Is Explorer of the Seas right for a CCL-only experienced cruiser?

[PaCUfan]

We are considering a 9 day cruise out of NJ on the Explorer of the seas. The ship looks beautiful and I've heard many positive things from folks who are almost exclusive RCCL cruisers. We have only sailed Carnival and really enjoy the laid back and fun atmosphere (Ok, the hairy chest contest is a little much, but other than that...:D )

 

We like this cruise because of it's proximity to our home, the price, and the two extra days compared to the CCL cruise that we are looking at out of Fl.

 

My concern is that this ship, from what very little I've seen of it on CC, youtube, etc, appears to be more on the "reserved" side. I didn't see a lot of young people on the videos I watched, I noticed no large screen by the pool, and I've also seen several complaints about the food.

 

The price and itinerary are right. Might anyone that's been on both CCL and RCCL offer some advice? Thanks!

[nolesrule]

My wife and I sailed on Explorer in 2005 when we were in our late 20s. It was her first cruise, my 2nd. We both really enjoyed the ship.

[megr1125]

Explorer has not gotten her Royal Advantage upgrades as yet, so no pool side screen, etc...

 

That said..it's a great ship! You'll hear less announcements....just once or twice a day..I just got off Pride and the announcements annoyed me...

 

Food is subjective...some things are great, some good, some just meh. Same on CCL, but I would say that Carnival has better pizza. I think there are more places to grab a snack later in the evening, cafe promenade has cookies, sandwiches, pizza, fruit. Late at night on CCL, all I could find was pizza.

 

I like the buffet variety better on EX as well....especially at dinner. IMO there weren't enough choices on Pride at night, but then again, maybe it's just me.

 

You CAN reserve My Time Dining ahead so that's great, as opposed to CCL when you can't. Portofino is VERY good on Explorer, so you might want to try that...they do have a great filet there.

 

CCL has better TV channels if you're into that. Our first several days were so cold last week that I watched more TV than usual.

 

As for entertainment, shows are very good on both. There's plenty to do, and also quiet places to relax....

 

hope that helps...go for it...I am sure you'll have a great time...ask if you have any specific other questions...they do NOT roll up the sidewalks at night...I just crash early!! :D

[rjrpar]

Been on EOS 4 times and 3 Carnival cruises. The experiences are very similar. Go for it!

[shelpt]

We sailed carnival twice, then did the 9 day Explorer trip. Loved explorer so much better than carnival. Age range was the same as carnival and probably depends on time of year like carnival. We always go Thanksgiving week, there were 860 kids on board.

I felt like the auctions, photographs and drinks were pushed alot more on the carnival ships. It was so nice on the EOS not to be hassled all week. The promenade is great, nice shops , bars etc when you want to hang out inside.

 

The flow of the ship is much nicer than Carnivals, and nothing ever really gets super crowded.

 

Food was good and the same as Carnivals. But were not picky about food.

 

The crew of the Explorer were incredible! Cruise dir Leigh and his asst Erkey are hysterical and made the trip for us. No clue who our director was on the carnival ships.

 

Youll have a great time. Enjoy!

[champagne123]

You will LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT

[meatloafsfan]

It's similar and I'm sure you'll have a good experience.

 

The 2 main differences I found are:

 

Less scheduled/planned activities on Royal than Carnival (Carnival seemed to have more trivia, more daytime activities, more varied evening activities - Royal seems to have big events - big evening shows, Quest is big, etc and there are more anytime activities - like the rock climbing wall)

Casino on Carnival is nicer - slots are just as tight on both ships but I really appreciate the open, airiness (and windows) on most Carnival ships casinos - The casino on the Explorer is dark, cramped and not as welcoming.

 

There's lots of little stuff that's different - some different good, some different bad, some just different.

 

One thing I love on the Explorer is the Freestyle coke machines (great addition); and the MDR lunch Tutti salad (especially if you like plump shrimp). Food is subjective - I liked Carnival's food better overall but I was satisfied with the MDRs and room service on Royal and appreciated the convenience of the Cafe Promenade (not a big fan of Royal's buffet - the Windjammer). The adult pool area is great on the Explorer - very comfortable, 2 large hottubs and stairs into the pool (much easier than using the ladders).

 

Explorer is a nice ship and I really appreciated the convenience of leaving from close to home

[PaCUfan]

It's similar and I'm sure you'll have a good experience.

