Explorer of the Seas Review

4.5 / 5.0
2,038 reviews

Good sized ship for me

Review for the Southern Caribbean Cruise on Explorer of the Seas
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2-5 Cruises • Age 50s

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Sail Date: Oct 2022

Chose this cruise to visit islands of Aruba, Curocao and Bonaire. Good dive islands but wasnt the greatest for things to do. Booked through travel agent and did the online checkin, packages, etc. The app worked very well for me throughout the trip. Had a few drops but didnt have the net pkg so expected that. Embarkation went well. Ship size was very good for me. Big enough to stay busy but small enough to get around. Doesnt have the bells and whistles of the big ships but didnt have the lines either. Solarium was always full but had no problem getting a lounge near the main pool or observation deck. The promenade deck needed alot more chairs, when I went there had about 10 chairs total and always in use. Limited specialty dining but I dont use them anyway. Stateroom was clean and thats all I ask from that. Staff was so courteous and attentive except for the R bar. Seemed they had favorite customers and ignored the rest of us. Arranged transport to Miami airport through ship and that was a nightmare. One bus for so many that had paid for it. RCCL knew how many people had booked it, would have been nice to not wait over an hour. Had one person faint from the heat while in line. No organization once we got off ship for the line, porters kept cutting in line with passengers, others would not wait in the line, etc. Was a bad experience, will book third party next time or pay for cab.

Hear other lines are getting rid of e-muster. This was so much better than the old way, having to stand there until they found everyone and do it all at once. Sure having people dribble in for the entire boarding procedure is a pain for the staff but so much nicer for the passengers. Got it done right off and got to hit the bar and buffet. I hope RCCL keeps the e-muster system.

Cabin Review

Let RCCL book my room. Ended up on 6th deck, interior midship. Almost a perfect location. One flight down to promenade. Clean, everything worked, great water pressure in shower, comfy bed and pillows, very little noise. Not a club guy so would have liked more options on the tv.

Port Reviews

Aruba

Lot of shops, bars, restaurants. Lot of ships in port but got in most shops no problems. All excursions I would be interested in were already booked. Best of three stops but unless you do excursions, not alot to do. More of a dive island.

Bonaire

All excursions I would be interested in were already booked. Small, limited things to do as a walkabout. Worst of three stops but unless you do excursions, not alot to do. More of a dive island.

Curacao

All excursions I would be interested in were already booked. Middle of three stops but unless you do excursions, not alot to do. More of a dive island. This island "felt" best, just seemed more comfortable there.

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