Explorer of the Seas to Alaska thoughts after

Just back and a couple reflections. I thought the crew was outstanding. I heard reviews where they were overworked and could be a bit grumpy but I never saw that. They might have been overworked and I know everyone has a bad day every now and then, but in my case everyone was great. And I also know that your own attitude is important.

The food was okay but not great. We did not do any of the specialty dining. The lobster on the second formal night was very good and they offered seconds. Another day we had prawns that were very good. Other than that, the seafood I had tasted very fishy, I think mostly the scallops. I had heard that the steak wasn't good but finally braved it the last night. I did not care for it. It wasn't exactly tough but had an odd taste which I think was due to the fact that they over salted and went a bit overboard with the garlic powder. Other than that, I enjoyed most of the appetizers, sides, and desserts. I think the chefs did the best that they could with what they had to work with.

Shows were good. There was so much to do and so little time. I didn't make it to a few shows or even to the hot tub but did relax, enjoy many things, and really didn't want to get off the ship on Friday. I met many very wonderful people on the cruise. I am usually an introvert but sort of stepped out of my comfort zone. I enjoyed talking with many interesting people.

There were only a few times that we had to wait a bit for an elevator and most people were aware and courteous to not jump in front of others that had been waiting in line. There were of course the few that, whether they were oblivious or just rude, jumped in front of others that had been waiting. I had an elderly companion with me and the only reason I worried about the longer waits was because of her. Otherwise I would have been fine enjoying the moment.

Then there was the couple next door who we shared a balcony with - we didn't use the balcony that much, except the sea day when I went out there to enjoy the scenery and glacier. I got up early that day, took my shower and headed out to my balcony to enjoy fresh air and great scenery. Then the neighbors came out and I got a nice dose of second hand smoke. I finally decided to call the operator and report them because I did not want to spend that day, which I had really been looking forward to, dealing with the smoke. Security got right on it. I understand they were given a warning and if they were caught again, they would be fined. Sorry folks, but your smoke affected many people around you that morning and likely other mornings that I just wasn't out there sharing a very small space with you. There were other times that I was on the balcony and smelled smoke but not from the cabin beside me so it wasn't as bad. Okay, sorry for that rant, but I wish people could understand how their actions affect other people. Rules are made for a reason.

Valuable things that I gained from reading the forums - you really can order two appetizers, entrees, desserts, etc. Yes, you have to have a conscience about it, but you are on vacation so enjoy. I asked for the beds to be separated ahead of time but that did not happen. I don't think there is good communications in that regard so just expect that you might need to get that taken care of later if the bed setup isn't like you wanted it. Once on board I requested the change and it was taken care of promptly. I brought sticky notes and a pen which me and my roomie benefitted from - we did not stay together all the time like I would have if my husband had been with me, and being able to put a sticky note on the door saying where we were or our plan for the next few hours/day was helpful since we didn't have cell phone communication. I brought a few magnets with hooks on them that came in handy to hang lanyards and other things on. I also packed a small basked to put toiletries in that I could put on the shelf under the sink - there was ample space for storage but I think this made it a bit easier. The thing I was most happy about bringing was duck tape. I knew I could use if for a lot of things or maybe never need it. My roomie needed to sleep with a sleeping pad and the plug was on the opposite side of the room, so we would plug her heating pad in each night then put duck tape over it on the floor so that I wouldn't trip over it. We did have to request an extension cord which they gave us. This would be the same if you have a CPAP machine because the outlet is on the opposite wall from where you would want it. And I'll also mention that there is only one outlet (basically two plug holes) in the entire room. I brought a triple outlet that could plug into one which was helpful. Another helpful thing might be the USB chargers that you plug into the wall and give you the opportunity to charge two devices at a time. I requested extra hangers for clothes and two blankets to use out on the balcony. Those were nice, and just a reminder that it doesn't hurt to ask for what you want.

So all in all a great cruise and I'm looking forward to the next.

Just a few weeks and we will be on Explorer, so this feedback was of great interest to me. Thanks!

Just a few weeks and we will be on Explorer, so this feedback was of great interest to me. Thanks!

Hi Bob,

Which cruise will you be on? We are on for the 07 September and the 16 September cruises. It would be nice to meet you, after following your many informative postings over the years. I haven't seen you on either of the Roll Calls, so perhaps you will be boarding after we leave?

NRayH

Hi Bob,

 

Which cruise will you be on? We are on for the 07 September and the 16 September cruises. It would be nice to meet you, after following your many informative postings over the years. I haven't seen you on either of the Roll Calls, so perhaps you will be boarding after we leave?

 

NRayH

We are on the 9/23 Explorer cruise, so we will miss you unfortunately.

Clarea, I appreciated any information that I could get before my trip. Hope my information was helpful. Though after reading later I saw lots of grammatical errors in my post. Oops, but oh well. This was my second cruise and the last was just over thirty years ago. I got a lot of good information from others on here before this cruise and wanted to add what I could. I am a planner so any information I got was helpful and I put it to use. One thing that I will add - we asked for and received blankets that we could use on the balcony but they were pretty grungy. Next time I would take my own, doesn't take much room for small lap blankets.

