Explorer of the Seas Review
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ust returning from a 7-night Alaskan cruise on Explorer. We are a family of four with two teenage girls and we had a great time onboard. We are typically DIY travelers, so the cruise was a different kind of vacation for us.
I think there are better itineraries for Alaska (this one has pretty much three sea days - one is in the fjord), but the convenience of the RT out of Seattle was key for us.
With the size of the ship, there are plenty of things to do. There were a lot of kids on the boat (that may be a minus for some), so our girls did enjoy being able to spend time during sea days or in the evenings with new friends. We had considered the Solstice, but I think our kids would have been really bored in the evenings. We were in Victoria when the Solstice debarked, and there were seemingly about 1/10 as many kids.
Cabin Review
Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Balcony
Cabin was a bit tired, but clean. Bed could definitely be more comfortable.
Port Reviews
Victoria
Just goofed around. Picked up some great (non chinese) souvenirs in Chinatown. Lunch at Red Fish, Blue Fish and walked around Beacon Hill park. We had great weather, and Victoria is beautiful in great weather.
Seattle
Love, love, love Seattle. The market is great, but crowded. Go to the Ballard locks, UW Campus, Green Lake Park. Day trip to Mt. Rainier. So much to do - get a car and drive around!