Here is my opinion of Explorer of the Seas. History is I have cruised Carnival and more recently, Princess. Explorer details are first, then there's a brief comparison at the end. Please keep in mind these are my opinions. We arrived at Port Liberty at 1:30 or so, checked in, got shuttle, and in the cabin at 2 so embarkation was a breeze. Quite windy the first day at sea to Bermuda. Biggest waves I've ever seen on a cruise and the ship did get jostled a bit. Still loved it.

Beautiful cabins. I like that the bed is by the sliding glass door to hear the water going by. Bathrooms are large by cruise cabin standards; loved the capsule for the shower. I felt like Dr. Evil going into my freezing chamber when I closed the doors. Lots of room in the shower and no yucky curtain hitting me. Dirty couch not too appealing and showing wear. Liked the pastels in the room and general dEcor. Lots of cabinet space and hidden shelves (behind mirror). Loved the angled full-length mirror. Cabinets weren't too clean though and the drawer they keep the blow dryer in was gross. Different cabins had different balconies; some had angled glass and some had metal as all are molded into the ship. Beds ok, pillows too hard for my liking. Did not like that they painted our balcony (needed it badly) the day we were in Bermuda. The paint stinks! I noticed different balconies had different chairs. Some in our party could hear conversations in the rooms next door to them so it's not too soundproof.

Everything about the ship is gorgeous and well maintained. Wide promenade deck to walk around the entire ship. Dining room was most beautiful I've ever seen—3 stories. Each story has its own name so it's easy to find your table. Lots of windows. Service at our table could've been better but asst. waiter was on the ball. Had to ask for drinks each night. Food nothing spectacular so that was disappointing. Read more