We chose Explorer of the Seas because we previously cruised on the Voyager and really enjoyed the size of the ship and the special features such as the ice show. Also, the balcony cabins do not overlook the lifeboats so you get a much better and more private view. As always, we had a very relaxing and enjoyable trip.
The cabin was fine and the bed comfortable. The only problem we encountered was that the carpet was very dirty. The food throughout the cruise was good. We did require some special meals and the waiter helped to make that happen. We did find that the service on Royal Caribbean has deteriorated in small ways. On previous cruises, after a day or two, the waiters used to remember if you drank coffee, decaf or tea. They used to bring a tray of salad dressings and spoon it out for you. They used to bring out a selection of desserts at every meal. They used to do some entertaining tricks with napkins, etc. This has all gone by the wayside. It was impossible even to get salad dressing on the side. The breakfast in the dining room was so slow and impersonal that we ate most of them in the Windjammer.
The weather was overcast most of the week which didn't make it conducive to go on excursions. We stayed on the ship in Belize, but our friends who took the monster jeep excursion did not feel it was worth the money. We embarked at Cozumel and had a wonderful day at Chankanaab National Park. You do not have to take the ship's tours to take advantage of the park, beach and dolphin encounters. It is only a short cab ride to the park ($3 per person). The beach is lovely and snorkeling is great. Even if you don't snorkel, beautiful fish swim around you at the shoreline. The Mayan ruins are interesting as well. We got off the ship at Grand Cayman, but had to return early because of an expected storm. There was a lot of hurricane damage on the island. There is lots of shopping in Cozumel and Grand Cayman. We thought that the best prices were in Cozumel.