Explorer of the Seas Review
Overall - "fine" with some bright spots (crew) and downsides (cabin)
Rating by category
Additional details
We were very pleased with the friendly positive attitude of almost every crew member we encountered. Without them, we would not consider cruising on Royal again as the ship and facilities need significant upgrades and replacements/repairs. Our stateroom attendant Boren did his very best to make us happy in a room that was literally almost unlivable upon entry due to the very very strong mildew smell (the smell also is pervasive in all of deck 6 aft, as well as Star lounge). I entered the cabin hoping that the smell was only in the hallway but our room was even worse. I immediately asked for an air purifier and was told there are NONE on the entire ship. The maintenance staff did their best to resolve it by "re-sanitizing" and by shampooing the carpet in and out. Even with that, I had to run my own personal small air purifier 24/7 just to make the room livable (I only brought it at the last minute due to cruisecritic reviews I had read that mentioned the smell on deck 6 - I thought people were being dramatic and hyperbolic - they were not!). I've never complained about a room before, we nearly always book inside cabins as we are rarely in the room but this was ridiculous. The carpet in that entire hallway and bank of rooms needs to be ripped out (or something to figure out and correct the source of the smell). I had red eyes, a headache, and nausea for 2 days.
The other noticeable disappointment was the 9-11 year old adventure ocean program. In my son's 11 years (and his 11 cruises) we have never been more disappointed in a facility. It is literally an empty room with a foosball table and a tiny "baby" basketball hoop. My son tried the club 5 times and most of the times they literally gave the kids a playground ball and that's it. You really need a "tween" program for 11-12 as the 12 year olds are out of a place in the teen club and 11 year olds in the kids club. Royal need's to check out Disney's edge. It is near perfect for that age group.
Here are a few items in addition to the stateroom/hallway smell that were noticeably bad:
Cabin Review
Interior Stateroom
AWFUL - Our stateroom attendant Boren did his very best to make us happy in a room that was literally almost unlivable upon entry due to the very very strong mildew smell (the smell also is pervasive in all of deck 6 aft, as well as Star lounge). I entered the cabin hoping that the smell was only in the hallway but our room was even worse. I immediately asked for an air purifier and was told there are NONE on the entire ship. The maintenance staff did their best to resolve it by "re-sanitizing" and by shampooing the carpet in and out. Even with that, I had to run my own personal small air purifier 24/7 just to make the room livable (I only brought it at the last minute due to cruisecritic reviews I had read that mentioned the smell on deck 6 - I thought people were being dramatic and hyperbolic - they were not!). I've never complained about a room before, we nearly always book inside cabins as we are rarely in the room but this was ridiculous. The carpet in that entire hallway and bank of rooms needs to be ripped out (or something to figure out and correct the source of the smell). I had red eyes, a headache, and nausea for 2 days.
Port Reviews
Seattle
Easy embarkation. We parked at the Armory parking lot. Great shuttle drivers and fast
Juneau
Took cabs - easy to get around and less expensive/time consuming than renting a car. Went to the Salmon fishery, the Alaskan Brewery and wandered around town as this was our second trip and had already been to the glacier on a beautiful blue sky day (and it was raining this time so no need to revisit)
Skagway
Rented a car from Avis - easy to do! spent all day driving up to the Yukon territory in Canada - just fantastic scenery. Highly recommend. It was like a combination of Yosemite, Lake Tahoe and a little bit of the Grand Canyon only BIGGER than all. Alaskan scenery is amazing. Stopped at several places along the way including Tutshi dog musher camp (great) to pet the puppies!
Victoria
Love love love Victoria. Eat, drink and be merry. Just a fun town. Walk around, take the water taxis, eat, shop. No need to plan, just enjoy it.