We were delighted to be able to drive to a cruise instead of flying several hours and the itinerary was great. Embarkation was the easiest ever in 9 cruises; it was under 30 minutes from the first door to walking onto the Explorer. We parked at Seattle Cruise Parking (the Armory), arriving about 10 a.m. and shuttled to the port within minutes. Lunch was available at the Windjammer buffet and Cafe Promenade on level 5, which combined Starbucks, Ben and Jerry's ice cream, and various sandwich and bakery offerings (complimentary). In the morning, there were egg & sausage English muffins, an assortment of pastries, and free coffee (regular but good), teas, and hot chocolate. Chocolate croissants were very popular. A good assortment of cold sandwiches (and cold pizza) later in the day.

Our balcony cabin was mid-ship on the port side, done in restful blue shades and light cabinetry, very nice and clean. Cabin attendant Henry was wonderful and prompt, even finding us some mattress toppers for their EXTREMELY FIRM MATTRESSES. If I didn't sail Royal again it would be because of the overly-firm mattresses, even with the toppers. A nice round shower with doors, very user-friendly.

The dining service was superior (Igusti and Oomkar) but the food items were hit and miss. Salads were good, every soup was meh, the lobster was cooked properly. We also ordered filet mignons twice in the MDR, both times perfect. A satisfactory experience though not outstanding. Read more