We had a wonderful time on the Explorer of the Seas. The ship is truly magnificent. This was our third cruise (took 7 day on RC Monarch of the Seas and 5 day on Carnival Imagination). Driving from Virginia, we stayed overnight in Allentown, PA, at the Staybridge Suites off I-78 (exit 49A.) Very nice hotel with restaurant within walking distance. It only took us about 1 1/2 hours to reach the cruise port from this hotel. We had no trouble finding the cruise port--just stay on 78.

We arrived at the cruise port around 11:30, which was a bit too early as we got mixed up in the traffic of people who were just getting off the ship from the previous cruise. Once we figured out where to park and where to drop off our luggage (make sure you give it to someone who is taking luggage that is going ON the ship), it was very easy to get through the check-in process (do it online ahead of time to get your setsail pass). We did not have to wait in line. We checked in and were then told to wait in a holding area for a shuttle to the ship. We were on the ship by 12:30 or so and went to the Windjammer for a nice lunch. About 1:10 we were able to go to our stateroom. Be sure to take a small bag with things you will need for that day/evening. Our luggage wasn't delivered until about 9 or 10 pm.

Our stateroom was very nice. We had a balcony (D2) cabin on Deck 9. It was spacious and had plenty of storage for our stuff. The bathroom was a bit small, but adequate. We were on the port side so had a view of the Statue of Liberty and NY skyline. I would recommend port side because in Bermuda, port side faced the Royal Naval Dockyard. Read more