Explorer of the Seas Cruise Reviews - Reviews

The crew and staff where amazing, definitely would book again with royal Caribbean, it was just a shame that it was too cold to enjoy the pool and deck. More activities inside the ship would've been better as well but overall we where happy with our trip.

Cabin and veranda on deck 10 was very convenient to the buffet on deck 11 and sports on deck 12

Rough seas on the first day at sea but well taken care of by the staff. Only one rough day out of four days at sea on two Bermuda cruises.

 By all means have at least one dinner at Portofino,  very civilized with excellent food and service.

Nice get away but very routine, getting to and from cruise port is very expensive appx 30.00 pp each way from airport or hotels and it's only a few miles. Taxi's are abit less than shuttles if you aren't in a big group. Food was average, entertainment was average but waiters and room stewards were excellent. Shore excursions not necessary in any of these ports since the time there is so little and there's enough to do and see without them. Embarking and disembarking was organized but you will be waiting some. There were programs for the many kids onboard but it seems they always wanted to be where we chose to be LOL. Glad we went, would not do Explorer again only because we don't do ships we have done.

Our first cruise to Bermuda exceeded our expectations.  Wonderful staff, always concerned and caring, plus terrific meals served by attentive waiters, Carlos and Raul, who were more than happy to provide us with as many desserts as we wanted!  The folks at our table were most congenial and friendly sharing their experiences and kept us laughing at their stories. The Promenade Deck always had something happening that was unexpected.  The shows, including a movie now and then, kept us entertained.  We enjoyed good weather on our outbound voyage and lots of sunny skies in Bermuda.  Although we had some rough seas on our return, it made the trip more exciting!!  What more could you want?  Great food, entertainment, new friends and the sun, sky and sea!  How I miss the boat gently rocking me to sleep each night.  Guess I need another cruise!

The ship was nice, the crew friendly, the two days in Bermuda were enjoyable.  If you go, you gotta go to Horseshoe Beach... absolutely beautiful.   Everyone I talked to or met with in Bermuda were extremely friendly!  Rock climbing, roller skating, putt putt, and volleyball were all fun... and at no extra charge!

First time we've cruised in almost 30 years, quite a few changes, specialty restaurants, multiple dining rooms, a promenade to name a few. We never got around to the specialty restaurants the food was so good with a wide variety of offerings we didn't feel the need to venture out, maybe next time. 

It was like being in a small town everybody was friendly and polite there was always staff around if you had questions. Overall a thourghly enjoyable experience can't wait for our next trip.

Although we were most impressed with the cleanliness of the ship and the friendly staff, we were most disappointed in missing the CocoCay stop.  We understood the waters appeared to be too rough for the tenders (albeit the NCL ship near us had a tender go to their ship), we did not understand why we could not have stayed in that area to be able to remain in warm weather for the day.  Was disappointing.  We would not recommend a cruise with these limited stops, since losing out on 1 has such an impact coming from the North.

The staff wasn't as accomodating as they should've been. They didn't welcome us on board and the parking at Bayonne was delayed. It took an

hour to wait to park our car and we never found out why. The attendents at the parking lot was disorganized for whatever reason. It. took alot of

horns beeping and people complaining before we moved to park our cars. Nobody welcome us on the boat and we were turned away for dinner. The staff wasn't that friendly until we had to rate them and then they were nice the next to the last day of the trip. We love the boat and the food and entertainment were good.

I took this trip with my family, 2 kids, husband, 3 sisters..in all there were 19 of us!  We had a great cruise because we had fun doing things together.  Royal Caribbean claims to exceed expectations, but I did not feel they did that on this ship.  I had a better experience 3 years ago on the Radiance.  The food was definitely mediocre.  If you do not enjoy seafood, as I do not, then there were not a lot of options during dinner.  The pasta was often not as described and was bland and dry, very little sauce was ever given.  The beef no matter what cut I got was flavorless.  My appetizer was messed up 3 nights, one of which was a disaster because they served me clam chowder.  I did not know it was clam chowder until I took a bite.  That left me ill and unable to really continue my meal.  My daughter ordered veggies w/dip every night and you would have thought by the 3rd night of saying she'd take that again, they would be automatically bringing it.  My ice tea was never there upon arrival, nor my sons soda.  I have found this type of exceptional service often on other cruises.  The above and beyond service was not here on this ship.  The Windjammer Cafe, buffet style, was basically the same everyday and the food was just ok.  During dinner our waiter and assistant waiter did not go above and beyond for my service or my kids.  However, I will admit that they definitely did for my husband, often bringing him 2 portions (the main entre portions were very small.

  There were definitely other areas of the ship/service that I did not find to exceed my expectations: the cabin steward service, kids activities, toddler/baby activities, casino dealers/atmospher, bingo...

  I had a great time because like I said, we made it a great time.  I enjoyed my family.

