Brief Review: Explorer 6/24/10

[subtchr]

We were on the 5-day right before this cruise, and my only comment to add was that we had a very different opinion of the Windjammer - we loved it! Not that every single thing was great, but there is SO much offered, we always found something delicious.

 

I had one of my best lunches of the cruise on the last sea day in the Windjammer - a made-to-order noodle stir fry with lots of veggies and shrimp. We also enjoy the afternoon snacks offered, especially the nachos with guacamole.

 

For breakfast, I love the oatmeal and bran muffins, and usually have an omelet sometime during a cruise.

 

Just wanted to provide another opinion...

 

Sue

[cv322]

Bottom line for those who live in the North East: It beats having to fly down to Florida to go on a cruise.

 

I couldn't agree more. Have cruised out of NYC all but 3 times and am so looking forward to my first RCI cruise next spring. Closer to home is very appealing to me.

 

With regard to wear & tear on a ship...I cruised on the old NCL Majesty a few years ago, and it was ironic to read the negative post-cruise comments posted about the ship's condition. People were moaning about everything for heaven's sake. There were negative reviews about the pitching & rolling, about the tiny buffet, about the fact that there was only one alternative restaurant on board, about the very small pool, and on & on. I had noticed a few rusty spots in the inside of the cabin window (no balconies on that ship) and that's about it.

 

But if people had done their research they would have known this was a very small & very old ship. The crew did a fabulous job keeping the ship clean and in as fine a shape as was humanly possible.

[crisndeefromde]

We can always hope that each and every opportunity we have to take a break from the real world that it will be perfect. Most of my cruises have been perfect. My last one was far from it. I survived and I can laugh about it now but I sure couldn't then nor the people I was with. The food was great though...And to the poster who wants her balcony varnished.....trust me...they are working on them...morning noon and night as the saying goes.

 

 

 

But I sure love my Explorer of the Seas and her crew!

[Guest maddycat]

We've sailed on the Explorer 3 times. We're sailing on her again in October. While on board we plan on booking a cruise for April 2011. The Explorer is one of our favorite ships. The crew is wonderful. They're so helpful and friendly. The ship is always spotless. We enjoy the MDR and love the Windjammer. The Cafe Promenade is wonderful for people watching.

[Sugar*Magnolia]

We were on this sailing as well. This was our 5th or more time on Explorer. We're in our 40s, the kids are 17.5 and almost 22 yrs old. We had a balcony hump cabin AND a PR cabin. We were welcomed back by familair faces which makes stepping on Explorer, for us, like Going Home! We dont have a long schlep to get to cape liberty and we have a driver drive us there. It is a luxury vacation for us, but we have noticed many changes.

 

We also expect to see a ship "loved", but there was definite wear and tear that should not exist with proper maintainance. We were on Deck 8 hump cabin and the balcony was in horrible disrepair, peeling in dozens+ of spots and the paint would transfer to your clothing or skin (ewww). The railings are in desperate need of a drink of varnish. The furniture in cabin, primarily the couch and chair fabric was imbedded with so much apparent to the eye dirt we covered them with towels just to sit down. Our stateroom attendant never removed them, so she must be aware this is a problem. The buttons on the tv remote control and the safe are rubbed off. The public areas looked fine with the exception of some wear and tear that is expected with 3,500++ pax coming and going 365days a year. Many stools in the casino are blatantly fraying and need to be recovered, but most public areas are 'ok'.

 

The Crew and Staff continue to be TOP NOTCH in service. Portofino, as always surpasses all expectations, enough said, it cant get better, altho Simeon was not there to serve and entertain us as usual. The new menu is fine, but I think I liked the old one just a tad better. Our MDR wait staff, Rebecca and Shane were exceptional in every way we expect. They knew our names, likes, dislikes; they carried on conversation when appropriate, they were quick to fold a napkin or to push in your chair, eager to approach when they sensed something might not have been perfect with your food, really, kudos to the crew and staff. WJ breakfast food was the same every day. We stuck to freshly made omelets/eggs, toasted something (bagel, WW, english muffin. Dont attempt the bagel unless you get it toasted). Summer 07 the bacon was unrecognizable, this time it was good. lol. We went to JR's for lunch on the rainy day- it was JR's, lol, we only eat it on board for fun. It was good. The best lunch is in the MDR. If you can find some time to break away from sunning, have a HAPPY SALAD. I think it is the greatest thing on board today! The WJ food to me is just okay. I wouldnt write home about it :cool:. Same for the WJ dinner. We enjoy the MDR, but night one we stopped into WJ and enjoyed some vidalia onion tart pre-MDR dinner. Subsequent nights we stopped into WJ (to say hello to Marcelo, to have a quick appy snack), there were NO appetizers. We just dont get it :cool:? Also, I recall linens on the tables for dinner in WJ, they seemed to have done away with this as well. DH was very disappointed that during breakfast the staff seemed to be more concerned about turning tables then about offerring you coffee or juice in Windjammer. In the MDR we were flanked by some very interesting tables to our left and to our right.

