We just recently got off the Explorer of the Seas 9 night Eastern Caribbean Cruise (March 28 - Apr 6, 2008). We are platinum members and this cruise pushed us to diamond.

The ship ~ well it's big and it's clean and just a beautiful ship. But it's not big enough for the amount of passengers. Whenever they had a contest or game show you would have to arrive 45 minutes early just to get a seat. Do NOT try to arrive 5-10 minutes prior unless you want to stand in the very back of whatever lounge they happen to use with a crowd of people, so you can't hear or see anything. I was VERY disappointed with this. Even the shows in the palace where like that, we finally opted to wait and see the shows on the t.v. right after they were finished.

The staff, for the most part were friendly and nice, but I want to say Phil the Activities Director was neither. He "tried" to be funny with his comments to people but he came off very rude and crude ~ he reminded of Don Riggles who's brand of humor was to insult others ~ sorry I do not get into that brand of humor at ALL. Gordon the Cruise Director was OK, he had a voice and boy could he sing. Read more