Not what I expected

Explorer of the Seas Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

Cruises: 4-6 cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 40

Overall rating:

2.3 out of 5
Verified Review
Explorer of the Seas

5 Night Western Caribbean (Miami Roundtrip)

Sail date: November 19, 2019

Ship: Explorer of the Seas

Traveled as: Singles/Friends

Reviewed: 4 years ago

Review summary

This was my first cruise on Royal Caribbean. I can't say that I would take another cruise on this line. I do enjoy cruising and my cruises on other lines were much more enjoyable.

Embarkation

1 out of 5
The check in counters were slow and not all work stations were attended. We were in line 2 1/2 hours. Accommodations should be made for passengers with medical issues. When I inquired about a place to sit, I was told that I could sit in the floor until time for me to be processed.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

1 out of 5
The food was not as flavorful, nicely presented, or the variety I have experienced on other cruises. Most of the time the food was not the correct temperature. I purchased 2 of the drink packages and 90% of the time, the drink machines were not operational. I am greatly dissatisfied by this. If the machines were working, there was no ice. Two sets of the drink machines were only available during meal times. If this is the normal process, passengers should not be charged for drinks.

Onboard Activities

2 out of 5
The majority of the activities onboard were water related. The variety I have experienced on other ships was not on Explorer of the Seas.

Entertainment

1 out of 5
The entertainment and shows were not what I expected on this ships. Again, the entertainment on other ships was much better.

Children's Programs

I had no children.

Service and Staff

3 out of 5

Ship Quality

2 out of 5
When I checked into my room, there was a pen and debris behind the curtain. The windows were dirty and the elevators smelled musty. There were several issues with the elevators and not being operational. There were many times that we took the stairs because the elevators would not close.

Cabin / Stateroom

3 out of 5
The size of this cabin was good. However, the cleanliness was sub-par. Our steward was personable. When we boarded, there was a pen and debris behind the curtain. The cabin never felt clean.

Ports of call

Miami, Florida Did not visit port

This is where I boarded

Cozumel, Mexico

3 out of 5
I did not do any excursion. The majority of the excursions were water related and did not interest me.

Costa Maya (Mahahual), Mexico

3 out of 5
This port was much smaller and seemed more personable. We did not do an excursion, but did go on our own. It was more budget friendly and it was enjoyable.

Disembarkation

4 out of 5
No problems getting off the ship with our luggage.
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2 Comments

wgammon1    4 years ago

Sorry you had a bad experience.

Thomas4    4 years ago

Sorry your experience wasn’t as good as mine. Btw. You are not limited to use the soda machines. You can fill up your cup at any bar. In 2 weeks of my cruise there was only 1 time the machine at the promenade in cleaning mode. So I went to the cafe promenade to get a refill. If you give them another chance maybe try one of their newer ships. Maybe that fits more your needs. Enjoy cruising. 😃

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