Just back from 9/24 Explorer to Bermuda

[PSU]

I am just back from the Explorer. There is a new perk for suite guests that they can eat in Portofinos for breakfast and order from a menu. Before you had to get the food in the Windjammer and bring it into Portofinos.

Speaking of Portofinos, we ate there for dinner and found that it was the best experience in a Portofinos by far. It didn't take three hours to eat and the wait staff were great.

There was no welcome back party with the Captain for C & A members on this cruise. I was told that RCI is cutting back perks on 5-night cruises.

What was nice was a group of us that met on the cruise critic meet and mingle message board had a private luncheon on the first sea day and a slot pull in the casino on the last sea day. It was so much fun. Thanks to everyone who organized it.

I found the crew on the ship to be wonderful, but the food isn't as good as past voyages. Also, the ship was showing its age with rust on my balcony and the balcony furniture was very worn.

Who knows if RCI will put a new ship in Cape Liberty in 2013. I hope so.

If you have any questions, I would be happy to answer them.:)

[ginger2000]

Welcome home! We leave next week on the Explorer!!!!

 

Who was the CD? And how was he/she? I know some people just don't care, but we attend so many events on our cruise that a good CD makes our cruise so much more memorable.

[PSU]

The cruise director was Jimmy Rhodes. I didn't really see him around the ship many times.

 

My favorite CD is Dave Chapman.

[MikeNJ1109]

The Explorer was our first cruise back in 2000 (when it was still leaving out of Miami), and had a blast. Glad to hear that overall you had fun, even if the ship is starting to show its age a bit.

 

Michael and Silke

[gelo7]

Thanks for sharing..

[JaxieWaxie]

I was on this one as well and also noted how the ol' gal is showing her age with plenty of rust spots, worn handrails and tired balcony furniture. That said, it was nothing that would take away from the fun of being onboard!

 

I ate in Portofino's twice and agree with you about the overall experience. The servers were wonderfully friendly and attentive, never rushed you through the meal, and were well informed about the menu items. The food there was just terrific. I could swim in the risotto with prawns appetizer! So good....

 

In terms of entertainment, the ice show is always worthwhile, and the fun poolside activities like the Sexiest Man and Bellyflop Competitions always great fun.

 

The guys (Sammy, Cesar...) that work that bar on deck 11 were among the friendliest and most fun I've ever encountered! And the reggae band that played up there was quite good as well...

 

All in all, a great five days to a gorgeous island on an older-but-not-past-her-prime beaut of a ship!

[EGG]

How was embarkation and debarkation? Looks like you drove?

[Kladam]

On the cruise as well. Loved Sami and Cesaer. Pool Bar Yeah. Nice couples hanging at the Pool Bar... Band was good too. Food, not so much. And service in the Columbus Dining Room.........first 2 nights S L O W......Had to say something. Food also not up to par from previous cruises on the ship. Met some nice people sitting at our table. Canada EH.

 

 

 

Grand Suite. Nice........ All in all....Smooth sailing......Nice weather in Bermuda. Warm water at Horseshoe Bay. Rain last sea day. Hey no problems here.

[PSU]

In answer to your question, both were fine. Many people walked off with their luggage and when we got off the ship, there were only a few suitcases with our number so they were easy to find. We had number 2 tags so we were off soon after the ship was cleared.:)

[mgman22]

PSU We are leaving next week for Bermuda on Explorer and wanted to know what night was formal and did you make a reservation for Portifino

[ginger2000]

We are most likely on the same cruise! Did this same cruise last year - the formal night was the first sea day (day 2)

[Loralie]

I am just back from the Explorer. There is a new perk for suite guests that they can eat in Portofinos for breakfast and order from a menu. Before you had to get the food in the Windjammer and bring it into Portofinos.

Speaking of Portofinos, we ate there for dinner and found that it was the best experience in a Portofinos by far. It didn't take three hours to eat and the wait staff were great.

There was no welcome back party with the Captain for C & A members on this cruise. I was told that RCI is cutting back perks on 5-night cruises.

What was nice was a group of us that met on the cruise critic meet and mingle message board had a private luncheon on the first sea day and a slot pull in the casino on the last sea day. It was so much fun. Thanks to everyone who organized it.

I found the crew on the ship to be wonderful, but the food isn't as good as past voyages. Also, the ship was showing its age with rust on my balcony and the balcony furniture was very worn.

Who knows if RCI will put a new ship in Cape Liberty in 2013. I hope so.

If you have any questions, I would be happy to answer them.:)

 

Glad to hear you had a good time. What cabin were you in?

 

Loralie

[PSU]

Also we made a reservation for Portofino when we were on the ship. We had a choice of times.

 

Our cabin was very quiet.:)