Review~Explorer OTS to Bermuda~9/20/14

[VernRDH]

We just returned today from the 5 night sailing of Explorer from Bayonne to Bermuda. I will probably do a post for each day, please feel free to ask any questions and I will try to answer them.

 

First, a little background: travelling was myself (43) and DH (44). This is our 11th cruise (all with RCI) and we are Diamond C & A members. This was our first cruise in quite a while (2008???) that we were alone without our DD or other family and friends.

 

Our cabin was JS 1394, on the aft. More on that later:)

We had first seating dining on deck 3 in the Magellan dining room.

 

Saturday 9/20

 

We drove from our home in upstate NY to Bayonne. Traffic was light and we made good time. We found the signage around Port Liberty to be much improved from our last time here. We prepaid for parking ($95) and got into the terminal in about 15 minutes. There was a short wait to get through security and then we were on to the suite check in. Check in only took about 5 minutes, and then we waited in the lounge for the bus to take us to the ship, which was only about another 15 minutes.

 

Upon boarding, we headed to Windjammer for lunch and to purchase our Royal Replenish packages. For the two of us, it came to $218.50. We got the new souvenir cups, which we liked better than the old ones. Lunch was fine-selections were the same as usual IMO. After lunch, our first stop was Portofino to make a reservation for the next night, which we did with little difficulty. Then we headed for the Magellan dining room to check out our table. We had hoped we would have a two-top, but found ourselves at a table for 6. We spoke with the maitre'd about getting our table changed, and he told us he would let us know if something came available.

 

At 1:30 we were able to get to our cabin. We have done an aft balcony before (on Legend) and a JS before (on Sovereign) but this room blew us away with all the space! And the balcony had 3 loungers, a small table and 2 chairs with room to spare. Our stateroom attendant was Lola from Jamaica and she was the best! I found that my key did not unlock the door and went down to Guest Services to get another. While I was gone, DH got a surprise when the connecting door from 1392 opened and a lady poked her head in! We asked Lola to fix that right away and it was taken care of. Our luggage was already at the cabin when we arrived, so we unpacked before heading to muster drill. We also signed up for the unlimited internet for 2 devices, and there was a Diamond coupon for 25% off. After muster, we headed up to deck 12 for sailaway. Going under the Verrazano Bridge is a sight to see.

 

I don't remember what the name of the dinner menu was, but I remember what I ate. DH and I both had prime rib, which was good. Our waiter Rocque was from India, as was our assistant waiter Rostan. Rostan was superb, keeping the Coke's coming and filling any requests. Our tablemates were a young couple from Long Island on their honeymoon, Tim and Carly. We thought we would be the only ones at the table, but lo and behold 45 minutes into service another couple showed up. They were not terribly friendly and did not seem to enjoy the meal at all (they never returned-they told Rocque there wasn't enough Indian food on the menu:confused:). After dinner, we headed back to the cabin to change and then head out to the casino.

 

We spent a little time in the casino, and broke even. (which is just as good as winning) Before heading off to bed we stopped at Cafe Promenade for some cookies and to fill our Coke cups. The ship was starting to rock a bit, but we didn't mind as we were really tired and looking forward to a good nights sleep. We did sit out on the balcony for a bit, as we found that was the best place to get the wifi to work. We hung our room service order on the door and went to sleep.

 

Tomorrow: a day at sea.

[SpekiTrout]

Great review so far .. looking fwd to tomorrow's edition. Thank you !

[VernRDH]

Sunday 9/21-Sea Day

 

We awoke when the phone rang letting us know our breakfast was on the way. Upon opening the curtains to the balcony, we were disappointed to see gray and gloomy skies and rain. Lots of rain. But one of the benefits of the aft balcony we had was the bulkhead above that sheltered us from the rain and allowed us to eat on the balcony and keep dry. We took our time getting going and headed to the solarium for some chairs under the upper deck after I stopped at Cafe Promenade for my Starbucks fix. The three gentlemen there-Nathaniel, Sachin and Joseph were terrific and fun! With the Royal Replenish you can have any size beverage, so naturally I got the venti (plus its what I normally get anyway:rolleyes:) We each had a book to read and we settled near the hot tub on the port side so that we could go in as we wished.

