Our first cruise! We (my husband & I, mid forties) arrived at Cape Liberty, NJ at approx. 11:20am having driven down from the South-coast of Massachusetts that morning, a 4 hour ride. The route was clearly marked once we got off the N.J. Turnpike and we encountered no traffic or lines at the cruiseport. We were directed to a unloading area and before I had opened the truck door there was a porter who was opening it for me, taking our bags & directing my husband where to park. I took our carry-on bags & waited for him to get back, a brief 5 min wait. Just about as soon as he arrived they started letting people check in and we proceeded right up to the counter for deck 8 passengers, quickly were checked in and given a number for the shuttle (we had 52). Before we knew it we were waiting for the shuttle in the terminal. We were snacking on chocolate chip & peanut butter cookies as they started to call the first people aboard the ship just minutes later. First to be called was a wedding party, then the Diamond/Plus members. Very quickly we were sitting on the shuttle for the super brief ride to the beautiful Explorer of the Seas. By 12:30pm we were on the pool deck with a Bon Voyage (the drink of the day) in our hands and a smile on our faces.

Since the cabins aren't ready until 1:30pm we decided to grab a bite to eat in the Windjammer buffet and then explore a little. This was the only time the Windjammer was crowded during our 5 day cruise. There was not a seat to be had so we headed out to the deck and ate along the port rail on deck 11. We had not been there long when I thought I recognized the description of fellow CruiseCritic member MedicKen & his wife Deb. Of course his Pittsburgh Steelers hat clinched it. We had a nice chat and they went on their way to the Windjammer.

We finished our lunch and since it was time for the cabins to be ready we decided to go check it out. We were in cabin 8618, center balcony cabin on the "hump". The room was very clean and comfortable, just the right size for the two of us. Our stateroom attendant, Puja, could not have been more helpful or friendly if he tried. It was nice to sit on the balcony and look out at the New York city skyline and unwind from the drive down. Read more