This was our sixth Caribbean Cruise and the first time we embarked from Port Canaveral. We were impressed with the new pier and things went well. After the parking shuttle dropped us off we were on board The Explorer of the Sea within 30 minutes. Because we were among the earliest to be on the ship lunch in the Windjammer worked out well also. We were able to find good seats and have a pleasant lunch. By the time we were finished our room was ready and our luggage appeared about the same time. We met our room attendant Igede Wisnawa (Puja) who treated us very well for us the entire cruise. Sail away was nice. We left an hour earlier than originally scheduled so we had time to watch the shore disappear and still get to our 5:45 dinner. We had four at sea days and four days in ports. Due to bad weather for the at sea days in the Caribbean we were really glad we were able to visit all the scheduled ports. It rained for the picnic at Labadee but we went ashore anyway. The food and the picnic tables are covered and we could still see the waves in the sea. Rather a disappointment for us and I'm sure for the vendors too. We did enjoy a ride around the area on their transportation.

All in all we thought the food was good in the Windjammer and the Dining Room. We had My Time Dining for 5:45. We were seated in the Columbus Dining room on the Starboard side which was very noisy. After an evening meal on the Port Side we realized the ambiance was much better so we requested seating there for the rest of the cruise. Some how they worked it out. I'm not real sure I will have My Time next time we sail. Maybe we'll go back to the early or late dining where we can be with the same people every time (if they're not eating at a specialty place) I rather like the servers and waiters to become familiar with us and our preferences. I like the way Royal Caribbean sets up the Magellan dining room for "at sea" days with a big salad bar and with the attendants serving up the salad items and meat and cheese. This is followed by lunch from the menu.

True this ship is in need of refurbishing. Furniture is bumped up and there are stains on the curtains and carpet but it was clean and things seemed to work fine in our cabin. The sheets were incredibly smooth - silken even. The pillows flat and worn out; quite a disappointment. This is the second cruise in a row where the pillows are flat. Even in our own home we make sure our guests have new fresh comfy pillows. We asked for more pillows and Puja brought us more pillows for propping ourselves up to read. We had inside cabin # 8611 on the Promenade which was about 160 square feet. It did not have a good view but the location was great. The evening chocolates are gone as are the mints leaving the dining rooms. There are no tote bags for the day at Labadee or the beach. We had to ask for bathrobes which were not in great shape. We asked for lotion and hair products also. We were never given the large round bar of soap for shower bathing. We only had bar soap. Read more