Explorer Review - December 3-11, 2006

[NH Cruiser]

Prestay

 

Since the northeast is famous for early winter storms, we decided to spend two days in Miami at the Hilton Miami Airport as our “weather insurance.” The hotel property was very nice. We especially enjoyed the lagoon area and sitting on a bench watching planes take off from the Miami airport.

 

Saturday morning we took a cab to South Beach. We walked along the beach promenade and Lincoln Road Mall before taking the Miami Duck Tour (http://ducktoursmiami.com/). We then took a cab to Bayside Marketplace (http://www.baysidemarketplace.com/html/), where we spent some time before meeting Cruise Critic friends for dinner at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.

 

Day 1 - Embarkation

 

We ignored the infamous orange warning card not to arrive at the port before 2:00 p.m. We took at cab from the hotel ($22), arriving at the port at 10:45 a.m. After we checked our bags with the porter, we noticed a sign on the door that said boarding wasn’t until 2:00 p.m. We went inside anyway where a greeter welcomed us and told us to take the escalators to the waiting area. In less than 10 minutes, we were allowed into the registration area and were escorted to the Diamond check-in counter. The SetSail Pass makes checking in much quicker. After a short wait, we were allowed to board and were on the Explorer by 11:30.

 

We knew the cabin wouldn’t be ready, so we headed up to the Windjammer for lunch. Since we've sailed on the Explorer before, we knew to walk all the way to the back of the Windjammer to the Island Grille, where we found a window table with a view of the port and Miami. After lunch, we dropped our carry-on bags in our cabin and headed off to take pictures of the ship.

 

We booked cabin 9320 (D1 Starboard on the hump). This was a great central location and an easy walk to anywhere on the ship. We like the size and layout of a D1, which has a full-size sofa, Queen bed, and lots of storage. The new bedding was very nice. Our steward Clifford greeted us when we arrived: he took great care of our cabin and us all week.

 

When we boarded (December 3), a huge Christmas tree was already outside the Café Promenade and garland was hung around all the Promenade railings. The next day red and white poinsettias were placed around the ship and under the tree.

Muster drill was at 4:30 p.m. We had an outside muster station (on our last Explorer cruise we were in a lounge). It was quite warm and one of the men in the back of our muster station fainted in the heat. The drill was delayed while the medical team was summoned.

 

Sail-away was at 5:00 p.m. Not all our posters made it, but we had a great time with those who did. The beads were an great way to identify those in our group.

 

We had first seating at 6:00 p.m. in the DaGama dining room on Deck 4 (Table 450). Our waiter Rufo was from the Philippines; his assistant, Gerry, was from Jamaica. We had a table for eight-- all wonderful dinner companions. We looked forward to seeing them every evening.

 

There was only one show for both main and second seatings and the theatre was crowded. The first night you need to get there early. Entertainment was Karen Rontowski, a comedian, and Majestic, an outstanding acrobatic duo. Do not miss Majestic--they also performed later in the cruise. The Bon Voyage Parade was on the Royal Promenade at 11:15 p.m. A wonderful way to start the cruise.

 

Sea Day – Day 2

 

Today was partly cloudy and in the low 80s—a gorgeous day to enjoy the outside activities. The Meet & Mingle party was at 1:00 in Portofinos. RCCL provided hors d’ouvres, lemonade, and iced tea. Cruise Director staff were present, but they seemed rushed to get to their next activity. We played a game and then there was a raffle (I won the coveted RCCL mouse). People started to leave right after the raffle, so we didn’t get an opportunity to meet everyone. A suggestion to the CD is to give your staff enough time to at least let everyone introduce themselves at the beginning of the get-together.

 

There were lots of activities during the day, including the men’s belly flop contest, the blackjack and slot machine tournaments, Junior Quest for families, and Circus on the Seas presented by the Adventure Ocean kids.

