OCD Planner's ~ EXPLORER ~ 5 Night Pictorial Review 1/4/15

[ace1zoe2]

The outside of the 19th Hole offers a ping pong table which is available 24/7. On certain days the ship hosts a Ping Pong tournament with fabulous prizes such as keychains and pens!

 

 

After dry dock this area (the 19th hole inside and outside) will become the new Diamond Lounge, based on Navigator of the Seas upgrades last year and talking with the staff onboard Explorer. At that time it will become a true lounge open 24/7 to meet and mingle with others, enjoy coffees, access the concierge during certain hours, host the Diamond breakfast (continental) in the mornings and the Diamond cocktail hour in the evenings. We really enjoyed this area on Navigator with it's great views to sea and to the outdoor areas of the ship.

 

Down one deck to Deck 13 you will reach the Sports area of the ship. It features a rock climbing wall which is open various hours each day which are printed in the Cruise Compass.

 

 

 

 

Just beyond the rock climbing wall is the sports court which is open for basketball, volleyball, dodgeball and other organized and non-organized events.

 

 

Just past the sports court is the center of the deck is the Golf Simulator and the the In-Line Skate Shop. The simulator is a ($) pay venue but skating is free.

 

[ace1zoe2]

Hi, Thanks for taking the time to post and show all your terrific pictures. :)

We are following your idea of a "rest and relaxation" cruise this coming Saturday on Oasis. No tours, nothing but beach relaxing in Labadee, Falmouth and Cozumel. :D

 

Thanks Bill for taking time to comment and for the compliment on the pictures.

 

Sometimes the best cruises are the ones where you do nothing at all. We really enjoyed not having to be anywhere at a certain time and missed breakfast a few days by sleeping in. That's something we never have time for at home (sleeping in).

 

Enjoy your cruise. From what I hear on Oasis the ship is the trip anyway without having to see anything else. Maybe some day we'll finally go bigger that Voyager class!

 

Cindy

[ace1zoe2]

 

At the very back of Deck 13 is the In-Line Skating area and the Explorer Dunes mini-golf. I had every intention of playing a little mini golf this cruise but just never got around to it.

 

 

 

During dry dock (on Navigator) this area at the very back of the ship is where they added the Flowrider surf simulator. The inline skating course went away and the mini golf was on each side of the ship with the Flowrider to the very aft. I'm guessing that the same will be happening here on Explorer in April.

 

Down another flight of stairs and you reach Deck 12 which is home to several venues and the center is open overlooking the pool deck below. Here is where you will find the jogging track, most of the kids & teens areas (Adventure Ocean & Optix), Johnny Rockets ($) pay-for hamburger diner, the little kids' Adventure Beach area, the Arcade, the Sky Bar, the Gym & lots of outdoor seating and loungers that go all the way around the deck on every side.

 

 

 

[ace1zoe2]

 

 

 

 

 

[ace1zoe2]

The Arcade is open to kids of all ages 24/7. You can load up your Sea Pass card with prepaid credits using the credit card attached to your Sea Pass or by inserting dollar bills. Word of warning to parents: You might want to set a daily spending limit on your child's Sea Pass or you may owe a small fortune when debarking the ship! There are lots of video games, air hockey, skeeball and prize games for all ages.

 

 

 

 

The Ship Shape Spa and Workout area is located on Deck 12 as well as below on deck 11. There is a staircase within the facility to get between the two decks. There is a ton of equipment available to keep you on your workout regimen. There are also ($) paid classes available such as spin classes, bootcamps, yoga, etc. The spa features a whirlpool soaking tub, men's and women's locker rooms with showers, a beauty spa which does hair, nails, waxing, men's shaves and more. There are massages ($) of all kinds available as well.

 

 

 

 

The gym offers floor to ceiling windows and offers what is likely to be the best workout view you will ever have!

[cruzinlady1947]

Cindy....so happy to see you doing another review so soon after the last one. I will certainly be following along on this one. We have cruised on the Explorer at least 8 times (lost track). It is good to see her again since she left NJ. She surely is missed up this way.

 

We had the corner aft 7688 about 2 yrs ago on the Explorer. I loved that balcony. I spent a lot of time out there. Even in the middle of the night. :o Took so many sunrise, sunset pictures. I had changed my cabin 5 times until I got that particular cabin. And to think it was only an E1 balcony, so got it at a really great price of $659 pp.

 

Anyway, really enjoying seeing the ship again through your pictures.

 

Keep up the great work. Really appreciate you taking the time to do these reviews. You are the best.

 

 

Gwen :)

[ace1zoe2]

 

Moving down to Deck 11 forward, just outside the Ship Shape Spa, is the adults only Solarium. This space is for adults (16 and over) to enjoy a mostly quiet kids-free area. It features many loungers, a pool, two whirlpools and a bar area. Loungers are available both shaded and in the sunny areas.

