tortoisegirl

We did MTD on Explorer last fall. I had made reservations online for similar times each night. Oddly enough there were 2 lines upon entering, but no distinction for reservations vs. not. We did notice that some folks were asked to wait a bit in the small waiting area, presumably some of those without reservations. It took between a couple and 20-30 min (first night) to get in. We like MTD as early is too early as we'd have to miss sailaway or even come back early from a port, and late is too late. We do like the same waiter every night (which can often be done with MTD), and would prefer to avoid the line though.

Last cruise we sat in the back of the main dining room every night and didn't have a less than warm meal. I think it was a combination of being closer to the kitchen and having an on point server (meals were quick in general, but not rushed).

In the buffet by design it is tough to have a warm meal. To do so, you have to get a table first, which has to be fairly close to the food, get your drinks and cold items and set them on the table, go back and only get only 1 or 2 warm items, then sit down to eat right away. Usually it is too busy for that to work. So, we ate nearly every meal in the dining room. We liked it that way though, and thankfully there was time (we are on vacation after all).

I thought food quality was as expected. Somewhere in between cafeteria and 5 star. We enjoyed probably 90% of what we had, and the other 10% was meh, probably due to me being a picky eater. With 3+ courses for dinner and usually having multiple items per meal for breakfasts and lunches, there is a lot of variety so that isn't an issue. If I wanted fabulous meals we would choose a different (much more expensive) cruiseline.

So far RCI meets our expectations. We haven't tried Carnival, but have been on NCL twice and Princess once. Princess food was slightly better to on par with Royal. NCL food was much worse for us (that was closer to cafeteria, rather blah), so much so that my husband said he never wanted to cruise them again.

When we boarded in Seattle last Sept (pacific coastal), somehow we were able to eat lunch in the main dining room. We were among the first to board at 11am and they actually directed us there. No clue if it was a fluke, supposed to be only for b2b passengers, etc, but there were a good number of other folks there too. Now I'll definitely walk past and see if its an option, as I much prefer it.

Otherwise, I agree, I've only heard of cafe promenade and windjammer. You can check the handout they give you at check in and the cruise planner too though, as I've been reading here of some ships offering specialty dining on embarkation day lunch (although don't remember anything about Explorer specifically). Have a great cruise!

We're boarding her in September for a four night Victoria......can you tell us whether the large hot pool is still there where the gym is....?

At least in September it was. We used it several times, and it was just us every time! Less crowded (and warmer) than using an outside one in the evening. We liked the cruise so much we're doing a repeat pacific coastal next year.

We haven't done Oasis class, but I can chime in on being on Explorer. There weren't too many activities that interested us (lots of upsell stuff, trivia, not much else), and the flowrider and climbing wall were more of a one time thing for us. However, both the pacific coastal and Alaskan itineraries are rather port intensive (only 1 or 2 sea days). We were never bored, and perfectly happy having a chill day on each of our 2 sea days on the pacific coastal.

The main activity we did was ice skating (they only offered it 1 sea day, and my husband did both sessions, the entire session). Other than that we read books, explored the ship, drank, napped, watched a movie, had sit down meals, etc. We didn't even end up going to that many evening shows, as they either didn't sound interesting, or they only had 1 show (happened maybe 3 of 7 nights) and it interfered with our my time dining. We actually slept a lot every night that cruise lol.

Even Explorer still has buffet, main dining, room service, snacks on the promenade, and multiple special dining restaurants. I think the main things lacking are snacks (except sandwiches and cookies at promenade cafe) in the afternoon when the windjammer closes and you come back from port hungry, and late night food (although that didn't impact us as we went to bed early each night). I always bring a few snacks with us (at least for port, as I'm a snacker), and especially for afternoons, grab a few snacks from windjammer and set them aside for later.

I think as long as you are well informed about the differences and have reasonable expectations as far as activities, you will be fine. Each ship has their own appeal. Although the cost for a pacific coastal or Alaska itinerary is probably higher than even an Oasis ship Caribbean itinerary, the ship-based cost is much lower, so keep that savings in mind too (compare prices for Explorer this year vs. Ovation next year for example). Speaking of Ovation, if you want to do Alaska on Royal, and the ship is a sticking point, consider waiting until next year. It doesn't look like Ovation will do pacific coastals though.

