ALL NEW! Everything Explorer of the Seas! Come on in!!

[tonythewop]

I've emailed Meg several times with no response.

 

I really hope she and her mom are ok.:confused:

[BND]

I've emailed Meg several times with no response.

 

Her Bayonne 411 thread on east coast departures has mentioned her too. One poster was contacted on Facebook by someone who knows Meg who says she hasn't returned since the cruise ( I don't know if they know for sure she hasn't been home or what). Also, she apparently hasn't posted on FB either according to someone else. I would think there has to be someone on these boards who can find out because she's met lots of people on her cruises. Someone did say they saw her on the 9/11 Explorer cruise but that's about it.

[cruisefromct]

Meg was on the 9/11/10 cruise with me, met her in the C.L. She was traveling alone. From what I took from her conversations with others and what little she said to me, it seems like her Mom wasn't doing well.

[maddawg271]

Her Bayonne 411 thread on east coast departures has mentioned her too. One poster was contacted on Facebook by someone who knows Meg who says she hasn't returned since the cruise ( I don't know if they know for sure she hasn't been home or what). Also, she apparently hasn't posted on FB either according to someone else. I would think there has to be someone on these boards who can find out because she's met lots of people on her cruises. Someone did say they saw her on the 9/11 Explorer cruise but that's about it.

 

Last time she posted on her FaceBook was 9-15...

[BND]

Last time she posted on her FaceBook was 9-15...

 

She was still on Explorer on 9-15. It was a 5 day 9/11-9/16 so she hasn't posted since the ship got back.

[My2Kitties]

I also messaged her on FB and she did not reply...I came here looking for info from her...worried about her...

[InsideCruiser]

Edited to remove the"Eco-learning Station" on deck 4.

Please let me know if you see anything else that is incorrect or missing.

 

Explorer of the Seas

 

• Maiden Voyage: October 28, 2000
  
• Passenger Capacity: 3,114
  
• Crew: 1,185
  
• Godmother: Jackie Joyner-Kersee
  
• Gross Tonnage: 138,000
  
• Length: 1020'
  
• Max Beam: 157.5'
  
• Draft: 29'
  
• Cruising Speed: 23.7 knots
  
• Decks: 15
  
• Home Port: Cape Liberty, New Jersey
  
• Itineraries: 5 Night Bermuda, 7-9 Night Bahamas, 9 Night Canada, 9-10 Night East Caribbean, 10-14 Night South Caribbean
  

 

Public Areas

 

• Royal Promenade (shopping and parades on deck 5): a naturally lighted four-story area lined with bars and shops
  
• The Centrum (deck 3): seven-story atrium similar to the lobby of a grand hotel featuring bars, lounges and unique shops
  
• Casino Royale (deck 4): features electronic Slot Machines, Video Poker, Blackjack, Craps, Roulette and Caribbean Stud Poker
  
• Photo & Art Gallery (deck 3): art is displayed (auctions are held)
  
• Library (deck 7): selection of books and guidebooks, comfortable reading chairs provided or books can be borrowed
  
• Observation Deck (deck 5): access to the wind and the ocean air, with unobstructed view of the ocean from the prow of the ship
  
• Bridge Overlook (deck 11): view the operations of the bridge area
  
• Weather Station (deck 12): complimentary tours available
  
• Challengers Arcade (deck 12): games are charged to your SeaPass
  
• Optix Teen Disco (deck 12 aft): large soda bar, dance floor, and cozy sitting areas for guests aged 12-17
  
• Adventure Ocean (deck 12): RCI staffed kids programs; Aquanauts (3-5), Explorers (6-8), Voyagers (9-12), and Navigators (13-17)
  
• Explorations! Desk (deck 5): book excursions for the various ports of call
  
• Skylight Chapel (deck 15): wedding chapel
  
• Seven Hearts cards and games room (deck 14): selection of board games and card decks
  
• Cloud Nine (deck 14): multi-purpose meeting room
  
• RoyalCaribbean Online (deck 8): internet access for a fee, wifi available or computers provided
  
• Business Services (deck 6): typing and copying services, internet access for a fee, wifi available or private workstations provided
  
• Conference Center (deck 2): dedicated meeting space with breakout rooms and reception area to accommodate up to 400 people
  
• Guest Relations (deck 5): general ship information, to report lost or damaged goods, to exchange money or cash traveller's checks
  
• Aquarium (deck 4): tanks holding 56 tons of saltwater and hundreds of tropical fish
  

 

Pools (salt water)

