Just back from the Explorer of the Seas

johnryan3427 · #1 (**permalink**) March 30th, 2010, 09:59 AM

Nice 9 day cruise to the Caribbean...
Cape Liberty NJ leaves a little bit to be desired.

Cruise was great; Cruise Director Dave Chapman was the best.
Danielle the bar maid on the balcony level in the Palace was an Angel!

Great trip all in all.

Thank you Explorer crew and staff!

thecruisequeen · #2 (**permalink**) March 30th, 2010, 01:58 PM

Glad you had a great cruise. I loved Explorer too.
Good Day Dave is an excellent CD.

dottiel · #3 (**permalink**) March 30th, 2010, 02:07 PM

What dates did you sail?

We sailed from March 5th-19th. Sailed the beautiful and calm seas of the Southern Caribbean.

This was our second cruise on the Explorer and had a grand time again! She is a fun ship isn't she?

johnryan3427 · #4 (**permalink**) March 30th, 2010, 04:18 PM

We sailed right behind you... 19th - 28th; Eastern Caribbean.

Good Day Dave is the best CD I have seen; seems like a real nice guy too.
I feel whatever they're paying him is not enough, especially when he's hosting The Qwest; a must see whenever Dave is hosting.

dottiel · #5 (**permalink**) March 30th, 2010, 08:58 PM

How did you like the Eastern Caribbean? Where exactly did you visit?

We've done the Western and Southern Caribbean but not the Eastern....just wondering if it's worth a cruise when we've done the other.

BUT, ANYWHERE is worth it when you cruise!

johnryan3427 · #6 (**permalink**) March 31st, 2010, 09:33 AM

Left Friday 4pm; arrived San Juan Monday 4pm - 11pm; Tuesday 8am St Thomas till 4pm (ish); 8am Wed Samana Domincan Republic till 4pm or so; then Thursday 8am Labadee.

All the ports were nice, although I question why the ship stops in Samana, but that is just my opinion.

This was a 9 day cruise so we left labadee Thurday around 4:30 and were back in NJ 7am Sunday morning.

Nice itinerary, but like you, we were mildly interested in the ports of call, and mostly just wanted the 9 day cruise, more than half of which was out to sea.
Ahhhhhh...

thecruisequeen · #7 (**permalink**) March 31st, 2010, 12:33 PM

It sure is nice when day 7 comes along and you think oh yea this is a 9 niter I'm not going home yet!!

4 1/2 sea days is great I love the Explorer itinerary.

I know what I need to do next....Book the Explorer!!!!

Good Day Dave also hosts the Sexy Legs and the poolside Salsa Class which I never before saw a CD do. He really is a great CD.

paul1815 · #8 (**permalink**) March 31st, 2010, 02:52 PM

Am hoping to book one for next March. Any tips folks?

shanicans · #9 (**permalink**) April 10th, 2010, 05:10 PM

did you notice anyone smoking on the balconies? I know CC has restrictions...just curious

jacdenv24 · #10 (**permalink**) April 10th, 2010, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shanicans

did you notice anyone smoking on the balconies? I know CC has restrictions...just curious

I noticed that you are making numerous inquiries about smoking policies on the different cruise lines. If I were you, I would go to the individual web sites of each line where you will find a detailed summary on their smoking policies. As far as I know, Celebrity is the only line that prohibits smoking on the balconies and cabins. That might include Azamara as well.

johnryan3427 · #11 (**permalink**) April 12th, 2010, 09:50 AM

I can't say that I noticed anyone smoking on the balconies; but then again, I wasn't looking for them either.

I do know there was a smoking area on deck 4 starboard, and at other various locations on the starboard side throughout the ship, as well as the casino's except for the two formal nights, smoking was not allowed in the casino on these nights.

briguy · #12 (**permalink**) April 13th, 2010, 11:14 AM

According to RCCL cruise documents you are allowed to smoke on your balcony but not in your room. That is fine with me. I dont want a stinked up room anyway. I partake in nice flavored cigars so you can imagine how the room might smell in the morning after a couple of those.

Mike-Suz · #13 (**permalink**) April 14th, 2010, 01:04 PM

You don't want a stinked up room???
Just imagine what your respiratory system must be like!!

laccruise · #14 (**permalink**) April 17th, 2010, 08:31 AM

I returned last Saturday from the 13 day cruise on Explorer. It was great!!! Had to return to work on Monday but brought some great memories with me. We loved the 13 day cruise. If it's available next near as last cruise in March-book it. We loved 2 excursions. We were on the Bones Pirate ship snork./swiming at 3 places. Mates were there to give you a great time. The other excursion that we loved including DH was the caribbean cooking class in Dominica. Would book this same cruise next year, but have a special Hawaii cruise in Sept for Special Anniver. and next June taking oldest grandaughter to Bermuda. Work won't appreciate any more time off. When we retire, hope to get to dim.and plus real soon.

addicted2 · #15 (**permalink**) April 19th, 2010, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnryan3427

Left Friday 4pm; arrived San Juan Monday 4pm - 11pm; Tuesday 8am St Thomas till 4pm (ish); 8am Wed Samana Domincan Republic till 4pm or so; then Thursday 8am Labadee.

All the ports were nice, although I question why the ship stops in Samana, but that is just my opinion.

This was a 9 day cruise so we left labadee Thurday around 4:30 and were back in NJ 7am Sunday morning.

Nice itinerary, but like you, we were mildly interested in the ports of call, and mostly just wanted the 9 day cruise, more than half of which was out to sea.
Ahhhhhh...

We went on this same cruise last March. We had different hours in San Juan but otherwise it was the same itinerary.
We booked because of the length of the cruise too, however we absolutely loved Samana. We went on an all day excursion to Cayo Levantado beach, a small island right off the mainland, visible from the ship. This has been our number one favorite destination from all of our cruises. The beach was incredibly beautiful, as was the water, with starfish and beautiful shells the kids collected while snorkeling. We didn't go to the mainland part of the DR but this beach was worth the stop.
Glad you had a great time. Hopefully the departure port in New Jersey will get some much needed attention.

Redwyvern · #16 (**permalink**) April 21st, 2010, 07:44 PM

Glad you enjoyed! We're booked for the Explorer 9 days on June 10th. We're doing 2 days in Bermuda, and 1 day each of Nassau, and Coco Cay. We've sailed RC once before, but have been to all three of these spots before. Our previous cruise on RC was aboard the Majesty of the Seas, and we loved it. After sailing with Carnival, and Norwegian, we're happy to be going back on RC. We got a good deal on a Promenade Cabin, and I'm sure this will be even MORE spectacular a ship than the MOS (which we loved!)