Thanks for sharing! We also enjoyed Explorer - great all around - service, food, etc. We did a pacific coastal last september, and will be doing so again this year (the last cruise on Explorer in the PNW). We've done 2 Alaska cruises before, but on Princess and NCL. I assume this was the British Columbia itinerary. Looks like Royal won't be doing pacific coastals anymore once Ovation comes, which is sad, as its a nice cheap (non-Alaska) cruise from our home port. Ovation should be pretty sweet though! We're booked on the 11 night first Alaska cruise, and hoping we can make the numbers work and keep the booking.

Learn what the different insurance categories are (such as cancellation, luggage, medical, evacuation). Figure out what coverage is important to you, and use a comparison site to get the appropriate level of coverage. Its all based on how risk averse you are. Travel insurance cost is typically based on trip cost, age, and possibly trip location. Go with a reputable and highly reviewed company.

For me, coverage of the cost of the cruise isn't all that important, plus the chances of us not being able to go for a covered reason are low (and the cancel for any reason policies can be pricey and still only pay out ~ 60%). The things I focus on are medical coverage and evacuation coverage. I looked at just getting evacuation coverage (or full insurance but only have them cover $1), but when I priced it out, it wasn't significantly cheaper than full coverage, so I just got that. For travel medical coverage, know whether you would even be covered by your typical coverage, and if you are getting primary or secondary coverage (and what the difference is).

If you travel multiple times a year, check if getting a yearly travel insurance policy is cheaper (vs. buying for each trip).

Our most recent purchase was a Nationwide Choice Cruise policy that covers pre existing as long as purchased before final payment. We booked so far out that we didn't want to spend money on travel insurance on a cruise we may cancel penalty free.

We've noticed very very few kids on all our September cruises (Caribbean, Hawaii, Alaska x2, and Pacific Coastal), mostly international folks and maybe some with home-schooled kids. I'm guessing folks don't want to pull their kids out right after school starts. Our anniversary is then, so we have tended to cruise then (only deviating when we wanted to do Alaska in May instead). Prices are usually pretty good that time of year too.

Alaska and Pacific Coastal had mainly older folks. Caribbean and Hawaii had a decent mix.

So I’m confused here. We sailed just over a year ago and every morning I would Oder coffee and danish and fruit, I didn’t pay any surcharge, just a tip. Has this since changed?

Continental breakfast is still free (coffee, yogurt, fruit, cereal, pastries, etc). There is an added optional hot breakfast side of the menu that would have the charge though.

Two of our favorite Alaska excursions were in Skagway.

(1) We independently booked a White Pass railway train up, mini bus trip back. That way you can see different scenery, plus there was much more narrative provided by the mini bus driver than the railroad, and it was cheaper. There are at least 3 options for how far to go (I think we did the middle one, into Canada, but not the full day one to the lake).

(2) Our second trip we did the Glacier Point Wilderness Safari. Lots of travel time (van, boat, school bus, walking, canoe, then the reverse), but beautiful scenery and a fun adventure out to the Davidson Glacier. Very memorable too.

In Juneau, both times we just did our own thing out to Mendenhall, Alaskan Brewing Company (free tour and beer tasting, although you need to take a cab or a van from their downtown gift shop to get out there), shopping, etc. We've done whale watching many times before so skipped it, but I believe most recommend Juneau over Victoria for whale watching. Doing a helicopter tour is also popular, but quite pricey, and very often cancelled due to conditions (so have a backup plan for if that happens).

In Victoria we've also only done our own walking tour, usually bar hopping and picking up alcoholic souvenirs to take back home (easy for us as we drove to the Seattle port). Butchart Gardens is very popular though. There are also some historical buildings, water taxi and/or bus tours, etc.

No Ketchikan? That is probably our favorite port as far as scenery and the town itself (very cute), and unfortunately usually the shortest stop. We loved the view from the top of the cable car line, and had an awesome kayaking trip through Southeast Sea Kayaks.

Lots of neat shops at all the ports, especially when you get further out from the dock. Have fun!

