Explorer of the Seas Oct 29 Cruise

[Pisti]

Just returned form the Explorer, 5 days to Bermuda. In general, I was disappointed. You get what you pay for, appears to be true. Start with the positives: the staff was excellent, polite, friendly and professional every single one of them that I met. The cabin #1688 was huge as was the balcony (aft) and the bed linen was brand new. The negatives: the Windjammer Cafeteria was like "eating at the trough". No trays, huge oval plastic plates on which one was presumably supposed to load everything. The ingredients for salads and dressings were good, the hot food and I use the term loosely was lukewarm and overcooked generally very tired. There was always something one could find to eat but I kept finding myself comparing it to the Carnival Legend of last year and it was no contest! The dining room was only open for lunch on the 2 sea days so that was not an option. Dinner was made pleasant by some very compatible and fun tablemates and while I could find something every night, it's mostly because I'm not a fussy eater, one appetizer and a couple of cold fruit soups as starters just doesn't cut it.. The early evening entertainment was IMO mediocre, the Ice Show however, was excellent. The shops on board were a joke, one had the impression they didn't bother to restock since the next cruise was the repositioning and whatever was left was what was available. Finally, because it was owned by Celebrity I expected the same standards. The so called dress code was non exsistant at least the main seating . Lots of people in jeans and even sweatsuits which I WOULDN"T MIND IF I HAD KNOWN. I deliberately didn't bring my jeans because they're heavy to pack and not very appropriate or so I thought. All in all not even close to Celebrity or for that matter Carnival.It seemed that this cruise catered to the lowest common denominator. We are going on the NCL Dawn at Christmas, and I am willing to bet that even with all the hype about "freestyle", it will be a classier operation than RCI. Won't be repeating them any time soon.

[TheBeachBears]

Thanks for posting the review; I hope you see this cruise as an overall good experience. Unfortunately the bumps in the road are old hat to those of us who have been on RCI for awhile. No trays just plates, not a cafeteria, ok well, maybe it is a cafeteria. Shops are so, so. Evening entertainment better than a high school play, I agree about the ice show always goodThe clothes well live and learn. At least no one bothered you with there cell phone. I’m gad you met some fun people that can make all the difference.

[Borat]

Just returned form the Explorer, 5 days to Bermuda. In general, I was disappointed. You get what you pay for, appears to be true. Start with the positives: the staff was excellent, polite, friendly and professional every single one of them that I met. The cabin #1688 was huge as was the balcony (aft) and the bed linen was brand new. The negatives: the Windjammer Cafeteria was like "eating at the trough". No trays, huge oval plastic plates on which one was presumably supposed to load everything. The ingredients for salads and dressings were good, the hot food and I use the term loosely was lukewarm and overcooked generally very tired. There was always something one could find to eat but I kept finding myself comparing it to the Carnival Legend of last year and it was no contest! The dining room was only open for lunch on the 2 sea days so that was not an option. Dinner was made pleasant by some very compatible and fun tablemates and while I could find something every night, it's mostly because I'm not a fussy eater, one appetizer and a couple of cold fruit soups as starters just doesn't cut it.. The early evening entertainment was IMO mediocre, the Ice Show however, was excellent. The shops on board were a joke, one had the impression they didn't bother to restock since the next cruise was the repositioning and whatever was left was what was available. Finally, because it was owned by Celebrity I expected the same standards. The so called dress code was non exsistant at least the main seating . Lots of people in jeans and even sweatsuits which I WOULDN"T MIND IF I HAD KNOWN. I deliberately didn't bring my jeans because they're heavy to pack and not very appropriate or so I thought. All in all not even close to Celebrity or for that matter Carnival.It seemed that this cruise catered to the lowest common denominator. We are going on the NCL Dawn at Christmas, and I willing to bet that even with all the hype about "freestyle", it will be a classier operation than RCI. Won't be repeating them any time soon.

 

what did you think of the ship itself?

[Sue L]

I am so amazed at your review, I was on this cruise in September and my experience was the total opposite. The food in the windjammer was wonderful and very hot. Nice selections and everything very fresh and nicely laid out.

