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Explorer of the Seas |
| Reviewed By: Howells, Rushden on 14th Feb 2008 |
| Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean Cruises |
Times cruised before: 6-10 |
| Cruise Ship: Explorer of the Seas |
Sailed:
September,
2007 |
| Destination: Canada |
Age: 56-65 |
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We choose our cruise by the ports-of-call and suitable date; the cruise-line is of secondary importance. Therefore we know one ship well in several cruise-lines, and can make useful comparisons.
Our first thought about the Explorer was that it was the biggest ship on which we have ever travelled, with enough amenities to cater for everyone's tastes. Our second thought was however does it float, let alone travel 1000's of miles!
The rock-wall and skating rink were well-patronised (not by us!) but we preferred the gentler Crazy Golf course. All these were new to us.
Our inside cabin was of an acceptable size with the amenities we have come to expect.The cabin steward went out of his way to be helpful.
The food was excellent in variety, choice, presentation and service in the main restaurant. I could understand people making a surcharged reservation for the other restaurants on board as a change, but $10 a head to eat in the hamburger concession?? However, the main restaurant was very large and therefore extremely noisy, making general conversation some- what difficult.
The numerous bars all had a different focus, and all were excellently staffed. The bar on Deck 14 (at the back of the ship) faced forward! This took some time to get used to. However, the views were spectacular, and this remained our favourite bar.
The ports-of-call were all new to us and a good choice - Halifax, St.John, and Boston being really interesting. The shore excursions sold out extremely quickly; some were all ready sold out before the cruise ever started. This is an area which needs some attention by RCL so that all its passengers can access the excursions fairly.
There is a profusion of public toilets, (especially dedicated disabled ones) many more than on other comparable cruise-lines.
Main niggles:
The coffee was served in disposable paper cups with wooden stirrers - quite horrible and detracted from the otherwise general first-class ambience of the ship. I hope all that colossal waste was recycled.
Far too many eatables/drinks were offered by passing waiters as if they were complementary. Then the bill was presented - this really annoyed us.
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| Quality of Food |  |
| Main restaurant Steak | | Entertainment | n/a |
| | Shore Excursions |  |
| Trip around Boston. Both driver and courier really excellent
Very disappointed with Reversing Falls at St.John | | Staff | |
| Cabin steward | | Children's Facilities | n/a |
| | Onboard Activities | |
| | Cabins | |
| | Overall Rating |  |
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