Christine Woerner

Age: 31
Occupation: homemaker
Number of Cruises: one
Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean
Name of Ship: Explorer of the Seas
Sailing Date: May, 3rd, 2003
Itinerary: Eastern Caribbean

Day one- We had flown into Miami a day prior and stayed at the Wydham Miami Beach. This was a great place to stay, cab fare to port was about $25. We checked out of the hotel at 11 and immediately headed to port. A porter curbside took our luggage and we headed for the terminal. The line was somewhat long, but moved very quickly. By 12:30 we were on board and headed straight to the Windjammer for some lunch. The food here was good, not fabulous. We then headed to check out our room which was a balcony stateroom. It was small, but very nice and clean, the balcony was great. Our luggage arrived late afternoon. We then toured this massive ship in all its beauty. The solarium was beautiful with the tile floors. Dinner this first night was fabulous. We chose the late seating and were glad we did. Went to the Welcome Aboard Show, it was short, but entertaining. Headed to the Chamber dance club where the action was non stop.

Day two- This was a sea day, and we spent it by the crowded pool where the entertainment was hilarious. Had lunch at Johnny Rockets, good fries and onion rings. We then went ice skating which we really enjoyed. This was the first formal night. We decided to do formal pictures, the lines and wait for this were long. Dinner once again was fabulous. We were seated with 3 other couples close to our age and enjoyed conversing with them. Saw the adult comedy show and laughed so hard we cried.

Day three- Breakfast in the Windjammer was the best. They had everything you could ever want, and hot and fresh. We spent the day by the pool until we arrived in Puerto Rico. We did our own walking tour of old San Juan. It was beautiful here and very clean. People were very friendly and no vendors. This was just a nice relaxing afternoon. Once again dinner in the dining room which was always 5 stars. Went to adult karaoke, which almost put us to sleep.

Day four- St. Maarten absolutely impressed us. We went into town to do some shopping, nice streets. Had a colada at the Guavaberry Emporium, this is not to be missed. Then headed to the beach where we booked a tour that included a mat, lunch, and fresh water showers. Fabulous view of the cruise ships from the beach. This night we had dinner in the dining room and turned in after a day of too much sun.

Day five- St. Thomas- You must get up early this morning and clear customs. The long lines move fast. Went into Charlotte Amalie to do some shopping where it was very crowded. In the afternoon we headed out on the Leylon Sneed for a snorkeling trip to St. John. This excursion was the highlight of our trip. Enjoyed the hour and a half ride there visiting people and enjoying breathtaking scenery. Snorkeled at Trunk Bay which was warm, and incredibly beautiful. I highly recommend this excursion. The staff on the boat were friendly and laidback. Had dinner tonight at the Windjammer and the food was hard and cold, like it had been sitting out all day.

Day six- This was another sea day. Headed to the pool for the day with more activates. Watched the rock climbing, it looked cool, but not brave enough. We did some miniature golf, just a nine hole course, but worthwhile. Also took a Latin dance class, they are only a half hour so it was very basic. This was another formal night. Better night to have portraits done as the lines were not near as long. This was also the night of the Gala midnight buffet. Mainly just finger foods and desserts but the ice sculptures were nice. Saw the show Fast Forward, not very impressed. The dancers were obviously people who couldn't make the cut in Vegas. I didn't consider this show anywhere near Vegas style. Also skipped the ice show because a lady from dinner had already gone and said it was only o.k. I guess the skaters were falling all over the place. The casino was always packed at night, but didn't spend much time in here.

Day Seven- Nassau, Bahamas- We hurried into town to do some shopping before our excursion. The place was packed as there were 5 ships in port. Many stores you could not even get into if you wanted. We booked the Stingray Swim and Snorkel. Be warned, this was hokey and we completely bypassed the stingray tour. It is a caged in area that is so murky that you cannot see the stingrays. There are just 50 people standing around out there not even snorkeling. We thought this excursion was in the wild at a great snorkel destination with visibility. I even talked to a man who did it and he went off on me about how horrible it was. I guess there were only 10 rays or so. We just walked over and spent our time on the Blackboard's Beach, where by the way drinks were a rip off. I don't care if I see Nassau again. Dinner in the dining room was sad tonight as we had to say so long to all our new friends. We headed back to the Chamber Dance club but it never got rolling, I guess everyone headed to bed, so we did too.

Day eight- Off the boat, bright and early. They do feed you breakfast at the Windjammer. We were called off by 8:30, and the lines moved quickly. The only slow part was getting your luggage.

Best parts of cruise- Breakfasts at Windjammers, sandwiches and pastries at the Cafe Promenade, twice a day housekeeping with a smile, dining room food and wait staff, affordable drinks, excellent ports of call, meeting new people, balconies in the morning and evening, non- stop activities on board

Negatives- On this boat there were not any worth my time mentioning.

This was my first cruise and I had high expectations that were more than met. I will definitely travel with Royal Caribbean again and on the Voyager class ships. The beauty in the Eastern Caribbean is breathtaking. We had to come home to get some rest.

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