All Things Explorer of the Seas! -- Part 2

[marci22]

I'm going to look into this Swizzle Inn place.

 

On a different note..critique my Bermuda plans everyone. Opinions, advice, tips, suggestions, warnings.. are welcome.

 

Day- I went to Horseshoe Bay the last time I went to Bermuda but this time I'm looking at either Warwick bay or Elbow Bay. I want to do the beaches the first day in the morning until about 1pm. I'll consider this swizzle place for lunch. and then go stroll around Hamilton and take the Ferry back to the ship and be "home" in time for dinner. Or maybe have a quick dinner at the windjammer and see the dockyard show. I missed it last time.

 

Day 2 we have the swim with the dolphins from 2:30-3pm. So that is going to be the last thing we do and be back on the ship around 3:30pm. We can have a lazy morning and explore the dockyard. Before this want to see the rum cake factory, glass blowing thing, and I figure we would go to the frog and onion for lunch.

 

Warwick Long Bay is a nice beach and usually much less crowded than Horseshoe. The only warning I have is tell the bus driver that's where you want to get off. We told the man boarding us and he made sure to tell the driver so I guess not many people get off at that stop.

http://www.bermuda4u.com/Attractions/bermuda_attractions_warwick_long_bay.html

 

We actually walked along the trails from Warwick Long to Horseshoe. We could tell we were getting near Horseshoe because we could hear the people on the beach. Only do this hike if it is not too hot out.

 

Frog and Onion has a happy hour from 1:30-3:30pm (and again later on) http://www.frogandonion.bm/promo___events

 

I forgot the interactive map, orginally posted by kewlguy http://bermuda.micromaps.com/

Edited June 20, 2011 by marci22

[Happiest mommy]

Booked our first cruise for Aug 2012 9 night me, DH and 2 lil girls who at the time will be 6 and 3 years old we have room 9620 is this a good room? have no idea what excursions if any to do with the girls:confused: or where to go, also when should we start looking into booking a spa want to surprise DH with a message(sp) all sugestions appreciated TIA

[dajulieness]

Booked our first cruise for Aug 2012 9 night me, DH and 2 lil girls who at the time will be 6 and 3 years old we have room 9620 is this a good room? have no idea what excursions if any to do with the girls:confused: or where to go, also when should we start looking into booking a spa want to surprise DH with a message(sp) all sugestions appreciated TIA

 

I strongly recommend the dolphin excursions. Its right by the ship, perfect for kids. Its pricey but worth every penny.

[mamaza]

Booked our first cruise for Aug 2012 9 night me, DH and 2 lil girls who at the time will be 6 and 3 years old we have room 9620 is this a good room? have no idea what excursions if any to do with the girls:confused: or where to go, also when should we start looking into booking a spa want to surprise DH with a message(sp) all sugestions appreciated TIA

RCI usually states that check back when 2 months out from sailing. We have a Dec 2011 cruise and some of the on board pre booking items have just started to open up (specialty rest, gift shop and MTD are a couple). So I'd start checking when your 5 - 6 months out. The worse that can happen is they tell you to wait - then check a few weeks later.

[Jonah315]

Booked our first cruise for Aug 2012 9 night me, DH and 2 lil girls who at the time will be 6 and 3 years old we have room 9620 is this a good room? have no idea what excursions if any to do with the girls:confused: or where to go, also when should we start looking into booking a spa want to surprise DH with a message(sp) all sugestions appreciated TIA

 

Go on the roll call for your cruise - they will give you great ideas on excursions, activities etc. Every port has a beach and I know when my 2 were that age just going to play in the sand was worth it. I brought cheap buckets and shovels which I could leave behind and let them have at it. We could then just enjoy the quiet and the sun. There are also great children's programs on board - go the first night and you will meet the staff and see the facilities. If your 3 year old is too young they have a play area for toddlers and babies with games, toys activities etc. The children's pool area is great too (though the slide was closed when we were last on it). Hope you enjoyed it.

 

Bob

[beachbuddy]

I just discovered that the ferry doesn't run to St. George on Saturday's. That changes a few things. We'd have to take ferry to Hamilton and then bus it to Crystal Caves.

I've got some research to do.

 

Hey,no problem doing it that way. We did the same thing last May. Rode the ferry to Hamilton and rode a bus to the caves. Walked to the corner afterwards and caught a bus back to Hamilton, switched buses and went to Horseshoe for the rest of the day. Buses run pretty often so it was no problem getting a bus back to the port from the beach.

 

Enjoy your cruise.....Bermuda is great!

 

Patty

[Happiest mommy]

thanks for the response the Dolphin excursion sounds awsome can a 3 year old participate? which port is that located? a beach day sounds really nice and relaxing will be taking pails thanks for the tip, we are limited as to what we can do because of the ages of our girls 6 and 3 at the time of cruise, would love to do a bit of shopping too anymore sugestions appreciated I am so excited DH didnt want to do a cruise but I really want to try it :D

[grazrock4]

Has anyone been on Explorer recently and noticed if they offered the beer coolers? Thanks!

[Mewissy]

Has anyone been on Explorer recently and noticed if they offered the beer coolers? Thanks!

 

As of the end of April they did not.

[njtom]

does anybody know if they have high chairs in the dining rooms for infants/babies ?

[yogimax]

does anybody know if they have high chairs in the dining rooms for infants/babies ?

 

I believe all RCCL ships offer this.