 

The 2 main differences I found are:

 

Less scheduled/planned activities on Royal than Carnival (Carnival seemed to have more trivia, more daytime activities, more varied evening activities - Royal seems to have big events - big evening shows, Quest is big, etc and there are more anytime activities - like the rock climbing wall)

Casino on Carnival is nicer - slots are just as tight on both ships but I really appreciate the open, airiness (and windows) on most Carnival ships casinos - The casino on the Explorer is dark, cramped and not as welcoming.

 

There's lots of little stuff that's different - some different good, some different bad, some just different.

 

One thing I love on the Explorer is the Freestyle coke machines (great addition); and the MDR lunch Tutti salad (especially if you like plump shrimp). Food is subjective - I liked Carnival's food better overall but I was satisfied with the MDRs and room service on Royal and appreciated the convenience of the Cafe Promenade (not a big fan of Royal's buffet - the Windjammer). The adult pool area is great on the Explorer - very comfortable, 2 large hottubs and stairs into the pool (much easier than using the ladders).

 

Explorer is a nice ship and I really appreciated the convenience of leaving from close to home

 

Great info! Thanks! So, given your experience on both lines, if you could sail on a new CCL ship for 7 days but would have to travel to Fl, or the explorer for 9, which would you be inclined to pick?

[PaCUfan]

We sailed carnival twice, then did the 9 day Explorer trip. Loved explorer so much better than carnival. Age range was the same as carnival and probably depends on time of year like carnival. We always go Thanksgiving week, there were 860 kids on board.

I felt like the auctions, photographs and drinks were pushed alot more on the carnival ships. It was so nice on the EOS not to be hassled all week. The promenade is great, nice shops , bars etc when you want to hang out inside.

 

The flow of the ship is much nicer than Carnivals, and nothing ever really gets super crowded.

 

Food was good and the same as Carnivals. But were not picky about food.

 

The crew of the Explorer were incredible! Cruise dir Leigh and his asst Erkey are hysterical and made the trip for us. No clue who our director was on the carnival ships.

 

Youll have a great time. Enjoy!

 

Great info! Thanks for your help!

[PaCUfan]

Explorer has not gotten her Royal Advantage upgrades as yet, so no pool side screen, etc...

 

That said..it's a great ship! You'll hear less announcements....just once or twice a day..I just got off Pride and the announcements annoyed me...

 

Food is subjective...some things are great, some good, some just meh. Same on CCL, but I would say that Carnival has better pizza. I think there are more places to grab a snack later in the evening, cafe promenade has cookies, sandwiches, pizza, fruit. Late at night on CCL, all I could find was pizza.

 

I like the buffet variety better on EX as well....especially at dinner. IMO there weren't enough choices on Pride at night, but then again, maybe it's just me.

 

You CAN reserve My Time Dining ahead so that's great, as opposed to CCL when you can't. Portofino is VERY good on Explorer, so you might want to try that...they do have a great filet there.

 

CCL has better TV channels if you're into that. Our first several days were so cold last week that I watched more TV than usual.

 

As for entertainment, shows are very good on both. There's plenty to do, and also quiet places to relax....

 

hope that helps...go for it...I am sure you'll have a great time...ask if you have any specific other questions...they do NOT roll up the sidewalks at night...I just crash early!! :D

 

This is a big help. Very helpful in the area which I had questions! Thanks!

[yogimax]

I am Platinum on Carnival but there is no comparison. Any RCCL ship will have better entertainment, not to mention ship decor.

 

You will love the ice show and the Royal Promenade.

 

Bottom Line - No comparison... Explorer wins hands down!

[PaCUfan]

I am Platinum on Carnival but there is no comparison. Any RCCL ship will have better entertainment, not to mention ship decor.

 

You will love the ice show and the Royal Promenade.

 

Bottom Line - No comparison... Explorer wins hands down!

 

Wow...coming from a platinum cruiser that means a lot! Sounds like I better give it a try!

[GranysT]

I say go for Explorer. If you check my signature you will see that I've sailed Carnival many times, and also Royal. My upcoming cruise on Independence, I will be Diamond with Royal. They tend to appreciate their past guests more than Carnival does.

 

As others have said both lines tend to be about the same.

I have not sailed any of Carnival's newer, larger, ships yet. But I'm sure they still won't stand up to Royal's Freedom class ships. They are awesome. I've sailed Mariner twice, and as I mentioned have Independence booked for April. Can't wait.

If you choose Explorer, you won't believe it when you first step on board. The royal promenade is amazing.

Don't miss getting a light meal, or a snack at Café Promenade. All Free.

[gilboman]

I am Platinum on Carnival but there is no comparison. Any RCCL ship will have better entertainment, not to mention ship decor.

