We were on the May 7th, 2006 5-day W. Caribbean sailing of Explorer. This was the last Explorer cruise leaving from Miami for some time and a transition cruise before repositioning to New Jersey.

Arrived at the port at 11:00AM and had checked in by 11:30. However, we did not get on board until 12:45 due to the fact that passengers from the prior cruise were still going through customs until 12:30. The problem with this was that since no one could board until 12:30, there was a mass assault on the Windjammer and was VERY crowded and tables were non-existent.

There were 4 in our party and we had forward Cabins 6218 (balcony) and 6217 (inside). Cabins were in good shape. The balcony on the early Voyager class ships are not as open as later versions and less glass but still better than nothing. While we were on the ship they were replacing couches and headboards with newly upholstered ones. The inside cabin was sufficient. The only complaint was that we were right above Maharajas Lounge and could hear the thumping bass on several evenings. One note. The showers are so small on this ship that if you drop the soap you have to open the door and practically stick your head in the sink to bend over far enough to pick it up. Read more