 

 

 

 

 

Heading aft past the Solarium you will find the Dive Shop which offers scuba and snorkeling equipment for sale.

 

[ace1zoe2]

 

The main Pool area is pretty much center of the ship on deck 11. It features 2 pools, 2 whirlpools, a Pool Bar and tons of outdoor seating... which on Sea Days will all be taken. There are more deck chairs above overlooking the pool on deck 12. And there are special areas between deck 11 & 12 going up to the Sky Bar that are reserved for Gold Cards (Suites & Pinnacle guests).

 

 

 

 

 

At the aft of the ship is the Windjammer, the free all you can eat buffet. It is busy all the time, morning, noon & night! Dress code for the WJ states that there will be no bare feet or swimming attire at any time. Tank tops and caps will be allowed at breakfast and lunch only.

 

WJ is open for early birds at 6:30-7:00am for coffee and pastries and opens for regular breakfast service from 7:00-11:00am. During busy times both sides will be open, slower times they will shift from one side to the other. There are fruits, pastries, yogurts, meats, potatoes, waffles, pancakes, biscuits, gravy and just about anything that you can think of. If the line is backed up just walk to the outside all the way to the back and there is more food available there with less of a crowd. At the very back at the Island Grill they will make omelets to order just the way you want them. And there is an area called Jade that has asian inspired foods.

 

 

Lunch is served from 11:30am-3:00pm and there is something for everyone. If you're still hungry come back from 3:30-5:00 for "snacks" which consists of all kinds of foods, burgers, hotdogs, nacho fix ins' and more.

 

Then from 6:30pm-9:00pm dinner is available in the WJ, lots of times featuring some of the same foods available in the Main Dining Room.

 

Just outside the WJ on the Starboard (right side, looking forward) side of the deck is the Frozen Yogurt machine which is self serve. While we were onboard they had vanilla, chocolate and strawberry available.

[ace1zoe2]

Cindy....so happy to see you doing another review so soon after the last one. I will certainly be following along on this one. We have cruised on the Explorer at least 8 times (lost track). It is good to see her again since she left NJ. She surely is missed up this way.

 

We had the corner aft 7688 about 2 yrs ago on the Explorer. I loved that balcony. I spent a lot of time out there. Even in the middle of the night. :o Took so many sunrise, sunset pictures. I had changed my cabin 5 times until I got that particular cabin. And to think it was only an E1 balcony, so got it at a really great price of $659 pp.

 

Anyway, really enjoying seeing the ship again through your pictures.

 

Keep up the great work. Really appreciate you taking the time to do these reviews. You are the best.

 

 

Gwen :)

 

Thank you Gwen!

 

You are one of my biggest cheerleaders. I enjoy taking pictures and posting the reviews... but that last one about got me before I finished it. Hopefully this one will move along a little better pace. After the ship pictures I'll do the 2 ports and then post a ton of pictures from the All Access Tour (which was really cool to do at least once).

 

Again, thanks for following along and taking time to comment. Maybe someday we will meet on a cruise :)

 

Cindy

[cruisegirl1]

Thanks for "capturing" the cruise for us in all the photos.

 

Marci

[MomtoCCC]

What great timing! We board the Explorer this coming Saturday. We have JS booked also - this one looks smaller than the one we had on Liberty. I was looking forward to the big closet again... oh well...

 

Can't wait to read the rest! :)

[ace1zoe2]

Two other areas on Deck 11 I wanted to show you. First is Portofino's ($) pay venue specialty dining. I'm thinking as with all the other ships it will go away during dry dock and be replaced by something else, most likely Giovanni's Table or Chop's Grille.

 

We enjoyed having dinner here on the formal night on the first Sea Day. It's a much quieter, more intimate dining experience with wonderful food and great service.

 

 

 

The cost for dinner is $25pp with a $10 cancellation fee if not cancelled 24 hours before your reservation. The venue is open nightly from 5:30-9:30pm by reservation only. Dress code is smart casual.

 

The night that we had dinner we were seated next to a couple. She was dressed in a little black dress and he was in his Army dress uniform. Hubby stepped away "to the restroom" and made arrangements with Portofino's to cover their tab for the evening. We asked that it be anonymous and for them to just write "Your Service to our Country is Appreciated" on their bill. She asked my DH if we wanted to include drinks as well and he said yes (they both had a class of champagne).

