Explorer of the Seas Cruise Reviews - Reviews

This was our first time on Royal Caribbean and it will be our last! Customer service was lacking; they were too busy to accommodate their customers. Their internet connections did not work properly as we purchased the cybercabin option and kept getting the run around about why it was not working. Room service was over an hour late to arrive to our room. There were language barriers with the staff. They cancelled shore excursions without notifying guests. Further, there was no one on staff in Bermuda to provide guidance on where to go once we got off the ship. It was horrible trying to get an elevator to move around the ship because there were so many people. They cancelled shows because it was "too rough" in the water; however, there was nothing else scheduled in its place. Communication was definitely lacking on this ship. We would ask for a drink to be brought to us, and it seemed to be an inconvenience for the waitstaff. Every time we called down to Guest Relations, the phone just rang or they answered and immediately put you on hold. It was a very frustrating experience.

Had to chancel my Tee time in Bermuda because the shortly announced (evening before) early leave (so I can not add a 45th country where I played golf which was the major reason for the Bermuda trip)!!!!!! Would not recommend RCL for kids below 3 (no "leave your kid" program for under 3, no kids menu available on first day, only few high chairs, no crib bed for kids)

Comparing to other cruise line Royal Caribbean is still holding the old good traditions: all food is free and best quality (lobster, filet mignon, etc.), all entertainment is free (great shows, especially ice skating show), all facilities are free (steam, sauna, skating, etc. etc.) And the Fleet best in industry!

the ship was very impressive,but the elevators were too few and not readily available with people of special needs.

Won't be going on another cruise for quite awhile!

Over all the ship was very nicke!

The ship was beautiful and our state room not large but had everything you needed for an enjoyable cruise.

We left out of Bayonne in January 2008. We thought it was a good choice since we live in PA and the rest of our family in NY. Our problem was that it was too cold until we actually reached Miami (day 3) to do anything outside. All in all the ship is wonderful, the staff is great as usual and the entertainment was bar none. The food was the worst I've ever had on a cruise ship. Terrible food, wonderful service - I'm not sure I would cruise Explorer again because of the food. And who picked these ports? YUCK. San Juan was nice but we didn't arrive until 3pm so most excursions were out of the question. St. Thomas was beautiful (we did the BOSS scooters - www.boosusvi.com - don't miss out!) but we didn't have enough time, Casa De Campo was depressing (although we did the ATV's and felt like we got the most for our money on this excursion) and not the "tropical paradise" you would have hoped. Also the port time was too short - 8am - 2pm. And Labadee, Haiti, the cruise ships private island. AHHHHH - nice, but stay away fromt he market - I swear those people have a school on how to rape you of all your money prior to leaving. If you do go to the market know this - You can bargain, bargain, bargain. They all have the same items (which is why they are so persistent) and will sell them for dimes on the dollar. For instance - My husband wanted a hand carved globe - it was beautiful - they wanted $50 - I paid $20. Maracas - $25 - I paid $3. Get it? Another thing - be prepared with singles because if you pull out a twenty and ask for change they will laugh and now everything you want is $20. AND - if you get something personalized they will stop 1/2 way through and ask for a tip before they finish. DOn't give it till they are done though. We did feel there were too many colder days at sea so we have moved our Jan 2009 trip till April/May2009 - but it was worth what we paid (ps - we paid almost $600 less a person then what the ship sold out for - BOOK EARLY ON ANY CRUISE FOR THE BEST PRICES!) Don't miss the ice show (get tickets as soon as you get on the boat), don't do spa treatments till the end because they all go on sale, and don't buy logo merchandise until the end (when it's 50% off!)

Very spacious, well laid out. Exceptionally clean. The staff was very accommodaating to us.