 

• Main Pool Area (deck 11): 2 pools, 4 whirlpools (always at least one pool and hot tub open 24 hours)
  
• Solarium (deck 11): pool and 2 whirlpools for adults only
  
• Day Spa and Fitness Center (decks 11&12): exercise machines, hot tubs, sauna, and thalassotherapy pool
  
• Adventure Beach (deck 12): pool area with water-slide (11:00 am – 3:00 pm) for toilet trained children aged 12 and under
  

 

Standard staterooms:

Two twin beds (can convert into queen-size), sitting area , vanity area, and a private bathroom. Also includes minibar, hair-dryer, TV, phone, computer jack, vanity table with an extendible working surface for laptop computers, and 110/220 electrical outlets. Some have Pullman beds and can accommodate 3-4 guests

 

Stateroom categories (there are subcategories within each of these)

 

• Interior Stateroom (160 sq ft): see standard description
  
• Promenade Stateroom (167 sq ft): all the features of a standard stateroom plus a bowed window overlooking the Royal Promenade.
  
• Oceanview Stateroom (180 sq ft): all the features of a standard stateroom plus a picture window looking out to sea
  
• Large Oceanview Stateroom (211 sq ft): Oceanview Stateroom plus the extra space
  
• Family Oceanview Stateroom (265-328 sq ft): Oceanview Stateroom plus additional bunk beds and sofa bed or pullman beds
  
• Deluxe Stateroom (173 sq ft + 47 sq ft balcony): all the features of a standard stateroom plus a balcony
  
• Superior Stateroom (188 sq ft + 50 sq ft balcony): Deluxe Stateroom plus the extra space
  
• Junior Suite (277 sq ft + 69 sq ft balcony): All the features of a standard stateroom plus separate bedroom, tub in bathroom
  
• Grand Suite (381 sq ft + 95 sq ft balcony): Junior Suite plus the extra space and concierge service
  
• Royal Family Suite (547-610 sq ft + 234 sq ft balcony): Grand Suite plus the extra space including a 2nd bedroom and bathroom
  
• Owner's Suite (506-631 sq ft + 64-131 sq ft balcony):Grand Suite plus Queen-size bed, queen-size sofa bed, separate shower and bidet
  
• Royal Suite (1,188 sq ft + 170 sq ft balcony): Grand Suite plus King-size bed, whirlpool tub, baby grand piano, hot tub on balcony
  

 

Dining (times are for a typical Sea Day and will vary slightly)

 

Magellan, Da Gama, and Columbus Dining Rooms (complimentary table service on decks 3, 4, & 5)

 

• Breakfast: 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. (No bare feet, bathing attire, tank tops, or caps)
  
• Lunch (Magellan only): Noon - 2:00 p.m. on sea days (No bare feet, bathing attire, tank tops, or caps) Brasserie30 option allows you to choose two menu items and finish within 30 minutes
  
• Dinner: Main Seating 6:00 p.m., Second Seating 8:30 p.m., My Time Dining 6:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. (no shorts; Casual, Smart Casual, or Formal Attire depending on the night)
  

Windjammer Cafe and Island Grill (complimentary buffet on deck 11)

 

• Continental Breakfast: 6:30 a.m.-7:00 a.m. (No bare feet or bathing attire)
  
• Full-Buffet Breakfast: 7:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. (No bare feet or bathing attire)
  
• Lunch: 11:30 a.m.- 3:00 p.m. (No bare feet or bathing attire)
  
• Afternoon Tea and Snacks: 3:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m. (No bare feet or bathing attire)
  
• Dinner: 6:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m. (No bare feet, bathing attire, tank tops, or caps)
  

 

Café Promenade (complimentary desserts, sandwiches, Pizza on deck 5)

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Late-Night Snacks: 24 hours a day

 

Room Service (complimentary Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

24 hours a day ($3.95 charge between midnight and 5 am)

 

Dancing under the Stars Midnight Buffet by main pools (complimentary)

1 night each cruise 11:30 p.m. - 12:30 a.m.

