Explorer of the Seas - Sailing out of New Jersey

[5kitty]

Considering booking a cruise on Explorer of the Seas late January 2008 out of New Jersey to avoid having to book airfare to Florida! Never sailed RCCL before. My husband and I have always sailed Princess as we enjoy the "anytime dining" option. Actually we prefer the buffet/food court meals and not having to dress up! How is the buffet on this ship? Would we be out of place not dressing up (especially on formal night) and going to the buffet? Do they do theme nights in the buffet or is it the same food everynight? What are our other food options on this ship (pizza by the pool, hamburgers etc.)? Thanks.

[onevacationlover]

Considering booking a cruise on Explorer of the Seas late January 2008 out of New Jersey to avoid having to book airfare to Florida! Never sailed RCCL before. My husband and I have always sailed Princess as we enjoy the "anytime dining" option. Actually we prefer the buffet/food court meals and not having to dress up! How is the buffet on this ship? Would we be out of place not dressing up (especially on formal night) and going to the buffet? Do they do theme nights in the buffet or is it the same food everynight? What are our other food options on this ship (pizza by the pool, hamburgers etc.)? Thanks.

 

Hi,

I think you would totally enjoy RCCL however I've not cruised Princess. My experience is that we found pretty much the same food choices at the buffet/Windjammer that are being offered in the formal dining rooms on those formal nights...

[QUIETPEACE7578]

Check out the active thread "Everything Explorer" very informative.

[ebonybee]

Huge RCCL that just completed first Princess Cruise 8-15 Apr on Caribbean Princess. We have similar taste. First, we are booked on the 13th Jan cruise already; second, we will also be in the buffet and will not be dressing on formal night.

 

You will not feel out of place-there are plenty that does the same. RCCL dresses up the table a bit more than Princess plus the buffett is in a larger area.

 

I had anytime dining on Princess and did use it 3 times. I think RCCL has prettier ships although as for food, especially the seafood buffet and the constant supply of fresh fruit--it's Princess.