Explorer Questions???

[HazyDavey]

HazyDavey -

 

It's too bad you missed the M&M - there will definitely be a next time! As soon as we got back, we started discussing which cruise we wanted to take next!

 

At Trunk Bay, we were on the beach about opposite with the buildings for chair rental - a bit to the left of the guard tower. I'd agree with you - by far the most beautiful beach I've ever seen! Were you on the ship's tour or did you go over on your own?

 

David

 

We went on our own. Took a cab that raced across St. Thomas to get us to Red Hook in time for the ferry. Made it with seconds to spare. Then took a taxi from the pier in St. John to Trunk Bay. (There was a major road problem along the way, but that's a story for another day).

 

Combined with the chair rentals, snorkle rentals, taxis, ferries and food, it was a very expensive day, but well worth it!

 

Like you, its now onto figuring out what's next. As we have 4 C&A credits, I'm trying to talk the wife into doing a 3-day cruise without the kids this winter to get us to the next level and then booking a cruise for the family for next fall.

[drshaffer]

Yeah - we were stuck in that road problem as well. We were leaving Trunk Bay at around noon when we found out that the road back to Cruz Bay was blocked by . So, we headed in the opposite direction and got a scenic tour of the rest of the island! We got back a little bit later than expected, but it was a little more comforting knowing we were on a ship's excursion.

[GCBCKat57]

We'll be on the same cruise with you :D and I'm getting soooo excited. I was on the Explorer last Sept doing the same itinerary. You're going to love this ship. If anyone likes a good cigar and cognac, look for the Connoisseur cigar club (I think that's the name, but someone can correct me if I'm wrong on this). I found it to be a really nice public space that's hidden away and a real gem. Another favorite spot was the Solarium...especially late at night with the stars and all. Don't miss the sandwiches in the Cafe Promenade...yummy! Don't miss the ice skating show...it's really amazing what they do in such a small space. One place I didn't get to but will this time is Portofino's for at least one dinner. I hear that reservations should be made ASAP.

 

My favorite spots in St. Martin are Orient Beach for a very active destination and the beach at Grand Case Beach Club for something off the beaten path with an amazing terrace lunch.

Honestly wasn't very impressed with San Juan, but maybe someone else can suggest something.

Enjoy your cruise and maybe we'll see you there :p .

Kathy

[Carrie P]

I knew that (Not)!!!!!!!!!! Should have though huh....

We vent on Explorer in July as well and in San Juan we did the El Yanque tour, which was great by the way.

 

They use liter’s in Puerto Rico, so the price of 57 cents for gasoline is per liter ;) A lot of the people on the tour had the same reaction as you, so we asked our tour guide about that (I was afraid to tell that where I come from, a liter of gasoline is $2 – that’s $8 a gallon).

 

Sorry about that… back to the Explorer.

 

One thing you should remember, it’s impossible to do everything on the ship, so find out what YOU like to do.

 

We grew very fond of the Viking Crown Lounge on deck 14. We were up there almost every night.

 

If you have any specific question, you are welcome to send me an e-mail and I will tell you all I know.

 

I will also look in this thread again from time to time to answer any question you might have.

[Krickett]

Thanks Again this is great!:D

We are definately going to the lab on board & my hubby was happy that someone mentioned the Cigar Lounge, he definately wanted to know about it.

I think we are definately booking a dinner at Portifino's.

i have been to San Jaun before and remember that at 5 everything shut down, chains, bars,locked up, kinda creepy almost, is it still like that, we dock from 2-8 so i was thinking that maybe things had changed.

I'm still hopeing that we can get our dinner changed to late seating:rolleyes: keeping our fingers crossed.

Our cabin is quiet forward anyone had any experience with a forward cabin my have always been mid ship. Any difference in the motion? Realizing this totaly depends on the sea conditions, just in general.

[IamCdn]

Just got off the Explorer (EOS) on Sunday with the Western Swing. Not being familiar with the Eastern trip I will stick to EOS comments and advice.

 

Meet and Mingle - I strongly advise everyone to find or start a roll call for your cruise and sign-up (and attend) the meet and mingle. It is great to board the ship and have 50-70 friends to get to know better. Also, I really enjoyed the pre-cruise website banter - my family was sick of me talking about the cruise constantly before we left but everyone on our roll call was just as addicted as I was. Plus I got to meet the fabulous MizJulia (our Caribbean Queen) - see her post above.

 

Ship Condition - No concerns here - I am easily pleased. Could use a little paint and carpet. As noted above Oct 2/05 will be EOS first trip after dry dock. Most of the staff will get the dry dock week off to visit their families so they should be pumped and ready for action when your cruise begins.

 

Diet Soda - DW, DD, and DS purchased beverage pass the first day ($6/day-adult, $4/day-child). I got one myself on the second day (mix-nudge, nudge). This gives you unlimited fountain sodas all week. Diet Coke was available. There may have been others but not on the beverage pass.

 

Midnight Buffet - There were two. The first one was on pool deck 11. Lots of fruit, salad, meats (ribs), breads, desserts. The second one was the "Grand Buffet" in the dining room. Well worth viewing even if you don't want (need) to eat. You can go in early for photos. I would advise going early to take pics, go for a drink, then come back to eat. The initial rush is overwhelming. What people will do for a chocolate covered strawberry is scary.

 

RCI Wear - There are some good deals on RCI logo clothes on the final sea day. T-shirts $10, Polos $20, etc. There are many other specials in the Promenade stores this day - watches.

 

Bingo - Johnny O does a good job all week with the bingos. Prizes include free cruises, immediate move to Grand Suite, and cash. Gets a little expensive during the week so best bang for buck is wait until final day and go for the big one (I heard the prize was $6,000).

 

Bars - Spent a lot of time in Schooner Bar on fourth deck. Good atmosphere and entertainment. Many of the EOS entertainment staff (skaters, singers and dancers, activities staff) go here so I followed them. Check out Dizzies in the Viking Lounge on the final night (maybe other nights). The lead singers from the show performed there - they are great.

 

Ice Show - Don't miss it. We went to 4 of the 5 shows. My DD's good friend is one of the skaters (she's the one who gets her clothes ripped off in the opening - I'll leave you guessing on that one). For the novice fan the music is good and the stunts (head banger) are entertaining. For the real skating fan there are impressive elements (triples). Check the back of your ticket - you get a dollar off any drink during the show. (cheapest place on the ship to drink).

 

Casino - keep this to yourself but my DW did well every night on a slot called "Hoot Hoot". It is a nickel machine located across from the cashier (sorry I don't know my aft from a hole in the ground). Remember don't tell anyone.

 

Hope this helps.

[Krickett]

Thanks for all the great info! We're all getting really excited:):)

Sounds like everything is great.

 

Krickett:D