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Live from the Explorer - February 16, 2014

cruiserking

By cruiserking,
in Royal Caribbean International

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cruiserking

cruiserking

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Thank's for that report,, 21 day's to go till we can get there for our 10 day cruise. Who is the concierge on the ship now? Thanks and have a great cruise.

 

Hello Fishbonz,

 

Denzil is the current concierge and he is a real polished professional. He has taken care of all my concerns with dexterity. The concierge lounge for the suites is really terrific bonus, it's a lovely place to relax and read, grab a cappuccino, but, they could use another staff member in there to assist with passengers. I have waited sometimes ten or fifteen minutes to have a request taken care of.

 

Thank You Doublet and CntPatCruiser for your kind comments, I love to write especially cruise ship travelogues. Thanks also Knotsforcruising, Crewsingchick,, Barb Nahoumi and Denise5374 and We had a wonderful Cruise Critic Meet & Mingle at the Maharaja's Lounge. Royal Caribbean really does it up right, it was hosted by Andre one of the entertainment staff who awarded many of us with prizes after our coupon tickets were picked. I won a lovely Royal Caribbean wallet (for all of my Casino winnings) and some $50 of free internet.

 

We have a wonderful, warm and friendly bunch of Cruise Critics aboard on the voyage and we descended on the Casino Royale for our Slot Pull. We flirted with some tantalizing Wheel of Fortune spins a couple a hair off from $1000. CC Member Vacationsrock Whoop Whooped her way to some big money spins and Xavier1 has a banner day with a $50 play. We decided to let it ride and walked without any money but, some great new friendships forged and new pals we'll look forward to seeing around the ship. Honorable mention to the Fuderwhacking King Treatingmyself who brought much mirth and merriment to the proceedings.

 

If you're a reader definitely bring a book aboard. The Library aboard is inviting but, has mostly bare shelves, it's a shame.

 

We are sold on Royal Caribbean, we love the ship she is truly a jewel. There have been a myriad of photographs posted to this board and as beautiful as some of them are none do this glorious vessel justice. Explorer of the Seas radiates and shines. From the Royal Promenade, to the sweeping centrum, the vast pool deck, the themed and colorful artwork adorning each deck and the soaring mobile on deck 5. You are all in for a marvelous treat, this is a special ship and we really love her and Royal Caribbean too.

 

Jonathan

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knots4crewzing

knots4crewzing

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Hi Jonathan,:)

 

Thank you!! for taking the time out of your vacation to share your adventure on the Explorer.

 

We have been on the Explorer a number of times(never ever get tired of her) and always love to see new reviews.

 

Can't wait till May until it's our turn:D

Have a great time and thanks again

 

Liz:)

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akunick1

akunick1

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We have been on the Explorer many times and we agree with all that it is truly a wonderful ship. You review so far is great!. We will be cruising with 6 others on the 3/21/2014 cruise and cannot wait. They are all going to love the Explorer. Your review is making us want to go even more. Thanks, keep up the great review.

:):p;):D:cool:

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Irene7

Irene7

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Have you found the movie theater yet. It is on deck 2 and is called the screening room. Your writing is just wonderful, like I was reading a book. Just curious, are you a novelist?

 

Anyway, keep it coming. So excited about our Oct Bermuda Cruise on EOS!:D

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cruiserking

cruiserking

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Have you found the movie theater yet. It is on deck 2 and is called the screening room. Your writing is just wonderful, like I was reading a book. Just curious, are you a novelist?

 

Anyway, keep it coming. So excited about our Oct Bermuda Cruise on EOS!:D

 

The Screening Room, that's it will have to seek it out. 50 First Dates is today's movie, so not much incentive, yet. Thank you for your kind comments. I'm not a novelist I wrote for several newspapers on Long Island and just enjoy it.

 

Thank You as well PattyG12 and Cage Keeper it's so nice to hear.

 

At lunch today at the Di Gamma Dining Room I heard from my tablemate that this particular cruise is the most booked ever in the history of Explorer of the Seas. It's hard to imagine a ship 14 years old hasn't been sold out to this extent before.

 

Well, I must say despite the enormous amount of people on board there is still a very good passenger flow. It's not surprsising that there are a bevy of children aboard 1,300 according to our assistant waiter.

 

The riccotta and spinach gnochi was zesty and delicious. For dessert I ordered a meringue roulade but, after a double-take of a chocolate hazelnut cake that hovered over my right shoulder on a waiter's tray, I changed my order. This lovely soft chocolate cake had a subtle, light creamy peanut butter frosting and blackberry jam in between punctuated by thin, delicate chocolate sticks, delicious.

 

If your a bread fan, the dinner rolls on this ship are worth writing home about. We're big fans of the cheese rolls and the pumpkin seed roll gained high marks from a friendly Russian woman we met at lunch.

 

Still a chill in the air, mostly overcast with some intermittent sun breaking through once in a while. After we sat down to lunch, through the giant oval port hole behind us we saw a couple of giant copters flying toward us. They were apparently bound for a large aircraft carrier stationed somewhere nearby.

 

Another little quibble it's a shame there is not a staff member here in the internet lounge to help passengers figure out how to get online. Once again Denzil the Concierge went out of his way and left the lounge to help me set up my account yesterday, but, there really should be someone nearby to assist.

 

Formal Night tonight and I already have my eye on the chilled banana soup with rum. We're off to Universal Studios tomorrow via a shuttle from the ship. I did a ton of research and hope to hit both parks particularly Islands of Adventure home to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. We want to explore Hogwarts,drinke some Butter Beer and see if this park lives up to the accolades it has garnered.

