Live on Explorer

[flyerbrp]

Just boarded Explorer of the Seas. Sailing at 4pm. Fresh out of dry dock. We were on her in January for her last cruise before her visit to Spain. 
She is especially clean and certainly refreshed. We are in a junior suite which is lovely. Carpet is freshly cleaned and walls washed. Doesn’t appear much was changed on The Promenade.

Lunch was in the Windjammer. Usual fare. Food was typical buffet but good. They were carving beef which was good.

Boarding was efficient and quick. No lines which is surprising because the ship is full. 15 minutes from drop off to onboard. We arrived to the port early and there was no issues with boarding before our reservation time. My only complaint is that the ship is packed but hey as a stockholder I like that. Hopefully by tomorrow everyone will get into a groove and things will settle down. Muster was very quick as was Zoom set up. 

We are Diamond Plus and Casino Prime. Casino is not open but an early visit to an empty casino shows some new machines. And at this point we have not visited the Diamond Lounge but we will later. 
The sliding board is installed and looks like fun. As time allows I will offer updates. 2 sea days and then Bonaire. Bon Voyage. 

[soremekun]

Was it a quick check in and walk right on board process due to arriving after noon?

Edited March 18, 2023 by soremekun

[flyerbrp]

We actually boarded at 10:30am. 

[voyager70]

Thank you for sharing your experience. We’re onboard for the ABC islands next month 😁

[sara mom]

Can you tell me if they have the paper straws still?   We board April 1st and started packing today.  Not sure if we should pack our metal ones this trip.  TY

[SteelCityCruiser10]

Love explorer and glad she has finally gotten some love.  We were on her the sailing before you in January - 2nd to last sailing prior to refurbishing.  

[flyerbrp]

Dinner tonight in MDR was fine. A little slow with service particularly drinks but first day jitters is to expected. Prime Ribs was good. Decent portion. My wife had the strip steak and she said it was good. We ordered 2 appetizers each, crab cakes and salad. No issues. Desserts were good too. Casino luck tonight so I have a little working capital for tomorrow. Diamond Lounge was a tad crowded but no issues. Good happy hour food and drinks. So far the ride is smooth and enjoyable. PS we were late leaving Miami. About 90 minutes apparently due to a paperwork snafu. Captain said no impact on arrival to Bonaire on time. A day at sea is worth more than a day on land anytime. 

[Ashland]

9 hours ago, sara mom said:

Can you tell me if they have the paper straws still?   We board April 1st and started packing today.  Not sure if we should pack our metal ones this trip.  TY

I believe RCI now uses the biodegradable "Strawfish" brand. So far we've had them on the last 5 ships we've sailed on.

[flyerbrp]

Picture of the straw on Explorer. Plastic but biodegradable. 

[flyerbrp]

Second day on board this amazing lady. Sailed through an awesome thunderstorm last night. Watched the lightning show from our balcony. Impressive. Sunny and warm today at sea. Breakfast and lunch was fine in the MDR. Did the Taste of the Caribbean rum tasting. Emanuel and Made did a fabulous presentation.

Formal night tonight for dinner. And a stage show after. 50’s and 60’s in the Schooner Bar as well. More later. 

[SteelCityCruiser10]

How’s the wi fi?  

[flyerbrp]

Second day on board this amazing lady. Sailed through an awesome thunderstorm last night. Watched the lightning show from our balcony. Impressive. Sunny and warm today at sea. Breakfast and lunch was fine in the MDR. Did the Taste of the Caribbean rum tasting. Emanuel and Made did a fabulous presentation. 
Wifi has been difficult. So far that is my only disappointment. Bought a 1 device for the entire cruise. WiFi keeps going on and off. 

Formal night tonight for dinner. And a stage show after. 50’s and 60’s in the Schooner Bar as well. More later. 

[flyerbrp]

WiFi is on and off. A little struggle. 

[SteelCityCruiser10]

37 minutes ago, flyerbrp said:

WiFi is on and off. A little struggle. 