 

Frozen yogurt: complimentary machines in main pool area from 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Ben & Jerry's (deck 5): ice-cream offered for sale from 9:00 am – 3:00 am

Johnny Rockets (deck 12): 1950's style dinner, $4.95/pp 11:30 am - 11:30 pm

Portofino's Dinner (deck 11): fine Italian dining, $20/pp, 6:00 pm - 9:45 pm, Smart Casual

Mystery Dinner Theater Dinner: $49.50/pp (themed night at Portofino's)

Vini D'Italia Dinner: $54.50/pp (wine tasting dinner night at Portofino's)

Concierge Club (deck 9): access restricted to guests in Grand Suite accommodations or higher, or passengers who have reached Diamond Plus status with RCL

 

 

Bars (15% gratuity added automatically)

 

• Studio B Bar (deck 3): non-smoking
  
• Cafe Promenade Bar (deck 5): non-smoking
  
• Pool Bar (deck 11): smoking
  
• Casino Bar (deck 4): smoking
  
• Maharajas Lounge (deck 5): non-smoking
  
• Solarium Bar (deck 11): smoking
  
• Sky Bar (deck 12): smoking
  
• Crown & Kettle (deck 5): non-smoking
  
• Aquarium Bar (deck 4): non-smoking
  
• The Chamber (decks 3&4): smoking
  
• Weekend Warrior Sports Bar (deck 5): non-smoking
  
• 19th Hole (deck 14): smoking
  
• Dizzy's Jazz Lounge (deck 14): non-smoking
  
• Schooner Bar (deck 4): non-smoking
  
• Palace Theatre Bar (decks 3&4): non-smoking
  
• Champagne Bar (deck 5): non-smoking
  
• Connoisseur Club Cigar Lounge (deck 5): smoking
  
• Viking Crown Lounge (deck 14): non-smoking
  
• Crow's Nest (deck 14): non-smoking
  

 

Activities (complimentary unless noted)

 

• Jogging track (deck 12): 24 hours
  
• Shuffleboard (deck 4): 24 hours
  
• Ping pong (deck 13): 24 hours
  
• Full-size court basketball court (deck 13): 24 hours, sometimes set up for volleyball or soccer
  
• Explorer Dunes (deck 13): 24 hour 9-hole miniature golf course
  
• Rock-climbing wall (deck 13): limited hours
  
• In-line skating (deck 13): limited hours
  
• Ice-skating rink (deck 3): limited hours
  
• Golf simulator (deck 13): $25/hour for up to 4 players, limited hours
  

 

Theatres

 

• Palace Theatre: 1350 seats
  
• Studio B: 900 seats
  
• Screening Room on Deck 2: 60 seats (3 recent Hollywood movies a day and lectures)
  

 

RCI Production Shows (all complimentary)

 

• Welcome Aboard Show: featuring RCI Singers & Dancers
  
• Spirits of the Seasons: Ice Show
  
• Invitation to Dance: choreographed by Louis Van Amstel from Dancing With the Stars
  
• Vibeology: pop songs through the decades
  
• Fast Forward: tribute to the hottest dance movies (Saturday Night Fever, Dirty Dancing, Flashdance and etc.)
  
• Farewell Variety Showtime: featuring RCI Singers & Dancers
  

[DC1107]

Does anyone have any pics of the aquarium?

[My2Kitties]

I actually did the tour of the Oceanic and Atmospheric labs when they were on Explorer a few years back...interesting info...

[djd832001]

I'm doing a blog for the Explorer of the Seas. Its my first time on the ship and I was just collecting some information. Please submit comments to the blog. Relate experiences, if you have pictures to share please let me know. Also compasses, menus, etc would be greatly appreciated. Here is the link.

 

http://cruisinonexplorer.blogspot.com/

[bangzoom6877]

Hi everyone! I'm the original poster...haven't been on CC in a while...very busy with work, the kids, family stuff, etc. All good things though, thank goodness for that! :)

 

Thank you to the poster who will be sharing the kids' compasses...that will help tremendously!

 

Does anyone have some detailed info on the fitness center, and aerobics classes? I normally work out 6 days a week and on cruises, I like to keep up my exercise. I usually love the aerobics classes in particular on cruises, but I haven't been on RCI for 18 years so I am completely unfamiliar with their fitness activities! Do they have them in the morning and the late afternoon? Do any fitness classes cost extra? Also, how are the machines and weights? I could always get on the elliptical and lift some weights if the fitness classes aren't at convenient times. Thanks everyone!!

[cruisingpluto]

does anyone know how much just the shuttle costs from the hilton garden inn to cape liberty? and how it works? is it set schedules?

 

i would call, but i am out of the country now. thanks.

[CeeAngel]

Hi,

 

I've done a search using "tv" and "grand suite", but have been unable to find out if the GS on the Explorer has one TV or two. I thought perhaps they would have one for the sitting area, and one for the bedroom area. Would someone be able to answer this for me?

