Explorer of the Seas Alaska 2017 Reviews and Info

[gbswife]

Seattle question- we are staying at the Westin prior to the cruise. What do you think is the best way to get to port on embarkment day? And the same with disembarkment day going to Seatac- our flight out is at 130pm.

 

Uber/Lyft, taxi or shuttle. It will be myself and 3 young kids (under the age of 7). I will have carseats with me as well.

 

My instinct is to just use Uber/Lyft because its the cheapest. However, I have been reading stories that people are waiting in crazy lines at port due to how Pier 91 is set up for drop off/pick ups.

[Biker19]

The issue with Uber is that default UberX when leaving Pier 91 is a hybrid which is not big enough for you. You'll need an Uber XL or a proper sized taxi.Probably true for the ride from the Westin. Drop off crazy long for us (2 hrs) but apparently that has improved over the past few weeks. Pickup was not an issue.

[Nessie07]

Were the new soda machines working? How were the crowds when boarding? How was the food and service in MDR room?

 

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The soda machines were working. There were a few times when one didn't but a crew member was right there fixing it and they were not down for long. I never had to wait more than a few people to use it.

 

I got close to 1:00 and there were people lined up outside waiting to get into the building. I'm usually at the pier between 9:30-10 so I've never run into the big crowds. I think it took maybe 1 1/2 hours? Not bad just standing and waiting.

 

Food in the main dining room was good. We enjoyed every meal. We also made sure to go there for breakfast and lunch as much as we could. We really liked lunch there. The service was good but slow. We had my time dining so I'm not sure if it's due to that or just less staff. It also took a long time to get a drink or refill if at all.

 

On a side note....room service food was awful! The service was friendly and fast but the food was terrible.

 

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[Nessie07]

Seattle question- we are staying at the Westin prior to the cruise. What do you think is the best way to get to port on embarkment day? And the same with disembarkment day going to Seatac- our flight out is at 130pm.

 

Uber/Lyft, taxi or shuttle. It will be myself and 3 young kids (under the age of 7). I will have carseats with me as well.

 

My instinct is to just use Uber/Lyft because its the cheapest. However, I have been reading stories that people are waiting in crazy lines at port due to how Pier 91 is set up for drop off/pick ups.

We live about an hour from Seattle so we just had family drop us off. We got to the pier about 1:00 and were able to drive right up with no issue. A porter took our bags right away too. Getting off was easy too. We got off about 8:00 and our ride was able to drive right up. I don't think you will have any issue with any transport you choose.

 

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[counsdr]

Seattle question- we are staying at the Westin prior to the cruise. What do you think is the best way to get to port on embarkment day? And the same with disembarkment day going to Seatac- our flight out is at 130pm.

 

Uber/Lyft, taxi or shuttle. It will be myself and 3 young kids (under the age of 7). I will have carseats with me as well.

 

My instinct is to just use Uber/Lyft because its the cheapest. However, I have been reading stories that people are waiting in crazy lines at port due to how Pier 91 is set up for drop off/pick ups.

 

God bless you! You are brave traveling by yourself with 3 little ones! I would think you would need a van with 4 passengers since car seats run large!

[gbswife]

God bless you! You are brave traveling by yourself with 3 little ones! I would think you would need a van with 4 passengers since car seats run large!

 

Hahaha, this is a trip that DH was supposed to attend as well, but unfortunately had to cancel because of work schedules. I'm not too concerned about the carseats. We can fit them three across in a fusion. I am just worried about the logistics of it all. Hopefully everything will run smoothly since we are at the end of the season instead of the beginning.

[counsdr]

Hahaha, this is a trip that DH was supposed to attend as well, but unfortunately had to cancel because of work schedules. I'm not too concerned about the carseats. We can fit them three across in a fusion. I am just worried about the logistics of it all. Hopefully everything will run smoothly since we are at the end of the season instead of the beginning.

 

So sorry DH can't join you! Which week are you cruising? I'd think a taxi would work.

[gbswife]

So sorry DH can't join you! Which week are you cruising? I'd think a taxi would work.