It was troublesome for me at times too.  If i was ion my balcony - forget it.  Wi fi non existent.  

[Mango Tango]

We were on Explorer for the last two cruises before dry dock.  What did they do to the pool deck area, if anything?

[flyerbrp]

WiFi is on and off. A little struggle. 

At the  Top Tier event. Great band. Some housekeeping items to share on subjects discussed on the forum

1 No issues on ordering multiple appetizers, meals, or desserts. Eat until you can’t eat anymore. We are enjoying all of favorites. Food has been fine. Tenderloin last night was great. 
 

2. Our room attendant stated the room attention is once a day unless in a junior suite or higher (we are junior suite). He comes in once In morning and once at night. 
 

3. Diamond Suite has been great and fully functioning. Food was good. 
 

4. Captain explained the dry dock. Mini golf was ungraded, slides installed, many cabins were upgraded with new curtains and bedding. More to be done next year. Many plumbing items replaced. Pool upgrades. 
 

So time to get to the sun. Casino later which has treated us well. Bonaire tomorrow. Need to visit Next Cruise and Casino Royale to book our favorite ship in Europe. 

[flyerbrp]

The wind is really blowing. Over 20 knots. Explorer is rocking a little. Choppy seas but still better to be on the ocean than not. 
 

Disco dance lesson poolside to get us ready for tonight’s Disco Fever on The Promenade. Tonight’s stage show is Two Funny Guys. Saw them last month. They are funny. Food continues to be fine. Service has been good. Casino decided to be mean today. Hopefully it is in a better mood tonight. Happy sailing. 

[poocher]

We sailed her in a JS in October.  Has anything been done about the filthy glass & rust on the balcony?  I love sitting on my balcony but not on that cruise!

[proposal]

11 minutes ago, poocher said:

We sailed her in a JS in October.  Has anything been done about the filthy glass & rust on the balcony?  I love sitting on my balcony but not on that cruise!

I've had this on a few ships.   I really think some of it just has to do with the elements.   The windows get washed frequently, however the splashing salt water doesn't shop.  The harsh environment just eats at the metal and paint leaving signs of rust.  Having the quick turn around after each voyage doesn't lend itself to treating each inch of the ship all the time, and if they said to everyone stay off your balcony for 6 hours while we power wash the ship in port people would complain.   

[SteelCityCruiser10]

Did they finally replace that one pane of class in Dizzy’s that was totally fogged over?  That looked horrible.

[poocher]

17 minutes ago, proposal said:

I've had this on a few ships.   I really think some of it just has to do with the elements.   The windows get washed frequently, however the splashing salt water doesn't shop.  The harsh environment just eats at the metal and paint leaving signs of rust.  Having the quick turn around after each voyage doesn't lend itself to treating each inch of the ship all the time, and if they said to everyone stay off your balcony for 6 hours while we power wash the ship in port people would complain.   

Also hated that the glass was tinted.  Why would you do that??  I had to stand up to see the real blue ocean.  It’s not like the glass was a sun shield at maybe 3 feet high.  Made no sense to me.

[Boz575]

36 minutes ago, poocher said:

Also hated that the glass was tinted.  Why would you do that??  I had to stand up to see the real blue ocean.  It’s not like the glass was a sun shield at maybe 3 feet high.  Made no sense to me.

It may sound silly but I wonder if they tint that glass so you know it is open at the top. I believe they do that on the pool deck so you know when a window is open. If I recall correctly, that was brought up with that unfortunate San Juan incident. 

[poocher]

The pool area is entirely enclosed in tinted glass with windows that can be opened.  I understand the point there.  But I’ve never seen a balcony enclosed that way on any ship I’ve sailed.  It’s always set up as a rail.  And the newer ships don’t have tinting, at least Harmony and Mariner did not.

[Boz575]

I agree with you @poocher but it was the only thing I could think of. 

[b&wcruiser]

Do you know if the sauna is still there?