 

Tonight was formal night and the Captain’s Welcome Aboard Champagne Reception on the Royal Promenade. Captain Ryan was available on the Promenade between 7:15 – 8:00 p.m. for pictures. The evening show was the comedy of Bobby Collins.

 

Belize – Day 3

 

We arrived in port at 9:00 a.m. (we stayed on ship’s time). Today was 82 with a few clouds, although we encountered showers while driving to our excursion.

 

Formerly British Honduras, Belize is now an independent state within the Commonwealth of Nations. It has a population of 266,440 and English is the official language. Belize is home to more than 400 species of fish, 540 species of birds, and 70 different types of coral. This area was the heart of the Maya civilization from 250 to 900 AD.

 

Belize City has a shallow-water port, requiring the Explorer to anchor some distance from the dock (about a 20-minute tender ride). If you are not on an RCCL tour, tender tickets were available outside the DaGama dining room on Deck 4.

 

Belize had heavy rain in the weeks preceding our cruise and the day we were in port there was a forecast for high winds. As a result, all water-based tours were cancelled at the last minute. Our excursion was delayed while they sorted out options for those whose excursions were cancelled. We were more than an hour late boarding the tenders.

 

We booked the RCCL tour Mayan Ruins of Xunantunich. On the two-hour drive to the site, most of the houses we saw had no windows or doors. There were lots of schools, many of them run by churches. School is mandatory and each school had a different color uniform. I was surprised to learn there is a large Mennonite population in Belize. We saw several horse-drawn carriages along the road.

 

Xunantunich (Stone Woman) is in western Belize near the Guatemalan border. To reach the ruins, we took a hand-cranked ferry across the narrow Mopan River, where a van met us for the short drive to the ruins. Xunantunich was a major ceremonial center during the Classic Period (300-900 AD), and was abandoned in 900 AD after an earthquake. El Castillo (The Castle) on the south end of the site is the most prominent structure. After a steep climb (113 steps) to the top of the 130-foot castle, you are rewarded with a panoramic view of the jungle canopy and the vast area of the Guatemalan Peten District only a few miles away.

 

Lunch was at the San Ignacio Resort Hotel, perched above the Macal River Valley. Queen Elizabeth stayed at this hotel on her last visit to British Honduras. A marimba duet played during lunch.

 

We were 45 minutes late arriving back in Belize City. We were glad to see a tender waiting for us as we rushed down the dock. We arrived on board at 6:00 p.m. and Explorer pulled anchor within five minutes.

 

Tonight was casual dress and the first production show--Wild, Cool, and Swinging. Great job by the singers and dancers. Following the show was the Battle of the Sexes in Studio B (this was a fun event). The Country and Western Hoe-Down was in Maharajas Lounge and 11:30 p.m.

 

Costa Maya – Day 4

 

Another beautiful day—82 and partly cloudy. The Explorer docked at 7:30 a.m. and we were off the ship by 7:45 a.m. We prebooked a private tour with Native Choice (David and Ivan: http://www.chacchobenruins.com/). Native Choice can now pick up guests at the terminal, but you must pay a $3.00 fee to the port.

 

Ivan was sick, so David brought a bus to accommodate everyone instead of two vans. He also sold extra tickets at the terminal to fill the bus. When we arrived at Chacchoben, David split us into two groups. He took those who had prebooked tours and a second guide took the others. David was phenomenal—every bit as good as everyone says and then some!

 

Chacchoben (the place of the red corn) covers more than 10 acres and is located in the south section of the Mexican state of Quintana Roo (Region of the Lakes). The first settlements date to 1000 BC, with most of the structures built around 360 AD. The Mayans suddenly abandoned the area around 850 AD and their society collapsed. David provided an excellent ongoing narration, showing us various flowers, trees, and bushes, and explaining their significance to the Mayan culture. He also gave us detailed information about the ruins and the Mayan people who lived there.

