Our cruise was so good that we booked another for 2025 as soon as we returned! This time we are trying Oasis!
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Port Canaveral was a dream to get into (vs the craziness of Port Miami). We accidentally missed the sharp turn to parking and went through drop offs but it ended up being a blessing because we just dropped off our luggage and then went up to park. So easy! Security went very quickly and we were on to the ship right after that.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
We didn't try any specialty restaurants but the dining room for breakfast, lunch, and dinner was fabulous! The portions were perfect and if you ever tried something you didn't like, they were quick to let you pick something new and bring it on out. Shout out to Kerisha and Melani and Israel waitstaff!! The buffets were great! I just eat too much when I go to the windjammer! Haha
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
The activities were fun! Pools, rock climbing, mini golf, flow rider... never that long of a wait and always something to do!
Entertainment
4 out of 5
We enjoyed the entertainment on Explorer last year more (hypnotist, comedian, Beatles concerts, Spirits of the Seasons ice show) but there were still fun things this time (impressionist, movie music, rock concerts..) The ice show was really fun too: Cool Art Hot Ice.
Children's Programs
4 out of 5
The kids (ages 7 and 10) enjoyed the kid's clubs! The 7 year old begged to go back. The 10 year old had fun but was a bit put out that you HAD to play the games they were doing. I heard it's not like that on other ships but this one made you play the group game or watch the movie - and wouldn't let you "out of the square" (her words) they put you in. Sometimes she just wanted to talk with her new friends or not have to run around. But they both still really liked it. The hours were 9-12, 2-5, and 7-10. For ages 3-5, 6-8, and 9-11. No under 3s and the kid needs to be potty trained. Also, no leaving the room for any sports events or ship tours like we read about. We were glad to know our kids were where we left them but sad for our 10 year old who thought she'd be getting a backstage tour of the ship like we read about.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Our staff this cruise were phenomenal! Shout out to Jason!!! So funny! So friendly and helpful and great! Waiters became friends, room stewards became pals, and guest services were quick to help. Seriously so many smiling workers!
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
We've done Explorer and now its sister ship Adventure. Very similar layout and easy to navigate. Everything was clean and well maintained. We were very happy!
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
If I could give 10 stars I would! This room was so convenient (just take the stairs up a floor for Studio B, Photos, and Dining deck 3 for breakfast and lunch (our dinner was deck 5). The elevators brought us basically straight there but are behind a wall so no elevator noise or traffic to worry about. Also very easy to remember "2616" because you use your room number for photos, dining, and maybe more. The room was spacious for our family 4. the bunk beds come down and then over so there is still plenty of room for the ppl on the bed. I think it was bigger than our queen bed because I didn't have my husband all up in my space like usual haha. Two side tables, a love seat couch, a desk with chair and lots of storage, and a closet (plus a bathroom). We brought a battery operated motion sensor light for the bathroom and it was wonderful for late night potty trips. We LOVED the window. It allowed in so much light during the day and woke us up gently if we left the curtains open - but there were also black out curtains for that afternoon nap we needed one day. Truthfully best room ever!
Ship tip
Get to the ice shows early to sit in the front center. The ice shows are designed to be seen from the front and if you get the front row, you can feel the ice shaving hit you, give the skaters high fives, and see there eyes look into yours. Best ice show experience!
I had no idea this port would be so fun! There is shopping and drinking if you want that but there is also a lazy river and lots of pools to hang out in - all free. We checked out the place without bringing our swimwear and had to go back to get it! So bring your swimsuits and have fun! We also got to sample different chocolates, cocoa beans, hot chocolate and chocolate tea at the one store. SO fun!
We didn't do any excursions. We just did some shopping. Plenty to see and buy still with in the security limits but we also crossed the street to check out some venders and the straw market before heading back.
This place has so much to do! The whole island feels so safe. We hung out for a bit at Chill Island but then moved to Cove Beach and boy was it a world of difference! No waves, calm clear waters, you could hear the waves lapping up the beach. We saw a rooster, hen and baby chick exploring around. An iguana was chilling by a tree. Someone saw a manta ray and we saw fish. The pictures we took look like we were the only ones there. Such an awesome spot! We walked over to south beach for the snack shack- it's not just snacks! We had burgers, chicken sandwiches, salad, fruit, drinks, desserts, funnel cake, fries, mozzarella sticks and more! The kids played the last hour in the spash away bay and wished we had spent more time there. And we didn't even try out the waterpark that's there for a price. Next time!
Easy peasy. We chose luggage assistance this time. Had our bags out the night before by 10 PM and kept a carryon with us. We ate breakfast at the dining hall and then walked off the boat following the crowd. Our bags were waiting for us when we go to the terminal and security was just facial recognition - no paperwork to get out for passport holders. And then we were back at our van and on the road. So easy!
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