kmac1196

Even if they are heated, air temp in the next few days probably won't be conducive to swimming...unless you're a polar bear!

I'm pretty sure they are heated. Heated pools make no difference when the air temp is cold cause you have to get out eventually.

Ha! I'm from New England! I can handle it! LOL....True story. We went to Disney a few years ago in January and it was record low temps (Snowed in Magic Kingdome first time since the 70's). Anyway....Pools are heated and it was 32 degrees out at night. We swam! Happily! LOL.....There's always hot tubs to warm up.

That would be the first time I've heard of Explorer pools being heated. It was my understanding that only Independence, Oasis, and Allure have heated pools.

I specifically asked that question. She put me on hold and checked. Came back with a yes. Maybe someone who just went out of NJ will check in here and tell us!

I have boy 16, girl 13, and boy 11. When I called RC today, they told me that the pools on the Explorer were heated and would be ready when we board. Is this not the case??????:(

Kristen

Oh, by the way....3 days!!!!!!!!:D

Ha ha ha ha! Adult scavenger hunts are not my cup of tea but I can appreciate the fun in it! I won't discuss it further. ;)

Quest is a Game Show. You never know what's going to happen. In the one I saw last week, guys had to put bras on & girls were taking theirs off to give to the guys. One girl literally was escorted off the floor with her hands covering her bare breasts! It's a race for different teams to see who can do things first. I thought it was stupid but people were laughing hysterically so I guess it depends on the type of humor you like.

Thanks! Not sure I'd like it either.

Our family of 14 went on Adventure of the Seas (same as Explorer) with cousins ages 11-16 they were well behaved, on their own plenty and had a great time. There is so much for them to do, they ate with us at every meal but snacked on their own, we went to ice skating as a family, rock climbing, mini golf all the shows, & games poolside together. The Love and Marriage show was really funny, the humor that was above the kids heads went in one ear and out the other, they just giggled at the whole thing, it wasn't bad at all, the Quest INMO isn't for the kids, that gets a little crazy.;) Have a great time!

What's the Quest?

You sound like a great family that is going to have an amazing week on Explorer. This ship was the first RCI cruise that we did. Back then this class of ship was the biggest and most innovative. So we decided to give RCI a try because we just had to try one of these Voyager class ships. It was such a great week and this ship will always hold a special place with us. It also got us hooked on RCI. This cruise line just really fits our needs and desires in a cruise experience. I hope you find the same.

Thank you! Actually, we are pretty great! LOL. We are very low key. Doesn't take a lot to make us happy. We went to Disney a few years ago and my husband wasn't feeling well ( congenital heart defect) so we stayed in. We had dinner in the cafeteria of our resort and went to the arcade. My husband is very funny and had all of us in stitches over nothing in paticular....my kids still talk about that being the best night of the trip. $4,000 trip and that was their favorite! LOL.....

My husband and I did a 5 day 4 night cruise on the Majesty a long time ago (2005). We loved it. People were telling us the ship was old and outdated (even then) but I just didn't see it. It was amazing. Loved everything about it.

I would be surprised if my kids even wanted to go into the kids area deck. They really like us and enjoy spending time as a family. We're very lucky to have teenagers that still think we are cool. Who am I kidding....luck doesn't have a lot to do with it...we are just really exceptional parents! ;)

They sound adorable! Let her wear them. There are no shoe police at the entrance and honestly, lots of people wear dressy flip flop type of shoes or sandels. Wear what she's comfortable in.

Thank you!

RCI has no rules about what you wear for shoes. But the fashion police on these boards are a whole other matter, too.;)

Super! I don't care about the fashion police. She's 13 and has her heart set on those shoes that she thinks look fantastic with the outfit she picked out! And of course, I think she looks beautiful!:)

Now that is funny!. After you have been around here longer you will learn that some folks are more than happy to provide advice that you are not looking for!:D

Ha! I can take it.

We have used walkie talkies in the past but depending on location between the two units they may not be very dependable. The structure of the ship tends to interfere. I actually find them to be more useful while in port. What we have found most useful is we simply set a time when we are going to meet up or a time and place, when and where, we want a check-in. We also use the voice mail on the cabin phones to leave messages for each other if pre-set plans are changing. For example, I will be in the solarium and I want you to check in with me there at 2 PM. If I decide to leave the solarium for someplace else I'll leave a message as to where I want them to check-in with me. Then when they go to the solarium and I am not there they know to call the cabin and get the new details.

Excellent! Thank you!

Also, shoes for formal and casual evenings? My daughter has a dressy pair of flip flops, with a heel, and she wants to wear it with her formal dress. Do they make a big deal for 13 year olds?

I think at 15, 12, and 11, there is no problem giving your kids some independence especially if they are going to be together. At 15 I was very capable of taking care of my brothers while our parents were out. You know your kids better than anyone else here does. But trust me, plenty of people here on CC will be more than happy to tell you how to parent your kids.

LOL! That's funny. They will all be having a birthday when we get back so they are actually almost 16, 13 and 11. Very well behaved. I don't want opinions on how to parent my kids, only what the rules are about letting them walk around. My kids wouldn't be a nuicanse to other cruisers as they are very polite and considerate. Our vacation is to spend time together so I'm sure we will be apart very little, but it's nice if they wanted to go get an icecream while my husband and I are sitting by the pool. Or if we go to the adult only show, they won't be stuck in the room waiting bored for our return. Thanks for the most helpful replies!!!

Oh, they will be thrilled! LOL.....Also, there are sooooooo many posts regarding walkie talkies, phone charges, etc....how do we stay in touch with them without killing us in price and annoying other cruisers with the walkie talkies? Are there new ones that are better now than the posts I'm reading about?

Awesome. Thanks. So, another question. I am reading a lot of past posts about people letting their kids walk around alone. My kids are mature, well behaved and independent. Will they be able to walk around without us? I do plan on doing the love and marriage thing show and will hopefully have something else for the kids to do at night but most of the other times we will be together...it's a family vacation but...can they walk around a little alone?

First time posting! 2nd time cruising 2/17/13 Explorer (first on this ship). This time the kids are in tow (15,12,11). I just wanted to know if their are shows (comedy, etc) for the whole family? I'm hoping to see some with the kids. Thanks!

Kristen