Live from the Explorer March 7-16 Day 1

[marle7]

Well, we are past the first day, but it's the first time I've had my computer out!

 

We flew into Newark the day before, and stayed at the airport Sheraton, which turned out to be quite a decent hotel. That night, my son was experiencing chills, aches and had a slight fever, so my anxiety level was rising. I had visions of having to turn right around and fly home!

 

Fortunately, in the morning, he was fine. Must have been a reaction to flying or something. I on the other hand, managed to mistake my finger for a lock of hair, and promptly ironed it with my flat iron, raising a welt and a blister all along the length of my middle finger!

 

We left for the port at 10:30 and arrived within 20 minutes, no traffic and a flat fee of $45.00 for the cab ride. The main building was without power when we got there, and people were late getting off the ship. Still, within 20 minutes we were checked in, and waiting in the Suites lounge with cookies and coffee.

 

We boarded the buses at 12 and were on the ship 10 minutes later, headed for the doctor's office to grab a bandage for my finger.

 

It was pretty cool, but since we're from Ontario, the land of sub zero temperatures, we didn't mind the weather at all. Muster was painless, quick, but cold.

 

We had visited the dining room when we got onboard and had the Maitre D switch us to a table for just the three of us, and it was perfect. Dinner was surprisingly good. My son had two helpings of the shrimp ravioli and we both had prime rib, which was pretty good. I will be taking some pics of the food and posting them to my website, but that won't start till tonight, as the first night I forgot to take my camera, and last night we dined with the cabin, and I felt it might be slightly rude to be clicking away during dinner. :)

 

We went to the welcome aboard show which was decent. The comedian was mildly funny, but not rolling in the aisle, hold your sides kind of funny.

 

Went to the casino, where I won a couple of hundred dollars on the slots, and $200 on the Wheel of Fortune on my way out. A decent beginning. And so to bed.

[sandaneli]

Thanks for the report. I feel like I'm sailing right along with you!

I'm looking forward to the pictures.

[Albert Ross]

Would be greatly appreciated if you could post the highlights of the dinner each night so that we know what is on the 12n menu these days - a frequently asked question!

Day 1 must still be Vileda Onion tart and prime rib it looks like!!!

[Sue L]

Hey,

 

 

Glad things are going well. My daughter boarded the AOS today and luckily her flight got out on time yesterday with the awful weather here on Sat.

[marle7]

The ship rocked pretty darn good all night long. The motion doesn't bother us at all, but we saw plenty of people with sea patches on, and the little white bags taped to the stair railings were disappearing at an alarming rate.

 

It was windy, rocky and wet most of the day. In fact, it was so windy, they asked people not to go outside due to the strong winds. They drained the pools and put the nets over them.

 

Our meet and mingle was at 1 p.m. in Chamber, the Adult disco. We had a pretty good turn out, with a bunch of raffles. We did not win anything. No surprise there! It lasted all of 20 - 30 minutes, and then we were off to the Casino to do our group slot pull. We had 28 participants for the slot pull, and thank god for my husband, otherwise known as the human calculator, who kept track of the money, the pulls and the pay outs. While we all had a blast, we ended up losing $3.00 each over all. The wheel was just not with us, I'm afraid.

 

We played in the casino for a while, and then left to get ready to have dinner with the Captain. My son was beside himself with joy as (a) he didn't have to dress up and (b) he got to have room service.

 

Captain Ryan and his wife were delightful dinner companions. As seems to be always the case when we get invited to dine with the Captain, I was on his immediate left, and so carried on the bulk the conversation with him. I recalled what a hostess told me the first time I ever dined with the Captain. "when in doubt about what to say, ask about the ship". :) So that's what I did. It also helped that his wife is from not to far away from where we live and they also owned an RV which we also have. The upshot of the whole conversation was that Captain Ryan graciously invited the table to a bridge tour the following morning.

 

It was a very nice dinner, although the menu was the same as the dining room. I have seen the Captain's table with a different menu in the past, but it was just fine. I believe I had the oxtail soup, and the filet of beef, sans sauce as they weren't sure whether the sauce had mushrooms in it. We had cheesecake for dessert. Drinks were served before dinner in the alcove of the Aquarium bar while we waited to go in, and wine went with dinner, as well as an after dinner drink. Two of our tablemates and my husband and I stumbled up to Dizzy's for a nightcap before retiring at midnight.

 

It was formal night last night, which meant a smoke free night in the casino. Since I didn't visit the casino last night I couldn't tell you if it was as busy as usual, but certainly the smoking side of the aquarium bar was packed. Smoking bars seem to be Dizzy's, (which is where I am now), the aquarium bar and the outdoor pool bars. All others are non smoking.

 

I will save the description of the bridge tour and other things we've been doing today, for tomorrow's report. I am happy to report however, that the weather has cleared, the skies are blue and the seas are much much calmer. There are lots of people out by the pool, but it's still pretty breezy out there.

 

More later. For now, I need to finish my bloody mary and check on my mushroom - I mean my son. :)

[marle7]

Would be greatly appreciated if you could post the highlights of the dinner each night so that we know what is on the 12n menu these days - a frequently asked question!

Day 1 must still be Vileda Onion tart and prime rib it looks like!!!

 

Yes, so far the menus seem to be the same as usual. It was indeed the Onion tart and prime rib, and last night was the filet of beef. I shall do my best to get better at dinner reports. :)

 

Hey,

 

 

 

Glad things are going well. My daughter boarded the AOS today and luckily her flight got out on time yesterday with the awful weather here on Sat.

 

I heard about the weather! Apparently back home we got upwards of 45 centimetres (sorry, I can't do that translation to inches)

[Dr_DNA]

Thanks for the live updates from my favorite ship. I look forward to reading your posts and dreaming about being back onboard again. :D

[shereese]

I am enjoying your posts as we got off the EOS the day you got on. She is indeed a beautiful ship. Please tell Brian (working the tables) in the casino, Abuela says hello. Thanks so much for keeping us updated, it makes Chicago seem a little warmer.

[pmfan]

Thanks for updating us each day [and taking us along on your cruise].:D

[judyf]

Thanks for psoting. We get on her when you return. Nice to have someone posting live reviews the sailing before us.

 

I'm also interested in the order of the menus and in the entertainment.

 

Thanks for taking the time to share with us.

[jewelinthesand]

yes, we love getting your updates! thansk so much for taking the time. we get on the day you get off so like Judy said above, this is great to get a review just before we get on!

 

thanks again so much

[peggyg]

Can't wait to see pictures of the ship - we appreciate you taking the time to do a review -

I am also on the March 16th cruise with Judy & Polly :D and we can't wait.

 

Peggy

[clochette]

Thanks for the review, we were on the 9 night on February 15, and I miss the Explorer, we had a wonderful cruise, it is so nice to relive it through you.

[marle7]

thanks everyone for your nice words! As for those who are getting on after us, wait a minute. We're supposed to bring her back?:eek:

 

Let’s see now, where was I? Oh yes, Day 3.

 

We woke to warmer weather, sunny skies and calmer seas. We began the day by going up to the gym for a little cardio and weights. This is only so we can delude ourselves that we are working off what we are eating. Hah. Still, allow me what few delusions I have left.

After that, we hauled the lad out of bed, and headed off to the elevators to meet the Captain for the bridge tour. The Captain is very proud of his ship and took us personally through the bridge, explaining the various instruments to us. The first officer, a lady who’s name escapes me for the moment, entertained us with some terrific stories about life at sea and some of her experiences. We waved to the people watching us from the peek a boo bridge.

 

Unfortunately, we had to leave to go to the spa. My husband and I had booked hot stone massages, so off we went. The hot stone massage is my favourite massage. We booked the 75 minute massage at a cost of $195 each. Costly, yes, but worth every darn penny. Plus we had a discount coupon for 20% which helped. Best of all, there was no hard sell afterwards to buy products!

Our meet and mingle cabin crawl was set for three p.m. and we met at the weekend warrior to begin our travels. We saw most of the different categories including the Royal Family Suite (the balcony is simply to die for on this one. Too bad there’s a minimum number of people to be able to book it. It sleeps 8 in case anyone is interested! We also saw the famed corner aft cabins and a hump cabin.

We spent the rest of the day lazing about, and played in the casino for a bit. So far, the casino is paying off for me, but it’s early days yet and I’m sure I’ll be giving back to them before long.

My husband and son went off to see the comedian while I got ready for dinner. They reported back that he was actually pretty funny, Levent was his name and he does a combination of magic and comedy.

I experienced one of those “mommy pangs” before dinner. Although it was casual night, my son decided to don his dress shirt, dark pants and dress shoes. (now we’re wondering if he met a girl onboard, but how he would manage that without ever leaving the cabin is beyond me!). I looked at him, all six feet one of him, and thought when exactly did he grow up? His face is starting to lean out and there are hints of the strong square jaw I think he’s going to have. Hey, he cleans up pretty good!

Dinner was the Venetian night menu. Nothing new here. I had the garlic soup which I love, and I’ve made several times at home. My son always always always has whatever chilled soup is available and he had the garlic shrimp and risotto. Hubby had the sirloin steak. The perfect child (ok, the stewardess on the flight called him that on the way down, and so far, he’s not letting me forget it) and I both had the warm chocolate cake for dessert. I’m not a huge dessert eater, give me cheese every time, but this was pretty darn good. Our waiter, Antonio does card tricks every night for our son before we leave.

 

Back to the casino where I managed to score $800 off the same machine in the space of about 15 minutes, which meant it was time to go back to the cabin for some sleep.

[marle7]

Day 4

It’s hot! It’s hot! Whoo hoo!

 

Don actually woke up before me, which is quite rare, went upstairs, got deck chairs and coffee and came back and woke me up. He went back upstairs, and I stumbled blearily up a few minutes later, seeking coffee with my eyes glued mostly shut. A few sips of coffee remedied that particular affliction and we enjoyed the sun for a couple of hours until it was time for me to go rouse the mushroom. We elected to skip Windjammer’s and wait until Johnny Rockets opened. Now, we’ve been on the Marnier, Adventure and the Explorer before but we’d never made it to Johnny Rockets.

 

It was an absolute hoot! Everybody say hello! Everybody say goodbye! Is how you are greeted loudly by everyone in the restaurant when entering or leaving. Do not enter if you are shy, or with someone you’d prefer not to be seen with. Discretion is not the better part of valour here!

The waiters do a pretty decent job of dancing for us and they all looked like they were having a really good time doing it. The onion rings are to die for. I had a chocolate malt, the boys had strawberry shakes, and we all had burgers of different varieties. Our waiter, would not let us leave until we ordered at least one dessert which we didn’t really need, but since we wanted to be able to leave at some point, we ordered the Oreo Sunday to split between the three of us.

 

Back to the casino for an hour (ok, so we spend a lot of time there). It was only for an hour since we would be arriving in San Juan shortly. I found my favourite machine, put down my cigarettes and little pink and black bic lighter and went to get an ashtray from the bar. I was away for less than a minute. When I came back, both were gone. There weren’t that many people in the casino, and I checked with both the slot attendant and the waitress, both whom said they hadn’t touched them. So someone took them, but I’ll never find them now. The lighter is pretty distinctive though, so I’ll be keeping a lookout for it during the rest of the cruise.

Having been to San Juan before, we hadn’t originally planned to get off the ship, but now of course, I needed a lighter. My cabin attendant Gerald, gallantly lent me his, (he’s getting a large tip at the end, because he is truly outstanding and he carries a lighter), but I needed to give it back to him. We got off, found a new lighter, wandered through a few jewellery stores, and decided we’d prefer to shop in St. Thomas tomorrow, so here we are, back on the ship, sipping martini’s at Dizzys.

 

The boys are diving tomorrow, but we'll get off, do a bit of shopping and then I shall relax by the pool while they dive.

 

And that pretty much brings y’all up to date until tomorrow. Dinner tonight is the “Get Out There” menu. I will remember my camera. I will remember my camera” I will. Honest. I’ve only forgotten every night so far.

 

See you tomorrow everyone.

[pepelapew]

Marie this is great as you take us on your cruising journey. Thanks, I am enjoying every minute of it. We will be on the Explorer this coming Oct 23rd for a 9 nighter to Eastern Carribean. We got a balcony cabin & next year we are going to Bermuda on a 5 nighter, & will have a Family Suite Cabin then. There are 7 of us going 4 adults, 3 children ages 10, 8 and 4.

Adventure Ocean will see alot of the kids on sea days. LOL

Debbie

[deheck]

Thanks so much for your live posts! We will be getting on when you get off - yes you have to bring her back!!! I hope I have as much luck in the casino as you've had :D

[peggyg]

Thanks Marie - I am looking forward to more :D

 

BTW, What slot machine was it that you played - I think you said Wheel of Fortune am I correct??? I would like to try that machine:D :D

 

Peggy

[judyf]

Thanks Marie - I am looking forward to more :D

 

BTW, What slot machine was it that you played - I think you said Wheel of Fortune am I correct??? I would like to try that machine:D

 

Peggy

 

Me too:D I was thinking the same thing. I want that machine :rolleyes: ;) :p

 

Love your reports, looking forward to the next installment.

[sea-cruise]

Great review, Marlene! Glad you're winning big in the casino...Keep up the good luck! :)

I think your woman's intuition is right (I also think your son met a girl onboard)! LOL :D

Looking forward to more of your posts. Happy cruising! :p

[RockyTopMom]

Marlene: Please bring the EOS back so I can get onboard! Also, I thought you might want to share this good news with all of the people at your M&M in case you haven't seen it yet.

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Voluntarily Revises Fuel Supplement

MIAMI, March 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- After working closely with the Florida Attorney General's office, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. today announced it has voluntarily agreed to eliminate its fuel supplement on any bookings made prior to the announcement of the fuel supplement on November 16, 2007.

Royal Caribbean will eliminate the fuel supplement for any guests who had a booking made prior to November 16. Guests booked before November 16 who paid the fuel supplement and have taken their cruise will receive a refund through the form of payment used to purchase their sailing. Guests booked before November 16 who paid the fuel supplement and have not taken their cruise will receive their refund as an onboard credit during their sailing.

As originally announced, the company did not charge the fuel supplement to guests with bookings made and paid in full before November 16. It will now eliminate the fuel supplement for guests with bookings made but not paid in full before that date. These latter guests were also provided with a three- week period in which to cancel their sailing without penalty.

The company has been in discussions with the Florida Attorney General's office to ensure the fuel supplement was implemented in a fair and reasonable manner.

The fuel supplement, which remains in place for North American bookings made on or after November 16, 2007, involves three Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. brands: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Cruises. The fuel supplement consists of a $5 per-guest, per-day charge for sailings that depart on or after February 1, 2008. The fuel supplement applies only to the first and second guests in each stateroom and does not exceed $70 per person per sailing.

[janice1218]

Thanks so much for your reports. My family is sailing on 6-19-08, and we cannot wait !!!

[Dr_DNA]

Captain Ryan and his wife were delightful dinner companions. As seems to be always the case when we get invited to dine with the Captain, I was on his immediate left, and so carried on the bulk the conversation with him.

 

Any ideas on why you personally get invited to dine with the Captain (on multiple occasions)? Just curious.

 

It sounds as if you're havinga great time and making a little money too! I wish we were onboard, but will have to wait...

[Annefran]

Marle7 thanks for live postings. Keep them coming. We are booked on the Explorer to leave 16 March 08 for the 12 nighter, so bring her back safe and sound for us! ;)

[marle7]

Thanks so much for your live posts! We will be getting on when you get off - yes you have to bring her back!!! I hope I have as much luck in the casino as you've had :D

 

 

Oh alright. If you insist:D

Thanks Marie - I am looking forward to more :D

 

 

Peggy

BTW, What slot machine was it that you played - I think you said Wheel of Fortune am I correct??? I would like to try that machine:D :D

I will tell you which machines I played on Sat. (Just in case anyone on board is reading along. :D

Any ideas on why you personally get invited to dine with the Captain (on multiple occasions)? Just curious.

 

 

 

It sounds as if you're havinga great time and making a little money too! I wish we were onboard, but will have to wait...

 

I'm not completely sure to be honest. There is a bit of a story behind this particular cruise and our last Explorer adventure, which I will get to in due course, so possibly that had something to do with it this time.

Ok, the rest of Day 4 and Day 5 coming up. Give me 10 minutes or so here folks!