Sailed on the 9 day Eastern Caribbean Explorer of the Seas from Cape Liberty in Bayonne NJ. Let me say in the beginning that my wife and I cruise to relax, so if the entertainment is off or the food is not "gourmet" we don't freak out. In fact we rarely eat in the MDR because we would rather spend more time in the pool or on deck watching a port sail away then being in the shower at 5PM to be all dressed up for dinner.

With that said, it was our first cruise from our home state of NJ. We usually travel to Florida to cruise. Traveling from NJ make it really conveinant as we leave he car at the pier and walk on and off the ship.

While Cape Liberty is close, Royal Carribean needs to update the dock area for NJ departures. The check in and waiting area is fine and up to date, but the pier/dock area is in disrepair and downright ugly. The shuttle bus from the check in area to the ship leaves something to be desired especially after returning from a nine day cruise visiting beautiful ports of call. Read more