SUMMARY Explorer of the Seas is a big, well designed ship with plenty to do. Despite generally poor weather, this cruise was both interesting and fun. EMBARKATION. I arrived at the Cape Liberty Terminal at the time suggested in the materials that Royal Caribbean had sent me. This must have been the peak period for embarkation as there were hundreds of other passengers arriving at the same time. While this was daunting at first, I was amazed at how quickly people were processed through security and then through the check in process. It was extremely efficient.
A delay occurred after check in. The Cape Liberty Terminal is relatively new and the current terminal building is in a converted warehouse. Unfortunately, the place where the ship ties up is about half a mile down the pier from the terminal. As a result, passengers have to take a shuttle bus from the terminal to the ship. Buses arrived and departed every few minutes but with so many people embarking, some waiting is inevitable. The terminal provides tables and chairs for those waiting and there were trays of chocolate chip cookies near the door. This should improve as the terminal is developed.
WEATHER This was an early Spring cruise and the weather varied considerably. On embarkation day, the weather was cold and grey and so one needed a winter coat to watch the ship leave New York harbor from the open deck. By the time we returned, the weather had turned warm and it was like early summer. The first night and the morning of the first day there was a storm. This caused some motion but the passengers were out and about in the public areas which is a testament to Explorer's stability. The motion did however require the postponement of the ice shows that were scheduled for the first sea day.