We arrived at approximately 4:30pm, so a lot of the local shops were getting ready to close up. Overall a gorgeous city, lots of sights to see. If your looking for WIFI, there is a Starbucks about a 3-5 minute walk from the pier. Ask the counter staff for password. We did not do any excursions, but did enjoy wandering around the city.

San Juan

Our ship tendered in Samana, Dominican Republic. I wish someone told me this prior to even getting on a tender boat: BOOK AN EXCURSION THROUGH THE SHIP!!!. We did not and chose to just get off and walk around and mingle a bit. This was not the place for that. The closest "flea market" was about 3/4-1 mile down the road and the entire way you are hassled and haggled by people trying to get you to book an excursion. Once we reached the "shopping area", it was a bunch of tents set up all selling the same similar jewelry or hand carvings.There were many dogs walking around, they bothered no one and appeared to be just wanting food.I regret not booking an excursion. The rain forests looked gorgeous and everyone raved about the waterfalls back on board. Either book an excursion, or don't expect to do much in this port.

Dominica

Labadee, Haiti, RCCL's private island, was awesome! Weather was also perfect. This is a great beach day. There are several beaches to choose from. We chose the one closest to the volley ball courts. After going into the water and floating and tanning a bit, we went and ate. Food was provided by RCCL no issues there. You can borrow floating mats for $12 each, we did, they were a nice touch. The water was crystal clear but the bottom was rocky. Apparently the other beach across the way on the side of island where cabanas are is much smoother. Found out too late. We did not do any excursions. There is a flea market back near Columbus Beach. They people selling stuff are very pushy but are willing to haggle with prices. If you touch something plan to be harassed and bargained with. I had little patience with this and did not enjoy walking around shopping very much here. As long as your strong minded and aren't afraid to be pushy by saying no and moving on, its uneventful.

Labadee

There are no words to describe St. Thomas. Very peaceful, wonderful scenery etc. A $4 per person taxi drive gets you right into the center of town. We were shopping for jewelry and did very well at Diamonds International. We booked the Magic Ice excursion through Magic Ice. It was $20 per person, being there were 4 adults, it was quite a bit. The price did include a shot glass and one shot at the ice bar inside. Once inside the building where the sculptures are, its breathtaking, a true phenomenon. I only gave it a 4 rating due to the price, I think $15 would be more reasonable. Still a lot of fun. We did the normal browsing/shopping and headed back towards the ship ( via taxi, Way to long of a walk) and stopped in at the Butterfly Farm store to pick up some souvenirs. We did not need to pay admission just to go into the store.

Quiet room. Noise not an issue. I felt the room to be rather large for an interior. I suggest taking the hangers down from closet if your not using them. They will clank together all night and it will drive you insane!

The first 2 and last 2 days at sea were very cold, given the time of year.Main Dining Room: The first 2 nights service was awful.

Explorer of the Seas Review

Explorer of the Seas- Embarking from NJ 2/2013

Rating by category

Additional details

Cabin Review

Interior Stateroom

Find an Explorer of the Seas Cruise from $283