 

Throughout dinner we heard them telling their waiter that they were just married and were on their honeymoon which made it even better! Then they order more champagne. I was wondering how much our bill might be at this point :)

 

Finally when the bill was delivered to them the hostess came by and told them that he had a fan close by... not so anonymous anymore :( He turned to us and thanked us for their meal and we congratulated them on their marriage and wished them well. We told him we had meant to remain anonymous (but I'm guessing that got lost in translation with someone whose first language is not English) but we truly appreciated his service to our great country. I also let him know that our daughter was "married to the military" and that she and our SNL are stationed with the Navy in JAX, 17 hours from home so we know how it can be for them. The wife thanked us and said they were 850 miles from home, stationed at Ft Rucker.

 

Even though the surprise didn't go as planned originally we enjoyed treating them to a special night during their honeymoon. Luckily when our bill arrived we found out that they had the "Drink Package" so we only owed for the dinner fees without the 4 glasses of champagne :)

 

The last area, the ladies room just outside Portofino's, made me smile every time every time I went there. It had the best view of any public restroom I'd ever been in!

 

[ace1zoe2]

Thanks for "capturing" the cruise for us in all the photos.

 

Marci

 

Thanks Marci for taking time to comment. I enjoy doing it!

 

 

What great timing! We board the Explorer this coming Saturday. We have JS booked also - this one looks smaller than the one we had on Liberty. I was looking forward to the big closet again... oh well...

 

Can't wait to read the rest! :)

 

Mom,

 

My husband said the very same thing when we opened the door! I agree that it was smaller than other JS we've had. You will still have a fantastic cruise regardless!

 

Enjoy!

[ace1zoe2]

The next deck down, 10, has no public areas. It is all passenger cabins.

 

Deck 9 is basically the same, all cabins, no public areas with the exception of the Concierge Lounge which is open by key-card only to Suite Guests and Pinnacle Club members. It is located at the aft between the stairs cases.

 

Deck 8 is also a passenger cabin deck but is home to one public space at the aft of the ship between the stairs: Royal Caribbean Online.

 

 

Deck 7 is pretty much identical to the previous two with the Library located just below the RC Online on Deck 8. The library had a wide selection of books to check out on the honor system and some comfortable chairs to sit and read.

 

 

Deck 6 is home to more cabins and at the back, in the same area as the previously mentioned venues, is the Loyalty Ambassador (or future cruise consultant) who is available to book cruises while onboard.

 

Sorry this pic is a bit blurry.

 

 

Deck 5 is the hub of activity as stated early in my report. Most of the pictures from deck 5 I have already posted. It is home to the Promenade which features the Main Dining Room at the aft of the ship. Just outside the dining room on the port side is the Champagne Bar which features, you guessed it, Champagne! It is an imitate are with different smaller seating areas to relax with your date or friends.

 

 

Opposite of the Champagne Bar, on the Starboard side, is Guest Services and the Explorations Desk. Guest Services handles questions and problems throughout your cruise. The Explorations Desk can answer any questions related to Excursions and help you book your excursions while onboard. Sorry I didn't take a picture of this area.

 

Separating the two areas is the grand staircase which leads down to the decks below. The following picture is looking up from Deck 3 to Deck 5.

 

 

Next are the Promenade Shops which feature a Liquor Store where they also sell cigarettes by the carton, the RCI Logo Shop featuring sportswear, caps, bags, etc, a Jewelry Store and a Make Up and Perfume store, followed by a couple of clubs, the Crown & Kettle Pub which features beers from around the world, and the Weekend Warrior sports themed bar.

 

Then there is the Promenade Cafe, Starbucks and Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream on the Starboard side and a "upscale fashion-type" store on the Port Side.

 

At the front of the ship is the Connoisseurs' Club to the Starboard side. This venue is reserved for Cigar smoking and is styled like a men's club. They also offer cigars for sale in this venue.

 

[ace1zoe2]

Inside the Cigar Lounge:

 

 

 

Finally at the very front of Deck 5 is the Maharajas Lounge. It is home to a bar, a dance floor and a live band or DJ at certain times of the day. This is also where BINGO is played, morning Trivia and the late evening games such as Battle of the Sexes, Open Karaoke & Finish that Lyric. The C&A Upper Tier event for for Platinum & above was also held in this venue.

 

 

 

 

[cruisegirl1]

Glad I was behaving. You caught us on some loungers in the Solarium ( Post 32, Second photo). Husband in green shirt, I'm in a red shirt.

M

Edited January 11, 2015 by cruisegirl1

[ace1zoe2]

Glad I was behaving. You caught us on some loungers in the Solarium. Husband in green shirt, I'm in a red shirt.

M

 

HA! Just like playing Where's Waldo... never know where you might turn up!

[ace1zoe2]

The final place to visit on Deck 5 is the Helipad (on the Deck Plan it is referred to as the Observation Deck)! Although it is located on Deck 5, in order to get to it, you must go down to deck 4 to begin. Step outside onto the open deck and walk all the way forward as far as you can go. You will start passing the Emergency Lifeboats in a can and will feel like you are getting to an area that you are not supposed to be... but keep going. You will come to a set of metal stairs going up. Take those.

