Explorer of the Seas Review

Incredible cruise on Explorer

Review for the Southern Caribbean Cruise on Explorer of the Seas

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Sail Date: Feb 2012
Cabin: Superior Oceanview Stateroom with Balcony

After taking two previous cruises on XOS (the last of which had been an unmitigated disaster from start to finish), we were pleasantly surprised and for the most part very pleased with this cruise. We found the service beyond reproach and the friendliness of the staff unsurpassed. Our only complaint would have been that there were some travellers on this cruise who seemed to feel that they deserved some form of special treatment-granted they were some 1300 strong but hey we pretty much all paid to be there and were equally deserving and didn't feel the need to make a scene about it. Unfortunately the attitude and in some cases outright rudeness demonstrated by some of these guests to staff and fellow travellers made it embarrassing to admit to being from the same country. While not everyone from this group of travellers showed such poor manners, it as unfortunate that a large enough number did to cause many of their fellow passengers to be offended and even embarrassed on their behalf.

Despite this we found the staff very helpful, pleasant and eager to please. We were pleasantly surprised with the food from the MDR, which, although perhaps not always inspired, generally proved to be quite good, and in many cases, superb.

The entertainment, while good, could stand to be revamped - 5 years or however long RCI is maintaining the shows is just a little too much of the "been there, seen that". While we appreciate the cost in mounting these shows, perhaps 3 years for a run is more than sufficient before it gets a little tired. All in all it was a pleasure being on XOS again, and although she's starting to look a little tired and in need of her upcoming face lift, wouldn't hesitate to book on her again but not on these shortened cruises that RCI is offering from Cape Liberty. When we travel to the Caribbean it is to enjoy more the beautiful islands not more sea days. We're not sure where RCI is getting their information that people don't want the longer cruises, as no one we talked to felt that way, perhaps, they'll actually ask their passengers instead of some "think tank" poll that was sent to an obviously limited number of past clients.

Cabin Review

Superior Oceanview Stateroom with Balcony

Cabin D2

Overall generally good location. Very clean and in good shape. Felt and heard the engines a great deal more when under full power than we did in other aft cabins.

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