 

Entertainment= excellent. Jimmy Rhodes did a good job as CD. Yes, if you dont like Seattle Best Coffee (I dont), you will not enjoy the coffee (no big deal to me though). My kids cabin attendant took the WRONG bag of laundry, it was unmarked and they ruined something of hers, I was NOT happy, still not happy, but they did give us a token credit to replace it. (we did not tip him, but thats ok b/c DH tipped everyone else on board that I literally had to stop him) We were VERY disappointed that even EXPERIENCED Ice Skaters and skating adults had to wear a HELMET, this ia new since we were on Explorer (2 yrs ago). Why sign a waiver if they insist you wear a helmet? My kids did NOT skate and as a parent I was disappointed for them. Sin ce the May 22nd sail they put NEW carpet in the Game Room and added 3 Skee Ball games (DD was on the 5/22 so she knew what was new).

 

They had a surprise Deck Buffet BBQ at noon on the day we were in OSJ, I am not sure if it was in the Compass or not. They also had a Promenade buffet for Canada Day, not announced in the Cruise Compass, so a word to folks who dont listen to the announcements; if you want to be in the know, listen to them.

 

Chair Hogs..should I post the picture? Day 2, 8am, large man holding 10 lounge chairs, not one person shows up until well after NOON. Funny thing is, as mush as I was pi$$ed off, the loungers werent even in a sunny spot (just a desirable location). The principal of it irked me so, that I just had to mention it. Why oh why do folks do this? It shows you lack any charachter whatsoever.

 

Let me stick in here that embarkation and debarkation were swift and smooth. We arrived and were on board in 30 minutes. Priority check in was the longer of the lines as there were MANY repeat cruisers.

 

We didnt use the Diamond lounge, we dont drink wine and figured why bother? (did we miss anything?) We still love our Aquarium bar for comfort. We;re not sure why but we do enjoy sitting at that bar. We didnt go to Schooner this time <pout>, I guess it was our 2007 crowd that made sing alongs at the piano soooo much fun.

 

You can purchase your transportations pass for Bermuda on board before you arrive if you know that you want a day pass or 2 day pass (if there longer). If not they only take CASH for the ferry/bus pass when you disembark at Kings Wharf. We took the #7 bus and got off at Jobsons Cover which was BEAUTIFUL and had stairs to walk down to the beach. We stayed 30 minutes then took the bus another stop to Horseshoe (where everyone goes), it is beautiful and had amenities. We dared to attempt to walk the beach further to Warwick Long Bay- whoever tells you that you can, had to climb and walk over 10' boulders and rock formations (one of the life guards came a-looking so I guess it isnt a good idea), well at least we tried. We took the water taxi in St Maarten to Great bay and visited with the folks of the Firehouse and Beach Boy jet skit Rentals, Tell them their good friends from NJ with the blow up tubes sent you. They will take very good care of you. 4 chairs 2 umbrellas for $24 for the day. Some got them for $20 at a location closer to where the water taxi docks. We rented Jet ski's $55 for 35 minutes paying CASH. If you want to use your CC it is $60 for 35 minutes. They charged us $10 less the second time around. We drank pain killers all day. :D At last minute we changed our plans for St Thomas. I got sun burned day 2 and day 3 (even with sun block), so by St Thomas I knew we wouldnt be able to do the beach in the AM, then find the oldest Synagogue in the US and then go (& enjoy lunch and shopping). I eliminated the beach. I never thought I would do this on St Thomas, but knowing in 6 mos we'll be back made it easy. We climbed the hill in 95 degrees to the temple and surprisingly really really enjoyed our time there! Then we strolled the jewelry shops. I wont get into the cosmic story of walking into a shop unknowining that it was the shop I was refrred to be a good friend here in the states that does bizz with them... DH bought me a GORGEOUS diamond bracelet. We had lunch at a place called Gladys, it was very good. OSJ is OSJ, we find nothing great about it. We walked to the outlets, shopped in Burberry and Coach. Be leary of the D&B outlet and just know that their merchandise are "seconds" and something will be wrong with your bag. ie: it can be as insignificant as missing the pockets on the inside to more significant- the bag I was about to purchase, I noticed the leather handles were "off" and of different size. I asked her to take out all her stock of that bag and they were all alike. the D&B zebra patterned stuff all the black parts were discolored. I have Coach outlets here but still managed to buy there and not in D&B. DD got a beautiful Burberry jacket. Dont be fooled by the folks in OSJ offerring you a "Tour to the shops", you can easily walk it even if it is very hot (bring a washcloth with you). We stopped off at Barrachina, where the Pina Colada was invented in 1963- well, census says mine at home are better! haha But, in any event I am glad we finally had a pina colada there. Now I know Im not missing anything!

 

Oh! Here is a Bingo Tip: If you cant get the new fangled electronic ones, its your call. All the winners had the electronic devices that play for you...18 games per card!! (Instead of the 6 games per card on the paper ones) Also, I dont know why, but Jackpots are A LOT smaller than we recall! Are cheaper people cruising these days? LOL Come on folks, in Dec 07 the jackpot was up to $20K, this time is was $6K. (we didnt play on our 2008 cruise).

 

OP: sorry I took up your space, but I just got on a roll. Should I post this elsewhere too? Feedback appreciated and all questions answered. :)

[cruisinunlimited]

cruisedivanj: We also enjoy the Aquarium Bar, had great bartenders on our cruise last October. By chance, do you remember the bartenders name on the cruise you just returned from?

 

Karen

[Sugar*Magnolia]

cruisedivanj: We also enjoy the Aquarium Bar, had great bartenders on our cruise last October. By chance, do you remember the bartenders name on the cruise you just returned from?

 

Karen

 

I sure do, his name is Hill. St. Hill, but call him "Hill". LOL

Daniel is also at Aquarium. I just took pics with them but havent had time to post them anywhere yet.

 

Christopher was at Weekend Warrior. Derrick was at Crown & Kettle. I forgot who was up in Dizzys...

[marci22]

We also expect to see a ship "loved", but there was definite wear and tear that should not exist with proper maintainance. We were on Deck 8 hump cabin and the balcony was in horrible disrepair, peeling in dozens+ of spots and the paint would transfer to your clothing or skin (ewww). The railings are in desperate need of a drink of varnish. The furniture in cabin, primarily the couch and chair fabric was imbedded with so much apparent to the eye dirt we covered them with towels just to sit down. Our stateroom attendant never removed them, so she must be aware this is a problem. The buttons on the tv remote control and the safe are rubbed off. The public areas looked fine with the exception of some wear and tear that is expected with 3,500++ pax coming and going 365days a year. Many stools in the casino are blatantly fraying and need to be recovered, but most public areas are 'ok'.

 

We dared to attempt to walk the beach further to Warwick Long Bay- whoever tells you that you can, had to climb and walk over 10' boulders and rock formations (one of the life guards came a-looking so I guess it isnt a good idea), well at least we tried.OP: sorry I took up your space, but I just got on a roll. Should I post this elsewhere too? Feedback appreciated and all questions answered. :)

 

Oh my, to the first paragraph.

 

I think you should post your trail experience on the Bermuda boards; maybe one of the regulars will have some commentary regarding your experience. I was thinking of doing this also but I certainly don't want to be climbing over 10' boulders, I'll probably break something.

[Love and Joy]

We can always hope that each and every opportunity we have to take a break from the real world that it will be perfect. Most of my cruises have been perfect. My last one was far from it. I survived and I can laugh about it now but I sure couldn't then nor the people I was with. The food was great though...And to the poster who wants her balcony varnished.....trust me...they are working on them...morning noon and night as the saying goes.

 

 

 

But I sure love my Explorer of the Seas and her crew!

 

I am the one who made the comment that our balcony railings were in need of vanish and trust ME they were not doing any varnishing on the AFT balconies on the 9 night cruise i was on - apparently it hasnt been done in quite sometime.....to me the Explorer is such a beautiful ship and some varnish would make a big difference

[Love and Joy]

We were on this sailing as well. This was our 5th or more time on Explorer. We're in our 40s, the kids are 17.5 and almost 22 yrs old. We had a balcony hump cabin AND a PR cabin. We were welcomed back by familair faces which makes stepping on Explorer, for us, like Going Home! We dont have a long schlep to get to cape liberty and we have a driver drive us there. It is a luxury vacation for us, but we have noticed many changes.