We are going 8-25. Thankfully my kids are pretty good travelers, so as long as I don't get stressed out we should be ok ;-)

[Nessie07]

We are going 8-25. Thankfully my kids are pretty good travelers, so as long as I don't get stressed out we should be ok ;-)

Wow I completely missed the part of you alone with the kiddos! As a mom of 2 under 5 I am in awe of you! Have a great time with your littles! I'm sure it will all work out great! Hopefully an employee at the pier can give you a hand during check in.

 

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[gbswife]

Wow I completely missed the part of you alone with the kiddos! As a mom of 2 under 5 I am in awe of you! Have a great time with your littles! I'm sure it will all work out great! Hopefully an employee at the pier can give you a hand during check in.

 

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Haha, with a bit of practice, it isn't as overwhelming as you would think. I have been traveling with my kids alone since my oldest was 18months. We moved across country from family so come holidays and DH had to work, I often flew back home to spend time with family. It's amazing how quickly you figure out how to balance kids and carseats when they are super little. We try to be as sufficient as possible these days and the kids all have responsibilities for bags, etc., so its becoming a lot easier since they can help!!

[falootin]

Just got off this cruise a week and a half ago.

Amazing time. Amazing views. You could do no wrong.

 

Going into Alaska (morning of Juneau) watch for whales, they're all over. They do a 360 in the middle of the Fjord several times so everyone can see the glacier. It was incredible. Get up early that day (5:30am)

 

Windjammer is SLAMMED for breakfast and lunch, was difficult to find seats even for a party of 2 at times.

 

If you have any questions specifically I would be happy to answer as best as I can.

 

Also--the cruise director is FANTASTIC. He is retiring the end of July so you will still have him. He is hilarious!

Did they have any theme nights on the cruise?

[Nessie07]

Did they have any theme nights on the cruise?

There was a 70's night. Also a rock Britannia party but not sure if that was just something Graham the cruise director did and he just left the ship. The new cruise director may do different events. But I'm pretty sure every cruise I've ever done has had a 70's party haha.

 

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[Nessie07]

Haha, with a bit of practice, it isn't as overwhelming as you would think. I have been traveling with my kids alone since my oldest was 18months. We moved across country from family so come holidays and DH had to work, I often flew back home to spend time with family. It's amazing how quickly you figure out how to balance kids and carseats when they are super little. We try to be as sufficient as possible these days and the kids all have responsibilities for bags, etc., so its becoming a lot easier since they can help!!

I hope you have an amazing time. It will make for some wonderful memories with your kids! We left our kids with grandma on this trip but I'm looking forward to cruising with them at some point.

 

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[counsdr]

We are going 8-25. Thankfully my kids are pretty good travelers, so as long as I don't get stressed out we should be ok ;-)

We get on as you get off the ship! If I happen to see you in a line, i'll run over and help you!!!

I have 3 grandchildren ages 7, 5 1/2, and 9 months, so I admire you!!! I don't think I could handle 3 little ones by myself, but then again, i'm old!!! :o

Enjoy!!!

[counsdr]

I'm just back from the explorer on 7/28 if anyone has questions. I'll do my best to answer! It was a great trip! We booked it again for next year!

 

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Nessie, what do you think are the top things to do in Seattle? Should I get the Seattle City pass? I definitely want to do Chihuly! Is it worth it to go up the Space Needle?

What did you do in Victoria?

Is it important to be on deck at 5:30 AM for Tracy Arm Fjord? Does one just sit there for the whole time?

This will be my 3rd time on Explorer (first since they remodeled her, 26th cruise, but 1st time in Alaska!

Thanks for your information!!

[WLV]

Recently sailed on the Explorer Alaska cruise, from July 21st-28th. Went with 6 grandchildren and their parents. My impressions:

 

The positives:

Great for families. The kids had lots to do. Many activities available for adults and/families.

Staff uniformly excellent. Everyone was very friendly and helpful. Our two waiters in the MDR made sure that we were accommodated at a table for 12--we couldn't reserve that large a table on line, but once on the ship, the MDR manager helped us and we got the same table every night.

 

Chops restaurant was outstanding. WIthout exaggeration, one of the best steak meals we've ever had (and my wife and I have eaten at very high end restaurants over the years). Service was also impeccable. And while Chops says they won't seat more than eight people at one table, they gave us a table for 12.

