Explorer of the Seas Review
Royal Caribbean Explorer of the Seas - Christmas Cruise 2013
Rating by category
Additional details
I'm rating our trip a 3 out of 5 but it is due to a lot of factors - some out of RCCL's control.
Also please take our personal background into consideration when reading. Hospitality background with lots of high-end luxury hotel and dining experience both employment and travel. Cruise experience is both budget and high end. Traveled with two adults and a child.
Booked RCCL due to location and destination. Balcony cabin was a must for the added space, fresh air and novelty [we were a bit nervous when our son climbed on the terrace furniture to see better but he was cautious and never lost his balance - parents of young children beware though - one wrong move and they will topple over]
Cabin Review
Cabin was beautiful. Had read a lot of reviews about how 'tired' the ship looked after 13 years and how it had rust spots, etc. Of EVERY crew member we came across, my biggest praise and highest marks go to the maintenance crew. There were workers EVERYwhere - no emergency, just general preventative work to keep it looking great - and great it did ! Yes, there was some rust in places but nothing dramatic. Pristine public spaces - and NEVER did I feel like I was jammed in a tin can with 5000 other passengers and I am a germ-a-phobe! Yes, I used care when pushing elevator buttons and avoided hand rails when I could but that's daily practice no matter where I am. Every food outlet had Purel hand sanitizer stations and staff encouraging guests to use them [no, not everyone did, even me, since I bring my own!!] but it showed care and concern.Cabin Steward - nice, polite but nothing special. No personal connection. ONLY (1) towel animal - VERY disappointed !!!