Some issues, overall great cruise

Explorer of the Seas Cruise Review to Caribbean - Eastern

heathermnewell

Contributor Level: Deck Hand

Cruises: 2-3 cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 20

Overall rating:

4.5 out of 5

Verified Review

9 Night Eastern Caribbean (Miami Roundtrip)

Sail date: April 19, 2024

Ship: Explorer of the Seas

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 1538

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 7 months ago

Review summary

Overall on this sailing, I was left unimpressed with the Guest Services team. However, the waitstaff and other staff members (entertainment team, bartenders, room stewards, etc) were all great. There was also an issue at the Antigua pier with clear signage for excursion lineup. The documents provided advised to go to the "end of the pier", but the waiting area was actually on the pier, right off the gangway. The food in Windjammer was great - good variety, great quality. The food in the MDR was mostly good quality, but it seems that the portions have become smaller than I remembered. Making it more of a requirement to order multiple items for each course to be satiated. The food in the specialty restaurants was really very good. Service in the Windjammer, MDR and Chops was great. Izumi service was a bit slow, we found ourselves sitting and looking for our server on more than one occasion.

Embarkation

3 out of 5

Delays in boarding - no communication regarding reason for delay, otherwise smooth

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

4 out of 5

Specialty restaurants were amazing (slow service in Izumi). MDR was great, though portions are a bit small (just means you feel less guilty ordering multiple items). Buffet was great (washy, washy!!)

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5

Love the solarium/adult pool area - it's quiet and relaxing. Lots of on board activities for all age levels (volleyball, pickleball, table tennis, arcade, water slides, flowrider, rockwall, shuffleboard, etc). Fitness center is beautiful and offers amazing views.

Entertainment

5 out of 5

Though not the Broadway level shows offered on Oasis class ships, the headliners were still quite entertaining. Comedians were funny. Singers/dancers were entertaining. Duo Quintessence was mesmerizing. The cruise entertainment team was top notch - always upbeat and friendly, super helpful and creative.

Children's Programs

We did not bring children

Service and Staff

4 out of 5

We had some issues with guest services on day 1 that left us wanting. Other than that, the ship staff was amazing.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

Easy to navigate the ship. Never saw any clutter or leftover garbage anywhere.

Cabin / Stateroom

4 out of 5

The entryway is a bit tight - we had trouble entering with our luggage. Beyond the entry, the rest of the room was great. Good use of space, nice balcony area, AC kept the room at a comfortable temperature.