We took a 16 night cruise from Perth, Australia, and disembarked in Sydney. We chose the Explorer of the Seas because it covered several ports in South Australia, with visits to both islands of New Zealand. Unlike our initial experience with Royal Caribbean to Alaska which was excellent, the quality of the food and entertainment was sorely lacking. In addition, we and another couple at our table encountered rudeness by a buffet server and at our dinner table when a guest was served a dried out entry that was uneatable. Rather than the chief apologizing and offering to serve her another dish, he argued with her at the table!

While we are seniors, we felt we were on a geriatric cruise as the mean age of guests had to be about 70, with an unusually large percentage of canes and wheelchairs present. Also, we felt like cattle being directed to meeting places to wait for tours to depart, then encountering long lines and masses of people. Everything was a profit center with outrageous prices charged for internet service, drinks and for the privilege of dining at restaurants on board where the food was excellent. The mandatory tips charged to our account were outrageous, amounting to over $850. Even the Captain included??

They could have eliminated half the evening shows. In my opinion, as long as it was loud, it "worked" for the cruise director who didn't miss an opportunity to participate/perform in some entertainment events on board himself. It bothered me that he spent time taking about disembarkation four days before, like they couldn't wait to get rid of us. Read more