We chose this cruise because we had not been to Hamburg, Rotterdam and Amsterdam. Felt it was a good way to see these destinations. Apart from the drizzly weather, which was expected at this time of the year, they were very interesting places.
Embarkation at Southampton was extremely easy, onboard very quickly and cabin and luggage available within hour.
We had inside cabin 8673, very ...
We have been on Carnival twice to the Caribbeans and two years ago on a Mediterranean cruise on Princess. We felt RC Explorer of the Seas was comparable to Ruby Princess. First of all, the service on this ship was exemplary. Everyone who worked there exceeded our expectations. We thought the entertainment on board this ship far exceeded the entertainment on Princess. The in-house entertainers and ...
Let's get the bad points out the way first. Since last upgrade Explorer has too many passengers compared to deck space. Despite out of season still a challenge to find seats in some bars at peak times. Shops on the promenade vastly understocked. Not helped by some staff bragging of commendation received from over selling on previous cruise, and then not offering you an alternative. Staff in ...
Embarkation was easy, smooth and without any trouble.
I can not say enough good things about the food on the Freedom of the Seas. Everything well prepared, tasty, great presentation and fresh. Service by the dining room staff was the best. My husband and I ate on My Time schedule and feel this worked out the best for us. We were able to see all the shows and enjoy the party feel in the ...
This was our second cruise - the first was 3 years ago on Independence so it was hard not to constantly make comparisons. We traveled with family - 5 adults and one child aged 6.
The public areas of the ship were nice and everything was spotless - staff cleaning constantly. The royal promenade was a bit narrower than on Indy but not so much that it caused any problems. There was a good ...
My husband and two children (10 and 5) have just returned from 2 weeks cruising the med on Explorer. Lots of positives, just a couple of moans.
Main Moan 1st
I like children. I am a teacher. I'm used to children. I know they are on the ship for a holiday BUT the number of unaccompanied children (not just teenagers but younger ones too) roaming the ship shouting, running etc. was ...
We have been home for a week now and had time to fully appraise our first cruise. We are a family of four. Mum dad and two kids, a girl of 14 and a boy of 18. We chose this cruise because the ship appealed to us all, with all the different activities available and the itinerary. We hadn't been to any of the port stops.
Embarkation
This was very smooth. We arrived at Southampton at 11.30 ...
The cruise was our third with RC. Previously sailing on Brilliance and Adventure. The ship met our expectations and was fun, loud and action packed.
There were 1000 children on the ship which we expected and most people were British. This was slightly disappointing as we prefer the cosmopolitan mix of meeting people from other countries.
The restaurant food was excellent quality and the wait ...
Reading some of the previous reviews we approached this short cruise with extreme caution! We last cruised on Explorer over 10 years ago and have since cruised on many other RCCL ships of different sizes, durations and destinations. We've also completed plenty of short break cruises, so were under no illusion as to the clientele on board!
Saying this I do worry about RCCL devaluing the brand ...
After 20+ cruises this is my first written review, it's my opinion and everyone has one!
Checkin was very smooth and fast. Was on Explorer 1 1/2 years ago and the ship looks great after refit. Staff was good and eager to help with any request.
Ships entertainment was good with the ice show being the best of the 5 I have seen. The special performers were the WORST I have seen yet! This ...