 

The dining room was wonderful with terrific food and great service. They turned away those in jeans on our cruise and even on casual nights everyone was dressed to the nines, with many of the men in sports jackets. On formal nights many tuxes and long glittery gowns. I had on a long but plain dress and I felt underdressed.

[F858MM]

We also just came back,sorry that you had those problems. We had a great time staff,sevice and food was great, We never had any problems in the Windjammer. Our cabin was also on the 10th deck. Would recommend this ship. We had new bedding.

 

Ann

[seashell03]

on Explorer. We are first time cruisers and I have been all over this website getting info prior to our trip. I wasn't impressed. It was okay but nothing terrific. I figured we just weren't "cruise people" but now I'm wondering if "experienced" cruisers didn't enjoy this trip either then maybe I should give it another try. I agree the food wasn't hot - our soup wasn't even hot! And also had to find something on the menu to eat. There was no food that stood out where I thought, oh this is delicious! Nothing, breakfast, lunch or dinner, Windjammer or Dining Room (didn't eat at Portofino). Our cabin was 6500 - right in front of the ship and oh boy did we feel it on the first night - 20+ foot swells - it was okay though and the rest of the cruise wasn't as bad but all that motion did bother me - I don't know if I can get used to that. Loved the cabin, btw, Family Ocean View - it was me, dh and 3 kids - perfect! Our shower did not have the shower curtain but a door - loved it! And the new bedding was wonderful!!! Very cozy and comfortable.:)

 

The crew members were very friendly - no complaints there. Only had 1 1/2 days in Bermuda - would have rather took a 2 hour plane trip and spent 5 days in Bermuda! It was beautiful!

 

We played ping pong, basketball, inline skating, went to library, tried to do the rock climbing wall but they said it was too windy on the last sea day and a storm may be coming (but the crew member said he isn't supposed to tell us that). I really didn't like that. I think you should have access to the weather channel to let you know what's coming. The tv channels were horrible. Not too much to chose from - old repeats of the Today show with them on the Freedom of the Seas. Felt out of touch with the rest of the world!

 

We spent so much time on the elevators it was ridiculous. The promenade wasn't that great. We didn't buy anything from the stores and I'm a shopper! Nothing caught my eye.

 

The ice show was good but they should really update the music and costumes - alittle weird, imo.

 

We stayed with the kids at night so didn't really experience the night life and maybe if we got out there (like they say) we would have had more fun. :confused:

[Sue L]

double post ooopppsss!!!

[Snuffles]

My boyfriend and I just returned from the Explorer of the Seas 5-day cruise to Bermuda. We are somewhat surprised at your negative comments. :confused:

 

We agree that the staff was excellent and the ice show was great. We also agree that the food in the Windjammer wasn't outstanding, but there was plenty of seating (nicely arranged), so we were able to put our plates down and go back for more if desired. Not having trays wasn't an issue. Sometimes it was hot, sometimes warm, but that was only if we ate later in the evening. After all, it was a buffet.

 

The dining room meals were always up to par. The lunch in the Cafe Promenade did satisfy us more than eating at the Windjammer. They had yummy, tiny croissant sandwiches, pizza that was OK, and tasty oatmeal raisin cookies. We ate at Johnny Rockets once and the burgers were great. The only not so great aspect of eating inside JR's were the ants on the window sill...yes, ants! :eek: I made the waiter aware of the little buggers. Having dinner at Portofino's was enjoyable and delicious, and definitely worth the surcharge.

 

Although we didn't set out to do a lot of shopping, we found the shops to be adequately stocked. There was an abundance of jewelery, apparel and souvenirs.

 

We also found the fellow cruisers to be dressed comfortably and/or decent. There were some outfits that made me giggle, but very few, and you can't expect people on vacation to be dressed to the nines every night. We checked the boards prior to the cruise and read that the attire varied, even in the dining rooms. We're all about fashion, and we didn't find that our fellow cruisers were of the "lowest common denominator" by their overall appearance in the dining room. :rolleyes:

[Pisti]

My boyfriend and I just returned from the Explorer of the Seas 5-day cruise to Bermuda. We are somewhat surprised at your negative comments. :confused:

 

 

 

The dining room meals were always up to par.

 

Not even close to the Celebrity Millenium and Constellation or even the Carnival Legend. On a par with whom?