Happy sailing to you!!

OP...thanks for your review and opinions. We are looking forward to our 16 September 2016 Pacific Coastal Cruise on the Explorer. We sailed on her in 2009 and interested in seeing the new enhancements.

We are on the 9/23 Explorer cruise, so we will miss you unfortunately.

Hey Bob. Please don't wear out the staff during your week on the ship. We need them tip top shape to have fun with us! [emoji12] [emoji1]

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

Clarea, I appreciated any information that I could get before my trip. Hope my information was helpful. Though after reading later I saw lots of grammatical errors in my post. Oops, but oh well. This was my second cruise and the last was just over thirty years ago. I got a lot of good information from others on here before this cruise and wanted to add what I could. I am a planner so any information I got was helpful and I put it to use. One thing that I will add - we asked for and received blankets that we could use on the balcony but they were pretty grungy. Next time I would take my own, doesn't take much room for small lap blankets.

 

Happy sailing to you!!

Thank-you!

Hey Bob. Please don't wear out the staff during your week on the ship. We need them tip top shape to have fun with us! [emoji12] [emoji1]

I'll make sure I get them ready for you Jackie.:eek:

Thank you for taking the time to review your cruise. We will be on the Explorer at the end of this month and am getting very excited!

Do you recall, which night did they serve prime rib? Thanks!

Nanna, I believe the prime rib was Wednesday but I am not sure.

Thanks so much! I may have a couple more questions for you in the next few days. : )

Thanks for your review, I was pleased to read that security took care of the smoker.

I have another question. Did they have any extra "special"buffets, like out on the pool deck or in the Promenade area? On our last RC cruise they had both, and we really enjoyed them. But that was 3 1/2 years ago and on a Caribbean itinerary.... Thanks so much for taking the time to answer my questions.

Nice review ... thanks for taking the time to write it.

I was wondering if you had any input on the pillows that are provided to you on the Explorer of the Seas? We will be traveling on her in less than a month and heard terrible reviews about the pillows on one of the Oasis class ships.

I am trying to get away with packing in carry on luggage only so don't want to pack my own pillow if not necessary. I love down pillows but anything soft and fluffy would also do. We are only in a regular balcony cabin so probably no pillow menu for us ... so just asking about what they already provide in the room.

How formal is the dress on formal nights?? If very formal, I may plan on booking a specialty restaurant for those nights.

Also, do they provide robes in the cabins or do you have to book a mini or above??

Lastly, you made it sound like smoking is not allowed on the balconies. Can you comfirm this is the rule?? We are non-smokers so hope this is the case.

We haven't sailed on RCCL in over 6 years and never on the EOS, so have many questions. Thanks in advance for any advice you can give.

I have another question. Did they have any extra "special"buffets, like out on the pool deck or in the Promenade area? On our last RC cruise they had both, and we really enjoyed them. But that was 3 1/2 years ago and on a Caribbean itinerary.... Thanks so much for taking the time to answer my questions.

I didn't see any special buffets but may have missed them. I didn't spend a lot of time on the promenade deck. This was an Alaskan cruise and the weather was a bit chilly. Also, we had our deck to enjoy the scenery and glacier. I had read that they provided hot soup on the promenade during that sea day but can't confirm it.

Nice review ... thanks for taking the time to write it.

 

I was wondering if you had any input on the pillows that are provided to you on the Explorer of the Seas? We will be traveling on her in less than a month and heard terrible reviews about the pillows on one of the Oasis class ships.

I am trying to get away with packing in carry on luggage only so don't want to pack my own pillow if not necessary. I love down pillows but anything soft and fluffy would also do. We are only in a regular balcony cabin so probably no pillow menu for us ... so just asking about what they already provide in the room.

 

How formal is the dress on formal nights?? If very formal, I may plan on booking a specialty restaurant for those nights.

 

Also, do they provide robes in the cabins or do you have to book a mini or above??

 

Lastly, you made it sound like smoking is not allowed on the balconies. Can you comfirm this is the rule?? We are non-smokers so hope this is the case.

 

We haven't sailed on RCCL in over 6 years and never on the EOS, so have many questions. Thanks in advance for any advice you can give.

I am pretty picky about my pillows and they were comfortable - not too thick but still fluffy. They certainly weren't down but I was good with them. I cannot sleep without a body pillow. I normally bring a body pillow case and request extra pillows to stuff in it. I requested either a body pillow or a few extra pillows. They brought the extra pillows which worked out fine.

You can dress pretty much however you want on formal night. I believe there was a sign at the entrance to the main dining room saying that you couldn't wear a hat or shorts. I remember on one of the formal nights seeing a lady in jeans and a t-shirt. Within reason, wear whatever you are comfortable in. Some people enjoy the act of dressing up and getting fancy. I actually wore black yoga pants one night with a dressy top, sandals, and jewelry and felt that I was as dressed up as most.

As far as robes, I took my own so that I could wear it to the pool/hot tub but never made it there. It's okay, I had room in my suitcase and it was available if I wanted it. Having a regular balcony room, as I did, you are not provided with robes. But you may be able to "rent" them. Don't know...

