I was recently on Explorer of the Seas’ first Bermuda cruise of the 2008 season. Explorer is one of Royal Caribbean International’s mega-cruise ships and operates year-round out of Cape Liberty Cruise Port in Bayonne, New Jersey on the other side of New York Harbor from Manhattan. She sails to the Caribbean, Bermuda and Canada. I have jotted down a few impressions for those who may be considering a voyage on Explorer.
RCI's goal is to create a vacation experience that is a fun, exciting adventure and Explorer lends itself to that goal. The large size of the ship is well utilized to provide an extensive array of amenities and facilities.
The experience on board is geared toward physical activity. Thus, the facilities, activities and shows lean toward the lighter side than towards cultural enrichment. Particularly, impressive was the ice show, which was done with virtuoso skating, beautiful lighting and costumes.
The service was friendly and responsive. All of the staff say hello and you find yourself doing the same to all you meet. In addition, I was impressed by the crew's eagerness to please. For example, for breakfast and lunch, the main dining room is open seating. Thus, the waiters serving breakfast and lunch are unlikely to ever cross the path of a particular passenger again much less receive a tip at the end of the voyage from him or her. Yet, they brought the food quickly and sought to accommodate special requests.
The atmosphere on Explorer is casual. However, on the formal night, the ship rose to the occasion and brought it off in good style.
I have put together a commentary and my photos of Explorer and produced a photo tour which is posted at
RCI's goal is to create a vacation experience that is a fun, exciting adventure and Explorer lends itself to that goal. The large size of the ship is well utilized to provide an extensive array of amenities and facilities.
The experience on board is geared toward physical activity. Thus, the facilities, activities and shows lean toward the lighter side than towards cultural enrichment. Particularly, impressive was the ice show, which was done with virtuoso skating, beautiful lighting and costumes.
The service was friendly and responsive. All of the staff say hello and you find yourself doing the same to all you meet. In addition, I was impressed by the crew's eagerness to please. For example, for breakfast and lunch, the main dining room is open seating. Thus, the waiters serving breakfast and lunch are unlikely to ever cross the path of a particular passenger again much less receive a tip at the end of the voyage from him or her. Yet, they brought the food quickly and sought to accommodate special requests.
The atmosphere on Explorer is casual. However, on the formal night, the ship rose to the occasion and brought it off in good style.
I have put together a commentary and my photos of Explorer and produced a photo tour which is posted at
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