Explorer of the Seas Review
Rating by category
Additional details
What else could go wrong ?
It seems the Explorer needs to do it's homework before cruising from Australia.
TV channels just love these cruises, people coming down with sickness, ship hit by storm and pushed to 10 degrees off centre.
Cabin Review
Interior Stateroom
First cabin was better than second but both were OK.
Port Reviews
Sydney (Australia)
Sydney is home but a great place to visit - use public transport
Auckland
Plenty to see around the town and we went on public ferry to Devonport, great place for walking up to hills for views and see old cannons etc. Great little town with old houses and a free maritime museum. Also did a free bus trip on outer rim took 1 1/2 hours. We visited Mt Eden last time on this bus tour.
Tauranga
Took the local bus from Mt Manganui to Tauranga (buy a day pass for $7:40), then walked around town sites and then did a bus trip around the area. Bus back to shopping centre and then back to Mt Manganui where we walked around the mountain and beaches etc.
Wellington
Walked into town took about 15 minutes all flat. Got a local bus day pass cost about $9:50 and went up to Mt Victoria, then back to town and then took a bus up to other side of the hills and over to other side beaches. Then did tram ride up to top and walked down to town via botanic gardens then seen local sites like parliament and museums and waterfront, train station etc and then walked back to port.
Picton
Free bus into town from port - only short distance. Went on a long walk out through the hills to Queen Charlette lookout. This took about 1 hour or 1 1/2 not sure which but was fantastic and great views. If you can walk then do this.
Walked out on top of hill and then back along waterfront (maps available free on arrival or look on internet). Then walked around town, nice place to visit for a day.
Dunedin
Port Charmers is a lovely spot where ship docks - we spent a few hours walking around the area visiting churches, lookouts etc. Got local bus into Dunedin (cost $6 one way and $5:40 back), we jumped on local bus in back streets since it was a Saturday and only come every 1 1/2 hours so big line up at bus stop near port (not everyone got on), but also was 2 large ships in port. Should be OK during the week as every 30 minutes or so then. Dunedin had a few things to see like museum, railroad, churches, shops etc but it was cold and windy day so didn't stay long. Also has the Cadbury factory in town if you are a chocolate nut.