Relaxing vacation and beautiful islands

Item: Explorer of the Seas
Rating: 4.6
Author: hockey06mom

Explorer of the Seas Cruise Review to Caribbean - Southern

hockey06mom

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 4-6 cruises

Reviews: 3

Helpful Votes: 58

Overall rating:

4.6 out of 5

Verified Review

8 Night Southern Caribbean (Miami Roundtrip)

Sail date: April 15, 2023

Ship: Explorer of the Seas

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 9288

Traveled as: Family (older children)

Reviewed: 1 year ago

Review summary

We enjoyed our vacation. Internet connectivity which we purchased was inadequate. However, they did discount our internet fees substantially.

Embarkation

5 out of 5

Much better than our first cruise that sailed from Miami. It was better organized at the port. We also parked at the port which I would highly recommend.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

4 out of 5

Food quality has decreased since our first cruise in 2014. Decline was noted significantly during our first cruise post COVID. Understand this industry is trying to recover from enormous profit margin losses. It would be nice to have variety in the Windjammer. Not so much in a given day, but from day to day.

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5

Who could not enjoy activities when Flo is your cruise director. She generates fun with her bubbly personality. This was our second cruise with Flo as our cruise director. Her energy is contagious I am sure amongst her team. From parties in the promenade to the ice show. Veteran recognition was conducted with respect and authenticity.

Entertainment

5 out of 5

Our cruise included bands of the 70s I think. They were all great performers. We enjoyed good music every evening.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Our wait staff was exceptional. First time we had a team that not only learned our food preferences, but noted our names on the first night. Every evening we were welcomed by name. They consistently served us beyond our expectations. Inquired one evening about having my son’s birthday recognized the next day. Jaya, head waiter, and Sukma, assistant, both remembered and delivered a brilliant surprise. The smile across my sons face was enormous when they sang Happy Birthday to him. Pictures with Jaya and Sukma are a testament of how fun it was.

Ship Quality

4 out of 5

Ship was clean. But there were places you could tell its age. Hope this ship is scheduled to be refurbished soon.

Cabin / Stateroom

4 out of 5

Our cabin steward, Ashton, ensured we were comfortable. Royal Caribbean beds are a bit to firm for my comfort. Ashton added mattress covers to soften the bed which made for a restful cruise. He also made sure our cabin was clean with the least disruption to our vacation.