Explorer of the Seas Review

Enjoyable experience on first RCI cruise

Review for the South Pacific Cruise on Explorer of the Seas
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Deb1971
6-10 Cruises • Age 50s

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Sail Date: Mar 2017

Have cruised before but this was the first with RCI.

Boarding was relatively quick, which was a blessing given the rainy weather and the number of people boarding. We flew in to Sydney that morning and were able to drop off the bags about 8-30am and then came back about 10am. After filling in forms and going inside, we sat and waited in rows until the ship was ready for us to board. They had adequate numbers of immigration officials and the process was smooth and orderly and the most organised I have experienced. We were on board just before 11am.

Cabins - We had a twin inside room which we found to be spacious enough for two, but would be a little cramped as a quad room. The bathroom is small but the towels are nice and plush, replaced daily, and there is a flannel. There is only liquid soap in the shower cubicle and no shampoo /conditioners, tooth brushes or body lotions provided. The bed was comfortable enough. Was good to be able to check location, accounts, what is happening on the TV. We booked one tour through the telly which did not work, but other than that, no issues. Towel animals not provided daily but some of the ones we got were the best I have seen.

Cabin Review

Port Reviews

Suva

We took a tour that we booked on the wharf ( we were scouted the previous day in Lautoka ). We were told $30, which we assumed to be Fijian money, but it turned out to be $30 AUS. We got on the bus just after 9am and were told it would be about 30 minutes before we left, which we accepted. An hour later, we were still sitting and waiting, and people were getting frustrated ( thankfully the bus was air conditioned ). The bus took off, we thought we were finally leaving, but it drove around the block and back to the wharf to collect more people. 75 minutes after boarding, we finally took off. The tour was supposed to be 3 hours which included a local village, waterfall, countryside, local buildings and shopping centre. There was no commentary - the guide sat in the second seat, talked a bit to those near here but no one else could hear. The local village was a drive by - the bus did not stop, we did not get out, no local dancing or anything. Arrived at the waterfall, more waiting as the guide ran back to the entrance ( ? to pay ) and finally off. No mention of what time to be back but we overheard something about an hour so we returned by that time. 90 minutes after arriving, with most people sitting in the bus for at least 30 minutes, we finally left. A tour around the town area but we had no idea what anything was. One stop to take a photo of a guard. Dropped at shopping centre and we walked back to ship. Very unenjoyable experience, so if booking a tour off the wharf, be very careful what you are paying for What we had was not worth the $30.

Isle of Pines (New Caledonia)

This is a tendered port. The beaches are within walking distance and some of the most beautiful I have ever seen. There is not a lot to do or see near the wharf but if you want to swim or snorkel, its perfect. A couple of shops with food rather pricey. There are lots of local tours advertised as you get off the tender - we took a 50 minute tour in small van for $15AUS which gave a good overview of the island which we found interesting.

Lautoka

Took the bus from ship ($8US return, purchased on the ship ) which took you into the main town area. Not a lot to see, but we filled in a couple of hours walking around and seeking out the air conditioned shops ( was extremely hot ). We did not get to the beaches so cant comment on them but glad we saw the main centre. Bus service to and from ship good.

Noumea

Free bus from ship to cruise terminal which is near the town centre. Walked to markets ( open in mornings ) which was a bit disappointing. Things very expensive - a small can of coke in restaurant on beach equivalent to $8 AUS! Supermarket reasonable though for refreshments. Nice beaches and good view from lookouts ( we took 90 minute tour ).

Sydney (Australia)

Lots to see and do in Sydney - when its not raining!

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