“Live” review of Explorer to ABC islands

[Deeliteful]

So Day 1 - met a few of the FB group at the Pool Bar pre sailaway. Probably not the best place to meet (my bad!) as so noisy!

Went back to my room for a nap and to unpack.

Went to the solos and singles meet up at the R Bar and nice to get chatting to other passengers.

Dinner in the MDR, I have fixed dining at 8pm. Still the old menus and sorry I didn’t get any pics. I had the French Onion Soup, Salmon and cheese plate. All good. Washed down with a Kir Royale although our waiter brought me a Crown Royal at first. 😂

Popped into the Casino to check on Poker but no one at the table, maybe tomorrow, there are two poker tournaments tomorrow, 11 am and 2 pm so will probably play both.

 

Managed to lose $200 at Ultimate Texas Hold Em though - too easy

(to lose 🙄😱)

An early night for me though due to time difference. Sea Day on Day 2.

Catch you later.

[poocher]

Oh we loved the solarium on Explorer!  I am an early riser so we always got prime seating opposite the bar.  We hung out there every day.  I got a great tan & enjoyed chatting, drink in hand, with the pool folks.

[zeberdee]

Hi, I'm following as hubby and I are on her in May.

Enjoy your trip and hopefully you'll have better luck in the casino.

[Deeliteful]

Just finished playing the 11 am poker tournament and won it ! 😂

[CruiseGirl4ever]

Congrats on your tournament win! Thank you for bringing us along on your sailing. I'll be sailing Explorer in March with my best friend for her birthday. I've sailed Voyager and Mariner, also Independence, Freedom & Liberty. I really enjoy the size of these ships.

[Deeliteful]

Update- I also won the 2pm tournament! 😱

A little time in the Solarium, a nap, drinks in RBar and then dinner! Forgot to take pics again, too hungry 😂

Beef Carpaccio, Baked Cod and Grand Marnier soufflé.

Now sitting in the Schooner bar having a nightcap.

There must be a big (American) football game on as the bars with screens are absolutely packed. 
Probably another early night for me especially as clocks go forward an hour tonight! As if I’m not confused enough with the time 😂

[SteelCityCruiser10]

Congrats!  Sounds like a good day! 😃

[Deeliteful]

24 minutes ago, SteelCityCruiser10 said:

Congrats!  Sounds like a good day! 😃

It certainly was! Thank you. Will try again tomorrow 😂

[JamesEM]

Following along, have a great cruise.

[zeberdee]

Well done. 

[moposh]

12 hours ago, Deeliteful said:

Probably another early night for me especially as clocks go forward an hour tonight! As if I’m not confused enough with the time

I thought they didn't change ship time.

[Deeliteful]

23 hours ago, moposh said:

I thought they didn't change ship time.

They do!

[Deeliteful]

Well I’m a little late with my posts - sorry! 

Yesterday was another sea day, no poker tournament win for me today but still managed $100 profit in the casino - I’ll take that 😂

Nice lunch in the MDR again, then joined our FB group for a poker run and bar crawl. Probably won’t do the next one but can be fun. Got to try some new cocktails but still prefer a Bloody Mary or Kraken Colada, very different from each other but both delicious 🍹🍸

Dinner in MDR again and plenty to enjoy IMO.

Had an early night as arthritis was playing up 😱 and have a busy day today.

[Deeliteful]

[Deeliteful]

Day 4 Bonaire

 

I have a Birding tour today with another couple from the ship who I haven’t met yet.

But first a little shopping as my packing really let me down on this trip!

Managed to buy a linen shirt and black top but still need a swimsuit for my resort day tomorrow 😱

Few pics in Bonaire and hope to put more on later.

Rhapsody is next to us in port.

[Deeliteful]

Dinner last night Moroccan Tuna, delicious as was the smoked potato soup I had to start with.

[Missusdubbya]

Lovely review so far, thank you!

[teddybear231]

Love the review and pics so far, keep it coming! 🙂 

[MD_Dan]

Oh no she didn't!  You had me with the Branzino and now you show me Moroccan Tuna with smoked potato soup?  I'm a pescatarian and always get the Branzino when my DW enjoys her steak at Chops.  But where did you find the Moroccan Tuna?  Keep the fish pictures coming!

 

I'm also interested to see how you find Aruba.  I'm looking at Oydyssey in November 2023 to Curacao and Aruba.  That ship is docked in Aruba until 11pm.  Any evening activities in Aruba that you'd suggest? 

 

Great job!!

[Deeliteful]

Day 4 continued

 

An amazing tour today. 5 hours around the island checking out different birds and beautiful locations. Enjoyed it so much. I’ll post some pics tomorrow and the name of the tour guide.

Back in time for a pre-dinner drink, shower and dinner!

More beautiful fish @MD_Dan but no pics, sorry! Shrimp Ceviche, Sole, and wild mushroom risotto. All excellent, but if you see the risotto on the menu, get it - it was fantastic!

Early night tonight as an early start tomorrow so will post pics when I’m lazing at the Marriott for my beach and pool day.

 

Night, night 😴

[Morecruisesplz]

On 1/21/2023 at 10:42 AM, Deeliteful said:

On board in super quick time despite the line being the longest I’ve seen to board.

One of the benefits of the Key, I was through in less than 5 minutes avoiding the line completely (which you would do too if you were Pinnacle or in a suite!)

I realise it is easier to buy the Key if you’re solo and buying the internet anyway, which is what I do.

Doubt if you’ll see the Solarium this quiet again 😂

Yes. We were on for 21 days in January. The chair hogs get up in the middle of the night to put stuff on Solarium chairs. By 8am they are all held but few people.

Looking forward to your review.

[soccer2010]

8 hours ago, fredmdcruisers said:

Yes. We were on for 21 days in January. The chair hogs get up in the middle of the night to put stuff on Solarium chairs. By 8am they are all held but few people.

Looking forward to your review.

2 word solution ... itching powder

[graciekelli]

Great review.  Thank you for posting all the great pictures.

[moposh]

11 hours ago, fredmdcruisers said:

The chair hogs get up in the middle of the night to put stuff on Solarium chairs. By 8am they are all held but few people.

Really????

[Billy Baltic]

4 hours ago, soccer2010 said:

2 word solution ... itching powder

Superglue…. Drat, only 1word