Having never cruised before,we were naturally excited at our prospect of our luxury christmas and new year cruise. After having to wait over an hour and a half for a taxi that had been pre-booked finally reached Cape LIBERTY and endured another 40minute delay in the taxi before reaching the departure area. Well ...nothing had prepared us for choas that unfolded in the next 2 hours. Our expensive bags were unceremoniously TOSSED into the snow and then dumped onto wet cages and left by the taxi drop-off area. Why bother with security??!! Our friends who had booked the very expensive Owner's Suite were treated the same way and as I had encouraged them to come on the trip with us - i felt truly sorry for them,and totally humiliated by our treatement. We then saw the snaking queue in the open shed that then took us 2 hours to clear.During this time we were almost frozen as this area is not enclosed,we saw our bags left as they were for at least an hour - thank goodness at least we did get them on board. During the 2 hour queue we were constantly shouted at to'move along' 'move along'...did not feel very welcome or happy about booking this break. Finally after 2 hours, cleared the security and then Royal Caribbean had the cheek to ask us to pose for a 'happy snap'(later on sale for $19.95)in front of a large picture of the Explorer!! talk about rubbing salt into the wounds.

Christmas Day...not much atmosphere.....formal night but no christmas cheer

New year's Eve.....plenty of balloons and hats, but just a projected clock, CD music, a countdown every 10 minutes and the briefest of entriesby captain and Crew. Crowded, chaotic and totally forgetabl....very disappointing. Thought as we were in the caribean it would have been quite easy to drop anchor and have a spectacular party and fireworks. On board food was acceptable but not great -although, as we had Suite travellers with us we did get great service on the My Time Dining option. Nothing was given away on board including toiletries and the drinks were not cheap either. Great Room attendant Nicole- made our snug cabin very clean and comfortable. My 13 year had a great time as she made loads of friends and she is ready to go cruising again. Annoying 50% sales on board selling rubbish - photos galore at exhorbitant prices - why dont RC offer a package to buy prints which photographers take of youat every port? In summary - will never go to Newark and Cape Liberty as long as I live and will certainly advise everyone I know of my terrible experience.