We were "snow. birds" returning to Seattle from S. California and chose cruising as an alternative to driving from Palm Springs to Seattle. The costs were comparable to driving and sightseeing for six days. But the plane is less expensive.
We had a perfect port call on Catalina Island and rented a golf cart there for touring.
We had two port days in San Francisco and toured Alcatraz - a ...
This cruise was a close cruise for a Western Washington resident. Not too many cruises (3) but like the experience. The ship while a little old is in great shape and constantly being cleaned, etc. Wanted to try out interior cabin with a virtual balcony. The virtual balcony really expanded the utility of the interior room. Even though camera was on the opposite side of the ship, it was easy to ...
We had been on Explorer twice before, both cruises out of Cape Liberty. This was to be our first Pacific cruise. Never having been to Seattle we arrived 3 days early. We toured the city and took in a Mariners game. We made the Hampton Inn on 5th avenue our base of operations. The room was clean and comfortable and breakfast was included each morning. (I love those waffles!)
On ...
Overall the pacific coastal cruise was lovely and at a good price.
First things that could be improved.
Avoid cabin 9221 as the ceiling was squeaky. Maintence twice tried to fix, but couldn't locate source of problem. We stuffed towels between the ceiling and the in room desk/vanity. Didn't fix the issue but helped a bit. When in rough seas you will hear loud intermittent squaks from the ...
We took this cruise to celebrate Dad’s 90th Birthday. What a blast! Dad had always wanted to take a cruise, but seemed impossible. First Mom never wanted to go. Then he had dialysis. We investigated dialysis at sea, and found it too expensive, but realized we could take a 3 day cruise between treatments, so that’s what we did.
It was still challenging to make it all work. In addition to ...
first cruise. wanted a short one to try out our sea legs. for an older ship it's in great condition. lots of art on the walls. easy to navigate. plenty of spaces to sit and chill (library on 7th can be nice although sometimes it's packed with folks playing games). whoever designed this ship gets a gold star from us!
the top deck areas are awesome. there's a walking and jogging track next to the ...
Originally booked this cruise because of the price and because it offered something other than a Caribbean destination. Booked an inside cabin as well to save $$s but was a little worried that we would miss the balcony. Have to say we totally enjoyed our cabin & the ship! The Explorer has a few spots that are showing her age but she is kept immaculate outside & in so that more than made up for a ...
The short review is, great cruise, would absolutely recommend it and would even do this trip again. This was a really good way to see some of the Pacific coast, plus it gave 2 days and 1 night in San Francisco - cruising into San Francisco at dawn was stunning. So, we arrived in Seattle a day early and spent the afternoon walking the area, taking in Pike's Place Market and enjoying the sites. ...
Wanted to do the Pacific Coast. Selected the Explorer from Seattle and it did not disappoint! Stayed in Seattle for 4 days prior to cruise and explored most of what Washington has to offer. Boarded ship from Uber in to diniing room in 5 minutes. Ship was beautifully kept. Service is best that we have had in RCCL for some time. Crew was very friendly and actually looked happy to serve. Kudos to ...
On day prior to departure. We flew from Minneapolis to SeaTac and tookLink or light rail from SeaTac to downtown Seattle is only $1 For Seniors. There are golf carts from gate to station , call 206-396-5275 and we had informative passengers pointing out sights including both stadiums along the route,
It was hot on our Arrival on 9/28. We got off at Westlake Station. Be careful as some of ...