I had a large suitcase and my carry on. It is a personal preference but I would do it again that way. They both stored under my bed during the trip. It was worth it to me to have everything that I wanted. But I will also say that disembarkation was chaos. We had to leave our large bag outside our room the last night which I was a bit uncomfortable with but I just didn't put any valuables in it. I think they took it pretty quickly after I placed it there so it went to a secure area. Friday morning I got off the ship to find probably 7,000 suitcases. But I knew the number on my tag and was able to find it quickly. Even though it seemed like chaos to me, I think RCI knew what they were doing and my luggage made it where it needed to be.

Smoking is not allowed on the balconies. It is allowed in the casino and a certain area on the promenade deck. I believe the casino is open 24 hours for people who need to go there to smoke though the casino itself is not open 24 hours for gambling. You should not tolerate having to share your balcony with a smoker (on the other side of the wall). If it happens, call security and they will handle it immediately. They took this seriously. I felt bad reporting my neighbor but they were only given a warning with knowledge they would be fined the next time. I was good with that.

... Also, do they provide robes in the cabins or do you have to book a mini or above??

CruiseRaider, I read somewhere in these boards that they will provide robes if you ask your cabin attendant to do so. I intend to ask for one as well as an extra blanket at the bottom of the bed for my afternoon siestas. :D

See you at the end of the month at the Sail Away Mingle. :)

I am cruising on the Explorer at the end of the month. Since I am close to the Pier, and no flight involved, I may just bring my own pillow! And soft throw blanket. For naps :)

I am cruising on the Explorer at the end of the month. Since I am close to the Pier, and no flight involved, I may just bring my own pillow! And soft throw blanket. For naps :)

That is a good point - I did not have to fly either so didn't need to worry about paying for a checked bag. On the other hand, even if I did have to pay a bit I would have done so. That soft throw blanket will be a definite on the list for my next Alaskan cruise.

Thanks so much for the review! We are set to sail June 2, 2017 out of Alaska! I am definitely going to use all of your info! Great review!

It sounds like you had a nice onboard experience. Did you take any shore excursions?

I am pretty picky about my pillows and they were comfortable - not too thick but still fluffy. They certainly weren't down but I was good with them. I cannot sleep without a body pillow. I normally bring a body pillow case and request extra pillows to stuff in it. I requested either a body pillow or a few extra pillows. They brought the extra pillows which worked out fine.

 

You can dress pretty much however you want on formal night. I believe there was a sign at the entrance to the main dining room saying that you couldn't wear a hat or shorts. I remember on one of the formal nights seeing a lady in jeans and a t-shirt. Within reason, wear whatever you are comfortable in. Some people enjoy the act of dressing up and getting fancy. I actually wore black yoga pants one night with a dressy top, sandals, and jewelry and felt that I was as dressed up as most.

 

As far as robes, I took my own so that I could wear it to the pool/hot tub but never made it there. It's okay, I had room in my suitcase and it was available if I wanted it. Having a regular balcony room, as I did, you are not provided with robes. But you may be able to "rent" them. Don't know...

 

I had a large suitcase and my carry on. It is a personal preference but I would do it again that way. They both stored under my bed during the trip. It was worth it to me to have everything that I wanted. But I will also say that disembarkation was chaos. We had to leave our large bag outside our room the last night which I was a bit uncomfortable with but I just didn't put any valuables in it. I think they took it pretty quickly after I placed it there so it went to a secure area. Friday morning I got off the ship to find probably 7,000 suitcases. But I knew the number on my tag and was able to find it quickly. Even though it seemed like chaos to me, I think RCI knew what they were doing and my luggage made it where it needed to be.

 

Smoking is not allowed on the balconies. It is allowed in the casino and a certain area on the promenade deck. I believe the casino is open 24 hours for people who need to go there to smoke though the casino itself is not open 24 hours for gambling. You should not tolerate having to share your balcony with a smoker (on the other side of the wall). If it happens, call security and they will handle it immediately. They took this seriously. I felt bad reporting my neighbor but they were only given a warning with knowledge they would be fined the next time. I was good with that.

Thank you so much for all your advice. Especially glad to hear about the pillows and the dress code. It isn't that we mind taking a larger suitcase but we are probably riding with another couple from our roll call and so space might be at a minimum in the taxi. I think we can make it into 3 carry on pieces -- one of which we will check on the plane.

And ... really happy to hear they responded quickly to smoking complaints. We usually sail on Princess and Celebrity and just haven't really encountered a lot of smoking issues on those lines.

Tinerbellcgy -- thanks for the info on the robes. I guess I never even thought about them not providing these in the rooms ... I don't think I will have one that fits in my luggage so will just request one and see if they will bring one. My DH doesn't use one all that often so I am sure one will be sufficient. If they don't bring one, it will still be ok. Looking forward to our roll call meeting. Just starting to take notes on where and when everything is to take place now that we are back at home for a couple of weeks.

We will be on the Explorer next Sept for the Pacific Northwest cruise. Looking forward to any reviews of this cruise. What excursions are people taking?

Thanks for your review. My husband and I will also be on the Sept 23 sailing! Getting close now.