Great ABC Island cruise on Explorer of the Seas

Explorer of the Seas Cruise Review

Cruises: 7+ cruises
Reviews: 8
Helpful Votes: 78

Overall rating:

4.6 out of 5
Explorer of the Seas

9 Night Southern Caribbean (Miami Roundtrip)

Sail date: January 24, 2020

Ship: Explorer of the Seas

Cabin type: Oceanview

Cabin number: 3540

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 4 years ago

Review summary

This was a nice combination of four relaxing sea days with four stops highlighted by ABC islands. Was overall happy with RCCL and the Explorer of the Seas

Embarkation

5 out of 5
Efficient and quick

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

4 out of 5
MDR food was good, however seemed understaffed. Staff was very friendly and apologetic for having to hurry and sometimes long waiting for food. On lobster night they offered my husband an additional lobster tail without him having to ask; very much appreciated!

Onboard Activities

4 out of 5
Adults only pool and Hot Tubs we’re welcoming (nice reprieve from kids on board) Ice Show was excellent as was the Juggling Act, Musical Productions also were worthwhile. Game show, Especially Marriage game show was good Enjoyed walking laps around ship on Deck 4

Entertainment

5 out of 5
Don’t miss the Ice Show!!! Check the Compass as seating for shows are assigned according to your muster station

Service and Staff

5 out of 5
All staff encountered seemed genuinely friendly. They worked very hard at keeping everything “ship shape”. The captain is especially to be commended for his decision to return to Curaçao an hour after departure for a medical emergency which was life-threatening for a crew member with appendicitis. Nice to know emergencies of this nature are taken seriously.

Ship Quality

4 out of 5
The ship definitely needs a face lift. The crew did a great job keeping it clean and looking nice for us to enjoy

Cabin / Stateroom

4 out of 5
This was possibly the smallest bathroom ever over all of our many cruises. It, as well as the room was always maintained very well by our room steward, Iputu. The room was cozy, with everything we needed, just small as expected for its class. We did have plumbing issues with the toilet intermittently throughout the week which seemed to be “system wide” for our corridor of the ship. It was more of a nuisance but was always fixed quickly. I’m sure once the ship is overhauled next month this will be addressed

Ship tip

If you’re sailing her before she goes to dry dock next month, try to overlook the cosmetic concerns and enjoy the cruise. She has a lot to offer despite the wear and tear. Go to the helicopter pad at the very bow of the ship. There is seldom anyone there and you can perch yourself at the bow, kind of like in the Titanic movie! Do not miss the ice show, it was excellent! Enjoy the parade on the Promenade deck on the last night; be sure to have your camera to record it. Just enjoy!

Ports of call

Labadee (Cruise Line Private Island)

5 out of 5
Try the zip line, you won’t regret it. Many beaches to enjoy. Very clean

Disembarkation

4 out of 5
Was fairly good considering the next cruisers were showing up early because of Super Bowl on turn around day in Miami where Super Bowl was being held. This caused a little extra confusion and delay for those of us disembarking. It was handled pretty well though. We were only a half hour or so delayed

Traveler Photos

Cocoa Beach Bonaire Zip line in Labadee Aruba: One Happy Island! Highest point on Bonaire Slave Hut Bonaire Lovely Emma Bridge
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