Explorer of the Seas Review
Although an older ship - it’s lovely with a great crew!
Rating by category
Additional details
We chose this cruise/ itinerary as a result of “lift and shift” from a canceled cruise. I did not realize the week was school spring break! So the ship and excursions were crowded. Next time - I’ll check. Originally we booked an ocean view room. We had the opportunity to “Royal Up.” Our offer was accepted and were were in a VIP panoramic suite 440 square feet. . Very nice. 10 floor to ceiling panoramic windows, sleeps 6 although there were just 2 of us, 1 1/2 bathrooms + access daily to the concierge lounge and Chops for breakfast daily. Totally worth it! I pre purchased the 3 night specialty dining package. We enjoyed the excellent dining and quiet atmosphere.
We enjoyed resort for a day at the Marriott Curaçao the most. All the other port excursions were very crowded. We did not enjoy De Palm island. If you had kids - maybe you would have enjoyed it more: water slides, banana boat… Very crowded. Dirty lounge chairs. You couldn’t leave to return to the ship early as it is an island and arrival and departure are at set times.
All RC staff were professional, pleasant and helpful especially Perla and Iwayan in the concierge lounge, Carlos in Chops and our room steward Dylan.
Cabin Review
Ocean View Panoramic Suite (No Balcony)
on deck 12. Excellent 400 square foot cabin sleeps 6. 1 1/2 bathrooms. 10 floor ceiling windows at the bow of the ship.
Port Reviews
Aruba
De Palm island was not to our liking. Very crowded. Dirty lounge chairs. We knew about the rocky beach and did bring reef shoes.
Bonaire
Bring your reef shoes and take a water taxi to the island beach. Sobonon was very crowded due to spring break.
Curacao
Loved Resort of a Day at the Marriott Curaçao! Very generous food and beverage credit. Lovely Resort! Not crowded, clean, great beach you snorkel off and delicious food. Round trip transportation from / to ship is included.
St. Maarten
Orient beach was ok. There are other nicer beaches.
San Juan
Embarkation was a breeze.