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All Things Explorer of the Seas! -- Part 2

LauraS
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musicman85

musicman85

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EOS seems to be a VERY big ship. Is it easy to navigate and get used to before the end of the cruise? Usually by the end we can get anywhere pretty easily, but this ship has 15 decks, the ships we've been on only have 11-12 decks.

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Clarea

Clarea

Posted
Posted (edited)
EOS seems to be a VERY big ship. Is it easy to navigate and get used to before the end of the cruise? Usually by the end we can get anywhere pretty easily, but this ship has 15 decks, the ships we've been on only have 11-12 decks.

Royal's ships are very easy to navigate. Most decks go all the way forward and aft so you don't havr to go up and around to get from point to point. The exceptions on Explorer are decks 2 and 3 which don't go through because of the ice rink.

Edited by clarea
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ajdickinson

ajdickinson

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For those who have sailed EOS out of Bayonne/ Cape Liberty, about what time do they generally start allowing people to board the ship on departure day? Folk over at the Cape Liberty forum were recommending an arrival time about 10:30 or 11AM, but a travel agent today was saying that she didn't think the ship would be open for boarding until 12:30 or even 1:30 PM. Does that sound right?

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Clarea

Clarea

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For those who have sailed EOS out of Bayonne/ Cape Liberty, about what time do they generally start allowing people to board the ship on departure day? Folk over at the Cape Liberty forum were recommending an arrival time about 10:30 or 11AM, but a travel agent today was saying that she didn't think the ship would be open for boarding until 12:30 or even 1:30 PM. Does that sound right?

The two times we went on Explorer last year, we started boarding between 11:30am and noon.

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Clarea

Clarea

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Our cruise documents say we have a specific boarding time between 2-2:30 since we're on deck 2. Do people generally follow these, or are these just suggested times? They won't stop us if we get to the port around 11?

You won't be stopped if you arrive at 11.

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jackaboo

jackaboo

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Our cruise documents say we have a specific boarding time between 2-2:30 since we're on deck 2. Do people generally follow these, or are these just suggested times? They won't stop us if we get to the port around 11?

 

I got the same on my documents - I'm on deck 2 too.

I asked the question on another thread and apparently its fine to ignore the times included in the ticket booklet

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Life is Good Cruising

Life is Good Cruising

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Would you chose a AFT or Hump on Deck 10? And why...

 

We enjoy the Windjammer for breakfast and Casino in the evenings.

 

On the Explorer, our preference is total aft (fantail, they called it) Deck 10 always, balconies and rooms are much bigger and the extra walking helps to keep the lbs. off of us. Very rarely do we hear the chairs being moved from the windjammer above.

Different strokes for different folks.

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musicman85

musicman85

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I got the same on my documents - I'm on deck 2 too.

I asked the question on another thread and apparently its fine to ignore the times included in the ticket booklet

 

Thanks Jackaboo! That's what I was thinking as well. I remember a previous cruise we took, had times to board as well. But in all honesty, I doubt EVERYONE who is scheduled to be on the ship will not all come at once. I remember one time we didn't have to wait at all we got there so early they were practically pushing people to get on board HAHA.

 

Deck 2 seems like a good deck since there isn't much on there so less crowd and noise.

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Clarea

Clarea

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That's so cool! I don't think I've ever seen one of those on a ship before. Do most have them, or is this something unique for EOS?

Not unique, all the Radiance, Voyager, Freedom, and Oasis class ships have helipads. Oasis class helipads are open to guests by invitation only.

Edited by clarea
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HousewifeWhoWasnt

HousewifeWhoWasnt

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Hi all, going to be on the 22 May sailing on the Explorer. I saw others asking about copies of the Compass and menus for that itinerary and wondered if any were received. Thanks to you all. Hope to hear from anyone who will be sailing too.

Bill

 

We will be onboard too! Haven't cruised in 10 years...last RCCL was over 20 yrs ago. So we are lost with all the new info!

I would LOVE to see a compass, etc. as well...:o

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HousewifeWhoWasnt

HousewifeWhoWasnt

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Hello All...

SO grateful for Cruise Critic! Navigating RCCL's website and pre-cruise planner has been a challenge, and calling in is even worse!

I'm in a unique situation, and I hope some veterans/experts here can help.

We are leaving May 22 on the 9 day cruise

 

1.We got bumped from our Family Oceanview Stateroom by a glitch, and couldn't get back in. So we are in a regular Oceanview Stateroom. Can anyone render an opinion of cabin 3564? Our 19 yr old son is with us so we are especially curious as to whether you can pull a curtain or anything to separate sleeping areas?

