Explorer to Bermuda Part I

[pisces1]

This was our first trip on RCL. Past lines we've sailed include Norwegian, Cunard, HAL, and Celebrity.

 

We were in an owners suite deck 10, stateroom 1314. This of course meant that we would receive some additional perks like quick embarkation. I'm glad it did as the Bayonne Cruise terminal was not as comfortable as others we have been to but it was definitely satisfactory as our wait time was minimal.

 

For this cruise, we took a train to Newark Penn Station. We arrived early as we wanted to have some buffer time in case something was delayed. If anyone does this in the future, my advice is to get your bags and head to the Hilton across the street. You can either access it from the street or from a second story walkway. Either way, this is a much much more pleasant place to wait a couple hours. Even though we were not guests of the hotel, the bellman happily stored our luggage while we had breakfast in their small restaurant. He even took our name and time we wanted to depart, so he could call a car/cab for us.

 

I have read in numerous other posts that cab fare from here to the terminal ran around $35. Not true. Both inbound and outbound we payed somewhere around $50 without tip. The biggest problem we saw with Bayonne is the traffic pattern. They did not have designated lanes for passengers who were leaving the cruise and for passengers who were arriving for their cruise. Made for a bit of a traffic mess.

 

Of course, Union workers, quickly grabbed our bags and we were off to start the check in process. We then were shuttled by bus to the ship. All in all very quick, easy and painless. We were on board before noon, and our stateroom was to be ready at 1:30. Crew did a good job monitoring passenger movement, to limit access to top levels only where the buffet and pools were. It was a beautiful day, so spending it outdoors with the NY skyline in the back was a joy.

 

We decided against lunch, so we simply lounged until we could access our suite. Our room location was excellent. Located right near the elevators and just one flight of stairs from both the buffet and from the private concierge lounge. The suite was tastefully decorated, with soft light woods and neutral colors. It was roomy and the bathroom with double sinks, bidet, separate tub and shower, was attractive and well set up with ample storage. Usually "owners suites" or similar have walk in closets to make storing luggage a breeze. The closets here were awkwardly placed, very close to the bed, so it was difficult to maneuver and put things away. But that was a minimal hiccup, as there was plenty of other hiding places we could use for storage.

 

Next food, service, entertainment.

[uncleboo]

can please post daily menus and or daily programs

 

glad you had a good cruise

 

dana:mad:

[buffi001]

can please post daily menus and or daily programs

 

glad you had a good cruise

 

dana:mad:

 

 

 

The new menus for this cruise route are already posted. Simply do a forum search for "new menus." the post

is from user CLAMETT

[BND]

This was our first trip on RCL. Past lines we've sailed include Norwegian, Cunard, HAL, and Celebrity.

 

We were in an owners suite deck 10, stateroom 1314. This of course meant that we would receive some additional perks like quick embarkation. I'm glad it did as the Bayonne Cruise terminal was not as comfortable as others we have been to but it was definitely satisfactory as our wait time was minimal.

 

For this cruise, we took a train to Newark Penn Station. We arrived early as we wanted to have some buffer time in case something was delayed. If anyone does this in the future, my advice is to get your bags and head to the Hilton across the street. You can either access it from the street or from a second story walkway. Either way, this is a much much more pleasant place to wait a couple hours. Even though we were not guests of the hotel, the bellman happily stored our luggage while we had breakfast in their small restaurant. He even took our name and time we wanted to depart, so he could call a car/cab for us.

 

I have read in numerous other posts that cab fare from here to the terminal ran around $35. Not true. Both inbound and outbound we payed somewhere around $50 without tip. The biggest problem we saw with Bayonne is the traffic pattern. They did not have designated lanes for passengers who were leaving the cruise and for passengers who were arriving for their cruise. Made for a bit of a traffic mess.

 

Of course, Union workers, quickly grabbed our bags and we were off to start the check in process. We then were shuttled by bus to the ship. All in all very quick, easy and painless. We were on board before noon, and our stateroom was to be ready at 1:30. Crew did a good job monitoring passenger movement, to limit access to top levels only where the buffet and pools were. It was a beautiful day, so spending it outdoors with the NY skyline in the back was a joy.

 

We decided against lunch, so we simply lounged until we could access our suite. Our room location was excellent. Located right near the elevators and just one flight of stairs from both the buffet and from the private concierge lounge. The suite was tastefully decorated, with soft light woods and neutral colors. It was roomy and the bathroom with double sinks, bidet, separate tub and shower, was attractive and well set up with ample storage. Usually "owners suites" or similar have walk in closets to make storing luggage a breeze. The closets here were awkwardly placed, very close to the bed, so it was difficult to maneuver and put things away. But that was a minimal hiccup, as there was plenty of other hiding places we could use for storage.

 

Next food, service, entertainment.

 

We always take Amtrak a day before and stay at the Hilton and you are correct, the car fare is around $50. The bellman/doorman at the Hilton will call a car service and not a taxi. We like that. It's how we get to the port.

[vivavegas]

Looking forward to reading more of your Bermuda review!:)

[rutgersgirl27]

Going on this cruise soon! Can't wait to read about your trip!