Not "dressed to the nines" but jeans ???Even NCL doesn"t allow jeans.

 

In answer to Borat: The ship itself is beautiful, the experience was the problem, not the ship.

[cruznsugs]

We were on Explorer in September and loved it. The food in the Windjammer was pretty good I thought. Alot of choices and is more of a quick place to eat like on port days. the soups are really good and so is the salad bar. We went to the promenade alot . Liked the pizza and sandwhiches especially at about midnight. At that time everything tastes good. The dinning room is nice alternative for lunch and breakfast. I found the pancakes better in the dinning room than in the windjammer. There are just some foods you can't let sit . The dining rooms lunch is good I had the fish and chips , soups and the pasta station (alfredo is yummy). We had a great time at dinner loved our table mates. I'm pretty picky and always found something. I even got 2 entrees if I wasnt sure how i would like something. My father is super picky and wanted everything special (steak cooked a bit different, pasta on the side or extra sauce ) and everything was done exactly the way he wanted. As far as dress. Every one was dressed so nice. I payed extra attention, because you hear so many negative reviews about the way people dress and to be honest I never really payed attention before. One night on our 9 night cruise was country western night and my dad insisted on wearing jeans , i explained to him that this was frowned upon but he said it's country western night what else are you suppose to wear. But he looked great very dressing jeans with a dressy top. He Looked better than alot of people. I guess if you go into your cruise with certain expectations you may be dissapointed especially if you go with other cruise lines . I'm a mother of two young kids so going away with my husband is the best part and everything else is just gravy. To have someone make my bed, cook , and clean for me is incredible so i'm not too picky. Go with an open mind and no matter what it's a vacation make the best of it.

[Frick_&_Frack]

We were on Explorer in September and weren't impressed. Pretty much the same issues as the OP. We were in a GS and the room was tired and actually dirty (room attendant was kind of lax about it). Totally different experience from Voyager last year on the same trip.

 

Sometimes a trip just is a dud. It happens.

 

But, we just keep cruising - the good always outweighs the negatives.

[goofygal531]

We just got off the ship today and were on the 10/29 sailing. This was our first RCCL cruise, and we couldn't stop comparing it to NCL Dawn. We heard such amazing things about this ship only to be disappointed. It didn't live up to the hype.

 

Yes, the ship is amazing, beautiful, etc... The entertainment was very good, the balcony stateroom #6648 was in a perfect location (new bedding!) and very roomy.

 

Now, we were very disappointed with the food. The Windjammer served the same items everyday. The main dining room the menu is a joke compared to NCL Dawn. One evening my husband and I ordered salads, he had the steak I ordered the seafood pasta. Our waiter asked if that's all we'd like my husband said to him "what else is there?" Cold soups or spicy spring rolls. Very limited. The food we did order was very good, served hot and nicely presented.

 

The cafe premenade is a joke. The sandwiches are on dinner rolls. The first night out the sea was so rough my husband was sick. At 10pm he wanted something to eat and had to order room service. Soups and Salads. Very limited menu. The soup arrived with a hair in it. I called to complain only because I was so mad because my husband hadn't eaten anything all day. After shutting down the lights climbing into bed 30 mins later room service knocks at the door with complimentary chocolate covered strawberries. Thanks but no thanks.

 

The elevators are horrendous!! They take forever! Worse than any other ship!

 

There was a dress code?? I saw more people walking around in pjs - that shocked me! Many people wore jeans to dinner.

 

We were also upset that we departed Bermuda 2 hours earlier than planned. It really ruined our day's plans.

 

Be fully prepared to wait to board. We departed NYC at 11am got to the port at 11:20 and waited for 45 mins in the drop off line. Horrible traffic problems.

 

Getting off the ship is no better. We were able to change our tags from Red to Pink since I'm pregnant and thankfully we did. We were home in NYC by 11:15am!

 

Yes, we have mixed reviews about the ship. Would we sail again with RCCL, yes. My husband wants to go on the Freedom of the Seas. But now we know what to expect. I have no high hopes.

[BobBeaSea]

To Pisti, c'est damage...did I get that right? I am sorry your cruise wasn't better for you. RCI owns Celebrity, not the other way around, not that it matters :) Give RCI another shot, try a Caribbean cruise with them and then decide....

