Explorer of the Seas Cruise Reviews - Reviews

The use of "washy washy, good for your tummy" to disburse Purell lotion to diners was both condescending to travelers and racial stereotyping at it's worst for the poor Asian woman who was forced to say it over and over at every meal, every day of the cruise. We hated going to the Windjammer to eat. The dining room service wasn't great either. We arrived on time, but waited 30 minutes for our order to be taken while the staff waited for others at our table to arrive, which most of them didn't bother. The 8 pm seating was nearly empty. It was over an hour before we got our food. Everything shut down during port visits on the ship, except bars and food. We were hoping to visit the shops when it was less crowded. Nope. Weather forced everyone inside the first day due to cold and wind and it was crowded everywhere. Not much better other days. Barely went over 68. Thick fog the whole first night led to hearing the fog horn blare every 5 to 7 minutes from the ship in warning to other vessels. We were in the front of the ship, so it was very loud, all night long. By the 4th day, the bathroom smelled so bad of sewer smell, we could hardly stand to use it. The ship was showing it's age with rust, ratty carpets and smell, but was clean as possible for it's age. We grew tired of the trivia games and kareoke very quickly. Finally, get the beverage package at least, but recommend the food package as well, as the outlining restaurants had the best food and service. First time on Royal C. and sadly, we weren't impressed.

Dinning room service seems to have been cut back. Appeared to have been short handed. (Looks like a corporate decision.) Service did improve as the cruise went on. Apparently there are limits on heating and cooling cabin set points which I do not consider reasonable when on vacation. (Again, looks like a corporate decision.) Lowest cooling limit was 71.5. Wanted lower for sleeping in interior room.

I am being generous giving this a 3 star rating. By far this was the worst cruise I have ever taken. My bed was hard as a rock, my cabin dirty, the coffee was not drinkable. The food in MDR was good but one night we came late after asking them to hold our table & they gave it away. I hate the constant up selling with staff walking around asking you to book their restaurants. I hated the lack of ice. What is that about? I never did get any in my cabin. The ship is actually beautiful & I wish we had a better experience. I only give this a 3 star because the staff was kind and the food mediocre. They really deserve a two.

The cruise we went on was amazing! the staff was amazing, kind and always helpful. The food was good and even better at chops and Giovanni's. The room was ordinary but we only slept in there and it didn't matter because we enjoyed the drinks and events each day. I would recommend this cruise to everyone!

We did my-time dining because we enjoy meeting different people. We enjoyed meeting lots of fun-loving, jovial, kind Aussies. Prior to the cruise, we spent 16 days in Australia. I could move there...everyone is so friendly, nice and funny. Great country! The food on the ship was excellent. The few nights when the dining room menu didn't have anything my husband nor I were interested in, we went to the Windjammer and had a delicious meal. Our cabin steward was probably the best we've had on any sailing.

Great cruise. Enjoyed ourselves immensely. Crew was amazing and food was great. Had a few excursions which were informative and enjoyable. Overall had a great time.

Whole family had an amazing time. Staff were brilliant. Food was always good and a big variety. The kids loved kids club. Can't wait to book out next cruise.

Fantastic family holiday. So much to do each day. Our children are 1, 6 and 13 years old and were never bored. The staff onboard were great, and spoilt our kids. Such a variety of food each day. It was our 2nd cruise and we are looking forward to another one. My only criticism wasnt with any staff or the ship it was with fellow passangers who complained and were extremely rude about too many kids on board. Unfotunately if you book in school holidays this is what is going to happen.

First but definitely not our last Cruise. Our experience exceeded our expectations and it was an amazing experience.

Great cruise with a lot of fun and entertainment for all ages.

I didn't like being confined. Was a little bored. And spent everyday vomiting with seas sickess. Not a good experience but can now say i have cruised before.

First time cruiser but had a great time. Staff were mostly lovely, the main dining room staff were the best! Honestly the Sapphire dining room was outstanding, I liked the specialty restaurants but there is no need to pay for them as Sapphire was excellent. Ship was lovely, lots of space & plenty of different areas to hang out in. Not too much entertainment on board, pianist in Schooner Bar and pool side band were my favourites of what was around.

Overall we were disappointed with RC EOS, heard fantastic reviews but lacked entertainment and quality and interesting activities onboard. Way too much trivia. Kids (aged 10 & 8) were bored by day 3 and didn't enjoy kids club. Food was mediocre nothing was wow, apart from Chops and Izumi the specialty restaurants. Drinks pack always bought inbound way over priced, just like the rest of the cruise. The promenade was soooo disappointing, only a few shops and the cafe, food was so so. For us, the RC EOS not for us, enjoyed our times on the Carnival spirit.

We had a great time on the Explorer of the Seas. The weather was not good for a lot of the trip and as a result two Fiji ports were cancelled. We managed to get an extra port stop at Port Vila instead so was a good option. There was plenty to do onboard even when the weather wasn’t nice outside. Staff were fabulous! I would go again in a heartbeat. Don’t take too seriously the small amount of people who provide negative reviews - this cruise is great and if you go with a positive attitude you will have a great time!

Outstanding cruise had an amazing time for my Birthday.

What can I say? I love Royal Caribbean its my 3rd cruise. love the people so friendly can never do enough for you to make your cruise holiday an extra special one.

Great cruise overall , Staff once again outstanding especially our MDR wait staff. I personally found the entertainment not that great , probably the best was the band playing by the pool. I see they had issues with water going on stage alot maybe look at addressing there issue as they had to keep looking for staff to mop it out while performing. Obviously a older boat but overall the service onboard will keep me loyal or should I say Royal.😉

4th cruise and I will try not to be critical. Although overall it was a great cruise, there were a couple of nights where the cabaret show were dreadful. The imported singers were out of tune, and one of the trio was trying his best to pickup some female in the crowd. It was so obvious ... Very poor very bad.

In the middle of this cruise and so far below expectations. The entertainment could be better. A bit disorganised generally;maybe because it is a sold out trip and very crowded. Hoping for an improvement.

An overall relaxing holiday, but would exclude Fiji on reflection.