Trying To Decide - Explorer of the Sea - Lots of Questions

[luv2sweat]

Hi,

 

I'm trying to decide whether or not to book the November 3rd repositioning cruise for my son and myself and I have lots of questions. I hope some of you can help me.

 

1. How small are the inside cabins on the Explorer? We just came back from an inside on the Crown Princess and it wasn't too bad although I still prefer an outside. Since this is a last minute unplanned trip, I'm not sure I can justify the difference between inside an outside (at least not to my husband - LOL). If I do stay with the inside, are there areas around the ship, inside, where I can sit with a book and look out?

 

2. My son is 14. Will there be enough to keep him busy? Do you think there will be many kids on board? It's during the school year, but many schools in NJ have the week off or at least Weds - Fri because of the teachers' convention.

 

3. How would you rate the teen program? He loved the program on Crown. He did every activity which really surprised me.

 

4. Since I'll be by myself - just my son, no other adult - will I still have a good time and find lots of things to do? Will I feel out of place at activities since I don't have a partner or will I fit in?

 

5. Booking direct versus travel agent - I've looked at various online agencies and RCI's site and the prices are the same. What are the benefits of booking direct or using an agent?

 

I guess those are the major questions for now. As I said this is a spur of the moment unplanned trip, so I'm trying to get all the info I can in a short period of time. I'm also trying to keep the cost down, hence the inside versus outside.

 

Thanks in advance for any help you can give me.

 

Wendy

[medic123]

Hi,

 

I'm trying to decide whether or not to book the November 3rd repositioning cruise for my son and myself and I have lots of questions. I hope some of you can help me.

 

1. How small are the inside cabins on the Explorer? We just came back from an inside on the Crown Princess and it wasn't too bad although I still prefer an outside. Since this is a last minute unplanned trip, I'm not sure I can justify the difference between inside an outside (at least not to my husband - LOL). If I do stay with the inside, are there areas around the ship, inside, where I can sit with a book and look out?They are small but well laid out, I would try for a promenade room they are a little bigger and would give you somewhere to sit and read with a view in your room.

 

2. My son is 14. Will there be enough to keep him busy? Do you think there will be many kids on board? It's during the school year, but many schools in NJ have the week off or at least Weds - Fri because of the teachers' convention. Can't help you here

 

3. How would you rate the teen program? He loved the program on Crown. He did every activity which really surprised me.

 

4. Since I'll be by myself - just my son, no other adult - will I still have a good time and find lots of things to do? Will I feel out of place at activities since I don't have a partner or will I fit in?

My last cruise on the Explorer there were several people we met traveling alone and they had a great time.

5. Booking direct versus travel agent - I've looked at various online agencies and RCI's site and the prices are the same. What are the benefits of booking direct or using an agent? I always use my TA just in case I need a little extra assistance.

I guess those are the major questions for now. As I said this is a spur of the moment unplanned trip, so I'm trying to get all the info I can in a short period of time. I'm also trying to keep the cost down, hence the inside versus outside.

 

Thanks in advance for any help you can give me.

 

Wendy

Hope this helps

[PelicanBill]

Hi,

 

4. Since I'll be by myself - just my son, no other adult - will I still have a good time and find lots of things to do? Will I feel out of place at activities since I don't have a partner or will I fit in?

 

5. Booking direct versus travel agent - I've looked at various online agencies and RCI's site and the prices are the same. What are the benefits of booking direct or using an agent?

 

Wendy

 

Hello Wendy, I can't answer about teens for another 6 years, but these two I can.

 

We met a few single travelers with kids, in fact our table mates were last time. Join the roll call here on cruise critic and make friends before you go and link up for activities with others. Attend the meet 'n mingle for your roll call. Go to the singles mixers. Go to the receptions and introduce yourself to others who show up alone. Sit down poolside next to another single person and strike up a conversation. I think you will find it easy if you are outgoing enough to talk to others.

 

TA vs Direct - There are people with strong opinions both ways. My opinion is if you have or can get a recommendation for a really good TA who goes beyond taking your money, then use one. Booking direct gives you 24 hours ability to call about your booking. I've had enough bad TA experiences that I do everything direct when I can now.

[luv2sweat]

Thanks Vicki and Pelican Bill. I appreciate the information. It will be interesting going just the two of us, but I'm sure we'll have a lot of fun.

 

Wendy

[ranger-red]

We have sailed on the Explorer and the Mariner. Inside cabins are small on pretty much any ship. These are no different. If there are just two in the cabin, it will help. We had 3 and it was cramped. We now get a balcony if possible.

 

The kids program has been hit or miss but I can tell you that if kids are not out of school, there won't be any where near as many as when they are. We have been on 3 RC cruises and the 2 that were during school breaks were much better for my daughter. We went in early May this year on the Explorer and there weren't many kids. My daughter was bummed and didn't want to go back to the kids room after the 2nd day. All in all, we like the kid's programs and do recommend them. We like the level of security they provide and they have all of the necessary training that you would like for them to have.

 

As far as who to book with. We have booked with travel agents and directly with the cruise line. I know that others will not agree but I prefer going with the cruise line. I have never gotten a lower price with any form of travel agent even the online dealers. AND, if and when the prices drop, RC has always cheerfully reduced my price. Not the case with C*****WEB. That was a fight to get the lower rate. I payed in full on the day that I booked the cruise thinking that it was so very far in advance that they would refund all of my money if I canceled before the usual cut off time. Wrong. I found a better deal that same day and after trying to get them to match the price, i asked to cancel and get a refund only to be told that it would cost me 10%. She ultimately gave in and matched the price but I wll never again go that way.

 

I hope this answers some of your questions.

 

 

You will find plenty to do on board. I have seen plenty of single parents on with their children.

[CRUSINGFAMILY]

The inside cabins are plenty big, we sail with our two sons regularly in these cabins,160sq ft.

We are sailing on this cruise and it sounds like there are going to lots of kids on board because of a school holiday or somthing. Our kids are not coming this time, we have quite an active thread for this cruise on the Mix and mingle boards come and check us out.

Royal Caribbean has great kids programs and your son will love it.

 

Some of the agencys offer you a few perks, like casino credit or items delivered to your room etc., we have usually booked directly with RCCL.

 

Hope you join us

 

Brian J