 

Thanks,

[BonVoyage2010]

Hi,

 

I've done a search using "tv" and "grand suite", but have been unable to find out if the GS on the Explorer has one TV or two. I thought perhaps they would have one for the sitting area, and one for the bedroom area. Would someone be able to answer this for me?

 

Thanks,

 

Check Webshots for pics or YouTube

[BonVoyage2010]

Hi,

 

I've done a search using "tv" and "grand suite", but have been unable to find out if the GS on the Explorer has one TV or two. I thought perhaps they would have one for the sitting area, and one for the bedroom area. Would someone be able to answer this for me?

 

Thanks,

 

These pics show the GS on Explorer. There is a TV in the sitting area and it looks like another in the bottom left corner of the bedroom pic. Must be old pics... They should be all flat screen now.

http://travel.webshots.com/album/501701845zMDDWB?start=24

[SpekiTrout]

I also messaged her on FB and she did not reply...I came here looking for info from her...worried about her...

 

She has checked or has been reading Cruise Critic ... you can check anyone by going to Members name and then last activity here. ( her last was Oct 23rd) Someone else (Beachbuddy) posted (on the origianl Explorer thread that she knew what happened to Meg but didn't want to post it on the board and asked someone to send a private email to someone to find out "what" happened . Later this same person Beachbuddy said she really didn't know what happend to Meg ... (well she didn't sound like that when she first posted) Anyway ... maybe Meg just needed to take a break and get away from it all. There have been numerous people in the past that kind of "poof" no matter how often they have posted here. She must be somewhere if she's checking in here so I wouldn't worry too much. And no ... no FB activity since the 15th . I'm sure we'll all hear something sooner or later.

[138east]

does anyone know how much just the shuttle costs from the hilton garden inn to cape liberty? and how it works? is it set schedules?

 

i would call, but i am out of the country now. thanks.

 

The shuttle from the Hilton Garden on Staten Island is complimentary. From what I can figure out you tell the hotel you want to go to Cape Liberty and they tell you what time. Check the East Coast Departures for postings about Hilton Garden. Hilton Garden and Hampton Inn share a shuttle bus that appears to hold about 20 people.

[beachbuddy]

She has checked or has been reading Cruise Critic ... you can check anyone by going to Members name and then last activity here. ( her last was Oct 23rd) Someone else (Beachbuddy) posted (on the origianl Explorer thread that she knew what happened to Meg but didn't want to post it on the board and asked someone to send a private email to someone to find out "what" happened . Later this same person Beachbuddy said she really didn't know what happend to Meg ... (well she didn't sound like that when she first posted) Anyway ... maybe Meg just needed to take a break and get away from it all. There have been numerous people in the past that kind of "poof" no matter how often they have posted here. She must be somewhere if she's checking in here so I wouldn't worry too much. And no ... no FB activity since the 15th . I'm sure we'll all hear something sooner or later.

 

Excuse me but I don't appreciate your saying things that I said that are not true. I never said I knew what happened to Meg.........for one thing, hopefully, nothing has happened to her. Maybe she just needs a break from here and time to herself. I just think that we need to respect her privacy. Sorry if my comment to one of my friends on here was misleading to you........it wasn't meant to be.

[EmpressofPurple]

Hi everyone! I'm the original poster...haven't been on CC in a while...very busy with work, the kids, family stuff, etc. All good things though, thank goodness for that! :)

 

Thank you to the poster who will be sharing the kids' compasses...that will help tremendously!

 

Does anyone have some detailed info on the fitness center, and aerobics classes? I normally work out 6 days a week and on cruises, I like to keep up my exercise. I usually love the aerobics classes in particular on cruises, but I haven't been on RCI for 18 years so I am completely unfamiliar with their fitness activities! Do they have them in the morning and the late afternoon? Do any fitness classes cost extra? Also, how are the machines and weights? I could always get on the elliptical and lift some weights if the fitness classes aren't at convenient times. Thanks everyone!!

 

Welcome back to your thread, OP!:)

 

Here's some info I posted on another thread re: fitness classes:

 

Most of the RCI cruises I've been on offer two types of classes:

 

25-min. classes which are free (usually 7am stretch, 730am abs, aerobics or circuit training; sometimes they also offer an afternoon class, too. By the third day, I'm often the only one at the 7am stretch class!)

 

55-min. classes which cost $10-12 each (sometimes they offer a discount if you book 3 or more, at the fitness director's discretion). These include Yoga (-ish, the instructors are not always very good), Pilates, and spinning. I think the larger ships (eg. Freedom & above) offer boxing, kickboxing and other classes, too. Schedule changes by ship, port schedule, etc., but usually early AM & around sailaway in the afternoon.