 

On the way back, we stopped along the road where children were selling fresh pineapple in a plastic bag for $1.00 (we wondered why they were not in school!). It was the freshest, juiciest pineapple we have had since we were in Hawaii. Some people elected to stay in Mahahual: we returned to the shopping area at the pier where there is a large pool with a swim-up bar, restaurants, and lots of shopping. A great place to pick up souvenirs.

 

Tonight was casual dress. Planet Ice was at 5:00 and 7:00 p.m.. The Adventure Ocean Pirate Parade was at 9:00 p.m. on the Royal Promenade. The Love and Marriage game show was at 10:30 p.m., followed by dancing under the stars and a pool party (buffet) at 11:30 p.m.

 

Cozumel – Day 5

 

Another beautiful day in the 80s, although there was a shower later in the day. The Explorer docked at the International Pier—this is important to know if you’ve booked a private tour. We stayed on ship’s time.

 

Cozumel (Land of the Swallow) is Mexico’s largest island (28 miles long and 10 miles wide) and lies 12 miles off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. Its natives are of Mayan descent—a culture of farmers, fishermen, and warriors who ruled 2000 years before the arrival of the Spanish Explorers in the 15th century. The west side of the island is more developed and has calm seas, making it ideal for swimming, diving, water-skiing, and beachcombing. The east side is dotted with isolated coves and bays, and has spectacular surf.

 

We booked a private island tour with Cozumel Tours (http://www.cozumeltours.com/). We were off the ship by 7:45 a.m. and took a cab to the Punta Langosta Cruise Pier to meet our guides Harry and Nelda. Our first stop was Corpus Christi Roman Catholic Church, the largest church on the island, and then to Porta Abrigo Marino, where we arrived just in time to see the Voyager sailing into port.

 

We then headed inland to San Gervasio, once the island’s capital and a sacred site. Inhabited from 200 AD until the Spanish conquest, it was a strategic point for commercial and political development during that time. We spent an hour taking a self-guided tour around the site. Following the tour, we made a short stop to learn about the history of making Tequila.

 

Continuing down the rugged east side, we stopped at Mezcalito’s, where turtles return every year to lay their eggs on the beach; then a quick stop at Coconuts to view the damage caused by the hurricane. We continued south to El Mirador to see its two natural arches (a great photo stop). After a quick stop at El Cedral, the only other town on the island, we headed to Paradise Beach, where we had lunch.

 

Tonight was casual dress (50s, 60s, and 70s). The Dating Game was at 8:00 p.m. Entertainment was the Majestic, who performed an unbelievable aerial routine, and DJ Hazzard, a comedian. The infamous Quest was at 10:30 p.m. in Studio B. Do not miss it--Allan Brooks did another outstanding job.

 

Georgetown, Grand Cayman – Day 6

 

We arrived at 9:30 a.m. to yet another perfect day in the 80s. The port provides large-capacity tender boats, and tendering is on a first-come first-served basis. You do not require tender tickets.

 

Grand Cayman is 22 miles long and 8 miles across at its widest point, and has approximately 39,335 residents. The Cayman Islands has a British governor appointed by the Queen. Georgetown, the capital, has more than 500 banks and 300 insurance companies, making it the 5th largest financial center in the world.

 

We took a private jeep safari tour (http://www.grandcaymancruiseexcursions.com/CaymanIslandJeepTour.htm) with two couples from the CC board. We met our tour guide at the Blue Iguana Outlet Store and drove to the Avis agency by the airport to pick up the jeeps.

 

Our first stop was the Tortuga Rum Cake Factory. Founded in 1984 by two employees of Cayman Airways, the company is now the largest duty-free liquor business in the Cayman Islands. The tour continued through Georgetown to the southern coast and Millionaire Row with some of the most expensive homes on the island. We drove by Pedro’s Castle, considered the birthplace of democracy in the Cayman Islands (we didn’t get to see it from our vantage point on the road). Going off road, we headed to the Bluff at Beach Bay, a secluded area that overlooks the clear waters of the Caribbean. The Bluff is believed to have been a pirate hideaway and where they stashed their treasures.

 

Our final stop was Rum Point Beach on the northern side of the island. First documented on a map in 1773, it is famous for its clear, calm waters, and tall Australian pines. We spent a little more than two hours at Rum Point before heading back to Georgetown.

 

Tonight was our last formal night. Entertainment was Domenick Allen, formerly of the rock group Foreigner. Tonight was also the Karaoke Superstar show—there were some very talented singers on this cruise. The Gala Buffet was open for pictures at 11:30 p.m. At 12:15 a.m. (for those still awake), the Island Frenzy Parade was held on the Royal Promenade.

 

Sea Day – Day 7

 

We woke up to some pretty heavy seas, fog, and rain. The Explorer rode the storm really good. All outside activities were cancelled and the pool was drained. The Platinum/Diamond party was held in Maharajas and RCCL provided a very nice buffet. We spent the day packing and doing some onboard shopping, then toured the Oceanographic and Atmospheric Labs. The farewell show featured clips from the cruise DVD, followed by the second production show—Vibe-ology. [/b]Luggage had to be in the hall by midnight . . . guess this is really the end of the cruise.

 

Debarkation

 

We had priority White 1 tags and were called just before 7:00 a.m. We purchased the Valet Luggage Service, which was really convenient. Once we were through Immigration and Customs, we picked up our luggage on the carousel and took it to the Valet Service right around the corner from the carousels in the Cruise Terminal. We took the RCCL bus to Miami International (there are also plenty of taxis available at the terminal). We were glad we had used the Valet service, since the wait to check in luggage at the airport was 90 minutes.

 

Overall Impressions

 

The Explorer of the Seas is in good condition and the crew kept the ship very clean. Allan Brooks, the Cruise Director, was outstanding—definitely one of the best CDs we’ve had. Service in the dining room was excellent and our waiter, Rufo, always kept us informed about evening events and what was happening the next day. Gerry, our assistant waiter, was prompt and attentive. Our room steward Clifford did an excellent job. The entire onboard staff were friendly.

 

Food in the dining room was very good and there was always a good selection on the menu. The Café Promenade was a nice place to get a cup of coffee and a snack.

 

We enjoyed seeing the ports and our excursions were made extra special because of the nice people with whom we shared them. Entertainment was good, although three comedians on a 7-day cruise was a little too much, especially when we had cruisers from 56 countries and for many English was not their first language. The ice show was spectacular and not to be missed. Game shows and other events during the week were well run, and provided a lot of entertainment.

 

Pictures should be posted sometime next week.

[massfamilyof4]

We have Cabin 9320 booked for our cruise in February. So glad to hear that it is a nice cabin. Can't wait for your pics. Any problems with motion sickness due to the rough seas on Day 6 and forward location of the cabin?

 

Thanks for the great review...I can't wait!

[NH Cruiser]

We didn't feel as much movement in the cabin on Deck 9 as we did that day on the lower decks. There was noticeable movement but nothing that was uncomfortable. You'll enjoy the Explorer -- great ship and crew.

 

I just realized I have the end date of our cruise wrong -- we were on from 12/03 to 12/10. I was just wishing I was onboard for the next sailing :)

[vmom]

Thanks for the very good and detailed review.

 

We were on the same cruise and thought that the entertainment on the whole was some of the best we've seem. I'm not a big fan of production shows but the 2 we saw were really very good.

 

It was a fun cruise and it was so good to actually meet the people you had been "talking" to on the boards. I with the staff that provided more time for everyone to actualy spend time together at the m&m. Seems like we just got in there, played a couple games and then it was over. I would have preferred at least 30 minutes or longer just to chat and meet.

 

Only negative which I posted in a previous post was that I don't think the food was up to the same standards as on our last cruises and in particular compared to the Navigator 2004 food.

[SlightDraw]

Looking forward for another go on Explorer. Does the OP or anyone else on this cruise have an opinion on the new bedding?

[vmom]

Looking forward for another go on Explorer. Does the OP or anyone else on this cruise have an opinion on the new bedding?

