Good introduction to Greece & Croatia

Item: Explorer of the Seas
Rating: 4.3
Author: dawnsmith1

Explorer of the Seas Cruise Review to Europe - Mediterranean

dawnsmith1

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 13

Overall rating:

4.3 out of 5

Verified Review

7 Night Greece & Croatia (Ravenna Roundtrip)

Sail date: July 20, 2024

Ship: Explorer of the Seas

Cabin number: 9607

Traveled as: Family (older children)

Reviewed: 3 months ago

Review summary

Overall we wished we selected a cruise date that would have been less crowded with less children. We also now know that sea cruising days offer few activities for adults unless you want to pay extra for ship tours, spa treatments, etc.

Embarkation

5 out of 5

Very efficient and smooth.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5

The food & drinks were plentiful with a number of options. It would ideal to have local cuisines offered rather than the same menus offered on every Royal Caribbean ship.

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5

We experienced a large number of families with toddler & grade school ages. The ship was at full capacity yielding a lack of space to enjoy any of the pools or game areas. Bingo & trivia was a surprise to us as the staff catered more to the children than to the general audience of adults.

Entertainment

3 out of 5

Loud!

Service and Staff

4 out of 5

Most everyone did a great job & provided good service.

Ship Quality

4 out of 5

Layout was good but the number of guests is too much for the general areas.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

Good condition & room steward was excellent.

Ship tip

Select your date while keeping in mind the potential number of small children.

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Ravenna, Italy

5 out of 5

Quite town with many restaurants to choose from.

Thumbs Up 0

Dubrovnik, Croatia

5 out of 5

The history speaks for itself.

Thumbs Up 1

Piraeus (Athens), Greece

5 out of 5

Great port offering a variety of options. It is the busiest port in Europe so know it will be crowded.

Thumbs Up 0

Santorini, Greece

5 out of 5

We loved the port but there 7 ships in port on this day. The locals are trying to limit the number of ships each day which would make a much better experience all. Tenders are required. On Explorer of the Seas it took 4 hours to get everyone on a tender. The name of the game is go early & return early.

Thumbs Up 0

Split, Croatia

5 out of 5

We loved Split. Wonderful city, great food, awesome architecture.

Thumbs Up 0

Disembarkation

5 out of 5

Easy and well organized.

8 Comments

Gwbigdog 3 months ago

Thanks for sharing

Thumbs Up 0

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Sogmoore 3 months ago

Thanks for sharing

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javawoody 3 months ago

Thanks for the detailed feedback

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Gheemaster38 3 months ago

The best time to sail for me is Dec to Mar. Not to hot and far less crowds

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24MyLuckyDragon 3 months ago

Thank you for your detailed review. Glad you had a good time, albeit crowded. TBH, lately it seems like it's “family vacation time” almost all year round. I cruised in December, and had the holiday family crowds; in February/ March, cruised w/the Mid~Winter & College Springbreak, and then in April, Family Spring vacation. May to September-Labor Day, Summer vacation. So in my experience cruising from September to late November has been the best time to avoid the family-centered cruises. Another consideration is an itinerary that draws family crowds. Wishing you happy cruising on your next 🤩⚓️😎❣️‼️

Thumbs Up 0

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BarbSeymour 3 months ago

So good to see some one who understands that summer vacations can be challenging.

Thumbs Up 1

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HeavySeas 3 months ago

Thanks for sharing your cruise experience and glad you enjoyed your cruise

Thumbs Up 0

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cruising2004 3 months ago

Booking during the summer and any holiday will definitely have more children on board. Thanks for your review.

Thumbs Up 0

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