This was our very 1st Cruise to the Eastern Caribbean & our 1st time on the Explorer of the Seas. We booked this cruise last year & picked out our own cabin. Center of ship. When we seen the ship we could not believe how big she was, but so easy to get around on her. We had chosen to get the bus from Providence, RI to Cape Liberty for the additional $110.00 fee per person RCCL's offered. We rather leave the driving to someone else. The past 2 cruises we were not charged a fare, but this time there was one. We got to the ship at 1:30pm. We waited in the bus for about 10 minutes before we were able to get off. Embarkation went smoothly. We did notice since our last cruise out of Cape Liberty in 2006 there were a few changes. Nothing major, just a different area to catch our bus when returning. We were on the ship by 2:30pm and headed straight to our cabin. It was our first balcony cabin, so we were very pleased with the added feel to the cabin. Lots of closet space, draws, etc. We felt spoiled after being in an inside cabin before. There were a couple pieces of rug that were lifting in a couple areas around the cabin that needed to be addressed, but nothing that would make our vacation terrible. The bed was nice and soft and so easy to fall asleep in. Taking a shower was great with the doors that you close instead of the clinging shower curtain.

We had been to Bermuda twice before so we didn't book any excursions. We were only there for about 5 hrs so really not enough time to do much. We walked around Dockside & went to the Bermuda Rum Cake Factory. Just to get off the ship for a bit to walk around on land was nice. Our next stop was St. Maarten where DH took the excursion that we booked with our Aunt. Lasted 2 hrs and they said it was great. I had been having trouble with pain in my left leg before the cruise and thought I was suffering from a bout of sciatica, so I was limited on how much I could do. I did end up going to use the dry sauna in the fitness center & it was fabulous. I also tried the accupucturist which I had a 20% coupon for. The total I was charged was $120.00. Moses did a great job at trying to relieve my leg pain. I was pain free for about 8 hrs. Wasn't until I came home and seen a Ortho Dr to find out that I had a herniated disc along. Nothing I would have tried would have helped. The hot tubs at the pool area were very inviting and we used them a couple times. They never seemed to be to crowded. The hot tub in the fitness center was never, ever crowded.

I did manage to see a few shows. Marriage game was funny. Vibe-ology was fantastic. Beatle tribute was great & the Ice Show is a not to miss. I participated in the Karaoke Contest (NO I did not win) Never seen any of the musicians they had on the cruise in any of the bars,I was always ready for bed by 9 pm. Cruise Director Mike H. was funny. G'day mate! His favorite 2 words. Halloween Parade was very colorful. Lots of people on the ship dressed up. Casino ate up $115.00 (I played slots) We signed up for the M&M. It was supposed to be in Dizzy's. When we got the slip under the door, it had been changed to The Chambers. Needless to say only 1/2 of the M&M people came. We had refreshments and got to meet with people we had been conversing with for over a year on the thread. Most of them we didn't even see the rest of the cruise. Read more