5 night Explorer 6/17-22

[Gypsea]

We just returned from Bermuda where we had a great visit. I'm not really a fan of the shorter cruises but this fit the families needs. Four adults in an "L" inside was a close fit but it was fun at night with everyone falling to sleep in the same room. Plus I liked knowing exactly where the two teens were before nodding off. We slept a bit too long with the cave-like atmosphere but that was nice since we were all up late every night!! If I were a lighter traveler there would have been no issue whatsoever but we managed with Joseph's diligent service to keep it livable in this small space. We had some towel animals each night too. These guys aim to please.

 

Normally I wouldn't book this room configuration but knowing it was a short trip and how long we'd be in it I thought it would be a great experiment (and bargain) thanks to RC's TA rate. Last year we sailed the Crown Princess nine night inaugural with a balcony and inside across the hall so this year we were conservative.

 

The ship itself, weather, food and service were top rate. Our entertainer the last night was a comedian that was just okay but Carl Banks, the first comedian on the first two nights was great. A juggler opened for them and he was very good. I didn't see the Vibology or the other S&D show so I can't comment.

 

Our waiter and assistant were so funny. Ace was really a cut-up and Nick knew he one-upped him but was gracious and grateful for him. We had a table for twelve which was pretty unusual but enjoyable. It was a great fit I thought. Out of so many you think you'd have at least one sour puss but everyone was excellent and we attended each night. I enjoyed the food and ate PLENTY to show my appreciation. Everyone at our table felt the same for the most part.

 

The Explorer had some of the hottest hot tubs out there so I indulged every night before dinner. The solarium is very nice and peaceful but I think the flooring tiles are really slippery. Be careful of the wet areas. I am a little surprised accidents are not more frequent here. I caught myself once or twice and was more careful after.

 

The ice show was a hit, the movies on board were okay, the pool parties were well attended I heard. I thought the pool band was sorta sad though. They can make or break the sailaway but people are enthusiastic. The only real complaint: there was no sail away or deck party when we left Bermuda. I expected something but it didn't happen even thought the band was playing..no staff appeared to get a party started. Still, I thought the ship, staff and service was quite good (a little sparse in places though that didn't affect my experience one bit).

 

We didn't take any ship excursions but went to Snorkel Park for the first day. The guys took a one hour jet ski tour. They loved it. The rate is $140 for a double, a single $115. It is not legal for you to rent a jet ski on your own. You have to go with a tour due to the liability laws in Bermuda. Snorkeling here is pretty good and convenient although the locals use Church Bay and think it is one of the nicest, quietest places to see the fish. There is so much to do in Bermuda I wish we had more time even though I have been five times now. I hate to leave. There is tons of stuff to do all over the island and the public transport is excellent.

 

A good time was had by all. If I remember anything else I'll come back to add it.

[sparlkes]

Thanks so much for sharing...we are going on the Explorer in July, and was glad to hear your review. Can you tell me what the set up is in Cape Liberty now? Do you drop your luggage and then go park? Then take a shuttle to check in? Our crew involves kids, so I want to make sure I know what to expect, so getting on the ship goes smoothly. Any other info is greatly appreciated!

[CRUIZINMOMMANJ]

We are leaving for hte same cruise on the first. Can you tell me when the formal night is...or how formal it truly was for a 5 day? Someone told me once they thought it was a lot more casual.

 

I HATE 5 days only on a crusie - and said I would never go less than 7 again, but here we are.

 

Do you have to get tickets for the ice show in advance? My 5 year old is really looking foreard to that.

 

Thanks!!

Kelly

[marci22]

Glad to hear the inside was ok for you. We had a GS booked and it was -so expensive- for 5 days I switched to 2 insides when there was a good deal. This will be our first time inside so will be interesting.

[Gypsea]

There is a place to drop off luggage. Then you walk back to the check-in area. After that everyone is shuttled to the ship. The time this is an issue is at the end because everyone is waiting. We didn't disembark till around 10:30 and we were not the last color called. Go to the pool deck if the weather is good and wait there. Otherwise, it would be a long boring wait inside. We hooked up with our dinner companions so we had more time to exchange email, business cards etc.

 

Formal night is the second night or first sea day. It ranged from casual to tux. Just don't go in shorts I guess. Admittedly I do not pay much attention. On casual night I am in a dress and heels. It's the only time I get to wear all my nice dressy dresses so I take advantage. I think if you are overdressed you don't usually feel funny but you could if you err the other way.

 

By the last sea days ice show it is not necessary to reserve ticks but to make the first showing I bet you would need to get them ahead. Make sure your child has long pants too so he/she can skate in there. It is required.

 

Somehow 5 days was okay this time but it doesmake for a short stay in Bermuda. I think no matter how long I am there I will not get enough of this island, it is so clean and there is tons to see and do.

 

As I said I wanted to take an inside because I often book them for people that can't afford more and I want to be able to say "they are fine". After all, you see the same shows, are served the same food, visit the same island(s). Truly, the staterooms are just as nice and since you have two you should be able to store all your things easily. Take another trip with your savings when you need to escape the winter. When you think of the time when it is dark, you are sleeping or in the bathroom there really isn't much need of a view or balcony. Of course, I am one that NEVER hangs out in the cabin. There is too much to do.

 

Cruisinmommanj: If you ever want to take a seven night Bermuda again get up to Boston. The NCL ship docks in St. George's for the entire visit and in fall the rates get quite low. Some people don't like this older ship but she is not so bad. I have rave reviews all the time from clients. Plus you can walk to two beaches from her. You can't do that in Hamilton or King's Wharf. They always have a re-enactment of a dunking in the square right in front of the ship weekdays at noon. Try to see that if you never have.

[toothy26]

Glad you had a great trip.

We will be doing this trip aug 08.

We are booked in a balcony cabin now(my husband, 14 y.o. tall son, and myself).

We like the idea of saving money by booking an inside. When you sadi 4 adults were two of them teens? how tall were they and did they stay in the upper berths?

[MrPete]

You are really whetting my appetite. We go soon, but I can't see my counter. I hope I remember!

[Gypsea]

My sixteen year old twin boys did stay in the upper berths. They are six feet tall. Everyone slept very well. The bedding config may not be the same in all the cabins so check with your agent. If the sofa opened up it would have been much harder for them then the upper bunks. We were lucky to have the upper berths because that sofa was buried for most of the trip. I cannot stress how well it went but of course my spoiled boys would utter "we are never sharing again". However, I think they had as good a time as could be expected and sharing did not diminish that in any way. Would we have liked a balcony or suite? Absolutely, but two days later it doesn't make a bit of difference. Remember, ten years (or so) ago we couldn't even get a balcony. Insides or oceanview were the only choices and they were good enough. I spent that money on jet ski's and mopeds instead and they had a ball!!!

[Jimbo]

Did the Elvis Group effect your enjoyment of this cruise? Did their group take over the ship? I don't believe your review every mentioned them?

 

Jimbo:)

[Gypsea]

Jimbo:

 

Not at all. I just remember one Elvis that sang with the piano man but maybe there were more.

[kingtns]

great review...I'm going 8-26...also swore I'd never take a short cruise but any length cruise is better than none!!

Does the ship dock over night? I don't think I'll be roaming Bermuda at night so if the ship is docked, what is there to do? Will the shows continue? Will the ship go out a few miles so the casino can open, I LOVE the night life on the ship & am afraid there won't be any if she stays in Bermuda overnight!

Thanks!!!:)

[kingtns]

can anyone answer my above question??

thank you:)

[gerif]

great review...I'm going 8-26...also swore I'd never take a short cruise but any length cruise is better than none!!

Does the ship dock over night? I don't think I'll be roaming Bermuda at night so if the ship is docked, what is there to do? Will the shows continue? Will the ship go out a few miles so the casino can open, I LOVE the night life on the ship & am afraid there won't be any if she stays in Bermuda overnight!

Thanks!!!:)

 

No casino that night - however, there is a dock festival with both local and ship entertainment. Also, the shops stay open late that night and there are booths set up with all kinds of things to buy. Last year, we enjoyed the entertainment, browsed the shops and then ended up in the local beer pub and had a great time chatting with the locals. I believe there was also a late-night pool party that night with entertainment and buffet as well.

[kingtns]

Thanks for the reply...sounds like a fun night...I'm sure I can live w/o the casino for 1 night...lol

[franncos]

Did you bring any wine on board? Please advise if you did, did they charge you a corkage fee?. I will be going on this soon and I was wondering if you had any problems brining anything on board in NJ.

 

Thanks Franncos

[shamrox91]

Thanks for the review. We're going in October and can't wait for it.

[EdisonNJ Cruiser]

Our family will be traveling on EOS August 12th. We have always enjoyed our evening dining experiences as it gives us a chance to recap the days events and enjoy the food and service. I keep reading mixed review about the food in the main dining room. What experience have those of you that have sailed recently on EOS had?

[franncos]

Did you bring any wine on board? Please advise if you did, did they charge you a corkage fee?. I will be going on this soon and I was wondering if you had any problems brining anything on board in NJ.

[Lynn the Cruiser]

We were on the cruise after you...June 22-July1!!!!! Ace was also our waiter! He was a real sweetheart! Just so eager to please. At the end of the cruise, he showed us pics of his 2 kids....adorable. As far as the food goes...I thought it was really good, not as good as when I first cruised (only 5 years ago), but it was still better than what I eat at home(and yes, I AM a good cook!). I heard people on some of the threads complaining about the desserts...well, they beat eating my pudding out of the little plastic cups!(since the cruise, I've been putting some reddi-wip atop them to fancy them up!). I just think some people just always have to complain.

[804]

Thank you very much for the review. We will be on ship 9/23. Can you tell me about dance music in clubs?? Do they still have a salsa band? Also anyone have the dailies from Explorer???

 

804

[franncos]

Did you bring any wine on board? Please advise if you did, did they charge you a corkage fee?. I will be going on this soon and I was wondering if you had any problems brining anything on board in NJ.

[BethV114]

Franncos - perhaps you'd be more likely to get an answer by posting this question in your own separate thread? I haven't cruise out of NJ but I've read several other posts on this board which indicate that it's pretty hard to "sneak" alcohol onboard. :cool: