psupa

Unfortunately, she will be long gone, in Cadiz, Spain for the dry dock.

I know:( Wishful thinking on my part. You know what's funny I was on this cruise and I'm enjoying reading Carol's review and pictures.

Theresa

I will now take a little time to address recent comments about the Explorer, on several recent threads.

 

My friend Ruth is a vegan. She has told people on Cruise Critic how well she has been treated in getting good dinners in the MDR. This cruise, not so much. They are making her jump through hoops every night, instead of just making her vegan meals. She is quite frustrated and tired of the ordeal. One night they brought her gluten-free pasta, as though all food requests are the same. One of the chefs was brought out to talk to her, but it doesn't seem to have helped.

 

Well, this is a ten-top. Eleven is too crowded. If you are a party of 11 and WANT to be squished in to accommodate you all sitting together, that is one thing. I don't want to be squished at dinner.

 

After dinner tonight, when Ruth & I were the last ones there, we spoke to our headwaiter. Instead of acknowledging our issue (squishing) and saying that he would try to do something about it, we had to listen to him explaining how overcrowded the dining room is, how everyone wants first seating, how some ten-tops have 12 people at them, how difficult it is to manage the dining room, blah, blah, blah.

 

I don't want to hear that. I don't need to listen to that. It's not MY problem; it's YOURS. Don't whine to me how tough your job is. Smile and tell me that you will look into it, even if you won't.

 

JMO

:)

Carol, having cruised the Explorer many times I noticed many new faces at the headwaiter position and some with an attitude. I had some issues with MTD management (headwaiters), but finally got it fixed on day 3 and got a complimentary bottle of wine (that's how mad I was) and had no problems after that. The Explorer always had a great staff, but there are many new faces and changes and IMO not for the better.

Theresa

What else can you find out for us, Merion_Mom??? I'd LOVE to get back on EX after the dry dock and see all the changes. Bt our next ship will be Liberty instead.

 

It would be nice if they brought her back to Bayonne for a few months after dry dock so those of us who cruised her many times (15 for me) can see and enjoy the changes.

Theresa

Following along

We just returned today from the last Bayonne to Bayonne sailing. We will miss the Explorer. I wish they would have given a fact sheet for the Explorer, but there was nothing. The Captain mentioned it a few times that was it.

Theresa

Merion Mom, I am on this cruise and can't wait to go back and read all your posts when I get home tomorrow :(. I am so glad I just got to meet you. I have a few comments about the MTD management, but will post when I get home.

Theresa

Subscribing and can't wait to read the first reviews of the Quantum. Would love to see a photo of an obstructed balcony on deck 6.

We had booked the Gem for Nov 1, 2015, 12 night cruise. The cruise was cancelled by NCL and my TA said reason given was dry dock. Makes you wonder what's up after that. We love the Gem and I hope it stays in NY.

I am very proud to report that my DD notified me of new additions to our family. She had twins this morning (girls) and I can’t wait to see them on my way home tomorrow. It wasn’t supposed to be until next week, but Mother Nature decided a few days early. There will be a couple more Mini Radios to be sailing the seven seas very soon. . .

 

Radio

 

Your Intrepid Reporter bids everyone farewell until my next “LIVE”

Congratulations on your new Grand-Babies

When is your next live review....

Theresa

Looking forward to your live reports and pics

Never had a bad cruise and we've sailed mostly RCI, and also sailed on Celebrity, Princess and NCL. Some are just more memorable than others.

SERVICES

 

CONCLUSION

 

I probably say this every time, but I really really really had a great time on this cruise. The itinerary was fantastic and I loved the ship, but on this cruise, what I really liked was the passenger mix. Almost everyone I met was really nice and friendly. Folks holding the elevator doors for others, letting people in front of them, orderly queuing. An elderly gentleman even tried to offer me his seat on the bus from the ship to the terminal while disembarking! Nobody shoving, no one w a self-entitlement attitude, totally chill formal night. I'm really struggling to remember one negative interaction with a passenger. (Can we all just sail together again?)

 

Thank you for following along!

Ditto. Thank you for the great review and letting me relive my cruise. It's always nice to see it in another persons eyes.

Theresa

MDR- Maybe it's my imagination, but the portions seemed to be skimpier than past cruises. Not a huge issue as they were more than happy to bring seconds, additional appetizers, you name it.

 

Windjammer- It seemed like the quality here has indeed sagged recently. In the past I always had trouble deciding which of several dishes to get, this time it was a challenge finding one. I mentioned this at our dining table and everyone at the table agreed.

 

Promenade Cafe- Much larger variety of sandwiches since my last cruise on Explorer, and they were all delicious. We ended up having lunch here most days.

 

This was our last cruise on Explorer before she leaves Bayonne and we'll truly miss her. Overall I don't know if "WOW" is the proper word for Explorer as the word has connotations of being overwhelming. Explorer and her outstanding crew simply have a way of making you feel very, very happy.

Nice review and I agree with these comments. We have sailed the Explorer many time and have one more cruise before she repositions.

Theresa

DAY 8 - BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS

 

Sigh, last port! Today we would be in Boston, a town we've had the fortune of visiting many times. So, instead of spending the day in the city, we decided to take advantage of the ship's excursion to the Kennedy Library and Adams House. The JFK library, while technically in Boston, is somewhat out of the way, and the Adams house is in Quincy, a southern suburb. Both were fantastic visits, though we hit some trouble early on in the day!

 

Our tour was to depart at 8:30, and we were instructed to meet at the Theater at 8:15. (Based on past experience, we knew to get to the Theater a bit early, as tours sometimes depart at exactly the time they tell you to meet.) At the theater, they gave out stickers numbered 23. I'd guess there were maybe 200-300 people in the theater, all with 23. I found it odd that that many people wanted to see the JFK Library, but, hey, ok.

