Just off the Explorer (2/10) - Review, News, and More!

[DJan07]

Good morning all,

 

My boyfriend and I just got off the Explorer this morning after an amazing cruise vacation!!! We're currently sitting in Newark Penn Station waiting for our bus back to Washington, D.C., and I'll be posting a full review (with photos) soon.

 

A bit of news: Xavier, the Hotel Director, shared that the Sunshine class ships have been named Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas. He said there is a real possibility that one of them will sail out of Bayonne, but nothing is official. A number of things would have to happen (perhaps dredging, a new terminal, etc.). Speaking of a new terminal, Xavier also told us that Royal Caribbean is currently in conversation with the Port Authority to built a proper terminal sooner than later rather than leasing the space.

 

That's all I can think of for now, but stay tuned!

 

Derek

[chellebells]

Good morning all,

 

My boyfriend and I just got off the Explorer this morning after an amazing cruise vacation!!! We're currently sitting in Newark Penn Station waiting for our bus back to Washington, D.C., and I'll be posting a full review (with photos) soon.

 

A bit of news: Xavier, the Hotel Director, shared that the Sunshine class ships have been named Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas. He said there is a real possibility that one of them will sail out of Bayonne, but nothing is official. A number of things would have to happen (perhaps dredging, a new terminal, etc.). Speaking of a new terminal, Xavier also told us that Royal Caribbean is currently in conversation with the Port Authority to built a proper terminal sooner than later rather than leasing the space.

 

That's all I can think of for now, but stay tuned!

 

Derek

Can't wait for the full review and pictures!

[Cruisin MarcnFran]

We sailed on the Explorer last fall and had a great vacation as well. I'm too lazy to write reviews but love reading them.

 

Welcome Home.

[RedDragon90]

Looking forward to your review...we are in the ship next Sunday...What time did you get on the ship?...What did you do in the ports?...What did you think of Coco cays?...How cold was it on board?...Thxs

[Polomom]

If you have cruise compasses can you post them? We are doing the same itinerary in march. Thanks!

[poodog]

Looking forward to your review

[luvfamvaca]

Looking forward to your review! We will be on Explorer in June!:D

[EMED2010]

Can't wait to read them. Just watched Explorer sail back out this evening on the webcam. Can't wait til I'm on her in two months!!!:D

[wurm914]

Can hardly wait for your review, 7 days till our cruise and I'm very excited for any and all info about the Explorer!

 

thanks for posting!

 

deb:D

[shelpt]

Taking the same itinerary the week of thanksgivng. I keep wondering how long it will take to be warm enough to lay out on the decks. Weve only ever cruised from florida, so that was never an issue. Where approx is the ship by the end of the 1st sea day? Can wait to hear all the details!

[Lionesss]

Eagerly awaiting your review.

You sound so excited even though you are off the ship.

Safe travels.

Sea ya

[KirkNC]

Thanks for the report!

[luckyprincess]

OMG I can't wait! I leave on the 24th!!!

[RedDragon90]

Thanks for the report!

 

Where is the report?

[chellebells]

Taking the same itinerary the week of thanksgivng. I keep wondering how long it will take to be warm enough to lay out on the decks. Weve only ever cruised from florida, so that was never an issue. Where approx is the ship by the end of the 1st sea day? Can wait to hear all the details!

 

We are on same cruise as you....have you joined the roll call?

[shelpt]

We are on same cruise as you....have you joined the roll call?

 

I havent yet. I checked it out and seems to be mostly people who know each other, discussing other topics. I figure I'll jump in when it gets a bit closer. This is our first RCI cruise, so Im eating up as much info as I can.

[Soon2Bmtnest]

Good morning all,

 

My boyfriend and I just got off the Explorer this morning after an amazing cruise vacation!!! We're currently sitting in Newark Penn Station waiting for our bus back to Washington, D.C., and I'll be posting a full review (with photos) soon.

 

A bit of news: Xavier, the Hotel Director, shared that the Sunshine class ships have been named Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas. He said there is a real possibility that one of them will sail out of Bayonne, but nothing is official. A number of things would have to happen (perhaps dredging, a new terminal, etc.). Speaking of a new terminal, Xavier also told us that Royal Caribbean is currently in conversation with the Port Authority to built a proper terminal sooner than later rather than leasing the space.

 

That's all I can think of for now, but stay tuned!

 

Derek

 

Any pictures? Are you posting review here or in review section? Any menus or daily compasses to share?

[RedDragon90]

I have a feeling this guy was never on the cruise

[BND]

I have a feeling this guy was never on the cruise

 

How about the fact that Life probably got in the way?

[DJan07]

My boyfriend and I had a WONDERFUL cruise on the Explorer of the Seas from February 1-10, 2013 from Bayonne, New Jersey to Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, Dominican Republic, and Haiti. I have been on CruiseCritic for several years, so I felt it prudent to share my experience, as I’ve read about the experiences of so many of you! Thanks for reading, and let me know if you have any questions! I apologize the delay, as catching up at work made this a very hectic week. I’ll be posting each day at a time, so stay tuned!