 

We lasted a few hours-the weather was just too gloomy:(. So we decided to change and head to the main dining room for lunch. We were seated with two couples travelling together on a B2B, who were D+ (and close to Pinnacle) and two other ladies. Service and food were good-as usual I did the Tutti Salad and DH had the steak sandwich. After lunch, the rocking and a full tummy made me very sleepy, so we went back to the cabin and I took a nice nap. Tonight was formal night, but we were headed to Portofino. By now, the ship was really rocking and the bags were out in the hallway for those who had the need. (I am very prone to motion sickness, but DH and I both use the Scopalomine patches, and had no trouble whatsoever)

 

We were seated quickly at Portofino and Andre from Jamaica took good care of us. I look forward to this meal every time we sail, mostly for the appetizer and dessert! I had the carpaccio (which is fantastic) the ossobucco-just as I remembered it. DH had the cesar salad and the T-bone. For dessert we both had the tartufo, which is probably one of the most decadent dessert I have ever had. All in all, the $50 plus the extra $10 tip was money well spent. The restaurant was only about half full as many had cancelled due to motion sickness.

 

Another evening in "Mommy's Playground" aka the casino. Tonight would be a good night for me, coming out ahead by $50. We also did some shopping in the logo store for DD and I spotted a watch that I was interested in.

 

More cookies and filling of the coke cups, then off to bed. Tomorrow-Bermuda day 1.

[VernRDH]

Monday 9/22-Day 1 in Bermuda

 

Again we were awakened by the phone letting us know breakfast was on the way. We had lost an hour of sleep, as we put the clocks forward one hour that night so we would be on Bermuda time. The skies were still overcast with some rain. We were hoping that it would pass as we had booked a transfer to Horseshoe Bay for the afternoon.

 

Following breakfast on the balcony, we headed down to deck 1 to disembark. Our plan was to walk around Kings Wharf for a bit, then return to the ship for lunch before heading out for our excursion. It was still raining a bit, but we were not deterred. We headed to the Glassworks to see the handblown glass items. How beautiful! There was also a rum cake factory there, and we would visit them again. We wandered over to the Clocktower Mall, browsing in the many shops. We also found a craft market and arts center, and picked out some things that DD might be interested in.

 

Back on board, we headed to WJ for lunch-again nothing special but enough. We grabbed our beach gear and headed to the pier to meet the excursion group. We booked the Horseshoe Bay transfer when we had gotten onboard, and at $33.75pp it may seem expensive just to get to the beach. But the nice thing was we were on a private minibus and were given a ticket to come back. IMO it was worth it.

 

We have been to some really great beaches, but DH and I agreed that Horseshoe Bay was by far the most beautiful beach we have seen. Since the weather had been stormy, the waves were fabulous for body surfing, which we did a lot of. The sand was gorgeous as was the color of the water. We walked down the beach a way (to the left) and found a small cove where the waves would get trapped by the rocky walls and the body surfing was even better. The rock formations were really neat too. Heading back the other way, we noticed a large rock formation that people were on top of. Upon further investigation, there was a foot path that let you climb to the top. It was a bit scary but the view was worth it. To the right of that was a small, protected cove with shallow calm water and many families with little ones were camped out there.

 

We got back to our towels to find our tablemates had set up camp right next to us! We chatted for a bit and before we knew it we had to pack up to catch the van back to the ship. We got back with just enough time to shower and change for dinner. We figured the youngsters would not be back for dinner, but were surprised to find a new couple at the table. Tom and Lanie were from Deleware and very nice. We enjoyed their company very much. I really wasn't feeling anything on the menu that night, so I asked for (and received) a chicken cesar salad for my entree. I did have the roasted garlic soup, one of my faves. DH had the lasagna and said it was fantastic. I had the sticky bread pudding for dessert and DH had creme brulee. Service continued to be fantastic, especially from our assistant waiter Rostan.

