We did the three night sampler cruise out of Sydney 11-14 February 2016 on Explorer of the Seas. We booked a Junior Suite, 9568, which was large and had heaps of storage, a bath, walk in robe, extra large private balcony, a three seater lounge plus two armchairs plus two other chairs - one at the 'desk' and one at the 'vanity'. We slept well in the comfortable bed and the room had no ship movement noise. Our steward Francis was friendly and attentive and always remembered us by name, and the room was clean and well equipped. Francis was also the master of towel animals, very talented. The shower was good, plenty of towels, nice toiletries, large vanity and mirror. The wardrobe was huge, lots of hanging space and shelving options. Room also had a kettle with tea and coffee, coffee maker, fridge with mini bar, hair dryer. The TV had a message function, Bill viewing etc.
We are Elite Status with Celebrity so we become Diamond Status on Royal Caribbean. And Royal excel here, the Diamond Lounge was wonderful - accessible 24 hours with breakfast and light snacks available at different times, and a coffee machine providing a range of hot drinks available all day. In the evening alcoholic drinks and snacks are supplied. The barman on duty for two of the evenings was Ketutt, who looked after everyone so well. The other server was good too, friendly and efficient. Great service.
We ate every night in the main dining room, we had My Time Dining so can go whenever but after having such great service on the first evening we ate in the same area the following two nights as well. Our waiter was Ricardo and along with his assistant provided excellent service, food was really good and there was a large choice of options every night. I really love the pumpkin bread on Royal too - yum!
This is an excellent cabin, quiet, comfortable and at least half as big again as a standard balcony cabin. Large bath, walk in robe, heaps of storage options. Tea and coffee making facilities, kettle and coffee maker. Fridge with mini bar. Large vanity in bathroom, nice toiletries. Robes, hair dryer, good TV with smart options. Extra large private balcony.
This was a sampler cruise so no ports.