Embarkation was horrible because of the late arrival of the ship in Bayonne. Passengers from the previous cruise were disembarking and passengers for our cruise were arriving. We waited in line, on our bus, for two hours to get from the entrance of the Port to the embarkation area. There is so much real estate to work with at the port that it should be possible to separate the incoming and outgoing traffic more. No one can complain about the service or the condition of the ship. The dinners were very good, but I've been on other ships where they were better selections and tastier preparations. The Windjammer buffet was as good as any other ship with plenty of diversity. There are only two specialty restaurants Portofinos and Johnny Rockets. Both were very nice, but there seems to be more of them on other ships (steakhouses, sushi, French, etc). There were plenty of organized activities on board. I liked the Solarium area where no one under 16 was allowed. The pools and hot tubs in this area were more pleasurable and safer without the kids. There were plenty of smoking areas available for me to smoke my pipe. The entertainment was top-notch. Better than any other cruise that I've been on. The only rude or obnoxious people on board were some of the passengers who don't feel that they should wait their turn, whether it's going ashore, returning on board, or in the buffet line. It was my first cruise on Royal Caribbean. My sense is that the officers and crew will do anything to accomodate a passenger. Well done, RCI.

Overall, the ship was great, but I was very upset in not seeing hand sanitizers in public areas on this ship. I feel with this many people aboard, every sanitary precaution should be taken, especially around food areas. (I had cruised on NCL last year and hand sanitizing was strictly enforced.)

Excellent service and ship amenities. The crew and staff were very accommodating. Some of the ports were not the best (i.e. Dominican, Puerto Rico). Oftentimes guests were morbidly obese and rude to boot. Hipchecked several small children whose parents need to teach them some manners. Elevators were the scene of a wholesale lack of etiquette.

This was our third cruise and our second with Royal Caribbean. The dining room staff in particular is wonderful. We are kosher diners and they go out of their way to accommodate our needs. The entertainment and activities were very nice and the ports were fun to visit. However my only complaint is that there is too much smoking on board. We enjoy Latin dancing and the Aquarium Bar was like siting in a gas chamber and took away from our enjoyment. It should be separated, non smoking and smoking areas.

The ship is beautiful, very sturdyand clean. I had a great time althought I get a cold. The theater had great performance and the Ice skating, well I felt as though I was at the olympics. I recomended it to my family and friends. I will cruise Rayal Caribean again.

cruise line has problems with getting people off in bayonne this is my second trip with same prolem getting off ship

Everything about this is ship is top notch. Promenade is its own city - Cafe Promanade serves 'Seattle's Best' coffee 24 hours a day and serves cookies that are absolutely delicious - glad I did not have to pick the best.

What a gorgeous ship. Hard to believe that a ship could have so many amenities and still float. It's like a vacation paradise all in one place that floats. This was my first cruise and my husband's second cruise. I would strongly recommend it to anyone.

This was our first cruise and we had no idea how to proceed or what to expect. I called and one of their service staff helped me through the registration process in a very professional manner. My hats off to and their expertly trained staff!! Within 10 days we received our packet of information about our cruise, luggage tickets and itinerary and I felt like we were all set to go! We were signed up for Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Seas trip to Bermuda and Boston. There was difficulty signing in when we arrived at Cape Liberty because the ship was late coming back from a cruise to the Caribbean due to Hurricane Noel. Our boarding was delayed by approximately five hours and we were all hearded into a waiting area that was loud and unpleasant to sit in. HOWEVER, Royal Caribbean did what they could to make this more pleasant by bringing in pizza and sandwiches, so we felt somewhat better. Our spirits lifted immediately when we finally boarded the ship, and we saw how beautiful and well appointed it was. Our interior room exceeded my expectations and was very clean, comfortable and quiet. We were almost immediately greated by our cabin steward who stated that he wanted to make our stay a pleasant one. I thought that was a very nice touch. Indeed, he did seem to be available whenever we needed anything and was very pleasant to deal with. We went to dinner immediately, where we met the very efficient waiters of Royal Caribbean. They are very well trained and polite, and make an effort to learn your name and what your dining preferences are. We especially liked our Romanian waiter -- he was simply the greatest!! As for the ship, we especially enjoyed the upper decks, with the hot tubs, pools and lookout areas.

we recently sailed on the exploror of the seas. very nice ship, incredible crew. atention to detail was perfect. only issue was the the time of year we went, it was a little cool.

This was our first cruise experience, and I would definately recommend this type of travel. The service of the wait staff was exceptional, and the activities onboard are for everyone if they wish to participate. It was a great vacation, one of the most relaxing we've had in years.