jt'scruisinmom

We've been on the Explorer many times and love her. For activities, parades, etc. that take place on the Promenade, get there early and get a seat at the British Pub bar. The Promenade can get crowded for parades, etc. The café on the Promenade has pretty good pizza slices, small sandwiches and cookies for a quick snack. The Schooner Bar is very popular and fun. The Viking Lounge is a great spot for a quiet drink or card game during the day, if the weather is bad. Don't miss the ice shows.

Bungalow limit is also 6.

The solarium on the Anthem is much better than on the Grandeur IMHO. Kids were allowed in the solarium on the Grandeur, just not supposed to be in the pool or hot tubs. Solarium pool on the Grandeur was often closed, not opening until 11 AM most mornings. We also found the Grandeur's solarium to be very hot and stuffy and had to ask every day to have the windows open, sometimes they did, sometimes wouldn't bother. The dining room staff was very nice and the food was better than I expected, but if you get a wine package, check your slip before leaving the dining room. Ours was wrong every time and on one occasion this turned into a real problem. The piano player/singer in the Schooner Bar on the Grandeur was the worst I have encountered, but the bar staff at the Schooner were great. Trivia is very popular, you must get there very early to get a seat. Chops and Giovanni's on the Grandeur were very good, the Windjammer layout is horrible, the food so-so. The art auction takes up the South Pacific lounge for several days, so this will cut down on the number of quiet venues to enjoy. On the plus side, we never had to wait very long for an elevator. embarkation and debarkation were quick and very smooth in Baltimore. The shore excursion desk on the Grandeur rescheduled one of our excursions without notifying us, and tried to give away our Bungalow. When questioned, the manager's response was a shrug of her shoulders and a "Well, mistakes happen". No apology. Both ships are clean and comfortable, the Grandeur quite a bit older and showing her age. The shows on the Anthem are much better, more to do, but I hated having to make so many reservations ahead of time. Also, be aware that the Grandeur has cancelled their stop in Charleston quite a few times.

Bungalows are great. Easy tram ride, restrooms right behind the bungalows, tasty lunch brought right to you, cooler with 4 large bottles of water, two lounge chairs, 2 float mats, and towels available from the concierge at check in. The water is just steps in front of you, but is very shallow at low tide.

Does anyone know the current Concierge on the Jewel of the Seas?

The Explorer has gone to Samana many times over the last several years. Samana is a tender port and has several excursion options. On our last cruise, several people just tendered to the port and met up with a driver who took them to a nearby resort. They had a wonderful time. Just remember to allow extra time to tender back to the ship if you go off on your own, as the tenders can sometimes run on island time.

I found it to be much worse if I wore the patch for motion sickness during the cruise. I felt so sick after I got home. Now I just take something as needed. I also find that chewing ginger gum helps, even after the cruise when that "sway" sets in.

Personally, I would choose a larger suite with a larger balcony. Just got off the Summit, Aqua class deck 11, and while it was new, very clean and our steward, Antonio, did a terrific job, the room is small and the balcony tiny. I'm sure the Aft Aquas with larger balconies are also great. Just my humble opinion.

When are you sailing? We're booked on the April 12th, our 6th time on the Explorer. We also get to the port between 10:30 and 11:00 and are enjoying lunch in the Windjammer, with a seat by the window, by noon. If you haven't already, sign up for your Meet and Mingle. Lots of nice fellow cruisers to answer any and all questions. Happy sailing.

Most Junior Suite balconies have 2 chairs and a table. I always tip our steward a little something right away and ask for a lounge chair for our balcony. Great to have when the pool area is just too crowded.

Just off the 1/27 sailing and we had no smell.

If you ever have a problem like this call the Medical department

Why would you call the Medical Dept. and wouldn't they charge you if they had to come up and check on something? Forgive me if these are stupid questions. Thanks

Agreed...and the smell is NOT limited to Explorer...I've noticed it on other ships, AND other lines as well...

 

Incidentally, when "bunkering" you will notice a sewer-ish smell. That said, I didn't notice any odor when cruising with the MedicKens back in November.....

 

I've been on EX 11 times....and the smell is not that bad, does NOT happen all the time, and can be in different places....

 

Go on your cruise and have FUN!!!!:D:p

Hi. Where in the swamps of NJ are you? We're in Shamong. We've been on the Ex 5 time, will be 6 in April, and also love the ship. And sailing out of Bayonne is just so convenient.:D We sailed in Nov. and there was a smelly problem, though. Never terrible, but certainly bothersome at times. Seemed to depend on which way the wind was blowing. The part that bugs me is that guest relations kept acting like there was no smell, no one else had mentioned it, and there wasn't a problem. Oh well, wasn't enough to dampen our great time and we're going again! YAY!