 

We also expect to see a ship "loved", but there was definite wear and tear that should not exist with proper maintainance. We were on Deck 8 hump cabin and the balcony was in horrible disrepair, peeling in dozens+ of spots and the paint would transfer to your clothing or skin (ewww). The railings are in desperate need of a drink of varnish. The furniture in cabin, primarily the couch and chair fabric was imbedded with so much apparent to the eye dirt we covered them with towels just to sit down. Our stateroom attendant never removed them, so she must be aware this is a problem. The buttons on the tv remote control and the safe are rubbed off. The public areas looked fine with the exception of some wear and tear that is expected with 3,500++ pax coming and going 365days a year. Many stools in the casino are blatantly fraying and need to be recovered, but most public areas are 'ok'.

 

The Crew and Staff continue to be TOP NOTCH in service. Portofino, as always surpasses all expectations, enough said, it cant get better, altho Simeon was not there to serve and entertain us as usual. The new menu is fine, but I think I liked the old one just a tad better. Our MDR wait staff, Rebecca and Shane were exceptional in every way we expect. They knew our names, likes, dislikes; they carried on conversation when appropriate, they were quick to fold a napkin or to push in your chair, eager to approach when they sensed something might not have been perfect with your food, really, kudos to the crew and staff. WJ breakfast food was the same every day. We stuck to freshly made omelets/eggs, toasted something (bagel, WW, english muffin. Dont attempt the bagel unless you get it toasted). Summer 07 the bacon was unrecognizable, this time it was good. lol. We went to JR's for lunch on the rainy day- it was JR's, lol, we only eat it on board for fun. It was good. The best lunch is in the MDR. If you can find some time to break away from sunning, have a HAPPY SALAD. I think it is the greatest thing on board today! The WJ food to me is just okay. I wouldnt write home about it :cool:. Same for the WJ dinner. We enjoy the MDR, but night one we stopped into WJ and enjoyed some vidalia onion tart pre-MDR dinner. Subsequent nights we stopped into WJ (to say hello to Marcelo, to have a quick appy snack), there were NO appetizers. We just dont get it :cool:? Also, I recall linens on the tables for dinner in WJ, they seemed to have done away with this as well. DH was very disappointed that during breakfast the staff seemed to be more concerned about turning tables then about offerring you coffee or juice in Windjammer. In the MDR we were flanked by some very interesting tables to our left and to our right.

 

Entertainment= excellent. Jimmy Rhodes did a good job as CD. Yes, if you dont like Seattle Best Coffee (I dont), you will not enjoy the coffee (no big deal to me though). My kids cabin attendant took the WRONG bag of laundry, it was unmarked and they ruined something of hers, I was NOT happy, still not happy, but they did give us a token credit to replace it. (we did not tip him, but thats ok b/c DH tipped everyone else on board that I literally had to stop him) We were VERY disappointed that even EXPERIENCED Ice Skaters and skating adults had to wear a HELMET, this ia new since we were on Explorer (2 yrs ago). Why sign a waiver if they insist you wear a helmet? My kids did NOT skate and as a parent I was disappointed for them. Sin ce the May 22nd sail they put NEW carpet in the Game Room and added 3 Skee Ball games (DD was on the 5/22 so she knew what was new).

 

They had a surprise Deck Buffet BBQ at noon on the day we were in OSJ, I am not sure if it was in the Compass or not. They also had a Promenade buffet for Canada Day, not announced in the Cruise Compass, so a word to folks who dont listen to the announcements; if you want to be in the know, listen to them.

 

Chair Hogs..should I post the picture? Day 2, 8am, large man holding 10 lounge chairs, not one person shows up until well after NOON. Funny thing is, as mush as I was pi$$ed off, the loungers werent even in a sunny spot (just a desirable location). The principal of it irked me so, that I just had to mention it. Why oh why do folks do this? It shows you lack any charachter whatsoever.

 

Let me stick in here that embarkation and debarkation were swift and smooth. We arrived and were on board in 30 minutes. Priority check in was the longer of the lines as there were MANY repeat cruisers.

 

We didnt use the Diamond lounge, we dont drink wine and figured why bother? (did we miss anything?) We still love our Aquarium bar for comfort. We;re not sure why but we do enjoy sitting at that bar. We didnt go to Schooner this time <pout>, I guess it was our 2007 crowd that made sing alongs at the piano soooo much fun.

