This was our 2nd cruise with RCI, 1st out of Cape Liberty. Travelling with husband and 2 boys- 11 and 14. Driving the 2 1/2 hours to the port from South Jersey was a breeze, online directions extremely clear and port is easy to navigate. We arrived around 12noon, quickly went thru the check in process, completed forms online before arrival and all had passports so easy peasy! Of course the rooms were not ready so we explored the Explorer, got some food in Windjammer (very jammed - didn't realize so many would arrive early) Ended up eating outside in the wind but hey, we are on vacation. We were able to get into our rooms around 1:30 or so - room steward right there to make sure we were set and quickly got the beds moved apart in one room and the connecting door opened. Muster was quick and easy, Leaving port was thrilling, riding under the Verazanno bridge - lovely scenery tho April is a chilly month in NJ. Dinner was fabulous, the food was very good, not 4 star restaurant quality but hey, they are feeding thousands every night! Like I said, it was extremely good. Our server, Natasha was a dream! the 11 year old really took a shine to her, she called him baby and sweety all week and brought him TONS of food (that is why we cruise). Asst Server Mervin was very good as well, tho quiet. Bar server in DR was excellent, even the head waiter made an appearance and was quite friendly. Table mates had children same age as ours and they all hung out together which was nice. Ports of Call -- unfortunately we did not get to Bermuda. Due to a medical emergency a passenger had to be medivacced off by helicopter. Capt had to turn the boat around the 2nd day so the chopper could make it to the ship to pick her up. He informed us of this at dinner, lots of disappointment all around however if it were someone in my family that was ill I would want them to do the same thing! I think it was handled well and the crew should be commended. Also, it was exciting watching the helicopter and refueling plane circle the ship. We were also kept informed of the passengers status, that they were in stable condition so that was good. And now we will have to go on another cruise!

St. Maarten - not much of a shopper, we walked from ship to Phillipsburg, not too far, boardwalk along beach was nice- beach there was very narrow, go to a different beach on an excursion if that is what you want. Boys like activities, so we did snorkeling there -- many choices-we chose shipwreck snorkel which was nice, lots of wrecks to see but way too many people! We kept bumping into each other. I heard that the Snorkel park there is alot of fun. Loads of shops-- got a great price on a citizen watch - should have bought the liquor in the duty free shops (like I said, not much of a shopper and now regretting it- will have to go again!)

St. Thomas - Snuba was great - boys loved it, tough for me to get the hang of so I basically snorkeled instead but the instructors were fabulous. The shop there is PADI #1 meaning it is the very 1st PADI scuba shop-incredible. Again, not much shopping done but apparently there was lots of it there. Read more