 

 

 

Then you will come to another deck area with one more set of steps.

 

 

Right up those steps is the helipad and the very front of the ship where you can take your picture just like Leonardo DiCaprio and yell "I'm on top of the world!" Just be sure you do not climb on the railing like he did. You are in full view of the bridge of the ship and they are watching everything you do!

 

 

[ace1zoe2]

Deck 4 is all public areas. Starting with the aft of the ship is the Main Dining Room which I posted pictures early on. Just outside of the dining room on both sides of the ship is the Aquarium Bar which features, you guessed it again!, Aquariums. In the center between the two bars areas is the Grand Staircase pictured earlier.

 

 

 

Just passed the Aquarium Bar is the entrance to the Casino Royale.

 

 

The floor of the entrance of the casino:

 

 

There are slot machines for everyone throughout the casino.

 

 

Gaming Tables for craps, blackjack, roulette:

 

 

If you don't know how to play, they are more than happy to help you learn. There are also different tournaments available throughout the cruise. And if you're a C&A member don't forget to stop by for your free pulls on the special slot machine. You just might win a rubber keychain like DH did! On a previous cruise he won a RCI t-shirt but my luck has never gotten me anything. Once in a blue moon someone wins something worth winning!

[ace1zoe2]

And what casino would be complete without the bar, the cashier and Elvis?

 

 

 

 

Exiting the casino headed forward you will find the Schooner Bar, home to afternoon & evening trivia as well as a piano.

 

 

 

Just past the Schooner Bar to the Port side is the entrance to The Chamber which is on both Deck 4 and Deck 3.

 

[mawvkysc]

You mentioned dry dock earlier. Do you know when it is scheduled? I searched the threads a did not see any info.

 

Love,love,love this review!

[ace1zoe2]

The Chamber (also known as The Dungeon & The Crypt on other Voyager Class ships) is another area that was replaced during dry dock with Sabor Modern Mexican ($) Specialty Dining.

 

This was our first time to check this venue out and it was during the daytime when it wasn't even open. It really looked like it would be a fun place for dancing and drinking with friends. This is an adults only venue open to those 18 or older. I know that my other daughter and SNL have enjoyed the venue on other Voyager Class ships in the past and were not happy that it was being taken out.

 

 

 

 

Looking below to deck 3 and the dance floor:

 

 

Deck 3 Seating and Bar area:

 

 

[tillydog]

Great review and loving the photos!

Did you hear anything about Explorer getting a Flowrider or not? Or anything really on her upcoming Revitalization!!

I've been on Voyager twice (before her Revitalization) and am booked on Explorer for a 3 night sampler cruise this coming November when she comes to Sydney, Australia.

[ace1zoe2]

Finally at the very front of the ship is the Palace Theater which covers 3 decks (2,3 & 4). This is where the nightly production shows are held featuring the RC Singers & Dancers in 2-3 shows per week twice nightly and special guest performers such as comedians, singers and groups.

 

 

We'll mix it up now on Deck 3 and go from front to back. The very front is the Palace Theater which you need to enter on Deck 4. Then the Chamber entered on Deck 4. It is sandwiched between a few Ocean View staterooms on each side.

 

The center of Deck 3 is Studio B where the ice show is performed on two separate sea days with two shows each day. There are no tickets for the show as show times are assigned by your Muster Station. We were assigned to the final show on the final sea day at 4pm. I highly recommend the show. It is fantastic and I an always amazed how they can perform the things they do on a skating rink that it 1/6th the size of a normal rink.

 

A view from the performers side of the rink:

 

 

Outside Studio B is the RCTV control room to one side and the Photo Shop to the opposite side (sorry no pic of it).

 

 

Finally my job is done! Time to relax and have the first drink of the day while waiting to meet up with our new Roll Call friends at the Sky Bar at 3pm. Can you believe that we've only been on the ship for less than 3 hours??? Now on to the RESTING & RELAXATION that I promised my DH.

 

[ace1zoe2]

After enjoying our adult beverage and saying hi to several folks from our Roll Call (Max's Mom, MMOMOM, linda&barry, psllady and others who's names I don't recall) we headed back to the cabin to enjoy some balcony time.

 

Since we were aft we were backed right up to a bar at the port and had the pleasure of listening to their live music and watching the folks dance and have a great time.

 

 

We also had a great view of the Exploration Tower:

 

 

 

And the three other ships that were in port waiting to leave.

 

Freedom of the Seas:

 

 

Disney's Magic:

 

 

And the Carnival Sensation: