We did lots of research on the internet before making a decision to go cruising and found one, (ie Singapore to Fremantle) that suited us. There was trepidation about being on such a large ship with so many fellow passemgers but this soon evaporated when we emabarked in Singapore. The Explorer of the Seas is great and met and bettered all of our expectations. Our stateroom on deck 8 overlooking the Promenade deck was spacious enough for the two of us although the bathroom was "petite". The entertainment and activities onboard were many and our dining stewards Arun and Oscar in the Saphire Dining Room made our evening meals a happy and pleasurable experience.There was not much that we could find fault in either about the ship or staff although we came across some multi cruise passengers who made finding fault a sport!! We did not buy any of the beverage packages choosing what and when we wanted but saw many determined to "get value for money" every hour of the day. Cruising on the "Explorer" was a good introduction to Royal Caribbean and experience for us.