Explorer of the Seas Review

Escaping a tornado and Igor in New England/Canada

Review for Canada & New England Cruise on Explorer of the Seas
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Educators2
First Time Cruiser • Age 20s

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Sail Date: Sep 2010
Cabin: Interior Stateroom

In 2002, we were wowed by the Explorer of the Seas as we ventured on our first Royal Caribbean cruise with our family. Eight years later, the Explorer is sailing close to home out of Bayonne, New Jersey. Could the second time around meet our already high expectations? This review summarizes our feelings about our New England/Canada cruise, an itinerary that we have done on Celebrity and Princess. All cruises are good ones, we've been on eighteen, so any criticisms have to be considered in light of our previous experiences.

EMBARKATION It took us only 35 minutes to drive from southwestern Queens to Bayonne. Contrary to reports on Cruise Critic, there were no construction delays or traffic jams at the port. We arrived around 11:30 a.m. and porters were available to take our luggage and direct us to the parking area. There is a shuttle bus to the check-in area and once in line, 45 minutes were needed to pass through security, get our sailing pass and head up to the Windjammer Buffet for lunch. Parking is $19 a day, a fair price when you consider that many local car services don't want to go to Bayonne.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF THE SHIP We already had recollections of our first cruise on Explorer and what remained etched in our memory was the Royal Promenade -- for the uninitiated, a mall at sea. Somehow, this time the mall-like atmosphere wasn't as electric. The area seemed dark and crowded, the free ice cream bar replaced by a Ben & Jerry's and lots of tables cluttering the walkways hawking merchandise at "sale" prices. The ship is maintained in very good shape but does show its age. This being a cool weather cruise, not many passengers were on the pool decks on sea days so the interior areas, conference center and promenade were always crowded.

Cabin Review

Interior Stateroom

Cabin N

No space if twin beds are joined to form a king. Lots of light. Poor hair dryer.

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