 

Another trip to the casino was on tap, and this night would be one of the best. We play roulette and enjoy a fun table. We sat with a young couple who were doing pretty well. We had a lot of fun, and left up $175.

 

Once more a trip to Cafe promenade for cookies and cokes. Tomorrow-Bermuda day 2 and a trip to Hamilton.

[thewebbys]

I know you didn't go to dining room on formal night but did you notice if they still had lobster tails on the menu?

[gaylemh]

I'll be on Explorer on the 4th. How was the entertainment in the lounges? (Schooner, Pub and Viking)

[QueensChick]

Subscribing.

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience.

 

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I927 using Tapatalk 2

[JemzRoo]

I know you didn't go to dining room on formal night but did you notice if they still had lobster tails on the menu?

 

I was on Explorer 9/6 and I do not recall there being lobster tail on formal night.

[kkfw1994]

Lobster is usually Tuesday night, departure day from Bermuda

[VernRDH]

Lobster is usually Tuesday night, departure day from Bermuda

 

That would be correct-lobster was on Tuesday night. I will admit that since I am allergic to shellfish, I don't pay as much attention to those offerings.

 

Gaylemh-I cannot tell you about the entertainment in the lounges as we really didn't go to any of them. We got drinks at the Schooner bar and there was a guitarist while we were there who seemed okay. Never even went up to Viking Crown lounge. And I don't remember seeing anything in the pub, but again I wasn't really looking.

 

Off to grocery shop and get more laundry done-will continue the review later.

[njmomof2]

Enjoying your review.

 

Funny that the original couple left and didn't come back, telling the waiter that there were not enough Indian offerings. I sailed on Freedom the last week of August and all you have to do is ask the waiter, he'll bring over the section head and he'll make the arrangements. I had Indian every night of our cruise.

 

Our section head was especially eager for me to have the vegetarian selection on the last night. It was something that they had not served previously during the week. Well, our server inadvertently picked up the meat selection, which was a chicken curry that I'd had earlier on. When our section head came over and realized the error, he wanted to rush off and get me the vegetarian Indian choice. I begged him not to, since I had eaten too much already, and there was simply no more room.

 

I love Indian, and since I don't often get it at home, I love to have it on cruises. Too bad this couple didn't think to really ask about it. Oh, well, their loss.

[thewebbys]

Thanks for the replies. My teen DD only joins us for dinner on lobster night. Sometime just have to get her one to go.

 

Gaylemh-Got this from another posting might help. Might help you on your cruise.

 

The following entertainment is currently scheduled for the October 18, 2014 sailing of the Explorer of the Seas:

 

Theater Shows:

Wild, Cool & Swingin’

Invitation to Dance

Fast Forward

 

Ice Shows:

Spirits of the Seasons, The Ice Spectacular

BLADES! The Ice Challenge

 

Parades:

Sail Away

Royalpallooza

 

The Explorer of the Seas will also feature:

Blaze of Glory - Tribute Act

Michele Balan – Comedian

Wally B - Schooner Bar Entertainer

Cat Wells - Pub Guitarist

Steve Shaffer - Comedian

[SnappyNappi]

I'll be on Explorer on the 4th. How was the entertainment in the lounges? (Schooner, Pub and Viking)

gaylemh,

Great minds think alike... I was checking out this review preparing for our trip on the 4th. :)

 

[SnappyNappi]

Veronica,

Really enjoying your review. I am with Gaylemh on the next Explorer 5-night to Bermuda on October 4th... Thank you for taking the time to write up your experience.

 

We LOVE the glassworks and rum factory across the dockyard. Kids are already begging us to bring back the Chocolate Rum Cake. :)

 

We are really looking forward to taking out turn next week.

