Explorer of the Seas Review
Great cruise and amazing new cabin on revitalised Explorer.
Rating by category
Additional details
The cruise was our third with RC. Previously sailing on Brilliance and Adventure. The ship met our expectations and was fun, loud and action packed.
There were 1000 children on the ship which we expected and most people were British. This was slightly disappointing as we prefer the cosmopolitan mix of meeting people from other countries.
The restaurant food was excellent quality and the wait staff were fantastic. Nothing was too much trouble.
Cabin Review
Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Balcony
We had two connecting cabins on deck 12. Cabin 1834 and 1836. The balconies were all glass which was amazing. When the balcony divider was opened up we had a supersize balcony with two tables and four recliner arm chairs. The rooms were virtually brand new which meant everything worked perfectly and the bathroom was fresh and clean. There was plenty of storage space in the cabin and a very good size flat screen TV in a recess opposite the bed. The light wood and blue colour scheme was modern.
The position of these cabins on the ship is fantastic. There is really no traffic at all in the corridor as there are only a handful of cabins. You step outside the corridor door onto deck 12 with the sky bar and sunbathing areas.
Above the cabin on Deck 13 is a sunbathing area, occasionally you could hear sunbeds being moved overhead but this was minimal.
When the sea is rough you can feel vibration and movement in these cabins due to the position at the front of the ship and being so high up.
Port Reviews
Gibraltar
Very easy to get around. Friendly taxi driver to take us places. Good shops in town and shuttle bus to port for a few euros each.
Malaga
Shuttle bus into town takes a few minutes and drops a few minutes walk from the cathedral.
Nice
Beautiful port of Villefranche - easy DIY port. Plenty of port side cafes for crepes, lunch, drinks etc. tourist market and pretty old town all with in minutes walk of the tender station.
Corsica (Ajaccio)
Beautiful port/marina full of mega yachts. Easy walk to small beach - good for swimming but no umbrellas or sunbeds. Easy walk around town with tourist shops, markets and restaurants.
Sardinia
Shuttle bus to Poetto beach where you are dropped at private beach with loungers and umbrellas for hire. Beautiful clear water for swimming. Good facilities at beach club. Twenty minutes each was on shuttle bus.
Palma de Mallorca (Majorca)
Easy shuttle transfer into town. Drop off near cathedral and designer shopping street. Plenty of bars and cafes and street sellers.
Seville
HOHO bus from port to many sights including cathedral, beach, gardens.
Southampton
Port of departure with friendly staff.