Explorer Review 1/7/07

[melsdt]

Cleo: The only theme nights I remember were 50's and Country. We didn't see the ice show. The times weren't convenient for our diner seating, but I guess if we really wanted to go we could have worked it out. The salsa and swing were both ou by the pool on sea days, but there were more advanced classes as well during the course of the week.

 

Turbo: The bedding was new and was soooo comfortable! If it wasn't for the amazing view in the window above, i would have had much difficulty getting out of it each morning! In regards to the bacardi factory, if you want to go there, do not bother using the excursion through RCI. It is super easy and cheap to get to. I think they charged nearly 40 bucks for the excursion, and it costs us less than 10 each to do it! Basically, depending on what pier number you dock it, you will go to pier number 2. We were at 3, so we just walked over one. You take the ferry to Catano for 50 cents. It comes pretty frequently. Then there will be cabs waiting to bring you to bacardi. The cab was about 7 minutes and cost 4 bucks. You get dropped off and go to booth, and they give you 2 free drink cards and ticket to tour. Tour is free. I believe the last tour is at 4 or 4:30 so get there before then. Also, another tip if you have time stop by the tourism center near the ship. They give you free drinks inside...YUM

[MrsKnuts2]

The Royal Carribean cocktail in the Champagne bar is delicious. if anyone kows how to make one let me know.

 

Royal Kir - Champagne and Chambord (sp?) gives it a slight Raspberry flavor. :D

[sunsetbeachgal]

Just back from the Mariner, and I echo your feelings 100% about smoking/smoke on the ship. The most annoying was the guy in the cabin next to us smoked on his balcony and of course it blew our way.

 

I know they won't go the route of non-smoking ships (we were told by a cruise director that smokers go to the casino and buy drinks more!) much as I would like to see them do this, but they must make an effort to segregate smokers to smoking cabins or floors and areas on the ship. I should not have to pay a premium for a balcony and then smell the smoke from the smoker next door all cruise. And the premenade sometimes smelled of smoke as they allowed smoking the pub.

[phantom728]

We did this itinerary back in '05 and it was great. We really loved Explorer and are looking forward to sailing on her again later this year.

 

We saw the ice show and enjoyed it, especially because that night we had rough water and was amazed that everyone landed their jumps. Depending on your dining time, depends on your show. We like the late seating and our ice show was on Fri before dinner.

 

They did have themed nights for dining. I can remember an italian night, captains dinner, caribbean night (which our DH's love to wear their caribbean shirts). Our waiter, Murat, was the best ever and we're hoping we see him again:) . He would let us know the night before what was happening the next night.

 

I don't remember seeing whether they had dance lessons on this ship, but know that they offered some on our last cruise aboard Legend.

 

I have my compasses, but not sure how accurate they are now since we sailed 2 years ago.

 

To all enjoy your trips...I'll be counting the days!

[grandsix]

Having a great time on the Explorer mirrors our 4 cruisess on this ship over the past 5 months.

[melsdt]

Mrssully: It's not the Royal Kir. It's actually called The Royal Cocktail and its has a pink roses flavor. Do you know that one?

[melsdt]

grandsix: four time in six months? Would you like to trade lives? We were actually thinking of taking her again out of bayonne next year. Do you get sick of being on the same ship ever?