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[CMM]

Is there any suggestions on seating for the shows in the theatre?

 

I was looking at a photo and it looks really big and thought maybe one floor or the other might be better for viewing the shows?

 

Thanks

[grandsix]

we were in a gs 1248 May of this year and no flat screen yet.

 

We are 55 and we like to dance and the last 12 nighter we did a few years ago the dancing was going on to wee hours of the night. We didn't have an older crowd during that cruise which was right after thanksgiving. it was the first 12 nighter the explorer did. Lots of partying, lots of UK people on board and we had an absolute blast. Other people don't make your cruise...you do......we had an awesome time and one of the reasons we continue to sail the same itineraries on the Explorer. We love the ship and love love love the crew....Portofinios rock!!

 

Just off the Explorer 9/11 and the nightly music throughout the ship was great. From the Disco to Latin to traditional, you can find all venues to dance to each evening.

[UandMe4Ever]

Does the Explorer have flat screen T.V.'s in all of the suites now after the drydock this year ?

Hi: We're leaving on the Explorer 11/7 and have cabin 8618 (Hump). If anyone has been in there recently, please let us know if they have a flat screen or anything interesting we'd need to know.

 

Thanks in advance.

 

Stay safe.

[Ocean Boy]

Is there any suggestions on seating for the shows in the theatre?

 

I was looking at a photo and it looks really big and thought maybe one floor or the other might be better for viewing the shows?

 

Thanks

 

I would suggest avoid going way off to the sides of the theatre. For some reason I find it very uncomfortable. Other than that both the main floor and the balcony are fine. The Voyager class theatres were designed quite well and there are very few obstructions to lines of sight.

[Bound4Bermuda]

Taking Explorer to Bermuda 10/23. Departing sail time is 5 pm and online check-in said boarding begins at 2 pm. However, I've seen people post that they've boarded 11 am or 12 pm. What's the earliest boarding time? Obviously I want to take full advantage of the first day--even if it will be docked. However, I don't want to risk entertaining three children at the port for hours if they won't let us on early. I should note, it's my first RCCL cruise--in case early boarding is for preferred members or something. Thanks!

[Salsa Dancer]

I'm booked Grand Suite for the holiday cruise from NYC, Dec 19, 2010. Two adults, two kids. Now I thinking of changing that to a 2 x D1 connecting cabins.

 

Here is how I see it.

 

Pros:

Save a bit over 2k.

Have kids nearby, yet have privacy at night.

 

Cons:

Losing access to concierge service.

 

What do you think I should do? Does it make sense to downgrade from Grand Suite and concierge for a privacy of a separate cabin? Not really concerned with cost, but still a good side benefit. Does concierge worth extra $2k the price difference?

 

My thoughts...We were in the same situation in '09 with our 21 yr. old daughter travelling with us. The price difference between our balcony and the grand suite was $800 more; so we jumped on that. We LOVED the suite but there was no privacy for hubby and wife, that's for sure. A nice heavy curtain to draw between our sleep area and her sofa pull-out but that was it. I liked the concierge lounge but overall, I would not let that be a deciding factor. We could have done the same things that the concierge provided, and when using a concierge, there is extra tipping involved. We felt pampered and spoiled with the Grand Suite because the bathroom was large and lovely compared to our E2 balcony cabin the first time around. My husband and daughter sucked in their breath when they first walked into the room and saw the bar, the bathroom, the living area and the large deck. For us it was well worth it and having the large bathroom would be better than having two tiny ones in my opinion. It felt luxurious!

 

How much do you want privacy for your vacation? That would be the determining factor in my opinion.

[Salsa Dancer]

Taking Explorer to Bermuda 10/23. Departing sail time is 5 pm and online check-in said boarding begins at 2 pm. However, I've seen people post that they've boarded 11 am or 12 pm. What's the earliest boarding time? Obviously I want to take full advantage of the first day--even if it will be docked. However, I don't want to risk entertaining three children at the port for hours if they won't let us on early. I should note, it's my first RCCL cruise--in case early boarding is for preferred members or something. Thanks!

 

My husband and I are booked for the same cruise and counting the days until the 23rd!

 

I've sailed ONCE before on Explorer and we boarded around 11:45 a.m. That was a cruise out of Miami back in '07. We plan on arriving about 11:30 and hope to again board around 11:45. I'd like to hear the opinion of others who have left from Bayonne, though.

[Salsa Dancer]

Looking to book cabin for the july 21 sailing of EOS. Still have option on what cabin to book. Any suggestions. Outside, Bal, and JS considered. Thanks

 

 

I would absolutely book a balcony, at the very least, if you can afford it. My husband and I booked an E2 balcony for our first cruise and we were hooked! We listened to the waves at night and loved the sound.

