Who Says You Can’t Go Home?
Making Memories, Our Last Hurrah on Royal Caribbean Explorer of the Seas
The First Sighting
Who says you can’t go home? We were initially booked on our
yearly Celebrity Summit cruise to Bermuda, but decided to switch to Royal
Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas around the same week. It just made sense. As
Explorer is set to leave our Home Port of Cape Liberty (November 1, 2014
Explorer leaves Cape Liberty on a 14 night repositioning cruise. She will be at
sea for 3 days and then calls on Philipsburg, St. Maarten/ St. John’s Antigua/
Castries, St. Lucia/ Bridgetown, Barbados/ Willenstad, Curacao/ Kralendijk,
Bonaire, Oranjestad, Aruba/ and on November 15, 2014 will arrive at her new
home port of Port Canaveral, where she will stay until her revitalization sometime
March/April. Afterwards she will sail out of Southampton) Saying good-bye one
last time PLUS the added benefit of becoming Royal Caribbean Crown & Anchor
Diamond Plus made cruising on Explorer a better choice for our June cruise. For us, like many, stepping on board Explorer is like "going home".
We arrived to Cape Liberty at 11:10am and the queue seemed
fairly long. It never ceases to amaze me that as long as it seems visually, on
the other hand it seems like minutes and voila we are being ushered into a bay
to drop off our luggage. Our cruise excitement is high and nothing can bring it
down. We dropped off our luggage and were through security in minutes. We were
directed to priority check in where we were immediately called on to check in.
A delight for check in. We took our mandatory boarding picture. I forgot to
mention, this was my first time cruising with my PINK BOA. Mr. and I took the
obligatory boarding picture wrapped in my pink boa. (I was to later learn that
when the other pink boas checked in they saw pink feathers and new some of us
had already been there!) We didn’t wait more than a few minutes and boarded the
bus for the minute ride across the parking lot. I forgot to mention, as usual, we
over packed. J
We boarded Explorer of the Seas, Who says you can’t go home?
Having spent most of our days at sea on Explorer, she is very familiar to us. I’ll
say it now, we or me missed our kids, as most of the days on board Explorer had
been with them, MAKING MEMORIES & CELEBRATING, as usual. The elevator
carpet proudly displayed the day of the week, something you surely forget when
cruising. We took pictures of the construction at Cape Liberty (Yes, a NEW
Terminal and Parking is under construction for the anticipated Quantum of the
Seas).
We were initially booked in a starboard mid ship balcony,
but when I saw a fantail aft available we quickly grabbed it. We couldn’t wait
to see our cabin. We grabbed a cocktail, walked around some and went to our
cabin (typically ready by 1:30pm). Were we WOW’d? Yes. The cabin is larger and
has a balcony three times the size of a mid ship balcony. We were told but were
hoping it had 2 loungers and a table a chairs you can enjoy a meal at. Ahhhh,
the additional happiness this cabin gave us. (D1, 1690)
The standard Diamond Welcome basket sat on the desk vanity
area as well as water. Note: we checked a 24 pack of Poland spring water
bottles, as usual. This time it did not arrive in tact. We taped it, it was
secure, it was tagged, but only three bottles were in the destroyed plastic.
L If you want to bring
on water, carry it on.
I don’t even remember if we grabbed a bite or not. The
majority of cruisers head to the Windjammer buffet for lunch. You can also go
to Café Promenade or the main dining room. We took our selfies on the pool deck
as we waited for muster drill. Muster Drill, yes, you must go. While waiting,
semi impatiently, I witnessed a kid about 20 years old throw food over the
side. I couldn’t believe what I saw and I said something, nicely. “Well, it was
fruit so it is okay” is what the boy said. He wasn’t fresh about it, but I
honestly don’t think it is okay to throw anything overboard. Please don’t do
it. After muster we headed to the sky bar to meet up with some folks. PINK BOA
in tow, I looked for my other pink boa friends. Slowly, one by one they
appeared along with some other cruisers who we connected with on various groups.
I was excited to meet Christine & her family, as Christine has sailed as a
Pink Boa in the past. Although we have never met, she is connected to other
pink boa ladies that I know from various groups. I will never forget the
feeling when Christine gave me a very special gift from her and Wendy (another
beautiful Pink Boa cruiser who I am connected to online.) She handed me a
decorated wipe board, feathers and all. To say this touched my heart doesn’t say
enough. I was literally in tears and so touched that these very special ladies
were thinking of me weeks before we even set sail and crafted this adorable
board for us!
Sailing under the Verrazano Bridge is so much fun! If you’re
planned to sail from the area, make sure you’re outside on deck as you go under
the bridge. Not our first, won’t be our last, but always memorable. We waved
voraciously at the nyharborwebcam and although they can’t zoom in really close,
they caught some good photos of us! Thank you Lou & NYharborwebcam!
We headed to the Diamond Lounge knowing that Explorer hasn’t
been revitalized and does not have a dedicated lounge. It is held in Cloud
nine, a card room. Wine & champagne are gratis, anything else (cocktails,
beer is 25% off). We visited with friends but felt like this was not a
comfortable “lounge type” area for us to enjoy hanging out. We moseyed on over
to the Viking Crown Lounge where we met up with Gil and Gail, friends who we
met on Enchantment 2013 and have kept in touch with. What a lovely, lovely
couple and we always enjoy their company!
We had MTD (My Time Dining) for dinner. We were seated in a
pretty good location (yes, we’re picky), but our wait staff seemed to not be as
attentive as we’re accustomed on Royal Caribbean ships. Dinner was aok though.