[thewebbys]

One more question:

 

Are the drink vouchers working on the Explorer? Some post said that Explorer was having computer problem and voucher where showing up on their seapass. Whould love to know, since EOS doesn't have a DL and DL events don't have anything we drink.

[Lady Hudson]

One more question:

 

Are the drink vouchers working on the Explorer? Some post said that Explorer was having computer problem and voucher where showing up on their seapass. Whould love to know, since EOS doesn't have a DL and DL events don't have anything we drink.

 

I was on this voyage as well and used the drink vouchers every night.

[VernRDH]

Enjoying your review.

 

Funny that the original couple left and didn't come back, telling the waiter that there were not enough Indian offerings. I sailed on Freedom the last week of August and all you have to do is ask the waiter, he'll bring over the section head and he'll make the arrangements. I had Indian every night of our cruise.

 

Our section head was especially eager for me to have the vegetarian selection on the last night. It was something that they had not served previously during the week. Well, our server inadvertently picked up the meat selection, which was a chicken curry that I'd had earlier on. When our section head came over and realized the error, he wanted to rush off and get me the vegetarian Indian choice. I begged him not to, since I had eaten too much already, and there was simply no more room.

 

I love Indian, and since I don't often get it at home, I love to have it on cruises. Too bad this couple didn't think to really ask about it. Oh, well, their loss.

 

Janet -I didn't mention it, but the couple was Indian, as were BOTH of our waiters and head waiter. I don't know that they considered asking for something else, as I know from past experience that they will usually accomodate if they can. DH thinks they were mad at us because we all had beef on the first night:confused::eek:

[VernRDH]

One more question:

 

Are the drink vouchers working on the Explorer? Some post said that Explorer was having computer problem and voucher where showing up on their seapass. Whould love to know, since EOS doesn't have a DL and DL events don't have anything we drink.

 

Can't tell you (but I see Lady Hudson did) since we do not drink alcohol and only had virgin frozen drinks with the Royal Replenish package. But there was a card in the cabin telling you what you could get with the vouchers.

[VernRDH]

Tuesday 9/23-Bermuda Day 2

 

Finally a gorgeous day!! But it was a bit on the humid side. We really didn't have much planned for the day except going to Hamilton to check it out. There were a few items we were looking to buy (a ring for DD and a Secret Santa gift for my office).

 

We did WJ for breakfast so we could have something different from the room service menu. No problems with finding enough to eat or seating. DH did the fresh squeezed OJ every day with the drink package, and he loved that.

 

We opted for the ferry token as opposed to the transportation pass-we didn't see the value in $15 each vs $8 each for two trips on the ferry. The ferry ride was really lovely and we met a nice British couple on the way over. The houses are pretty with all the colors and we took a lot of pictures. We got to Hamilton just before 10am so we wandered a bit as many of the shops do not open until 10. I expected to see tons of men wearing the Bermuda shorts outfits, but was disappointed. But we went to a mens store where there were more pairs of shorts than I had ever seen in my lifetime! They also had nice ladies wear, and the prices were reasonable.

 

I stopped into the jewelry store and found the watch I had seen on ship. It was the same price, but only 25% off as compared to the 35% off on ship. We really didn't find what we were looking for, though we did buy a beach towel of the Bermudian flag for my niece. It was getting hotter and more humid, so we opted to take the ferry back to the Dockyard.

 

We went back to the Glassworks to get a pair of earrings for my work gift and a rum cake for my brother. And we went back to the craft market to buy a ring for my daughter that we had seen the day before. We got to meet the woman who makes them, she uses the pink beach sand in her pieces. It is definitely unique and DD truly loves it.

 

Back on board, we changed and hit the pool, which would be the only time we would go in. Since we hadn't had lunch, we decided to hit up Johnny Rockets for a bite. This was one of the most fun experiences we have had there. Our waiter was Jess from Philly (Philly-penes!) and he was cute and fun. We didn't want to eat too much, so we decided to split a burger. Jess convinced us to have the Rocket double, since then it was just like having a whole burger each LOL. (I only ate one of the half patties of my burger). He kept our drinks filled and did a great magic trick at the end. Lots of jokes and good service.