 

I've toured a Jr. Suite and thought they would be a great choice, as long as it is affordable to you. The E2 Deluxe Balcony was rather cramped for 2, but not a big deal to us. We will be in a D2 Superior balcony this time so we'll have something to compare to. I'd book the Jr. in a heartbeat, personally, but we wanted to save money on this trip. If there are more than 2 in your group, the Jr. would help with added elbow room and the closet is bigger.

 

If you go with a balcony, book deck 7 or higher. I've been told that deck 6 and lower have metal railings versus plexiglass. The plexiglass is nicer for viewing the ocean from your deck chairs. Speaking of which, I LOVED sitting there on the deck, in the sun, nibbling on a room service plate of salmon, baguette, grapes, nuts, and cheese, and sipping iced tea. That was a slice of heaven to me!!

 

Another consideration....if you have issues with motion sickness, the mid-ship cabins are more stable and a better choice. If motion sickness is no issue, many people LOVE the AFT cabins at the very back of the ship, for the larger balconies and the view.

[uk-ladies]

Can anyone please tell me if the ice rink is REAL ice?

[Ocean Boy]

Can anyone please tell me if the ice rink is REAL ice?

 

Yes it is.

[Educators2]

I posted this as a separate thread but perhaps someone here knows the answer. Do we have to bring headphones for the treadmills on Explorer?

Susan

[UandMe4Ever]

My thoughts...We were in the same situation in '09 with our 21 yr. old daughter travelling with us. The price difference between our balcony and the grand suite was $800 more; so we jumped on that. We LOVED the suite but there was no privacy for hubby and wife, that's for sure. A nice heavy curtain to draw between our sleep area and her sofa pull-out but that was it. I liked the concierge lounge but overall, I would not let that be a deciding factor. We could have done the same things that the concierge provided, and when using a concierge, there is extra tipping involved. We felt pampered and spoiled with the Grand Suite because the bathroom was large and lovely compared to our E2 balcony cabin the first time around. My husband and daughter sucked in their breath when they first walked into the room and saw the bar, the bathroom, the living area and the large deck. For us it was well worth it and having the large bathroom would be better than having two tiny ones in my opinion. It felt luxurious!

 

How much do you want privacy for your vacation? That would be the determining factor in my opinion.

If it were me with 2 kids, I would definitely take the 2 cabins, 2 bathrooms. Concierge service is not that fabulous when compared to PRIVACY at night. Besides, the kids don't benefit frm concierge. Lately, they haven't had anything exciting to snack in there with a free cocktail. If you can swing the 2 rooms, you can swing for the unfree cocktails in trade of some alone time w/ your spouse...It would be so worth it!!!! You could always lock the connecting door for a few minutes, and then leave them unlocked or open to hear the kiddies.

 

Whatever you choose have a wonderful time!!!!

 

Safe sails!

[uk-ladies]

Yes it is.

 

Thanks Ocean Boy :) just one another thing (sorry), the pools, are they salt water?

[Ocean Boy]

Thanks Ocean Boy :) just one another thing (sorry), the pools, are they salt water?

 

Yes.... and you never have to say sorry about asking a question. We are all here to ask and answer them.

[OceansMurmur]

Hi Karen: I think you'll love the Explorer! We'll be on it Nov. 7th for the 12 Nighter to So. Caribbean, which will include St.Thomas, St. Maarten, etc.

 

I will try to give you a few pointers, if I may:

 

There is a Solarium (Adults only) area on the ship. Quiet, Lovely, nice chairs, etc. There is a pool and a wonderful Hot tub. NO EXTRA CHARGE.

 

St. Thomas: Great for Jewelry Shopping and Beaches- Many. You can also take a little Ferry over to St. John - Just watch your time schedule not to miss the ship leaving!!!!

 

St. Maarten - We dock Dutch side. Interesting little stores. Nice Excursion (RCI) takes you to the French Side for a little while (by bus), then to Orient Beach for a nice BBQ lunch (sit at tables and order 1 of 3 main courses). Lovely! About $69. p/p. Best of both parts of St. Maaten. They take you back and forth by Bus. I think we'll do this again. (Last time we only did the one w/ Orient Beach and BBQ). For $10 p/p more, we get to ride the bus the the "French side", take pics, drink or so and look at the shops....

