We cruised on the Explorer of the Seas out of Miami between 04/22/07 and 04/29/07. Upon our arrival we stayed at the Holiday Inn- Downtown Miami for one night before we left. The hotel was adequate, nothing special but it was clean, close to the port-5 mins. away, and had the Bayside Marina Mall across the street which is where we spent the evening having dinner an drinks. Everything that you could need or ask for was available.
A short cab ride to the port on the morning cost about $10.00 with tip. Our check-in at the dock went very smoothly and from the time we entered until the time we were on the ship was probably less than 15 mins. We arrived at the dock at approximately 11:30 AM for a 5:00 PM cruise and we were on the ship and at the poolside bar before noon.
We had cruised 3 years ago on the Adventure of the Seas for a southern caribbean 7 day trip and found the Explorer ship to be in very good condition, clean, and just as pleasant.