After 3 weeks on Explorer, they KICKED US OFF!!
The nerve....two nice ladies, quiet, not demanding, friendly to all, great knowledge of Explorer and thus able to assist new cruisers...and THEY MADE US GET OFF THE SHIP!!!
OK...so the back to back was over, SOB! And we were forced out into the cold! Really we would have stayed on for 2 more weeks as there were open cabins, and apparently some cancellations due to weather-but no deals to be made! (Who is going to book a day ahead except nuts already ON the ship!??!?!? We COULD have stayed, but not for the amount of money they wanted!)
1288 GS - Great, but opposite a pump/chemical room for the pool. So when they drain the pool you hear a weird alarm-type noise for about 15 minutes. We did not hear it every day however. OK for wheelchair use but it is not accessible-balcony was a little challenging with the WC, but with some slight adjustments and careful maneuvering we managed.
9694 Royal Family Suite - great cabin, HUGE! Tons of closets, in fact for 2 people it's almost too much room. (originally we booked JS guarantees and were upgraded to these 2 cabins). Long walk all the way aft. You do see the superstructure of the ship, but it's still a great view. People above CAN look down and see you, and vice versa. Only issue with soot was when they tested the generator and a HUGE black cloud came up! ICK! Can be VERY bumpy depending on the seas. Otherwise, you feel some engine vibration but it's not too bad.
A little hard for a wheelchair due to a dumb, useless shelf just inside the door, and lots of little doorways in the cabin.. However, if you get the little ramps they have available on the ship, getting onto the big balcony is a breeze!