 

LOVED the new bedding. It was even better than I expected. Slept great and it was hard getting out of bed.

[Merion_Mom]

Cozumel – Day 5

 

Another beautiful day in the 80s, although there was a shower later in the day. The Explorer docked at the International Pier—this is important to know if you’ve booked a private tour. We stayed on ship’s time.

 

Cozumel (Land of the Swallow) is Mexico’s largest island (28 miles long and 10 miles wide) and lies 12 miles off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. Its natives are of Mayan descent—a culture of farmers, fishermen, and warriors who ruled 2000 years before the arrival of the Spanish Explorers in the 15th century. The west side of the island is more developed and has calm seas, making it ideal for swimming, diving, water-skiing, and beachcombing. The east side is dotted with isolated coves and bays, and has spectacular surf.

 

We booked a private island tour with Cozumel Tours (http://www.cozumeltours.com/). We were off the ship by 7:45 a.m. and took a cab to the Punta Langosta Cruise Pier to meet our guides Harry and Nelda. Our first stop was Corpus Christi Roman Catholic Church, the largest church on the island, and then to Porta Abrigo Marino, where we arrived just in time to see the Voyager sailing into port.

 

We then headed inland to San Gervasio, once the island’s capital and a sacred site. Inhabited from 200 AD until the Spanish conquest, it was a strategic point for commercial and political development during that time. We spent an hour taking a self-guided tour around the site. Following the tour, we made a short stop to learn about the history of making Tequila.

 

Continuing down the rugged east side, we stopped at Mezcalito’s, where turtles return every year to lay their eggs on the beach; then a quick stop at Coconuts to view the damage caused by the hurricane. We continued south to El Mirador to see its two natural arches (a great photo stop). After a quick stop at El Cedral, the only other town on the island, we headed to Paradise Beach, where we had lunch.

 

Tonight was casual dress (50s, 60s, and 70s). The Dating Game was at 8:00 p.m. Entertainment was the Majestic, who performed an unbelievable aerial routine, and DJ Hazzard, a comedian. The infamous Quest was at 10:30 p.m. in Studio B. Do not miss it--Allan Brooks did another outstanding job.

Great review. Thanks for taking the time to post both your experience and the interesting and helpful "travelogue" information. :)

 

Quick question about Cozumel: Would you mind sharing information about your private tour? Cost, duration, number of people on the tour?

 

I assume that you asked to be dropped at Paradise Beach, then made your own way back to the Explorer?

 

What was the length of Explorer's time in Cozumel? How about Grand Cayman?

 

Many thanks.

[Jamielps]

Great post! Getting on the Explorer tomorrow!!! Cant wait!

[NH Cruiser]

Carol, Explorer of the Seas was in Cozumel from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. We used Cozumel Tours (http://www.cozumeltours.com/) and the cost was US$60 per person for a 5-hour full island tour. Just my husband and I were on the tour--I'm not sure if they have access to a larger vehicle than the four-passenger jeep they drove on our excursion. You could send them a message. We stopped at Paradise Beach for lunch (Nelda and Harry joined us). They then they took us back to the International Pier (there were lots of taxis at Paradise Beach if you wanted to stay). We did some shopping at the pier before boarding the ship.

 

Explorer arrived in Grand Cayman at 9:30 a.m. and sailed at 5:30 p.m. Unless you're interested in high-end jewelry, don't save your shopping for Grand Cayman.

 

The new bedding was very nice . . . loved the sheets!

[Merion_Mom]

Carol, Explorer of the Seas was in Cozumel from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. We used Cozumel Tours (http://www.cozumeltours.com/) and the cost was US$60 per person for a 5-hour full island tour. Just my husband and I were on the tour--I'm not sure if they have access to a larger vehicle than the four-passenger jeep they drove on our excursion. You could send them a message. We stopped at Paradise Beach for lunch (Nelda and Harry joined us). They then they took us back to the International Pier (there were lots of taxis at Paradise Beach if you wanted to stay). We did some shopping at the pier before boarding the ship.