[barbaragrace]

Just returned form the Explorer, 5 days to Bermuda. In general, I was disappointed. There was always something one could find to eat but I kept finding myself comparing it to the Carnival Legend of last year and it was no contest!

 

I know what you mean about the Windjammer food-nothing great whereas the LEGEND...! We were just on EOS in June and had a great time (9 night). It was different than Carnival, not better or worse (except for the food and the pull out couch!:eek: )

[reapfm]

we were on the same cruise. Our service was excellent, as well as food, in all areas of the ship, if something wasn't on the menu, we asked for it and got it with no problem, the entertainment was magnificient. We didn't encounter any problems with the shops on board, our only problem was that we were delayed an hour because of 2 ignorant people who refused to go to Immigration until they were threatened with a fine and/or arrest. That was not RCCL fault, they were passengers who thought they were above the rules. I guess you didn't have a problem with that.

 

Of course, we were the "poor folk" who had an inside cabin on the 10th deck. This was our choice. As for jeans in the dining room, who cares? They are a lot better than some of the get-ups people wear, especially skirts and dresses that hardly cover their "bottoms". Try NCL, you probably would enjoy cruising with them.

[reapfm]

we were on the same cruise. Our service was excellent, as well as food, in all areas of the ship, the entertainment was magnificient. We didn't encounter any problems with the shops of board, our only problem was that we were delayed an hour because of 2 ignorant people who refused to go to Immigration until they were threatened with a fine and/or arrest. That was not RCCL fault, they were passengers who thought they were above the rules. I guess you didn't have a problem with that.

 

Of course, we were the "poor folk" who had an inside cabin on the 10th deck. This was our choice. As for jeans in the dining room, who cares? They are a lot better than some of the get-ups people wear, especially skirts and dresses that hardly cover their "bottoms". Try NCL, you probably would enjoy cruising with them.

[Pisti]

To Pisti, c'est damage...did I get that right? I am sorry your cruise wasn't better for you. RCI owns Celebrity, not the other way around, not that it matters :) Give RCI another shot, try a Caribbean cruise with them and then decide....

 

Thanks Bob... Actually it's "dommage" (pity) but nice of you to try. My first language is English, Pisti was my Hungarian husband's nickname. It means little Steve (he was 235 pounds!) You are probably right about the 7 day Caribbean cruises. My mistake was taking a short cruise and at this time of the year. I repeat..you get what you pay for. Noticed someone took a shot about being "poor folk" trust me my tablemates from Enland who were great and who were Deck #3 inside were just as disapponted as I was. Location had NOTHING to do with it.

[Pisti]

To Pisti, c'est damage...did I get that right? I am sorry your cruise wasn't better for you. RCI owns Celebrity, not the other way around, not that it matters :) Give RCI another shot, try a Caribbean cruise with them and then decide....

 

Thank you you are probably right about the Caribbean cruises. My mistake was short cruise, this time of year. I repeat...you get what you pay for. Nice of you to try French, actually it's "dommage" but my first language is English. Pisti was my Hungarian husband's nickname. It means "little Steve" (he was 235 pounds!) Noticed the shot someone took about being "poor folk". Location of stateroom or finances had NOTHING to do with it. My tablemates a young couple from England were in what they laughingly referred to as steerage ( deck 3 inside) and they we just as disappointed as me. They too expected a "class act" and didn't find it. oops double post.

[chitowngoose]

.....Yes, we have mixed reviews about the ship. Would we sail again with RCCL, yes. My husband wants to go on the Freedom of the Seas. But now we know what to expect. I have no high hopes.

 

 

I'd suggest going smaller, rather than larger, if you did not care for the Explorer. Consider that Freedom will have 1000 more people on it to jam into elevators and ship entry/departures.

 

Maybe a Radiance-class ship. Also, go Caribbean for a much smoother cruising experience.

