This was our second cruise and we were spoilt with the first one being on Freedom of the Seas when she was very new EMBARKATION We flew to Newark from London and joined the ship the following day. We didn't go to the port until 2.30 by which time the queues were minimal so boarding was a breeze. CABINS Our balcony cabins were on deck 6, very clean and well presented. Our stateroom attendants were faultless, extremely courteous and helpful. More that enough storage space. The overall condition of the ship is that it is clean and well presented but just a little 'tired' DINING The dining experience was mixed. At the start of the Cruise,dinner in the main restaurant was very good but deteriorated as the Cruise progressed. Our head waiter, who shall remain nameless, was a very negative character who told us on many occasions how poorly paid he was! We quickly gave up on Windjammers and agree with all of the negative comments in previous reviews. We often had breakfast in the cabin, which was adequate, or in the main restaurant which was good. Lunch was also taken in the main restaurant, also good and an opportunity to meet fellow travellers. Johnny Rockets is a must during the cruise, the waiters are fab fun. The Murder Mystery evening in Portofino is also a must, great entertainment with great food. ENTERTAINMENT The Cruise Director, Gordon is superb, does he ever sleep! The shows in the theatre were generally very good and worth going to. The Ice Shows, are superb. Unfortunately, finding entertainment and music can prove very frustrating as the music is served up in bite size pieces, half an hour here, 45 minutes there all over the ship. The hardest working entertainer by a mile is the marvellous Ed Manego who takes up residence in the Schooner Bar from 9.45ish and plays, with only a short break, until the last man drops. There is never enough seating in the Schooner Bar so passengers are standing all around listening the the music of Ed. Music on Freedom was more easily accessible, particularly with The Stingrays who played a wide variety of music but there is not an equivalent group on Explorer. PORTS OF CALL The ports of call on this cruise were great, excursions good value. I would recommend the Americas Cup experience in St Maarten and the sunset champagne cruise in St Thomas. DISEMBARKATION Not sure what else can be done to improve this. Again Gordon comes to the rescue but it is still a long process

My only serious negative comment is that more effort should be put into the general hygiene on the ship. During our cruise a throat virus was rife, 5 of my group suffered, included one who passed out in the restaurant and ended up in sick bay with a $1600 medical bill. I assume that the virus also spread to the crew, which could account for the deterioration in the food service Food handlers should always wear gloves, not the case on this ship. No hand sanitizers at the entrance to the restaurants, I appreciate that if people are not washing their hands, they would not necessarily use the sanitizers. Illness can completely ruin the cruise experience, so please, more attention to hygiene