This was my 4th cruise on Explorer (since 2012), my boyfriends 19th time (Since 2008). We go on three cruises a year. There is a reason why we always go back. I have cruised before on Norwegian and Carnival. I'm easy to please and no complaints about either, I just really like Royal.
We live in Virginia and leave around 630 am to get in around 11-1130. We get a junior suite and my boyfriend is a Diamond Plus member so we get to use the VIP line. Always goes smooth. We get on the first shuttle and we are off to the ship, although it is not convenient to have to take a shuttle to and from the ship, its not that bad. (We are looking forward to the new port with parking garages and an easy access to the Quantum of the seas...already booked for Jan 2015!)
Due to the fact my boyfriend has sailed with EOTS 19 times, he has made good friends with all the crew and it takes us a little longer to get from deck 1 to the Sky Bar (deck 12).
Love our suite, We usually like to be in 1330, but 1312 was just as nice!