This was our fourth cruise on the Explorer of the Seas leaving from Cape Liberty which is about 1 1/2 hrs.by bus from our home in PA.
This was the quickest boarding we have experienced so far.Our stateroom was available when we boarded and we were having lunch in the Windjammer by 2PM.
The weather cooperated and the seas were calm for the first three days.
We stay mid ship near the forward elevators on deck 7 0r 8 in a D class balcony stateroom which is a little larger than E class.The closets are adequate,the drawer space limited in the desk/dresser.Our luggage can be stored under the queen size bed which frees up closet space.The balcony was private,both walls were metal rather than opaque glass.The only complaint is the bed on the sliding door side is really close to the window and hard to pass getting in and out of bed especially if it's rocky.The forward elevators go directly to the dining rooms which is convenient.