No Fuss Holiday Escape

Item: Explorer of the Seas
Rating: 3.2
Author: wetravel05

Explorer of the Seas Cruise Review to Caribbean

wetravel05

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 4-6 cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 7

Overall rating:

3.2 out of 5

5 Night Caribbean (Miami Roundtrip)

Sail date: December 22, 2019

Ship: Explorer of the Seas

Traveled as: Family (older children)

Reviewed: 4 years ago

Review summary

Not sure we would book a cruise with Royal Caribbean... compare to a previous cruise with Carnival... we enjoyed that cruise line better.

Embarkation

4 out of 5

Arrived at 1245, lines were moderate but the flow a bit slow.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5

We were initially put in timed dining and was totally disappointed! Loud, poor service. the attentiveness was not there, food selection seemed less than the regular dining times. After day 2 we switched to the main dining at 6pm and were very pleased! Did not dine in other restaurants as we didn´t want to pay for additional food if already getting good food in the dining room. I don´t appreciate the nickel and diming of food or service. Drinks were ok, some bars were better than others, the mixologists could be more attentive. Did enjoy the pub on this cruise.

Onboard Activities

4 out of 5

Plenty of activities.

Art and Photo Gallery

2 out of 5

Way to expensive for pictures and package options are limited. The roaming photographer was not too seen. would have preferred more action shots then still, posing shots.

Entertainment

4 out of 5

Best DJ dance party was the silent disco.

Service and Staff

3 out of 5

They could be more available at the pool-deck areas.

Ship Quality

3 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

3 out of 5

Felt crowed with the bed so close to the door.

Ports of call

Miami, Florida Did not visit port

We live in Miami and enjoy it already

Thumbs Up 0

Nassau, Bahamas

3 out of 5

It was better for us to just walk on our own. It was not so impressive. Saw the Graycliff House, and the Waitlings Rum distillery and shops.

Thumbs Up 0

Labadee (Cruise Line Private Island)

3 out of 5

Weather was a factor but it was ok.

Thumbs Up 0

Disembarkation

4 out of 5

4 Comments

Gwbigdog 2 years ago

Yea, Carnival is completely different experience.

Thumbs Up 0

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Cruiserike0322 4 years ago

Totally agree

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maryred 4 years ago

Have to agree with JT, the Explorer was old and worn when she homeported in NJ (4 years ago). Try one of their Freedom, Oasis, or Quantum class ships or wait till 2022 for the newest Icon class to come out before completely dismissing Royal as a vacation option.

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CruzeFan 4 years ago

I would not judge and the entire Cruise Line based on one cruise during the busiest time of the year on a ship that is going to dry dock for refurbishment in a few months. We have cruised Carnival and Royal Caribbean and have enjoyed them both. There are more similarities than differences. A cruise on a newer ship on either line will usually be better than cruising an older ship on the other line.

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