Explorer of the Seas Review

What a Great 1st Cruise!!!

Review for Bermuda Cruise on Explorer of the Seas
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Baby Blue Eyes
First Time Cruiser • Age 60s

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Sail Date: Jun 2008
Cabin: Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Balcony
Traveled with children

What can I say but Excellent, Excellent, Excellent. As 1st time cruisers we have nothing to compare the Explorer of the Seas to but...it was so outstanding that it will be hard to match this cruise with another. Hopefully, all new cruises will be this enjoyable and thrilling.

The family is experiencing post cruise syndrome. All very sad to see it end and leave the people, staff and excellent amenities of this beauty. She is getting a bit old but still has much class and finese.

Embarkment was easy. If you arrive by 11:30 am you bet the "rush" hour when more guest are arriving. Dropping off your bags was a little nuts but manageable. You go through customs and get your seapasses and welcome aboard picture (1 of many you will get to "Buy"), You get a holding card w/a number and when they call your number the party really begins... You come aboard! They give you cookies and lemonade while you're waiting to board. RCCL and Cape Liberty Port Staff seem to have their act together to make your arrive as pleasant as possible. The key to arrive by late morning.

Cabin Review

Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Balcony

Cabins are smaller than average hotel rooms but very managable. In the closet are shelves to unpack your T-shirts, shorts, shoes etc. There were wooden hangers in the closet and lots of room for garment bag(s) and suitcase(s). Your life jackets are stored on the floor in the closet with still enough room. I just left my clothing in my suitcase to save space and not have to take extra time to repack everything on the last night. Rather use the time to see shows, caught sunsets, and enjoy all the night life of the ship. Beds are super comfortable and clean. I didn't use my Lysol. Everything smelled and looked immaculate. I took alcohol wipes to clean the remote and phone receiver. I did take Lysol wipes (small travel pack to give a wipe on the potty seat and handles on doors for safe measure. Our room was behind the elevators and didn't hear any noise. The rooms seem to be sound proof so ok to snore, back wind or moan (oops). Seriously, the stateroom attendent works very hard to make your stay most enjoyable and more importantly comfortable. We had a hump room w/balcony that was a great view and very relaxing to lay in bed and see the seas. The kids had a PR room with a great view looking over the Royal Prom area. Room w/sitting couch, window seat, full bathroom w/stand up shower and refrig. Good lighting and comfortable. It works for adults and teens perfectly. The rooms aren't like home but you could easily adapt to the stateroom for sleep and changing with no problems. There is too much to do on the ship to hang out in your stateroom! NB: Don't lose your beach towel or you will be charged $20 for a replacement. Take your own hairdryer. The one in the stateroom is like a 1200 watt. It works in a pinch. We didn't need our power strip b/c there were enough outlets to handle the items that needed plugged in. No irons & boards in the room. Take Downy Wrinkle Releaser as your portable iron or send out to press. Not ridiculously priced. Carpets are showing some wear in normal traffic areas, bedding white and great and clean. We slept great:) If you are a big person (heavy or tall) fore warn you that the showers are small. Take your own shampoo and soap. Basic stuff available. Phones in rooms. Balcony nice but don't lean too close up against it b/c of the salt from the seas residue lightly on the payne. Most importantly, NO MUSTY, MOLDY SMELLS OR SPOTS in the cabin.

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