 

Alaska itself is gorgeous. We had expected to see more snow, but that's not RC's fault. The captain got us within a mile of the glacier and we spent several hours there.

 

The shows were very professional, in the sense that the performers were highly talented. The musical night, however, reminded me of watching Lawrence Welk: great performers but very corny.

 

The negatives:

Constant upselling and attempts to get you to buy, buy, buy. As soon as you get on the ship they push the drinks packages very aggressively; the crew are wearing t-shirts emblazoned with "Did you get your drink package?" messages. Once inside, you're approached by a crew member pushing the upgraded restaurant package.

 

Zoom internet pretty poor. Outages, plus slow speeds and spotty room coverage. If you don't want to spend the money, just wait until you're on the ground in Juneau and Skagway and you can use your normal cell coverage. Also, both ATT and Verizon now have a $10 per day plan for use in many countries, including Canada, which you can use for the day you're in Victoria.

 

RC tries to get you to buy their excursions, and their ground transport, scaring you by saying that if you don't, you can't be guaranteed you'll get on the ship if you're late or a flight is delayed. If you plan properly, that's not likely to happen.

 

There are few bargains on the ship, despite what RC tries to tell you. If you get the drinks package you get 40% off bottles of wine bought in the restaurant. Which means that brings the price of a bottle of wine down from the completely absurd to the merely ridiculous.

 

Case in point: a bottle of Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc on board goes for $68 (inc. gratuity) without a drinks package. With a package, it's about $37, including gratuity. That same bottle in Von's: $18.

 

We did the wine tasting session one afternoon. Participants could buy a bottle for that same 40% off with a drinks package, or 25% without. We liked one bottle of wine that was priced at $60, or $36 with discount. Glad we didn't buy it, as I just got the same bottle today in Costco for $19.

 

My advice: you're allowed to bring two bottles of wine per stateroom, which you can bring to dinner. They may or may not charge you a $15 corkage, but you'll still save money and have better wine.

 

The ship, with its large shopping street lined with expensive stores, has a Las Vegas feel to it. If you like Las Vegas, you'll like this; but if you don't, you might find it not so attractive.

 

Windjammer buffet food very plentiful, huge variety, but rather mediocre in taste. The place is mobbed at most hours, so getting a table can be frustrating. MDR food also no big deal, although you can have as much as you want.

 

The bottom line:

Terrific vacation for families and groups; staff truly excellent. But the heavy commercialism is not for us and makes it unlikely my wife and I would sail on RC again if it was just the two of us.

[Clarea]

... Constant upselling and attempts to get you to buy, buy, buy. As soon as you get on the ship they push the drinks packages very aggressively; the crew are wearing t-shirts emblazoned with "Did you get your drink package?" messages. Once inside, you're approached by a crew member pushing the upgraded restaurant package. ... .

Thanks for the feedback and I'm sorry to hear this "in your face" hawking appears to be on all ships now.

[WLV]

 

Case in point: a bottle of Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc on board goes for $68 (inc. gratuity) without a drinks package. With a package, it's about $37, including gratuity. That same bottle in Von's: $18.

 

I meant to say the Von's price is $12, vs. RC's price of $37.

[dmbehlke]

I'm just back from the explorer on 7/28 if anyone has questions. I'll do my best to answer! It was a great trip! We booked it again for next year!

 

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Just was wondering if you saved any of the daily compasses from the cruise

[Nessie07]

Nessie, what do you think are the top things to do in Seattle? Should I get the Seattle City pass? I definitely want to do Chihuly! Is it worth it to go up the Space Needle?

What did you do in Victoria?

Is it important to be on deck at 5:30 AM for Tracy Arm Fjord? Does one just sit there for the whole time?

This will be my 3rd time on Explorer (first since they remodeled her, 26th cruise, but 1st time in Alaska!

Thanks for your information!!

 

So...even though I've lived about an hour away from Seattle my whole life I've never gone to the space needle or any of the other attractions you mentioned [emoji50] . I would say don't miss Pike Place Market. And I know there is some cool stuff down on the pier by the waterfront.

 

In Victoria we didn't have anything planned. ( we booked 2 weeks before the sail date and didn't plan any excursions). We walked from the ship to downtown. We stopped on the way at the fisherman's wharf which was really cute. I guess all I can help with here is if you want to walk there are well marked trails to get you all over the city.

