 and 10:15 AM departure from SEATAC - we were going to taxi to SEATAC but your Seattle Express sounds interesting (how do they know to find you?). We would be first in line to leave the ship. We expect that when Ovation replaces Explorer it will have the same "drill" at the port since its a replacement ship and not learning a new berth or anything. THANKS. PS I"m sorry that I did not create a new thread for this but I could not figure out how to create a new thread for EXPLORER! Only RCCL overall which seemed silly since my question is for explorer Alaska only

[Biker19]

how close to the 6 AM "docking in Seattle time" could you be off the ship and headed for SEA-TAC airport?

Disembarkation usually starts about 30 minutes after arrival. You could be curbside by 7 AM.

[Sirlancelot]

:d great!

disembarkation usually starts about 30 minutes after arrival. You could be curbside by 7 am.

[chellecruise12]

Hi. Flight options are 9:45 and 10:15 AM departure from SEATAC - we were going to taxi to SEATAC but your Seattle Express sounds interesting (how do they know to find you?). We would be first in line to leave the ship. We expect that when Ovation replaces Explorer it will have the same "drill" at the port since its a replacement ship and not learning a new berth or anything. THANKS. PS I"m sorry that I did not create a new thread for this but I could not figure out how to create a new thread for EXPLORER! Only RCCL overall which seemed silly since my question is for explorer Alaska only

 

I would feel good with the 10:15 a.m. If you are waiting in line by 6:15 a.m. & are one of the first off when it clears customs. I didnt want to mess with a taxi. I had heard they had different lines for taxis, etc & I didnt want the trouble of wondering how long that would take. Seattle Express dropped us off at the pier then also picked us back up to go to the airport. They have a numbered slot that their shuttle always parks at. They will let you know where they will be.

[Sirlancelot]

I would feel good with the 10:15 a.m. If you are waiting in line by 6:15 a.m. & are one of the first off when it clears customs. I didnt want to mess with a taxi. I had heard they had different lines for taxis, etc & I didnt want the trouble of wondering how long that would take. Seattle Express dropped us off at the pier then also picked us back up to go to the airport. They have a numbered slot that their shuttle always parks at. They will let you know where they will be.

RE: Seattle Express - is it just you in the vehicle or others? Sounds good...just wondered if you had to wait for others! Thx.

[chellecruise12]

RE: Seattle Express - is it just you in the vehicle or others? Sounds good...just wondered if you had to wait for others! Thx.

 

It is a shuttle bus but they didnt wait to fill it or anything.. I was surprised at how quick we left once on so we tipped them extra. Great service!

[redwings1958]

It is a shuttle bus but they didnt wait to fill it or anything.. I was surprised at how quick we left once on so we tipped them extra. Great service!

BTW, If you haven't reserved your spot, do it quickly; I tried last month to book a shuttle for this Friday, and they were already completely booked