 

You will love the ice show and the Royal Promenade.

 

Bottom Line - No comparison... Explorer wins hands down!

 

agreed...on entertainment and decor, but that's not saying much when comparing to CCL.

 

but food is handsdown carnival in variety and quality. i can't do anymore than 5 day or so on any RCCL cruise before I"m sick of the food, oasis class included. It's all bland and pardon the language "white" food.. even from asian stations/fee restaurants since it's so white washed and devoid of taste. The fee restaurants all serve the same interchangeable food and really could be lumped into one restaurant serving contemporary (ie inoffensive, uninspiring food) cuisine in different decor.

 

only reason i go on ccl is i can last a week without getting sick of the food since I find ships with the tandoor oven and mongolian wok. My last cruise on oasis i was so sick of the food by day 4 that i basically ate exclusively in ports. But due to price and schedule, I'm going on allure end of april lol

 

my ideal cruise would have RCCL ship but with carnival food. having said that, explorer was my first cruise (first of many on a huge variety of cruiselines), so i'm a bit biased towards it and think everybody should atleast experience a different approach to cruising.

 

if you are not picky about food, explorer provides solid basic cruising experience and less of the gimmicky "attractions" of the oasis or even freedom class ships.

Edited February 3, 2014 by gilboman

[dodgeball24]

I live on the sports deck so the age thing is not usually an issue because we have about 4 to 8 teams for all events the only time I had an issue was March during spring break we had nearly 900 kids and a lot with no supervision.

 

October thru February except holidays you get a mixed crowd but in January and February a lot of scooters so I take the stairs or be prepared to wait awhile after a show to get an elevator.

 

Dining is a mixed bag, Explorer still just has Portofino.s and Givonni I prefer(just off the Seranade and ate at all 3 of the specialty and twice at Giovanni) and as stated they have not had the upgrade to add the restaurant. Lunch with the salad is great and they have Johnny rockets which has great milk shakes. Dining room is good but I know the menu so I know what to choose suggest you listen to your waiter for one choice and pick another entree to be sure.

 

I am heading back to the explorer in a few weeks and any day spent on a cruise is a good day, enjoy the Explorer we all have.

[PaCUfan]

I say go for Explorer. If you check my signature you will see that I've sailed Carnival many times, and also Royal. My upcoming cruise on Independence, I will be Diamond with Royal. They tend to appreciate their past guests more than Carnival does.

 

As others have said both lines tend to be about the same.

I have not sailed any of Carnival's newer, larger, ships yet. But I'm sure they still won't stand up to Royal's Freedom class ships. They are awesome. I've sailed Mariner twice, and as I mentioned have Independence booked for April. Can't wait.

If you choose Explorer, you won't believe it when you first step on board. The royal promenade is amazing.

Don't miss getting a light meal, or a snack at Café Promenade. All Free.

 

Thanks! I'm feeling much better about venturing away from what I know.

[matt87]

gotta realize the EOS is 14 years old, and is getting a major refurbishment when the Quantum takes over. she is showing her age. that said i'm still looking forward to our 9 day cruise on her in august. i like both lines for different reasons. sailing out of nyc and close to home is more important to us then what ship it is.

[cdnmr]

Go for it.

We are more experienced with Carnival but like to try other lines.

 

Explorer was a great ship, liked the food and staff were fantastic (really impressed with the entertainment staff- Urkie from Turkey was hilarious!!!). Not all differences were good but at least you get some perspective and new experiences.

 

One thing we found and might have been an off week (and this could happen on any ship I suppose)....never saw so many people who have an aversion to waiting in line in my life. Constantly witnessed people jumping the line for elevators, dining room and at bars. We couldn't get over how many just didnt give a damn about others around them

 

I didnt like that certain areas were off limits unless you had achieved a certain status with RCL. I understand the concierge lounge and extra privileges etc but roping off parts of the pool area was a bit much in my opinion. Some guests seem to think their status meant something to the rest of us....:confused:

 

Still, nothing bad to say about the ship, thoroughly enjoyed our time on her.

Edited February 3, 2014 by cdnmr
omission

[PaCUfan]

Go for it.

We are more experienced with Carnival but like to try other lines.

 

Explorer was a great ship, liked the food and staff were fantastic (really impressed with the entertainment staff- Urkie from Turkey was hilarious!!!). Not all differences were good but at least you get some perspective and new experiences.