 

At 8:15ish, we were herded down to the gangway and through the cruise terminal. No shops. When we got outside, there were people holding various signs for excursions.

 

Well, it turns out people on different excursions waiting in the theater were all given a 23. I have no idea how many excursions were there, but it was definitely more than just the Kennedy library. As you can imagine, this caused great confusion. Boo on the Explorations! desk - this was a FAIL.

 

Abigail Adams' English garden and John Quincy Adams' Library. (No pictures were allowed inside the houses.)

 

The exhibits were on the lower floor, and they followed JFK's career, from boyhood and school through his days as a young Senator, and then finally his Presidency. There were individual stations showing election night results, and a video loop showing his Inauguration speech, and a beautiful hall (replicated from the White House, I believe) showing many of the gifts that JFK received while in office. Of course, there was much detail and attention given to Jackie Kennedy, as well as individual exhibits on JFK's family and legacy. There was a separate section dedicated to the Cuban Missile Crisis.

 

- Be careful if they give a lot of people the same number sticker for excursions! On the day we were there, it was chaotic looking for your bus tour. Just because someone is wearing the same number as you doesn't mean they're on the same excursion.

Great review and pics. I just started reading it (backwards). This tour sounds wonderful and I may do this next year when we sail on the Liberty (same itinerary). Question: is there any place in the Library where you could sit and rest if you can't stand for long periods of time.

I feel your pain about the tour organization - there isn't any. Same thing happened the day we were in Portland. Had everyone meet in Maharajas Lounge and 1 person with 3 rolls of different numbers and chaos as there was absolutely no direction whatsoever and everyone just pushing and shoving to get a number. We weren't even escorted down to the gangway or told where to meet the tour. Having been to Portland before I knew where the buses where. I agree that the Explorations people on the Explorer need to get it together.

Theresa

 

I know many people see the Tear Drop Memorial during the daylight while sailing away. But, since we sailed away in the evening, here is a picture of it at night. It is beautiful in the daylight too. Not sure if "windjamming" has a picture of it at night. If they do, maybe they can post a better picture of it. This is a little blurry.

 

 

 

Gwen :)

Nice picture Gwen.

Please forgive those loyal to Royal which I count myself. I just booked a European cruise on Princess. The ports were to good to pass on. If Royal only offered the same itinerary.

Enjoy:)

I think the least they should do is let you cancel without penalty.

Either that or at least give an upgrade.

Still need to write the full review for my website' date=' but here are my quick scores: (0 to 10, 0 being awful, 10 being outstanding)

 

My Time Dining Waiter: 10 (Benjamin)

My Time Dining Assistant: 10 (Arnold)

 

Concierge: 10 (Denzil)

Concierge Service: 10

 

Cheers,

Paul[/quote']

 

We were on the 8/28/14 Canada/New England cruise and had Benjamin and Arnold in My Time Dining. Their service was outstanding. Denzil is a great Concierge. The ship is showing wear and tear, but we still love the Explorer and will miss her. I would love to see the Explorer after dry dock and all the new features and wish they would bring her back to Bayonne just for a few cruises, but I know that won't happen.

 

Theresa

 

 

Cape Liberty

 

It's true. Cape Liberty is not the easiest of ports to navigate. The trick is just to know in advance where you should be going. (I know, I'm full of great advice. Don't run with scissors. You're welcome.) I had read on CC (thank you!) not to use a GPS, so we used a combination of Google maps and directions from CC poster 138east, which were spot on. 138east, if you're out there, thank you! And to anyone going to the Cape Liberty, I would recommend googling 138east for her directions. They're a huge help.

 

The only mistake we made was accidentally getting in the drop off line instead of turning left (at the warehouse) to get to the parking lot. No worries, we corrected quickly, went through the parking toll gate ($19/d), and were directed to a parking spot by a friendly attendant. Because we had a good amount of luggage, we opted to take the complimentary shuttle, driven by a very nice lady, who told us how to pick up the shuttle coming back. We dropped off our luggage (tipping the porters of course), and were on our way to check in.

Thanks for posting this. We usually take a van service, but in October we are driving with our friends. I thought you had to drop the luggage off first and then park. This is good to know. Is there a sign where you turn at the warehouse to park.

Theresa

We were on this cruise too. Enjoying your review and the beautiful pics. We've been to these ports before, but I never tire of this itinerary. Thanks for sharing and keep it coming.

Theresa

But there was a stark difference between the cleanliness of Bermuda and the lack there of in Nassau.

So true. Bermuda has always been a favorite of mine

Theresa

We just returned from the Aug 28th Explorer of the Seas Canada/New England cruise and we had warm weather and calm seas. I had packed light jackets, but we didn't need them. You just never know how the weather will be. I would pack the fleece jacket and raincoat you mentioned. Layers are the way to go. Wishing you a wonderful cruise.

Here are two photos of the morning coffee area on the pool deck.

 

 

 

Judith and I agree that the morning coffee is terrible!

We just got back from the Explorer and all I can say is it must be fleet wide because the coffee was terrible:(. I usually fill the cup about 3/4 and dilute with some hot water

Theresa

More unsolicited advice: I agree with the meclizine but also see if she can chew slowly on a granny smith apple. And, have her sit on the balcony and stare at the horizon.

 

I hope she gets over it soon.

More advice: Don't drink orange juice or anything with citrus. Have Judith try some crackers or a plain roll. As others have said try the green apple. Hope she is feeling better - seasick is not fun

does anyone know for sure what is going on with the explorer?

web sites that track ships shows that it is not moving.

does anyone know for sure the eta into bayonne?

Is it possible that the ship is just going 4 or 5 nm because they are close to NJ?