I will like to compliment some of your crew members.....Charisma Majuca was one of the best dealers I ever came across on a cruise.  She has personality, humour, friendliness and was able to remember people which is why it kept me coming to her table to play Blackjack. Spent alot of money but she made it easier to swallow the loss.  Felix A. Vargas (guest service officer) was very attentive and was able to solve a couple of issues my sister and I came across.  Ulner Isma was very friendly and made me feel welcome.  Mirko (Assistant headwaiter) was the best waiter I have ever.  He was funny, welcoming and remember our names whenever we show up on his table. We always hoped he was our waiter.  Kenger Browne (washy washy lady) awesome lady, she always make sure we enter the dining area with a smile.  Made me wanna sterilze my hands.  The spanish band was fantastic!!  They played all types of music and even music I requested.  However, you need to get a real d.j. who mixes music, takes requests and is not only there to push buttons.  It came to the point where I had to take my own ipod to enjoy the music and dance in the Chamber night club.  The piano man...wow...fantastic.  Your shows were Broadway level....awesome!! Mr. Leigh is someone you should keep. He was entertaining, funny, welcoming, the best host ever!!! The food served in the dining room area was much better than the food in the buffet area. The cigarettes (Newport) were stale. I purchased two cartons and regretted it.  What is up with the bathrooms????? Been on a few ships and never had a bathroom which was so small. Since I am a small person and it was uncomfortable for me, I could just imagine how uncomfortable it is for someone bigger than me.  Must thank you for allowing us to spend so much time on the stops.  On other ships we usually have 3 to 5 hours on land and then back to the ship unlike you guys where we spend almost the whole day.  In regards to the camp, you need to more staff being how can you have over 1,000 children and only allow 50 children at a time.  Overall out of 10 I give this ship and it's experience an 8.

Evening shows at the theater were below par. Only one event was scheduled on the promenade deck and that was so. Our other cruises on Royal Caribbean seem to be much better.

terrific ship. weather could have been a little better, but great nevertheless. wonderful food and interesting activities. drinks are too expensive since they don't allow any private booze on board in the staterooms. service personnel were very friendly  and efficient. will go again.

Largest case of Norovirus in cruising history and all that goes with that on this cruise.  However, the Captain and all crew members were amazing.  Cannot say enough good things about them. Two ports, not four.  Eight nights not ten.  

Embarkation at Cape Liberty, NJ was a mess -- the most disorganized ever experienced.  Will never (I mean NEVER) use that cruiseport again.  Can't imagine how they will handle Quantum !

The so called Norovirus was the route of all the problems encountered.

Missed 2 ports of call

came back 2 days early

shows cancelled, restaurants, pools, bathrooms closed

Compensation was inadequate

We were sick along with 600 other passengers with norovirus . Very bad situation followed as we were quarantined ,but room service would not answer the phone to send us food and water. After the first time. It was very frightening ,as we were weak from our G I upset . We came home early , which was a blessing. I'll probably never go on a cruise agai.

The ship was showing it's age but she still had alot of beauty and class. The crew was well versed in makeing our cruise a memorable one. The food and service was excellent.The entertainment was not bad considering that they had to do something different for nine shows.The ports of call were fine, however, I enjoyed our sea time more than going on an excursion in port. There was plenty to do on the ship and you could set your own pace. As a New Jersey resident, the round trip cruise from Cape Liberty was was the iceing on the cake. If I had to fly anywhere to go on a cruise, I probably would not go.

I was saddened to learn that passengers on the very next cruise were sickened by a virus and could not complete their cruise.

The ship was beautiful and the food was excellent. In addition, the entertainment on the Ship was great and the staff was very attentive. However, the room was rather small and there were not enough of a variety of snacks. The weather was also not cooperative.

Staff was wonderful! 

Shows weak but enjoyable.

Windjammer Cafe too crowded. Not enough tables. Lunch in dining room also crowded. Highly recommend breakfast in dining room. Major complaint is arrival times in ports. 

Very nice vacation although the weather did not always cooperate.  Ports of call were OK.  Ship and crew were excellent.  Food could have been served warmer but all in all a good time.

This is our 4th time cruising on the Explorer and we love Royal Carribbean; however after this cruise we will retire the Explorer.  It really needs to be refurbhised;  the ship was still very pretty especially in the mall area with all the shops, bars, and cafe.  The rooms and balconys was the worse as far as outdated and just worn.  Our 4 year old loved camp;  could not wait to go!  The teachers were wonderful and they did such fun things with the children.  There wasn't much for our 2year old to do;  they offer a Fisher price class which we've done before with our oldest in the past and it was wonderful.  Unforntunately; the room used for this class is also occupied by passengers playing card games - not fun at all.  St Kitt's was beautiful we took a taxi to the beach, rented an umbrella and had the best lunch!  A wonderful day; we all enjoyed this day!  Labadee has so much to do than a few years ago;  it's amazing!   San Juan was a wash we were delayed a few hours to go onto the island due to the ship next to us not docking properly and it was a short day to begin with.  We made the best out of our cruise;  it was just wasn't as relaxing has we hoped for.  Our littlest got sick too 3 days into the cruise :(   The next cruise we will make sure there is a program for our youngest so we can have some alone time and we will be more prepared with a medical kit that would contain decongestion, motrin etc..also we ran out of pull ups the ships for some reason are very limited on supplies so we had to find a walgreens in San Juan. We are planning our next cruise for 2015 and on a new ship!