Explorer of the Seas Review

4.5 / 5.0
2,038 reviews

Ship exceeded my expectations

Review for Alaska Cruise on Explorer of the Seas
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vacationgirl3414
6-10 Cruises • Age 70s

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Additional details

Sail Date: Aug 2018
Cabin: Junior Suite

This cruise was selected due to a round trip itinerary (leaving from and returning to Seattle) and the ports the ship visited. Also the type of entertainment, restaurants, and activities on board. The ship was larger than I expected. There is a promenade, not just a Centrum. We went to a wine tasting, a cocktail making class, the all access tour and the mystery dinner theater event. None of these were free but we felt the charges were reasonable. We used the gym, attended the dance shows and ice skating show and played bingo once. Always something to do. My only complaint as in the past is with the food-mostly in the main dining room. I have felt in the past, the food was better on the smaller ships but not finding that to be the case anymore. I thought the choices were not that exciting and bland. Since I don't go on a cruise for the food, I tend to overlook this flaw. I will say also that the service during meals (lunch or my time dining) has not been as good as in the past. We were never offered a wine menu, extra bread and constantly had to ask for refills on ice tea. Not sure if they have cut their staff down, but it seems your waiter and asst waiter just disappear during your meal now. Bar tenders at the bars around the ship were hit or miss. Did like Dizzy's bar and usually just went up there where the service was better. Overall I thought this was a great cruise. Our excursions were not booked through the ship other than the train in Skagway. I feel confident in booking my own excursions and usually find them more interesting and cheaper. I liked the ports. Plenty of shopping options for us and found great restaurants. We stayed 3 days in Seattle (before and after cruise). So much to do here. We walked or took and Uber or Lyft. There is a homeless problem in Seattle, but we did not feel unsafe or bothered. Went to Underground Seattle, Food Tour of Pike Place Mkt, wine tour in Woodinville, Space Needle and Chihuly Gardens. Lots of options

Cabin Review

Junior Suite

Cabin J4

The cabin was well maintained and very large. No complaints. Loved the walk in closet, larger bathroom and 2 desk areas with a pull out sofa and 2 chairs. The balcony was also a decent size, with a small table and 2 chairs. We had no complaints about the location and the amount of walking we might have done. Even on deck 10 we usually took the stairs. Service by the room attendant Ralph was very good. Would book this cabin again if on this ship.

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