 

Dinner tonight was the lobster tail and the prime rib again. DH and I both did the prime rib again, and I will say it was better the second time. With my shellfish allergy (which I got late in life, after having acquired a taste for shrimp, scallops and lobster), there weren't always a lot of choices that appealed to me. I did not starve, mind you, but wised there would have been other fish choices besides the salmon.

 

Another trip to the casino, and this was the worst night. We started with Alex (who had been my lucky charm before) but his shift ended after a little bit and we got a female dealer. She just sucked the life right out of the table! We lost our money pretty quickly and called it a night.

 

Tomorrow-our last sea day :(

[VernRDH]

Wednesday 9/24-At Sea

 

Woke up again to gloomy clouds. The ship was already rocking a bit, and it seemed like we were really moving along. We decided to head right up to the Solarium to get some chairs in the hopes that the weather would clear and we could swim.

 

Once we staked out our spot, we grabbed a bite from Windjammer and I got my coffee fix. We had our books and were okay with relaxing and reading. The weather did not improve, and there seemed to be more movement as the day went on. Lunch time rolled around and we went back to Windjammer for another meal. Choices were okay, nothing spectacular, but again we didn't starve.

 

Back to the Solarium, and I decided I would take a nap. Now you know that moment when you are <thisclose> to going into a deep sleep? Well I was there when the Autism on the Seas and Downs Syndrome kids all came through the solarium hooting and hollering. Glad they were having a good time, but alas, no nap for me.

 

By 3 o'clock we decided the pool was not the place to be, so we headed down to the cabin to start packing. That only took a few minutes, so we went down to the Promenade to check on DH's watch and see if mine was still there. I had bought DH a beautiful Citizen Eco-Drive last year on Freedom and he had brought it to wear to dinner, but it stopped working. Prasana in the jewelry shop said they could put it under a special light to get it to recharge. My watch was still there, and DH bought it for me. Back to the cabin to dress for our last dinner on board.

 

Our honeymoon couple tablemates came last to dinner-both of them looking absolutely green! The motion (plus the partying the night before:rolleyes:) were doing them in. I would have stayed in the cabin, but they were troopers and managed pretty well. The selections for tonight were my least favorite, and we ended up having the fish and mash-which is supposed to come with shrimp and scallops also. We explained to Rocque that neither of us could have the shellfish and he made sure that our request was taken care of. My favorite part of this last night meal is the dessert-key lime pie.;) We said our goodbyes to our tablemates and our wait staff.

 

One last trip to the casino (see a pattern here???) It was kind of quiet, and the only roulette table open had the female dealer who had killed us the night before. We hemmed and hawed about sitting down to play, but figured her break would come up eventually and we would get a different dealer. There was an older gentleman playing and he was winning. So we just kept betting whatever he bet. It worked. And shortly thereafter, we got a new dealer named Carlos, who was fantastic. We played for about an hour and left with $200. A good night.

 

No cookies and cokes tonight-I had already packed the cups!

 

Tomorrow-debarkation and random thoughts

[VernRDH]

Thursday 9/25-Back to Bayonne:(

 

We woke up about 5 am and could see some lights. The forecast for Bayonne was rain-and lots of it. Oh joy.

 

We got dressed and ready after a while and checked and double checked and triple checked the cabin to make sure we had packed everything. We wanted to head up to WJ to say goodbye to Rostan, but we could not find him. Back to the cabin to get the luggage (we did self debark) and say our final good bye to the magnificent Lola. We went down to the Promenade for me the get one last mocha from my three amigos, and I gave them each a little something for their taking such care of me all week. We decided to hit the dining room for breakfast and it was just fine. Once we finished eating, we headed to deck four to wait and we only waited about 20 minutes before we could head down to get off the ship. Since we were in a early group, we got on the bus and through customs in about 20 minutes. We were in the car and on the road by 8:45am.

