About us: Group of 2 couples(40s) plus in-laws and 2 nephews (< 6 years).

All of us had cruised before on the Carnival Miracle a few years ago and, although we enjoyed it - especially the food!, we wanted to go for a bigger ship with more activities etc on board. My wife and I had also sailed with the Explorer about 4 years ago and had fond memories of that cruise as well. So it was no big effort to convince everyone else to try RCL and the Explorer leaving out of Cape Liberty. We are all from the area and lack of flying appealed to us. Besides, we heard nothing but great things about Bermuda.

Embarkation: fantastic! Couldnt be better! We all drove to the port and offloaded and parked in the long term parking they have there at the ship. ($19 a day, ouch! - about the same as if we had to catch a cab, I guess). We checked it, seapass card in hand, we were on board within 15 minutes. Sweet! Headed to the Windjammer with all the other lemmings for lunch. Read more