 

For Tracy Arm we got out on deck a little before 7. We didn't arrive to be able to see the glacier until about 7. So if you want to enjoy the pretty scenery of the journey up you could get up earlier. I'd recommend getting a cup of coffee to take outside with you. They actually had coffee stations set up outside the windjammer with the most delicious fresh made doughnuts! The ship does several 360 turns. We started out on deck 4 and then went up to 12. We didn't stay out the whole time.

 

We loved the Explorer and this trip! It was my first time in Alaska as well. Never cared to go because I thought it would be too much like where I live but it was great.

 

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[Nessie07]

Recently sailed on the Explorer Alaska cruise, from July 21st-28th. Went with 6 grandchildren and their parents. My impressions:

 

The positives:

Great for families. The kids had lots to do. Many activities available for adults and/families.

Staff uniformly excellent. Everyone was very friendly and helpful. Our two waiters in the MDR made sure that we were accommodated at a table for 12--we couldn't reserve that large a table on line, but once on the ship, the MDR manager helped us and we got the same table every night.

 

Chops restaurant was outstanding. WIthout exaggeration, one of the best steak meals we've ever had (and my wife and I have eaten at very high end restaurants over the years). Service was also impeccable. And while Chops says they won't seat more than eight people at one table, they gave us a table for 12.

 

Alaska itself is gorgeous. We had expected to see more snow, but that's not RC's fault. The captain got us within a mile of the glacier and we spent several hours there.

 

The shows were very professional, in the sense that the performers were highly talented. The musical night, however, reminded me of watching Lawrence Welk: great performers but very corny.

 

The negatives:

Constant upselling and attempts to get you to buy, buy, buy. As soon as you get on the ship they push the drinks packages very aggressively; the crew are wearing t-shirts emblazoned with "Did you get your drink package?" messages. Once inside, you're approached by a crew member pushing the upgraded restaurant package.

 

Zoom internet pretty poor. Outages, plus slow speeds and spotty room coverage. If you don't want to spend the money, just wait until you're on the ground in Juneau and Skagway and you can use your normal cell coverage. Also, both ATT and Verizon now have a $10 per day plan for use in many countries, including Canada, which you can use for the day you're in Victoria.

 

RC tries to get you to buy their excursions, and their ground transport, scaring you by saying that if you don't, you can't be guaranteed you'll get on the ship if you're late or a flight is delayed. If you plan properly, that's not likely to happen.

 

There are few bargains on the ship, despite what RC tries to tell you. If you get the drinks package you get 40% off bottles of wine bought in the restaurant. Which means that brings the price of a bottle of wine down from the completely absurd to the merely ridiculous.

 

Case in point: a bottle of Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc on board goes for $68 (inc. gratuity) without a drinks package. With a package, it's about $37, including gratuity. That same bottle in Von's: $18.

 

We did the wine tasting session one afternoon. Participants could buy a bottle for that same 40% off with a drinks package, or 25% without. We liked one bottle of wine that was priced at $60, or $36 with discount. Glad we didn't buy it, as I just got the same bottle today in Costco for $19.

 

My advice: you're allowed to bring two bottles of wine per stateroom, which you can bring to dinner. They may or may not charge you a $15 corkage, but you'll still save money and have better wine.

 

The ship, with its large shopping street lined with expensive stores, has a Las Vegas feel to it. If you like Las Vegas, you'll like this; but if you don't, you might find it not so attractive.

 

Windjammer buffet food very plentiful, huge variety, but rather mediocre in taste. The place is mobbed at most hours, so getting a table can be frustrating. MDR food also no big deal, although you can have as much as you want.

 

The bottom line:

Terrific vacation for families and groups; staff truly excellent. But the heavy commercialism is not for us and makes it unlikely my wife and I would sail on RC again if it was just the two of us.

I was on this sailing with you!

 

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[Nessie07]

Thanks for the feedback and I'm sorry to hear this "in your face" hawking appears to be on all ships now.

I never thought it was too in your face. A simple no thank you and they never went further with us. The exception being in the spa. Had a nice treatment and then the mood was kind of ruined when she came back with a list of $300 of beauty products I had to buy.

 

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