History: This was our sixth cruise. Our first cruise, in 2004, was on the Explorer. We've sailed on three Radiance Class ships since, and it was interesting to go back to the Explorer.

Embarkation: We drove from Vermont and arrived at the port at 11am. There was not a problem with traffic, at all. My husband dropped me off with the bags and went to park. Unfortunately, the parking area is not well marked and he missed the turn. It then took 25 minutes to go back around to get to the parking area, again. It's within 50 yards of the drop-off area. Don't miss it! We were given bus number 14, after checking in. They began to call people to board the busses at noon. We were on the ship by 12:45. The cabins were open for entrance at 1:10pm.

Cabin: We had our first aft cabin, 1690. It is about 5 feet longer than a normal D1 cabin and the balcony is about 12x14 ft. Though we have had "bigger than usual" balconies before, this cabin was perfect in every way. Yes, there is some vibration in the aft, but it didn't bother us. Sometimes the bed felt like those old motel beds, where you put in $.25 and the bed vibrates! I would not have an aft cabin on a Voyager Class ship, lower than deck 10, as I find the metal superstructure to be very detracting from the view. In our location though, it was not an issue. Read more