 

Also hoping to take a run on the Revenge of the Mummy roller coaster. This is an all-day affair so I won't have a chance to post till late tomorrow, but, I will report in later tonight following tonight's formal and deliver scoop and the finery afloat.

 

I know all the Royal Caribbean faithful are ecstatic to see Quantum arrive this year but, I will be sorry to see Explorer leave, she is a classic. Do you all really think Quantum will remain home ported in New Jersey for the long haul?

 

I remember a few seasons ago Celebrity's new Silhouette debuted in New Jersey and was supposed to remain there but, after only one season was shipped elsewhere. I wonder if the same fate will befall Quantum, if she'll just wet everyone's appetite on the East Coast and RCCL will remove her in favor of an older Voyager or Radiance Class ship.

 

Jonathan

Edited by cruiserking
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cage keeper

cage keeper

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You will love Universal. the Mummy is the best coaster. Just love it.

 

Silhouette was a big disappointment. We bought the future cruise when we were in Alaska with the plan of sailing her out of NJ. She moved before we got the chance. Still have that cruise credit. Booked on Summit but will most likely cancel it.

 

Can't wait to hear about formal night.

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Clarea

Clarea

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What can you tell us about the cruise director and activites manager? I believe we are on the last sailing before Leigh and Erky return, but know nothing about this guy...

It was my understanding that Erky left the company to pursue his pilot career.

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Tony O

Tony O

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It was my understanding that Erky left the company to pursue his pilot career.

 

Spoke with Erky on our December cruise. He stated he was going on vacation until April and then returning back to the ship.

His face book page still lists him as Assistant Cruise Director on Royal Caribbean

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Clarea

Clarea

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Spoke with Erky on our December cruise. He stated he was going on vacation until April and then returning back to the ship.

His face book page still lists him as Assistant Cruise Director on Royal Caribbean

That's good news! Perhaps I misunderstood him and he had one more contract before he left. Thanks for the info.

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cruzinlady1947

cruzinlady1947

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This is a great review. Really enjoying it. We have been on the Explorer at least 10 times (lost count), and will be on it for the last time in August to take our granddaughter on her graduation cruise. We had her on the Explorer when she was 12 and she loved it.

 

I really hate to see it leave Bayonne. I will miss her terribly. I hope to sail on the Quantum for our 50th anniversary in 2015. But, the prices are so high. We are used to getting such good deals on the Explorer. Plus, we don't have to fly. I guess we will be cruising more from Baltimore when the Explorer leaves NJ.

 

I hope you continue to enjoy your cruise. It is a great ship with a great crew. Enjoy the ice show. It's a must see.

 

Gwen :)

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crazybus

crazybus

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Jonathan, I was at Universal this time last year. I am not an avid fan of Harry Potter but the ride and the area are awesome!!!! Good luck to you, hitting both parks in one day is a lot. There is a lot to see in each park. Have fun!

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cruiserking

cruiserking

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What can you tell us about the cruise director and activites manager? I believe we are on the last sailing before Leigh and Erky return, but know nothing about this guy...

 

According to DianeMMHH one of the Cruise Critics aboard and veteran Explorer cruiser with ten voyages, Leigh the Cruise Director is very good with a great personality.

 

I have yet to really interact in any cruise activity beyond the Muster Drill so who knows. But, the Muster Drill was pretty painless and lasted all of five minutes once everyone was accounted for.

 

Jonathan

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cruiserking

cruiserking

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Jonathan, I was at Universal this time last year. I am not an avid fan of Harry Potter but the ride and the area are awesome!!!! Good luck to you, hitting both parks in one day is a lot. There is a lot to see in each park. Have fun!

 

Thanks Crazybus. I researched all of the rides and made a plan for the attractions we are most interested in, hopefully we'll hit all the highlights.

 

Thanks Candeegirl 001, we'll order another Strawberry Lava Flow and toast to you guys back East!

 

Jonathan

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PC2

PC2

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According to DianeMMHH one of the Cruise Critics aboard and veteran Explorer cruiser with ten voyages, Leigh the Cruise Director is very good with a great personality.

 

I have yet to really interact in any cruise activity beyond the Muster Drill so who knows. But, the Muster Drill was pretty painless and lasted all of five minutes once everyone was accounted for.

 

Jonathan

 

Jonathan: I am really enjoying your live reports. We are on the same cruise next month and were just on it last month with Diane & Steve AKA DianeMMHH. If you see them again tell them that Sandy & Lou say hello.

 

Enjoy your day tomorrow. We are going to do the Cape Canaveral tour.

 

Let us know how many formal nights there will be and if they will have a special dinner for suites in the WJ one night.

 

Thanks.

 

Sandy

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laseiber

laseiber

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See you there, Wife and I are sailing 23rd. as well. Was on the 10 day Caribbean cruise 12/02/13 and we hit a couple of storms. nothing too problematic, they postponed one of the ice shows as it was dangerous for the performers and we had white caps in the pools until they drained them. Apart from that it was all very nice.

I am taking a tux and a suit for the formal nights. on our last cruise there was a Japanese couple and she wore the kimono, which was very nice.

 

I will be on the Feb 23 Explorer cruise and I was on the 12/2/13 cruise as well. And the Japanese couple was on our Serenade cruise last month out of New Orleans. They are from California. They wore their kimonos for formal night on the Serenade as well. If you have never cruised the Serenade it is beautiful, and loved trying the specialty restaurants and the Park Cafe was great and the covered pool was really nice and warm. The passengers boarding from New Orleans were so different from those coming out of the New Jersey/New York area. Its only downfall is it doesn't have the free style coke machines so getting the soda package was not worth it.

 

Look forward to this review by a first time Royal cruiser.

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