We founds the beds very hard. However, once I finally feel asleep, I slept just as good as at home on our fancy mattress. Maybe even better, due to the alcohol and the ship rocking! I'd rather have an extra firm bed than an extra soft one which sags and has me wake up with a sore back. I'm guessing these extra firm ones have a longer lifespan.

We were on Explorer last fall and were impressed with the MDR. I had lowered my expectations as I had read so many reviews saying it had gone down hill, and we hadn't cruised on Royal in about 7 years, but that wasn't necessary. I think Royal (and NCL) overcharge for specialty restaurants. Although we enjoy them more than the MDR, its not by much, and I think our money goes further on land, especially with what they are charging now (like $49pp for Chops on some ships).

However, food is subjective, and neither of us is foodies. We just expect our food to be satisfying, as described, served at an appropriate temperature, and to not be kept waiting too long. As said, my expectations are lower as I don't have to buy the food, cook, or clean up. Also, I understand it won't be gourmet when cooked in bulk.

If you don't like what you got, ask for what you do want, as they aim to please (and will typically ask if they can get you something different or if something was wrong if you don't finish it). They can accommodate off menu requests, especially when done the night before.

As for temperature, I think us sitting in the back corner of the MDR nearest the kitchen door helped. We also seemed to get food really quickly, faster than any of our previous cruises. We had my time dining and it seems like they try to sit you in the same section each night, so specifically ask the hostess if you didn't like the location (or waiter) the first night if you have MTD.

The food is one of the main reasons my husband said he only wants to cruise Royal from now on. That and the service and general atmosphere. We rarely go to the buffet as its a pain to have to hunt for a table, feel like we have to get up for stuff 1 at a time so our table isn't cleared or taken, its nearly impossible to eat a warm meal by the time we sit down, and the food seems better in the MDR. The MDR is especially awesome for breakfast.

Agreed on the kid's menu. Also, they can do sides of extra veggies, baked potato, etc.

We use them, for a combination of reducing (not eliminating) our bar bill, having the convenience of drinks in our cabin / on our balcony without having to go get them, the selection, and drink strength we like. If it was just a day or few long trip (vs. a week or more long cruise) and/or the cruise line charged a more reasonable rate for drinks (like less than half, more in line with a cheap bar than big city fancy restaurant prices), we wouldn't bother bringing our own.

I just can't see paying the ~$800 for drink packages for us for a week, even for a once a year cruise, as that is nearly half the cruise cost. And when paying per drink, even if I tell myself not to worry about the cost, I still do, which limits how much I'll purchase. Therefore I don't think we'd actually buy a significantly higher number of drinks if we didn't sneak booze on. We usually have a bar bill of 2 or 3 hundred dollars (our duty free alcohol bill is usually higher).

We'll have our drinks in our room and take a full glass when we leave for dinner and between activities on sea day afternoons and such, but buy drinks at other times when already out and about. We've brought rum runners on every cruise without issue, no leaks or getting caught. If you follow their directions, put them in a ziplock to be extra safe, pack them in a bag without anything that is likely to get flagged (like toiletries, non alcoholic beverages), and split them between multiple bags if possible, I think the risk of getting caught is low. Worst case they take it. I can deal.

Mine isn't ship-specific, but general. Read the cruise compass delivered to your cabin daily, cover to cover, so you know what is going on. However, you won't be able to do everything, so just have fun! Don't worry about what you may be missing, or feel that you have to stick to any plans you may make, or even attend any planned activities at all.

- large variety of meds / first aid stuff

- small container of liquid hand soap, as I hate bar soap

- alarm clock

- over the door organizer (great to keep things easy to find and get to, even by someone outside the bathroom with the door open when someone else is inside the bathroom)

- mesh shower caddy (no knocking over mini shampoo & body wash bottles)

- pop up mesh laundry hamper to put in the closet, as it makes the best use of extra vertical closet space and makes it easy to keep all our dirty clothes organizer

- small bag/purse for things I want to keep with me while walking around the ship (small bottle of water, book to read, seapass, chapstick, meds, etc) - I like a mini drawstring backpack

- larger backpack for shore excursions

- flip flops, even if not on a beach itinerary, as they make great "slippers" in the room - like hotels, the carpet isn't very clean and I don't want to get my feet dirty then get into bed

- at least 2 pens, to fill out forms (in the cruise terminal and on the ship), write a note to the cabin steward, etc, and as they always seem to get misplaced

My favorite thing is unpacking/packing once and staying in the same room every night, yet waking up in new places, plus having some true don't have to do anything vacation days. Being at sea is nice too (except when it gets bumpy...). I don't think the value can be met by any vacation on land, especially if you would factor in traveling to more than one location. Sure there are things I would change, but its by far our favorite way to vacation. We seem to compare every other vacation to a cruise. I wish there were more cruises (especially RCI) from the West coast though....we live in Seattle, and Alaska cruises are expensive, pacific coastals are only once a year, and those are the main options from up here.

Last fall on Explorer in a balcony cabin our mattress was very basic, on the hard/bouncy side, no pillow top at all. Really different than we have at home, and not very comfy to lay down on, but once I fell asleep I slept just fine. I always sleep really well on cruises though. My biggest complaint about cruise staterooms are the quality of the mattresses, linens, and towels, but I guess you have to get a suite to get anything nice, if even then.

We did Pacific Coastal on Explorer last September, and are repeating the cruise this year, as we loved it so much and it is an awesome deal (as we live in Seattle).

Agreed on the coconut cookies being awesome! For some reason they were nowhere to be found later in the cruise though. I'm a big cookie fan, and usually snag some to keep in the room, especially for that dead time in the late afternoon when the Windjammer is closed and I always seem to be really hungry (especially on port days).

The promenade cafe and windjammer both had cookies at least in the afternoon, varying selections. I think the cookies were one of the better desserts. It tastes like they use cheap ingredients in the desserts, as many didn't really taste as good as they looked. Creme Brule was nowhere as rich as I am used to, but it was an option every night, which is very cool, as I don't get it much and am used to paying $10 at a fancy restaurant for it.

We did most meals in the Main Dining Room, as the couple meals we tried in WJ weren't great, and it is a pain to snag a table, get food, get beverages, and eat while the food it still warm. I didn't really think there are too many don't miss type of items, but I disagree with many of the RCI food complaints.

We were impressed by the MDR food and service, especially having gone on NCL our last two cruises (I think RCI food is way better, and I'm not a foodie at all). We had MTD and were sat in the back every night, and I think that helped us get quicker service and warmer food, so I plan to ask for that again.

They never asked us if we wanted to sit with others or not, and we ended up eating dinner at a table for 2 each night, and most mornings. We may try to ask to sit with others this time. Even though we booked very early, traditional early seating was already booked, but I kinda wanted MTD again anyways, as early seating is a tad early, especially on port days.

My husband's favorite MDR selection was prime rib (I think it was on the first formal night, when they do lobster?), and mine was a cheese tortellini. The chilled soups are yummy, like a smoothie. We also did Chops one night, and I absolutely loved a starter salad that had apple, cheese, and nuts I think (but it looks like they may no longer have it?). It looks like they are changing the MDR menus too. Not sure we'll do Chops this time if its $49pp + 18%. Especially as I'm a picky eater and don't do most meat, including steak. I'll admit I ordered the kids menu mac & cheese a couple nights in the MDR. My husband said the steak had nothing on most of the top steakhouses in Seattle we frequent, but he enjoyed it nonetheless.

Breakfast in the MDR is awesome too, as you don't have to deal with the crowds, find a table, make multiple trips if you want more than one beverage and one plate, etc. They had a buffet set up in the middle with all the usual stuff (both hot and cold), and/or you could order the same stuff (plus a few specialty items like omelets) off the menu to get it fresh.

Lunch in the MDR on sea days was also nice, with a pretty big menu selection, plus some buffet things (at least a salad bar where wait staff would make you a salad, chopped & mixed with dressing). I never tried the cafe promenade pizza, but I've heard its not great. The soft serve machine on the pool deck is not ice cream or real fro yo, but its included and quite tasty (I recommend choc/vanilla swirl).

I think the main thing that is lacking food wise on every cruise ship I've been on is snacks. I'd love to be able to have snack options available at all times besides pizza/sandwiches/cookies in the promenade cafe. Things like fruit, raw veggies, trail mix, candy, popcorn, etc. I often bring snacks with us lol, at least some gummy candy (as I often want sugar but not a full on dessert) and some packaged stuff for shore time. I remember they were actually selling some sort of snacks (popcorn and candy?) prior to the ice show. That sort of stuff should really be included.

Best time depends on your budget and what you want to see (bears vs. salmon run for example - some excursions only run during certain times). For Tracy Arm, ice often stops the ships early (and sometimes through the middle) in the season. Glacier Bay is never an issue as far as ice early in the season (but RCI doesn't go there). We are on a budget but live in Seattle, so have already done an Alaska cruise twice, but only May and September. We far preferred May, due to it seeming more like Alaska (more ice and cooler) and much longer days than September. That far north the difference is getting hours more of light in May. June thru Aug are more popular and desirable, but much more expensive.

On Explorer last fall, my two favorite dishes were an appetizer salad with apple & nuts and such in Chops, and a cheese tortellini in the MDR later in the week.

We booked a few times with a discount agency for the extra OBC, but decided against it after some recent experience.

The first issue we had is that they would only give us one free price drop (and even then, it reduced the OBC they gave us, by about half the price difference), then after that, they said there was a fee each time.

The second was that cancelling was a huge pain. A form had to be filled out exactly right, by hand, then certified mailed or faxed. The first time I did it "wrong" so I had to redo it - good thing we were well before final payment). The kicker was the $100/cabin fee. Re-booking was a bit less, but still, not free, despite being before final payment.

Ideally I'd get a personal recommendation for a travel agency that has perks, great customer service, no penalties, and you can book and do interactions online (I hate talking on the phone).

I've found some of those qualities, but not all. So, I booked our most recent cruises directly. At least that way I could cancel before final payment if needed with the click of a button and without paying a fee. That makes up for loosing a bit of OBC in my mind.

BTW, I am expecting that there will be no toilet opportunities during this 6 hour excursion. If I am wrong, please correct me...that would be good if I'm wrong ;)

They have outdoor flush toilets at the staging point on the island. This is after you get off the bus, after the boat ride. The staging point is where you get (and drop off) gear, so will be just before and after the canoe part, approximately the middle of the excursion.

Only 1 vendor does the tour, although it looks like you can book through a few different sites. You could book it online through the cruiseline or independently if you wanted. I've never called about anything. Looks like it is going for $219 independently.

here are reviews of the excursion on cruisecritic I found too:

https://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/shore-excursions/excursion/4630/

We did this excursion, although I think we ended up booking it privately, not through the ship. It ended up being our favorite excursion in Alaska so far (2 cruises)! Its a lot of transit time on the boat to get out there, then a short time on a school bus, then a short hike until you get to the really cool stuff (canoes and glacier), but the guides were awesome and they kept us entertained and educated.

The guides actually live out there on the island all summer for the cruise season, so they have some interesting stories to share. We did a very early season cruise and I was pleasantly surprised that none of our guides (we had a different one on the boat, bus/hike, and canoe, as the boat one was separate, and the larger group was split up for the canoes) seemed like newbies. They must get there quite early for orientation.

It was a sack lunch (sandwich, fruit, granola bar ish) at a picnic area on the island, either before or after the canoe part depending on the time of day (they do 2 runs a day I think). I'd recommend bringing your own water and snacks in case you want to eat at a different time or whatever.

Yes, the boat there and back was enclosed, which I wasn't all tot keen on, but even though I get motion sick very easily, I was fine with Bonine + Seabands. It didn't have a restroom either, but they warned us in advance.

The excursion itself was very picturesque and fun. Just bring some patience with all the travel involved, as its a long day. It wasn't too grueling though, as they only let you paddle the canoes so far, then turn on outboard motors.

Note that lots of info and reviews can be found about this excursion online by searching by name. Double check if you can book independently and save a bit of money. There would be folks going through the ship doing it as well, so its very low risk.

Unfortunately most Alaska excursions are pricey, but I see no point in going all the way to Alaska and then only walking around the tourist port areas! This is a very popular excursion with only a set availability, and I've heard it sells out months in advance. So, if you can cancel without penalty, I see no reason not to book it now if you are leaning towards it. Best wishes.