[jeanette191]

We will be sailing on The Explorer of the Seas and have read "You can get cash from the casino cashier, which is charged to your SeaPass card. It is charged as part of your total SeaPass bill, not as a cash advance and RCCL does not charge a fee. There is a limit of $2000 per day." Then read in another board that there is a 3% fee. Can anyone clear this up for me.

[demodawn]

3% fee but if you need the cash its much cheaper than the atm on the ship. We used it one time just to get money out and build up credits but I think a lot of people were doing it. If we have a big OBC we just eat the 3% and get our money

[Caleo]

We will be sailing on The Explorer of the Seas and have read "You can get cash from the casino cashier, which is charged to your SeaPass card. It is charged as part of your total SeaPass bill, not as a cash advance and RCCL does not charge a fee. There is a limit of $2000 per day." Then read in another board that there is a 3% fee. Can anyone clear this up for me.

 

On the Freedom last September they charged a 3% fee to your sea pass card. Not sure of the limit you're allowed to take out though...

[betta128]

Has anyone had breakfast in the MDR? Would you recommend it?

 

Sometimes (ok most of the time) the WJ is crazy and it would be nice to be in a more relaxed atmostphere.

 

Thanks

Liz

[raeofsun70]

Hello all....I have a quick question for you. This will be my second cruise out of Bayonne and had no problems with the first. We drive down and park in the parking that is offered. On some of the reviews I have read, they are saying that upon returning from there cruise there is over spray of paint on there cars? I was just wondering if this is truly the case and why would there be overspray? Is there any other places to park close to the port?

Debbie

[LovesCruising]

We will be sailing on The Explorer of the Seas and have read "You can get cash from the casino cashier, which is charged to your SeaPass card. It is charged as part of your total SeaPass bill, not as a cash advance and RCCL does not charge a fee. There is a limit of $2000 per day." Then read in another board that there is a 3% fee. Can anyone clear this up for me.

 

Normally there is a 3% fee charged for taking cash at the cage in the casino on your sea pass card. I do believe the limit is $2000 per day. However, on our Explorer cruise in March, if you gambled and accumulated a certain amount of points in the casino (slots) that fee was waived. I am sorry I cannot remember how many points you needed. I never paid a fee.

[138east]

Has anyone had breakfast in the MDR? Would you recommend it?

 

Sometimes (ok most of the time) the WJ is crazy and it would be nice to be in a more relaxed atmostphere.

 

Thanks

Liz

 

Love the MDR for breakfast - much more relaxing. Food seems fresher - it doesn't seem to come out of a steam tray. The menu is essentially the same as the WJ and they have a different special each day. You can order an omelette without waiting in line.

[beachbuddy]

Normally there is a 3% fee charged for taking cash at the cage in the casino on your sea pass card. I do believe the limit is $2000 per day. However, on our Explorer cruise in March, if you gambled and accumulated a certain amount of points in the casino (slots) that fee was waived. I am sorry I cannot remember how many points you needed. I never paid a fee.

 

Did you take money out at the cashier?? or at a table?? I think where you take it out makes a difference too.

[efields2]

Hello all....I have a quick question for you. This will be my second cruise out of Bayonne and had no problems with the first. We drive down and park in the parking that is offered. On some of the reviews I have read, they are saying that upon returning from there cruise there is over spray of paint on there cars? I was just wondering if this is truly the case and why would there be overspray? Is there any other places to park close to the port?

Debbie

 

Our May 26 cruise didn't have an issue with overspray but a few cruises before and after had issues. The overspray is coming from the drydock of other ships.

 

Given that the co. knows there's an issue and will cover all charges to get your car re-painted, we didn't worry about it. If you are concerned, buy a cheap car cover.

[red devil]

[bibbysnow]

We are sailing on Explorer 7/21/11. Last October when we sailed on Oasis you could buy the port and shopping guide and you could get a sticker on your sea pass card and with that sticker you could get the drink of the day, buy one get one free, no limit. Does anyone know if Explorer offers this?

[LovesCruising]

Did you take money out at the cashier?? or at a table?? I think where you take it out makes a difference too.

 

No, at the cashier, I only play slots. I had cash that I brought with me for the casino so I had already racked up a number of points. There was a time or two that I was too lazy to go back to the room to get cash to play so I got cash from the casino cage to play. I was not charged the 3% fee. Actually I had enough points at the end of the cruise to cash in for my husband to get a really nice royal caribbean golf shirt. I think the point is if they see you have active play you will not be charged the fee. If you are using them in place of the "ATM" - you will be charged.

Edited June 22, 2011 by LovesCruising

[HB Cruiser]

Did you take money out at the cashier?? or at a table?? I think where you take it out makes a difference too.

 

3% charge period, does not matter whether it is at a table or cashier.

 

Tim

[dajulieness]

thanks for the response the Dolphin excursion sounds awsome can a 3 year old participate? which port is that located? a beach day sounds really nice and relaxing will be taking pails thanks for the tip, we are limited as to what we can do because of the ages of our girls 6 and 3 at the time of cruise, would love to do a bit of shopping too anymore sugestions appreciated I am so excited DH didnt want to do a cruise but I really want to try it :D

 

Its in Bermuda. Not sure if your 9 night cruise is going there but definitely check it out if it is. You have to make reservations in advance though.

 

http://www.dolphinquest.com/ .. the program for 3 years old and older is called Discover Dolphins.