 

One thing we found and might have been an off week (and this could happen on any ship I suppose)....never saw so many people who have an aversion to waiting in line in my life. Constantly witnessed people jumping the line for elevators, dining room and at bars. We couldn't get over how many just didnt give a damn about others around them

 

I didnt like that certain areas were off limits unless you had achieved a certain status with RCL. I understand the concierge lounge and extra privileges etc but roping off parts of the pool area was a bit much in my opinion. Some guests seem to think their status meant something to the rest of us....:confused:

 

Still, nothing bad to say about the ship, thoroughly enjoyed our time on her.

 

They actually rope off part of the pool for the loyalty members? wow!

[yogimax]

 

but food is handsdown carnival in variety and quality.

 

Have you sailed on Carnival lately with their so called "comfort food" and "family style" dining?

 

Just two words for ya... meat loaf

[KandCsailing]

Go for it.

DH and I are primarily Carnival cruisers for the value and ports but we enjoyed our Freedom of the Seas cruise too and will take another.

 

For me the two lines are very similar if you took away the flow rider, rock climbing wall and ice rink.

The buffet seemed to have less choices and that cruise could not cook bacon except brittle and it shattered when you tryed to use tongs on it. (I'm a bacon snob.)

The entertainment was good but NCL still has the best big shows.

I don't drink pop to care about the coke machines, but they were there.

Had a wonderful cabin steward and good entertainment and wait staff.

[meatloafsfan]

Great info! Thanks! So, given your experience on both lines, if you could sail on a new CCL ship for 7 days but would have to travel to Fl, or the explorer for 9, which would you be inclined to pick?

 

If my choice was an 8 day on the Carnival Breeze versus 9 nights on the Explorer, I'd choose the Breeze.

 

If my choice was 7 nights on the Dream or the Magic versus 9 nights on the Explorer, I'd choose the Explorer.

 

Either way, I don't think you'll be disappointed. If you're in the mood to try something new, go for the Explorer; If your'e not willing to risk something new than stick with Carnival and what you know.

 

I'm not loyal to any one line, I'd like to try them all. I tried Royal and liked them enough to sail with them again (I do prefer Carnival but since they won't separate out their HA cabins from their non-HA cabins in their inventory, I'm doing a boycott of that line moving forward). After this Royal cruise, I'm trying Celebrity and I have an onboard booking still with Disney.

 

I think there are 2 kinds of cruisers:

 

1. Those who love to cruise and can find something to enjoy on any line;

2. Those who love to cruise on _______ (fill in the blank) cruise line and are disappointed if they try another line because it doesn't do things exactly the way their favourite cruiseline does.

 

Which kind of cruiser are you?

[Guest maddycat]

They actually rope off part of the pool for the loyalty members? wow!

 

There is reserved seating for suite guests at the pool and theater. I think that pinacle crown and anchor members might also be included, but I'm not sure.

Edited February 4, 2014 by maddycat

[rutgersgirl27]

I actually found myself doing more on my Ex cruise then on my last Carnival one. Royal has its share of silly fun, like the belly flop contest, or paper airplane contest, and Ex has a beautiful promenade where they have parades, parties, etc. You can't miss Quest, the highlife of the cruise for many guests. But there is also great entertainment, a fab ice skating show that is quite impressive considering the moving ship, and an incredinly hard working staff. We enjoyed going to the shows, people watching on the promenade, and relaxing in the adult solarium (adult only pool deck). My husband played in the dodgeball tournament, and I enjoyed shooting hoops in the mornings.

 

My husband and I are in the 20's-40's demographic, and there were enough of us there to feel perfectly in place. I agree with the lack of pushiness in regards to alcohol, etc. Royal too me feels less hectic. They do have their share of crazy watch sales, etc. But its easy too avoid.

[CRZAHOLIC]

Go for it.

We are more experienced with Carnival but like to try other lines.

 

Explorer was a great ship, liked the food and staff were fantastic (really impressed with the entertainment staff- Urkie from Turkey was hilarious!!!). Not all differences were good but at least you get some perspective and new experiences.

 

One thing we found and might have been an off week (and this could happen on any ship I suppose)....never saw so many people who have an aversion to waiting in line in my life. Constantly witnessed people jumping the line for elevators, dining room and at bars. We couldn't get over how many just didnt give a damn about others around them

 

I didnt like that certain areas were off limits unless you had achieved a certain status with RCL. I understand the concierge lounge and extra privileges etc but roping off parts of the pool area was a bit much in my opinion. Some guests seem to think their status meant something to the rest of us....:confused:

 

Still, nothing bad to say about the ship, thoroughly enjoyed our time on her.

 

When did you go on the Explore? We are going in June. I hope Urkie is on there?