 

You can purchase your transportations pass for Bermuda on board before you arrive if you know that you want a day pass or 2 day pass (if there longer). If not they only take CASH for the ferry/bus pass when you disembark at Kings Wharf. We took the #7 bus and got off at Jobsons Cover which was BEAUTIFUL and had stairs to walk down to the beach. We stayed 30 minutes then took the bus another stop to Horseshoe (where everyone goes), it is beautiful and had amenities. We dared to attempt to walk the beach further to Warwick Long Bay- whoever tells you that you can, had to climb and walk over 10' boulders and rock formations (one of the life guards came a-looking so I guess it isnt a good idea), well at least we tried. We took the water taxi in St Maarten to Great bay and visited with the folks of the Firehouse and Beach Boy jet skit Rentals, Tell them their good friends from NJ with the blow up tubes sent you. They will take very good care of you. 4 chairs 2 umbrellas for $24 for the day. Some got them for $20 at a location closer to where the water taxi docks. We rented Jet ski's $55 for 35 minutes paying CASH. If you want to use your CC it is $60 for 35 minutes. They charged us $10 less the second time around. We drank pain killers all day. :D At last minute we changed our plans for St Thomas. I got sun burned day 2 and day 3 (even with sun block), so by St Thomas I knew we wouldnt be able to do the beach in the AM, then find the oldest Synagogue in the US and then go (& enjoy lunch and shopping). I eliminated the beach. I never thought I would do this on St Thomas, but knowing in 6 mos we'll be back made it easy. We climbed the hill in 95 degrees to the temple and surprisingly really really enjoyed our time there! Then we strolled the jewelry shops. I wont get into the cosmic story of walking into a shop unknowining that it was the shop I was refrred to be a good friend here in the states that does bizz with them... DH bought me a GORGEOUS diamond bracelet. We had lunch at a place called Gladys, it was very good. OSJ is OSJ, we find nothing great about it. We walked to the outlets, shopped in Burberry and Coach. Be leary of the D&B outlet and just know that their merchandise are "seconds" and something will be wrong with your bag. ie: it can be as insignificant as missing the pockets on the inside to more significant- the bag I was about to purchase, I noticed the leather handles were "off" and of different size. I asked her to take out all her stock of that bag and they were all alike. the D&B zebra patterned stuff all the black parts were discolored. I have Coach outlets here but still managed to buy there and not in D&B. DD got a beautiful Burberry jacket. Dont be fooled by the folks in OSJ offerring you a "Tour to the shops", you can easily walk it even if it is very hot (bring a washcloth with you). We stopped off at Barrachina, where the Pina Colada was invented in 1963- well, census says mine at home are better! haha But, in any event I am glad we finally had a pina colada there. Now I know Im not missing anything!

 

Oh! Here is a Bingo Tip: If you cant get the new fangled electronic ones, its your call. All the winners had the electronic devices that play for you...18 games per card!! (Instead of the 6 games per card on the paper ones) Also, I dont know why, but Jackpots are A LOT smaller than we recall! Are cheaper people cruising these days? LOL Come on folks, in Dec 07 the jackpot was up to $20K, this time is was $6K. (we didnt play on our 2008 cruise).

 

OP: sorry I took up your space, but I just got on a roll. Should I post this elsewhere too? Feedback appreciated and all questions answered. :)

 

your observations were spot on and i also did not sit on our loveseat unless i had a towel down and the same for the chairs on the balcony that could be used.

[PeggyMc]

cruisediva do you have to bring your own helmet to skate?

 

How did they end up doing the wrong laundry? Aren't the laundry bags specific ones just for that purpose? I feel sorry for the poor guy if he lost out on a whole weeks worth of tips for washing clothes left in the ships laundry bag. They work so hard.

[cruisinunlimited]

CruiseDivaNJ..glad to hear "hill" is still there, hopefully he will be there when we sail the end of October:)..

 

Karen

[Sugar*Magnolia]

Hey guys...here is my complete review:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=25084071&posted=1#post25084071

 

Much like what is posted here but with more details.

[Puffinater]

Nice to read the differing reviews. Good information provided. Thanks.

[Sugar*Magnolia]

cruisediva do you have to bring your own helmet to skate?

 

How did they end up doing the wrong laundry? Aren't the laundry bags specific ones just for that purpose? I feel sorry for the poor guy if he lost out on a whole weeks worth of tips for washing clothes left in the ships laundry bag. They work so hard.

 

You do not have to bring a helmet.

 

He knew he picked up the wrong bag when confronted. They provide a specific laundry bag and triplicate form to be filled out & attached. He took that one as well as the regular bag with handle that they provide for your take home laundry. One of the Front Desk Managers plus the Head of House Keeping plus the Laundry Master all agreed and were in our cabins immediately. His loss barely covered what was damaged in the laundry, the majority of staff do work very hard.

[torilyn]

What is MDR?

[subtchr]

What is MDR?

 

Main Dining Room