 

So, DH and I talked about where this cruise "rated" for us, this being our 11th cruise. Well the weather was yuck, but no one controls that. Bermuda was okay, Horseshoe Bay was what made it for us. Would we do it again, yes if the price was right.

 

The cabin-O.M.G. We totally loved this cabin. Yes the walk is long, but the space and balcony made it totally worth it. I would book it again in a heartbeat.

 

The service-Lola and Jess got my WOW cards. They really were top notch. Our waiter was fine, but the assistant Rostan was superb. He kept us floating in Cokes everynight and was friendly and personable. He will make a good waiter(hopefully soon!) We did deal with Guest Services a few times and were treated very well. Shore Excursions staff was meh, but we knew what we wanted. Prasana at the jewelry store was nice in fixing DH's watch for no charge. Nathaniel, Sachin and Joseph at Cafe Promenade remembered me every day and my order and made my coffee to perfection.

 

Now bar service was another story. Bar waiters on the pool deck were practically non existent, and the virgin drinks at the pool bar and solarium bar were so-so. The best drinks we had were in the Schooner Bar made by Aston, who made a pineapple daiquiri special for DH. With the Replenish package, all the drinks were free, but I did tip extra those who gave us good service. The only bad incident with the package was at the pool bar, when the bartender Randolph tried to a) charge me $8.05 EACH for two virgin daiquiris and then b) try to tell me virgin drinks weren't on the replenish package. When I confronted him, he voided the charges but kept arguing the point.

 

We felt the Royal Replenish package was worth it for us, as we didn't feel guilty about ordering drinks and the fresh squeezed OJ and coffee. We only got bottled water once, when we went to the beach. We plan to get this package again next year.

 

Diamond benefits-I miss the coupon books:( There was a list of "coupons" in the cabin, and we tried to take advantage of as many as we could. We did the internet (more on that next) and got the 25% off. We used the coupon in the logo store for a few items and got the free photos (we only wanted one, so as a surprise, we got one for our honeymooning friends) We did not use the vouchers for the drinks and didn't attend any of the events.

 

Internet-we got the unlimited 2 device package ($129) as both DH and I had our tablets. I mainly used mine for email home to DD and DH had to check in with work. Wifi was spotty, and we found the best place to use it was on the balcony. Perhaps when EOS goes in for dry dock they will improve it.

 

Entertainment-we did not attend any of the shows, as we have seen them before. The ice show was cancelled on Sunday due to the weather, but those who saw it later said it was good. We did see a trio in the aquarium bar outside the casino and they were fine as was the guitarist we heard for a few minutes while waiting for drinks in the Schooner Bar.

 

Other passengers-not a lot of kids or twenty-somethings, mostly couples our age and older, some families. There was a large group of Indian folks, the two weddings, and a couple family reunion type groups. We saw The Autism on the Seas and Downs Syndrome groups sporadically, but they looked like they were really enjoying themselves, especially the moms and dads:)

 

Food-well I didn't starve, and I tried very hard to not overeat. Nothing I ate was bad, but there were only one or two things that were really WOW for me. But food is so subjective, so that is only my opinion.

 

This cruise was more about us disconnecting from the stress at home and reconnecting with each other. We relaxed, read, took naps and did nothing. And sometimes that is a great vacation. Our next adventure is a port intensive trip with friends, so this was a well deserved break.

 

I am happy to answer any questions, and I hope you enjoyed reading my review.

[prc]

Excellent recap V.

 

Miss sailing with y'all. :D

Edited September 27, 2014 by prc

[VernRDH]

Excellent recap V.

 

Miss sailing with y'all. :D

 

Miss sailing with you too prc. Sure you don't want to tag along with us and Bob and Tina next year on Jewel??

 

PS. Nestle has new morsels for cookies, I have begun experimenting :D

[prc]

COOKIES!!!!

 

Thinking about Jewel, it would be a blast! Would be great to see everyone again. Need to get thru Freedom next month, and I may have something planned in February, so we'll see!