 

2. My dad is undergoing treatment for cancer, and I REALLY need to be able to reach my mom and vice versa as he has had some complications here and there.I need to know we can connect 24/7 if needed. I've spent days researching cell and wifi options. (We have Verizon and their rates are NUTS) Seems my best bet will be to do Xcom for the 4 days we will be in ports, plus purchase a wifi pkg from RCCL for ship days. Does this sound right? And what are some opinions/suggestions of ability of those at home to get in touch at any time?

 

3.If anyone can tell me about formal nights I'd be very grateful. RCCL themselves have told me 2 formal nights, 3 formal nights, etc. They have also mentioned tux rental? Is a tux required on formal nights?

 

4.Is there any way to bring bottled water on board? OR is there any way to get something other than Evian? I truly despise it. The RCCL rep told me today you can bring one 1L bottle with you to embark, but others have said no.

 

5.The same rep told me you can only have the teeny TSA bottles in your luggage...I have log hair and I'd need 6 of them for shampoo and another 6 for conditioner for 9 days! Any info on this?

 

6.Any suggestions on MUST BRING items? I have very little time to pack and don't want to miss important things!

and finally...

 

7.I was told no irons can be brought on, and RCCL no longer has any to borrow. Can you bring a handheld steamer?

SORRY FOR ALL THE QUESTIONS!! THANKS A MILLION!!:confused:

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stevea36

stevea36

Posted
Posted
Hello All...

SO grateful for Cruise Critic! Navigating RCCL's website and pre-cruise planner has been a challenge, and calling in is even worse!

I'm in a unique situation, and I hope some veterans/experts here can help.

We are leaving May 22 on the 9 day cruise

 

1.We got bumped from our Family Oceanview Stateroom by a glitch, and couldn't get back in. So we are in a regular Oceanview Stateroom. Can anyone render an opinion of cabin 3564? Our 19 yr old son is with us so we are especially curious as to whether you can pull a curtain or anything to separate sleeping areas?

 

2. My dad is undergoing treatment for cancer, and I REALLY need to be able to reach my mom and vice versa as he has had some complications here and there.I need to know we can connect 24/7 if needed. I've spent days researching cell and wifi options. (We have Verizon and their rates are NUTS) Seems my best bet will be to do Xcom for the 4 days we will be in ports, plus purchase a wifi pkg from RCCL for ship days. Does this sound right? And what are some opinions/suggestions of ability of those at home to get in touch at any time?

 

3.If anyone can tell me about formal nights I'd be very grateful. RCCL themselves have told me 2 formal nights, 3 formal nights, etc. They have also mentioned tux rental? Is a tux required on formal nights?

 

4.Is there any way to bring bottled water on board? OR is there any way to get something other than Evian? I truly despise it. The RCCL rep told me today you can bring one 1L bottle with you to embark, but others have said no.

 

5.The same rep told me you can only have the teeny TSA bottles in your luggage...I have log hair and I'd need 6 of them for shampoo and another 6 for conditioner for 9 days! Any info on this?

 

6.Any suggestions on MUST BRING items? I have very little time to pack and don't want to miss important things!

and finally...

 

7.I was told no irons can be brought on, and RCCL no longer has any to borrow. Can you bring a handheld steamer?

SORRY FOR ALL THE QUESTIONS!! THANKS A MILLION!!:confused:

 

I'll answer what I can (that is, before Bob (clarea) gets up and gives his answers)...

 

1- I really cant help you with the cabin layout.

 

2-Your scenario seems to be good. You may also want to search out free wifi in ports (ask the crew, they always use it). Be aware the Puerto Rico and St Thomas are considered to be part of the US and a part of your cell plan by the carriers (Confirm this with Verizon before you leave).

 

3-2-3 formal nights (they say 2, we had 3 on the 9 day). Dress is only a suggestion. I wore a suit and tie for the first, a suit with no tie for the second and a dress shirt and pants for the third... Its solely up to you. And, if you dont even want to bother you can always go to the windjammer buffet.

 

4- officially you cannot bring bottled anything (other than 2 bottles of wine per stateroom), but I have always brought a shrink wrapped 12 or 24 pack of bottled water. I just leave it wrapped, put a luggage tag on it, and give it to the porters. It has always showed up at my room.

 

5- there is no limit to the size of shampoo bottle that you can bring, you just need to get it there (I usually bring a 16oz bottle or so).

 

6-if you like a nightlight in your room you may want to think about bringing a couple of the electric candles as there are no nightlights.

 

7- officially no irons or steamers. folks have said that they just hand their clothes in the bathroom while showering, but think of the flip side...everyone else has the same issue..

 

Happy Cruising

 

Steve

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beachbuddy

beachbuddy

Posted
Posted

Can't bring an iron. Try Downy Wrinkle Guard, it works pretty good. We always take it just in case but to be honest we didn't even use it on our last 2 cruises. We must be packing better. LOL

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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