 

Best,

 

Derek

[DJan07]

Day 1

 

My boyfriend, Aaron, and I live in Washington, D.C., so we decided to take the 7:45am BoltBus from Union Station to Newark Penn Station and then take a taxi to Cape Liberty. This was a fairly easy trip, although we were delayed about 45 minutes and made it in to Newark at around 12:45pm. We hailed a taxi after collecting our luggage and made our way to the pier. While I had read that taxis cost between $35-$40 from Newark Penn Station to Cape Liberty, once we arrived, our taxi driver said the standard rate in “his book” was $48. Rather than arguing, we paid it. Unfortunately, the porter told us that we got gipped, and it was good we only gave him a $2 tip. I probably should have asked before we got in the taxi, but I was just too excited and hopped in. Lesson learned.

 

We arrived at Cape Liberty Cruise Terminal at about 1:30pm, and first reaction was, “Well, this is… interesting.” What I was a little bend out of shape about was that we had to wait outside in the 30 degree weather for about 20 minutes until moving to another line inside. Once we got inside, it was pretty dingy, and a few Royal Caribbean and Celebrity posters were slapped up on the wall. When we made our way into the actual terminal, the appearance was better, but still not “nice.” I certainly don’t expect marble floors and crystal chandeliers, but these conditions were a turn-off and a disappointing first impression. (While on the cruise, we learned about the future of RCI’s terminal at Cape Liberty, so stay tuned for more information on that.)At the end of the day, it’s more about getting on the ship and on vacation, right? Once we got on the ship at about 2:00pm, I was pleasantly surprised by the expediency. I haven’t read many good things about embarkation at Cape Liberty, but 30 minutes was just fine with me!

We quickly stopped by our cabin, Category N, Interior Stateroom 7347 and met our great stateroom attendant, Loyal. He seemed confused by the fact that we wanted the beds together, but no big deal. :) The room was in pretty good shape, minus a few worn/frayed spots on the bed and couch. Once I sanitized the room (with white gloves and all), Aaron and I went up to the Windjammer for some lunch. (I’ll share my thoughts on the food later.)

Post lunch, we made our final goodbye phone calls and texts and started the muster drill. Although it was a chilly afternoon, the 20 minute drill wasn’t too bad. Make sure to bring your coat, gloves, and scarf!

 

Aaron and I then went to the dining room to check on our assignment, as we had requested a two-person table at the late seating. We found our table number and had a table of six, so we stood in line and put our names on the fairly long waitlist for a table for two. I really felt for the dining room staff member that had to deal with the rude and demanding folks in front of us, so I was brief and courteous with my request. I/we have enjoyed the company of other folks at dinner on past cruises, but we just wanted to enjoy dinner by ourselves this time if possible. We spent the rest of the day inside exploring the ship, and as was suggested, we went to check right before dinner if a table for two had opened up, and to our surprise a table had opened up! I’d like to think that since we dealt with the same dining room staff member, our request was fulfilled because of my politeness, but who knows. :-P Anyway, we enjoyed a lovely dinner in the dining room and then went to bed after encountering some fairly rough seas.

[BND]

Um, from Newark to Cape Liberty, the standard fare is closer to $50. You didn't get gipped and I've never heard of anyone getting a ride for under $45. Of course we always use a car service instead of taxis. We've not heard good things about taxi drivers in Newark.

 

Also, the Bayonne terminal was damaged by Sandy. It used to have carpeting. We cruised 6 days after Sandy and they were still in cleanup/repair mode. Arriving at 1:30 is the reason you had to stand in a long line. We always get there by 11:15 and the lines are never that long.

 

I do have a question. Why not take Amtrak instead of the bus? It takes less time, is a lot more comfortable and isn't that much more.

[DJan07]

Day 2

 

As this being our first full day of “nothing to do” we slept until noon and then went to enjoy breakfast/ lunch in the Windjammer. Since it was still pretty chilly, we stayed inside and played Bananagrams and Farkle while having a few drinks, I played a few slots in the casino, etc. The seas were a little choppy in the morning, but by the late afternoon, we could hardly feel the movement. We then got ready for our first Formal Night and enjoyed a delicious meal. It was a great lazy day!

[DJan07]

Um, from Newark to Cape Liberty, the standard fare is closer to $50. You didn't get gipped and I've never heard of anyone getting a ride for under $45. Of course we always use a car service instead of taxis. We've not heard good things about taxi drivers in Newark.

 

Also, the Bayonne terminal was damaged by Sandy. It used to have carpeting. We cruised 6 days after Sandy and they were still in cleanup/repair mode. Arriving at 1:30 is the reason you had to stand in a long line. We always get there by 11:15 and the lines are never that long.

 

I do have a question. Why not take Amtrak instead of the bus? It takes less time, is a lot more comfortable and isn't that much more.

 

Good to know! I guess the taxi information online and from the porter wasn't as accurate as I thought. For Cape Liberty, the Sandy damages makes sense, but even if carpet was damaged and removed, I didn't get the sense that Royal Caribbean invested in a state of the art facility. (More on the Hotel Director's comments to come.)

 

I never cared about waiting in line at Cape Liberty since we got there at a peak time, but I did care about waiting in line outside in the dead of winter.

 

On BoltBus we paid $32 each versus roundtrip about $150 roundtrip on Amtrak. As I mentioned, we're young, non-profit professionals, so every dollar counts!

[DJan07]

I almost forgot to mention a few things, and was outside the 20 minutes for editing my post.

 

We went to the Spirit of the Seasons Ice Spectacular, which was wonderful! It was a little cheesy, but I loved it.

 

The Super Bowl was broadcast at Weekend Warrior and Studio B. The Johnny Rockets staff even came down to Studio B to take orders and deliver food. We just walked through (since the Steelers weren't playing), but the cruise staff did a great job.