Not As Great As We Hoped It Would Be

Item: Explorer of the Seas
Rating: 2.1
Author: CallahanClan

Explorer of the Seas Cruise Review to U.S. - Pacific, Northwest

CallahanClan

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 4-6 cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 6

Overall rating:

2.1 out of 5

4 Night Best Of British Columbia (Seattle Roundtrip)

Sail date: May 14, 2018

Ship: Explorer of the Seas

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 7218

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 6 years ago

Review summary

The use of "washy washy, good for your tummy" to disburse Purell lotion to diners was both condescending to travelers and racial stereotyping at it's worst for the poor Asian woman who was forced to say it over and over at every meal, every day of the cruise. We hated going to the Windjammer to eat. The dining room service wasn't great either. We arrived on time, but waited 30 minutes for our order to be taken while the staff waited for others at our table to arrive, which most of them didn't bother. The 8 pm seating was nearly empty. It was over an hour before we got our food. Everything shut down during port visits on the ship, except bars and food. We were hoping to visit the shops when it was less crowded. Nope. Weather forced everyone inside the first day due to cold and wind and it was crowded everywhere. Not much better other days. Barely went over 68. Thick fog the whole first night led to hearing the fog horn blare every 5 to 7 minutes from the ship in warning to other vessels. We were in the front of the ship, so it was very loud, all night long. By the 4th day, the bathroom smelled so bad of sewer smell, we could hardly stand to use it. The ship was showing it's age with rust, ratty carpets and smell, but was clean as possible for it's age. We grew tired of the trivia games and kareoke very quickly. Finally, get the beverage package at least, but recommend the food package as well, as the outlining restaurants had the best food and service. First time on Royal C. and sadly, we weren't impressed.

Embarkation

2 out of 5

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

2 out of 5

Onboard Activities

2 out of 5

Entertainment

2 out of 5

Service and Staff

2 out of 5

Ship Quality

2 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

2 out of 5

Ship tip

Pick a newer ship in the fleet and better places to visit.

Thumbs up

Disembarkation

5 out of 5

Traveler Photos

9 Comments

dazzatron 6 years ago

I'm not surprised your fellow diners didn't turn up... although it does sound like a joy to be around you.

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msp73 6 years ago

I find the washy washy great fun and so do they! Can't help the weather I'm afraid and all ships will feel busy when everyone is inside. Shops never open whilst in port . Fog horn is sounded for everyone's safety you'd of complained if you'd hit something. Sorry you totally hated your cruise but some of points happen on all cruise lines.

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TrulySarah 6 years ago

Perhaps the woman wanted to say her little phrase? Maybe she thought it was cute. I wouldn't have thought the worst out of that Scenario. Regarding weather, kind of irrelevant to the ship and crew. Also something you can research ahead of time. Definitely should have spoke to someone about the smell in bathroom

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keiland 6 years ago

If this really is your 5th cruise then you should know by now that the shops aren’t open until they leave port. Also you should’ve done your research about weather here in the pnw.. you should be happy it got to 68 cause that’s not the normal high for this time of year. Sounds like all you wanted to do is complain.

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kathy1622 6 years ago

The shops and casino are never open in port.

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CallahanClan 6 years ago

Update: 5th cruise and all others were wonderful :D. Our cruise experience, our honest opinions!

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CaptainGMan 6 years ago

Wow. Did u go on the cruise looking for issues? Horrible attitude. Cruising isn’t for u as it appears that nothing makes u happy

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SLOCruisers 6 years ago

And yes, definitely royal Caribbeans fault that the weather in Canada was cold.

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jstubblefield 6 years ago

They can't legally open the shops in port for tax purposes.

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Other reviews of this sailing

lovely ports, disappointing ship experience.

Nice Getaway

4 day cruise to Canada