Royal Caribbean International
Explorer of the Seas Cruise Review
Bermuda

K. VonBehren
Age: 47
Occupation: Teacher
Number of Cruises: 8
Sailing Date: June 23rd, 2006

We just returned from our 5 day cruise on the Explorer of the Seas to Bermuda. Unfortunately this cruise was not all I had hoped for. Too many inconsiderate passengers, mediocre food, and a general lack of interesting activities kept the vacation a bit "ho-hum."

Embarkation was fine. It moved swiftly and efficiently. Our rooms were ready when we got there ( 1pm ) and bags arrived later that afternoon.

The ship itself is beautiful and well-equipped and fortunately our room was very accessible to the things we needed. We traveled with 2 adults (in a outside balcony cabin) and three teenagers (in an adjacent inside cabin). Room size was adequate and well appointed, with the exception of the beds which were very much like a cot.

Food on the ship, both in the dining room and in the Windjammer Cafe was OK. Not great--as we have experienced on other ships of different lines. The variety is a bit lacking as well. The Windjammer Cafe is not open all the time (or some of the time we needed it to be open ) like on other ships. It closes periodically throughout the day and then in the evening after dinner. If someone wants the freebee ice tea or lemonade to drink, it is not available. For someone like me who does not drink carbonated beverages it was either the Windjammer tea/lemonade or nothing but water.


There were some minor annoying things that could be fixed such as the smell of smoking coming from the service area on our hallway of the ship near our room. In addition, several times with several different keys, they did not work and had to be replaced over the course of the cruise. Many children ages 10 and up went unsupervised and annoyed all of us including our children and I am sure many other passengers. They were rude, obnoxious, and vulgar. The policies of the ship were not enforced and this is something that should be.

The entertainment on board for the big crowds was mainly dancing production shows. This is something we do not care for all that much so it did not appeal to us. The comedian was good but only performed twice one of which we could not make due to the show being so late. The ice show as great! Not something I thought I would like but I enjoyed it a lot. Other events included the standard "couples and battle of sexes" shows, name that tune, scavenger quest, bingo, and a parade on the promenade (Ok but a little hokey). Many events are presented as "seminars" but are in reality just sales pitches for things to be purchased on board (acupuncture, weight loss detox). Yoga and Pilates had fees attached. By the way, the fitness center and spa were beautiful.

The pool areas were nice and we never had to search long for a chair. Hot tubs were plentiful and the ones by the fitness center and solarium were great.

Bermuda was wonderful...even if we experienced the absolute worst thunderstorm ever. The transportation system (both bus and ferries) were great! They ran efficiently and were a pleasure to use. Bermuda itself is one of the most engaging and beautiful islands anywhere. It is clean and green and has spectacular beaches. The people were quite pleasurable.

Disembarkation was not as quick as getting on but it was not a nightmare either. Our ship docked at 7 am and we were off the ship and headed home by 10 am even with having one of the last colors to be called.



 

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