 

Explorer arrived in Grand Cayman at 9:30 a.m. and sailed at 5:30 p.m. Unless you're interested in high-end jewelry, don't save your shopping for Grand Cayman.

 

The new bedding was very nice . . . loved the sheets!

Thanks, Jean! :)

[JudyM]

Does the Viking Crown Lounge still have that amazing kinetic sculpture with all the golf balls running on tracks and ringing chimes? Gosh, in only four more weeks I can go see for myself!

[PBNJ620]

You mentioned valet luggage service. Where did you purchase that from and how soon before? We're going on the 24th and anything to speed up the process would be helpful!!!

[BonNYTX]

Outstanding, informative review!

[NH Cruiser]

BonNTX . . . thank you. I tried to provide as much information as I could to help those going on the Explorer and the Western itinerary.

 

LuvRCCL . . . the valet service is available for flights on American, United, Delta, and Continental. Information on the service appeared in the Compass on Day 3. We also received a form on the bed that we filled out with our flight information and took to the Guest Relations Desk with a photo ID (driver's license or passport). It took no more than a minute at the desk. Boarding passes and AA tags for our luggage were then delivered to our cabin. The cost was $15 per person and well worth avoiding the hassle and wait at the airport.

 

JudyM . . . the golf ball display is in the 19th Hole bar in the Viking Crown complex. I took a ton of pictures around the Explorer but didn't take one of that display!

 

Hope to have my pictures up sometime next week. I'll post here when they are online.

[crisndeefromde]

I am glad that you had a great trip too. We just got off her today and we loved her. We wished we had done the b2b. We continued with the rough seas first night and into the next day as well. The rockin never slowed down until we reached San Juan. Whoooa. But everyone was healthy and kept up with the hand sanitizing and that was a big deal especially when we all realized the Freedom wasn't leaving port with us.

[CoronaCpl]

Thanks for the review. Sailing Explorer for the first time in February, so we read your review with great interest. Hoping we enjoy it as much as you did.

[sweet sea]

Hey Jean

 

Another great review.

 

Glad you enjoyed this trip, sometimes its nice to do a R&R cruise. Say hello to Bill

 

Debbie

[TrumpetKO]

Great Write Up Mom - I really need to take another Cruise....SOON

[NH Cruiser]

Thanks again to all of those who have read the review and let me know that it was helpful. Pictures are coming along slowly and my goal is to have them up before the weekend. I'll post here when they are available.

 

Deb, have you posted pictures from your Med cruise yet? I'd love to see them since we're doing some of your ports in October.

 

Kevin, thanks for posting! Is the plea for a cruise SOON some kind of hint???

[MrPete]

Does the Viking Crown Lounge still have that amazing kinetic sculpture with all the golf balls running on tracks and ringing chimes? Gosh, in only four more weeks I can go see for myself!

 

They were cool!

 

 

I don't know who stared at it more.....me or my 7 year old!

[NH Cruiser]

I just posted the pictures from our Western Caribbean cruise. They are in five albums: Explorer of the Seas, Belize, Costa Maya, Cozumel, and Grand Cayman.

 

You can see the pictures by clicking here or clicking the Webshots link in my signature.

[vmom]

LOVED your pictures and particularily the ones of the ruins tour in Costa Maya. We were on the same tour with you. All of our pictures have people climbing all over ruins and in the pictures. I am very impressed that you were able to get so many wonderful pictures with very few people in them and climbing on them. Really makes the ruins stand out and to really see the stone structure and stone work better.

 

Loved all your commentaries also. I couldn't remember so many of the details that you have listed. Thanks so much.

 

Wonderful Pictures.

Makes me want to do it all over again.

[aqhacruiser]

Great review and I enjoyed your review of the ports! Thank you! I love the Explorer and can't wait till she returns to Bayonne to stay in 2007. Looking forward to our winter cruises on her in '08 :)