Explorer of the Seas Review
Great ship, sorting a few niggles would make it superb.
Review for the Eastern Mediterranean Cruise on Explorer of the Seas
Okraf
10+ Cruises • Age 50s
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Additional details
Sail Date: May 2023
Cabin:
In a strange way, ships like the Explorer could be considered 'perfect' cruise ships. They have a little bit of everything. I read an article recently that said ships like Mariner of the Seas (and therefore Explorer) represent the best cruise value you can get at the moment. Everything you want is there, even if some of it could be improved to make it perfect.
The famous 'promenade' layout of RCI ships is here, as copied and improved upon by MSC recently, but the experience on Explorer is still very good.
We've never come across a perfect cruise ship though, so some things could be better. The MDR food was average at best. Not hot, nothing made me go 'wow'. Not enough variety of salad, hardly any vegetables, and no potatoes that weren't mashed. Windjammer layout was designed by a sado-masochist.
Cabin Review
This is only the 2nd time we've had an inside cabin (out of 21 cruises) and it wasn't bad at all. Spacious enough, although the bed was very firm, as were pillows. Bathroom had sliding doors in the shower instead of curtain, which matters to some, if not me. Stewards are great but very stretched for time so service isn't what it used to be.
Wardrobe space was adequate for 2 for a week, plenty of drawers as well as hanging space.
Port Reviews
Athens (Piraeus)
Used Venture Ashore Acropolis tour. Great guide, time in the Placa after visiting Parthenon etc.
Best to be sure footed on the Acropolis as it is chaos at the entrance. Wouldn't do it in the height of summer due to crowds and temperatures.
Dubrovnik
Beautiful place but had so little time to explore.
RCI tried to rip us off with 20 Euro shuttles for 2.5 mile journey, but outside port gate is local bus station - 5 Euros for a day pass.
Santorini
Very good but very busy. Wait for the tours and excursions to leave early and then get the tendre to queue for the cable car or walk up the path to Fira.
Please do not ride a donkey up that hill unless you think you'd be happy carrying a person on your back over that distance in that heat.
Very crowded, but clean and friendly shops, people and great views. Don't know whether it's worth visiting Oia for a few houses with blue roofs.
Split
Great, walkable port from the ship. Interesting Roman town centre and cafes along the waterfront.
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