My new Husband and I sailed on the Explorer on November 30th, 2008. This was our Honeymoon. We have cruised together three times before, NCL's Sun and Spirit and Holland America's Noordam.

The embarkation in Cape Liberty wasn't too bad. We arrived at the port around 11:00am and waited nearly an hour in a long line of cars and buses to enter the port, but once we unloaded our luggage and parked our car we were onboard within a half hour. There was mass confusion in the Windjammer when we got there but crew found us seats in Portofino and we were able to sit and have lunch. No announcement was made that the cabins were ready but when the Windjammer started to clear out I figured they must be.

We were in Cabin 9636, a balcony cabin on the port side. I had a major problem with the sofa when we arrived in the cabin - it was disgustingly filthy (it smelled so bad I wouldn't even put my suitcase on it!). When I found the room steward he said he would have it shampooed but that it couldn't be done that day. I told him something needed to be done and suggested he cover the sofa with a sheet to keep the smell down until it could be cleaned. It took three days (and several reminders) before it was finally cleaned just before we docked in Puerto Rico. Once it had been cleaned it looked brand new! which made me wonder why it hadn't been cleaned much sooner. How hadn't the Room Steward realized how filthy it was? Unfortunately, this was the first of many issues we had with the Room Steward and the quality of his work for the entire trip. For a couple of days I didn't realize there was a second garbage can in our room, when I finally found the garbage can under the desk I was treated to the sight of the previous passengers band-aids. Apparently the garbage had not been emptied since before we boarded. I repeatedly had to ask to have the room vacuumed because it wasn't being done (I don't think that was done when we boarded either). When I asked to have the sheets changed because of a coffee spill, I was told they were changed on Wednesdays (which was the day before). I had to explain why I wanted the sheets changed and state again that they needed to be changed that day. My Husband and I have always rewarded good service with tips above and beyond what is recommended. I tried to tell the Room Steward this - all he needed to do was a good job and we would show our appreciation - he didn't seem to care. Read more