My whole family went on the Explorer of the Seas on it's January 9th sailing out of Miami. Overall we had a great time - a few minor things happened, but nothing that would ruin the trip.
Embarkation day went really smoothly. It was probably the fastest any of us have been processed through! We found our cabins, did the muster drill, then went on deck for a drink and to watch Miami fade away! After we left port behind, we went back to the cabin to put our luggage away - it all arrived quickly! Then pre-dinner drinks in what became a nightly ritual for us - Dizzy's Jazz Club up in the Viking Crown lounge on deck 14. Dinner was great - our waiter Lucian and his assistant Antonio were great. The head waiter Roman was one of the best I have had. The food was really good - I can't remember specific items, but there was nothing that I would have passed up. Lucian was really good about getting people something else if they wanted to try something, or bringing an extra plate or two for someone who couldn't come to dinner that night as they were ill.
The at sea days on board were not great, but not due to the cruise line - the wind was incredibly strong so being out on the deck was not really an option. Some people were brave and went out, but I didn't. That was ok - there was still things to do inside. I know some people in our group were a little disappointed since they wanted to lay out in the sun, but since I burn instead of tan, I wasn't terribly upset. Formal night #1 was tonight - everyone looking their best!