 

Bermuda: Our very very Island, although not in the Caribbean. Just came back from a cruise there. Get to a beautiful beach early day! You'll probably dock at the dockyard, so you'll need buses/ferry to go to Horshoe Beach. Watch your timing as to when the ship leaves. Or, you can ferry over to Hamilton and walk around. It's clean and beautiful!!!

 

Don't miss the Welcome Aboard Parade on the 1st Night on the Promonade..Very fun!

Also, the Ice Skating Shows (2) on a longer cruise! Excellent!

 

Shows will be your choice as to what you enjoy ~ Can't help there! The singers and dancers are pretty darn good and work very hard.

 

Casino is TOO much fun (Even though I lose). No smoking in there after 7:00 P.M. on Formal Nights, if that matters to you.

 

If I can help more, I'll be glad to. We've done the Eastern/Southern several times and never tire of them!

 

Safe sails always!

 

Would you happen to have any copies of the compasses for the 12 night So. Caribbean itinerary? If so.. would you be willing to post them?

[uk-ladies]

Yes.... and you never have to say sorry about asking a question. We are all here to ask and answer them.

 

You're very kind, thankyou.

[sailonH20]

Gamblers: Are there 'Let it Ride' tables on the Explorer?

[mom2NnB]

Can someone post the Compass for the 9-11 group and Teen group. Tried searching, but keep coming back empty. I know I saw them on CC before, maybe I'm not putting in the search words in the right order.

[mamapan]

Gamblers: Are there 'Let it Ride' tables on the Explorer?

 

 

There sure are!

[mamapan]

My husband and I are booked for the same cruise and counting the days until the 23rd!

 

I've sailed ONCE before on Explorer and we boarded around 11:45 a.m. That was a cruise out of Miami back in '07. We plan on arriving about 11:30 and hope to again board around 11:45. I'd like to hear the opinion of others who have left from Bayonne, though.

 

 

We usually arrive there at the pier around 12-1pm (we drive ourselves in) and we have always boarded with no problem. The lines haven't been too long and it's been very easy.

[familycruzer]

How much is the parking for the 5 night cruise? I know its $19 a day but do they make you pay for the day that you leave?

 

I was going to so a park sleep cruise package but I have will have a $75 my points gift card for a Marriott hotel so I am going to stay in Parsippany free and then park at the port.

 

If anyone is interested in the pricing I got for my date of June 17th, 2011

 

Hilton Garden on Staten Island was $178 for a package.

County Inn and Suites was $179 for a package.

Fairfield Inn at Newark Airport was $119 with only parking at hotel and no shuttle service.

[uk-ladies]

I'm not sure I'm posting this in the correct place so forgive my error if this is the case. We dock on the Explorer OTS at Cape Liberty, Bayonne and I need the exact location this ship will be at to book the car service, am I correct in understanding that it is .....

14 port terminal Boulevard, NJ 07002? or is there a more accurate location?

[femalenyc]

We're planning on going on the Explorer for the 6/23 cruise. I wanted to book 3 cabins on deck 2 aft but I'm wondering if Studio B in the middle blocks you from walking down the hallway to the front of the ship's elevators. I don't want to have to go up two floors, walk the length of the ship and then go down two floors to access the theater. Plus having access to only one set of elevators could mean alot of stairs for my MIL (who I think is going to have alot of problems with all the walking on the ship). Thanks!

[MedicKen]

I'm not sure I'm posting this in the correct place so forgive my error if this is the case. We dock on the Explorer OTS at Cape Liberty, Bayonne and I need the exact location this ship will be at to book the car service, am I correct in understanding that it is .....

14 port terminal Boulevard, NJ 07002? or is there a more accurate location?

That's the address I put into my GPS 10 days back to get to her and it worked. Also if it is a good car service, they should know where thay are going, but it always helps to have the address.

 

Enjoy your cruise on this wonderful ship.

 

Fair winds and following seas to you,

[Ocean Boy]

We're planning on going on the Explorer for the 6/23 cruise. I wanted to book 3 cabins on deck 2 aft but I'm wondering if Studio B in the middle blocks you from walking down the hallway to the front of the ship's elevators. I don't want to have to go up two floors, walk the length of the ship and then go down two floors to access the theater. Plus having access to only one set of elevators could mean alot of stairs for my MIL (who I think is going to have alot of problems with all the walking on the ship). Thanks!

 

See the answer that I gave you on the other Explorer thread as to reasons. Yes, from aft deck 2 you will have to go up to at least deck 4 to access the forward part of the ship and the theatre. Once on this deck you will walk through the Aquarium Bar, the casino, and the Schooner Bar. Deck 4 brings you to the balcony section of the theatre and going down to deck 3 is the main level of the theatre.