 

YMMV

[little britain]

Just returned form the Explorer, 5 days to Bermuda. In general, I was disappointed. You get what you pay for, appears to be true. Start with the positives: the staff was excellent, polite, friendly and professional every single one of them that I met. The cabin #1688 was huge as was the balcony (aft) and the bed linen was brand new. The negatives: the Windjammer Cafeteria was like "eating at the trough". No trays, huge oval plastic plates on which one was presumably supposed to load everything. The ingredients for salads and dressings were good, the hot food and I use the term loosely was lukewarm and overcooked generally very tired. There was always something one could find to eat but I kept finding myself comparing it to the Carnival Legend of last year and it was no contest! The dining room was only open for lunch on the 2 sea days so that was not an option. Dinner was made pleasant by some very compatible and fun tablemates and while I could find something every night, it's mostly because I'm not a fussy eater, one appetizer and a couple of cold fruit soups as starters just doesn't cut it.. The early evening entertainment was IMO mediocre, the Ice Show however, was excellent. The shops on board were a joke, one had the impression they didn't bother to restock since the next cruise was the repositioning and whatever was left was what was available. Finally, because it was owned by Celebrity I expected the same standards. The so called dress code was non exsistant at least the main seating . Lots of people in jeans and even sweatsuits which I WOULDN"T MIND IF I HAD KNOWN. I deliberately didn't bring my jeans because they're heavy to pack and not very appropriate or so I thought. All in all not even close to Celebrity or for that matter Carnival.It seemed that this cruise catered to the lowest common denominator. We are going on the NCL Dawn at Christmas, and I am willing to bet that even with all the hype about "freestyle", it will be a classier operation than RCI. Won't be repeating them any time soon.

Pisti - firstly nice to meet you and secondly - I agree with almost everything you say and echo your sentiments! I'll post a full review shortly.......

[Pisti]

Pisti - firstly nice to meet you and secondly - I agree with almost everything you say and echo your sentiments! I'll post a full review shortly.......

 

Thank you for confirming I'm not the only one who noticed the discrepencies between advertizing and fact. What always amazes me about some people is that if one criticizes a cruise that they enjoyed it's as if you have just criticized them personally or questionned their social status. The fact is for the price I paid I shouldn't really complain. I just should have had more rum punch and maybe I wouldn't have noticed.:p

PS Really nice meeting you too. One of the Positives about the cruise, the Monday afternoon meeting......Joan

[bbspin12]

I am so amazed at your review, I was on this cruise in September and my experience was the total opposite. The food in the windjammer was wonderful and very hot. Nice selections and everything very fresh and nicely laid out.

 

The dining room was wonderful with terrific food and great service. They turned away those in jeans on our cruise and even on casual nights everyone was dressed to the nines, with many of the men in sports jackets. On formal nights many tuxes and long glittery gowns. I had on a long but plain dress and I felt underdressed.

 

I agree with Sue L....I had the most wonderful experience on the Explorer Oct 1. Our cruise was also to Bermuda and I have absolutely nothing negative except that I was exhausted when I got home and the horrible landsickness I felt for days after getting off the ship.

 

I am always perplexed how a large group of people can see things so differently. There are definetly half full and half empty people out there.

 

Maybe cruising is not for everyone???? Just as well...more room for us who truly appreciate the total cruise experience:)

[mdaviswv]

I guess its all in your perspective. I was on this sailing too, and didn't see too much wrong with it. "You get what you pay for" is correct. Many people pay for RCCI and Carnival, expecting Celebrity and Holland America class. Well, thats not going to happen. We got exactly what we expected and enjoyed every minute of it. Hopefully I'll get a review posted in the next day or so.

[sea-cruise]

I guess its all in your perspective. I was on this sailing too, and didn't see too much wrong with it. "You get what you pay for" is correct. Many people pay for RCCI and Carnival, expecting Celebrity and Holland America class. Well, thats not going to happen. We got exactly what we expected and enjoyed every minute of it. Hopefully I'll get a review posted in the next day or so.

Oh My!!! You are SO right! We have paid $$$ for high-end suites and expected more.....We have paid 399. pp and were thrilled with the value! You get what you pay for. If you expect Seabourne Lines service, book Seabourne. If you are thrifty with your savings, and you book as such, you will be very pleased. It's all in the perspective of cost.

[grandsix]

We were on this cruise and had a wonderful time. There was plenty to do day and night. By the way, we have taken 9 separate cruises this year with 4 more to go (none back to back) on various lines. They were all great and found overall there is not that much difference. You are dealing with human beings so the food and service can change from cruise to cruise.