 

You can also book private training sessions at $75 per hour, or express sessions at $40 for a half hour.

 

My cruise budget always includes $$ for Yoga and spin class!! I love Yoga on the beach; a bit sandy, but the heat and natural surroundings really add to the experience. Be sure to bring water!

 

Also, I recommend that you board the ship as early as possible and head straight to the gym to sign up for any classes you are interested in taking. Spin class often fills up right away. If you miss out on signing up, put your name down on the waitlist and show up at the class; you might get in, since many times people do not show up for their spot.

 

There are plenty of cardio machines (treadmill, elliptical, bikes... though I haven't seen any stairmasters, rowing machines or recumbent bikes), plus nautilus-type weight machines, and free weight stations with benches, so you can always create your own workout anytime the gym is open... and when there are no classes in the workout area, you can use the mats, balls, etc. (although you can only use the spin bikes in the class; they are locked up otherwise).

 

Enjoy your cruise! It will be very easy for you to keep up with your workout schedule. Remember you can also use the walking/jogging track, too, and enjoy the beautiful scenery and weather.

[LBcruzman]

I guess I have to ask....do you normally have a bar bill at the end of the cruise that is 2K? The kids can't use the concierge lounge in the evening. the other benefits the suite does give you is great pool chairs reserved for you. Your reserved suite seating at select shows and also available to get you reservations at other eating places. If I were in your shoes, this trip I would be all over two rooms and having extra bathroom. However, as I am slightly spoiled by having a GS before....love love love the space and the extra credit for having this suite and not having to search for a pool chair...what a decision....have a terrific cruise

 

CL service is NOT worth $2,000 on a cruise. Two connecting cabins with two kids is 2 bathrooms and privacy!!!! The only way we have ever done a suite with our kids was the Royal Family suite where we had 2 bathrooms and two bedrooms and a living room. We had CL but didn't do it for that reason. We only had the RFS when we wanted to splurge because it was a 12 night cruise.

Most of the time we do the two connecting balconies. I would never do a GS with two kids unless they were really young. No privacy!!! Save the 2K and get the connecting balconies, you will be glad you did. For 2k you can order a good Martini before dinner and a fine wine with your meal every night with plenty of money to spare!

[lorac2]

we are on the 11/19 and driving from MA. I see you did also. Was there much traffic and what time did you start out. Thanks

[Sugar*Magnolia]

CL service is NOT worth $2,000 on a cruise. Two connecting cabins with two kids is 2 bathrooms and privacy!!!! The only way we have ever done a suite with our kids was the Royal Family suite where we had 2 bathrooms and two bedrooms and a living room. We had CL but didn't do it for that reason. We only had the RFS when we wanted to splurge because it was a 12 night cruise.

Most of the time we do the two connecting balconies. I would never do a GS with two kids unless they were really young. No privacy!!! Save the 2K and get the connecting balconies, you will be glad you did. For 2k you can order a good Martini before dinner and a fine wine with your meal every night with plenty of money to spare!

 

Agree, 1000%. This is how we cruise too! Connecting Balcony cabins, the only way to gooooo!

 

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=832267309#!/group.php?gid=160021267346449 <~~~New Jersey Cruising! Join the fun & Post!

[fish6]

Has anyone done the Old/New San Juan tour through RCCL? We are getting to the port @ 4:00 pm and I was hoping this tour would be OK to complete before it got dark. Some people have expressed safety concerns in San Juan when it is dark.

[crisndeefromde]

Hi,

 

I've done a search using "tv" and "grand suite", but have been unable to find out if the GS on the Explorer has one TV or two. I thought perhaps they would have one for the sitting area, and one for the bedroom area. Would someone be able to answer this for me?

 

Thanks,

 

Only one tv in a grand suite and not all suites have been upgraded to flat screens. We were in 1548 in May and had the older tv and before that in january we were in 1570 and it was older tv

[crisndeefromde]

Excuse me but I don't appreciate your saying things that I said that are not true. I never said I knew what happened to Meg.........for one thing, hopefully, nothing has happened to her. Maybe she just needs a break from here and time to herself. I just think that we need to respect her privacy. Sorry if my comment to one of my friends on here was misleading to you........it wasn't meant to be.

 

Never dull girlfriend....most of us understood what you were writing. Sorry this other person sure didn't. We need some cruise time!!!