We were happy to be on board, so happy we forgot to take the first nights food
photos. After dinner we strolled around and headed to the Viking Crown lounge.
Day 2 we had a meet & mingle at 9:30am. Truthfully,
sometimes we go and sometimes we don’t. Our cruises honestly don’t hinge on
others, but yes, we made plans to meet up with some. We had an early breakfast
in the Windjammer, egg white omelets. We were not very impressed with the offerings
and give it an “Eh” rating. The meet & mingle was pretty uneventful.
Everyone entering was given the complimentary- neck hanging- pad and pen “thing”
and a numbered ticket for the usual raffle. Don’t get excited, they don’t
raffle off another cruise. RC Logo caps, crappy champagne, but it was fun. We
volunteered our amazing cabin for the cabin crawl. Head’s up, our crawl was to
be right after the meet, but since the meet was so early we thought it was
better to reschedule so the cabins would be clean (& ready) for viewing. We
made up to meet around 11:30, same spot as the meet, Maharaja’s lounge. We had
previously seen pretty much every cabin type so when the crawl was suggested I
opted out and honestly said why. But, seeing our fantail cabin, I wanted others
to see it as well. We really had a great time on the crawl. We arranged for 2
platters of fresh baked cookies and had them in our cabin on the coffee table
for all to enjoy a sweet-treat while visiting our cabin. Success.
Friends, Fun and Formal Night, Oh My! We had our table
switched. Okay, okay, so we were spoiled on our last cruise by Ivan, our Maitre
D on Legend of the Seas just a few months prior. We wanted a table for two in
the same area as we had on Legend (by the railing as you enter the dining
room). Great for people watching! And, oh did we watch the people! (more on
this later) From that night on we never had to wait for our table to be ready,
it was always waiting for us. Dinner was good. I had the duck and Mr. had the
prime rib. Both were good. We saw Gil and Gail seated with the Hotel Director,
John Denton at the Captain’s table along with our new friend Sammi (It was her
Birthday and her sister works on board). I’ll hop on board the fashion-police
wagon now and say that we saw people in the dining room at dinner in every
imaginable thing that can be worn, outside of bathing suits. It made for quite
the conversation and was entertaining at best. After dinner, we strolled and
stopped at the Aquarium Bar for cocktails. What FUN, as the bartenders there
put on a cute show. One crouched down, the other put a napkin on the crouched
ones head, then a glass, then proceeded to fill the glass with ice, then pour a
cocktail in the glass. The crouched one got up slowly and walked away to serve
the cocktail to the passenger who ordered it. Very cute.
So, the next morning arrives and we had more fun planned
with some Pink Boa cruisers! Thanks to Emmy who got the ball rolling, Lou from
PTZ web cams was set to take pictures of us as we tied up in Bermuda at Kings
Wharf!
I needed a good Starbucks! We met on the helipad, but then went to get
some coffee. I admit, I forgot my boa in the cabin. I was not happy I forgot
it, but my pink boa friends wrapped me in theirs! We waved at the bermudawebcam
and Lou and really, really enjoyed the attention. (Note to self, still have to
thank Lou and see if he can email the pictures that he took)
As always we saw
our trusty pilot, Faithful bringing us in. Have I mentioned this was our 8
th
time to Bermuda, yes we love Bermuda.
With only one day to spend in Bermuda we decided to just hop
the bus over to Horseshoe bay beach (Pink #7 bus, which is now leaving from
right outside the gate to the right. You will see it.) I was somewhat saddened
because Lou (barmudawebcam.com) told me where he would be staying and to come
visit, but with little time it was directly off to the beach. As always,
Horseshoe is a pretty beach. It was windy and they weren’t renting umbrellas,
but we did rent 2 beach chairs. ($11 each with a $10 fee they give you back
when you return your chairs) We situated and I head straight for the ocean.
Yes, there has been recent controversy on the environmental-friendliness of the
water at horseshoe but I was taking my chances and swimming around! Mr. on the
other hand couldn’t bring himself to be as daring as me. We had a couple of
drinks, stayed a couple of hours and then headed to the “Best $2.00 you can
spend shuttle” that will take up back to the top of the hill. There was a bus
there waiting and although there was only one seat available we hopped on and
headed back to Dockyard. Our plan was lunch and drinks and the Frog &
Onion. When we arrived there was a huge line waiting for tables. Not being a
novice, I told Mr. to wait on line as I seeked out to see if there were ‘seat
yourself tables” at the bar. Voila! There were and we sat, ordered and enjoyed
the live music and rum swizzles. I’ll mention here that I did miss our
obligatory visit to the original Swizzle Inn, but with only one day in Bermuda……well,
you know the rest. Food was very good as were the rum swizzles. Well, the rum
swizzles were probably the better than the food? Maybe. We walked back to the
ship slowly as we could see the line forming and getting longer for passengers
to re board. Oh, by the way, Carnival Splendor was docked with us, it was a
NKOTB cruise.
On our walk down to Horseshoe Bay beach I saw my PINK VESPA!
Dinner this evening was at Portofino. Nom. Nom. I am a
sucker for roasted garlic and amazing bread. Most days at home I don’t even
think of eating bread, but here, it is something hard to resist. I ordered Tuna
Carpaccio and Mr. ordered beef carpaccio. Both were very good. Our waiter was
smart, he also brought out Portofino’s infamous and delicious shrimp and
risotto. I had lamb chops, Mr. had the seafood skewer and we both enjoyed. We
shared a dessert because we didn’t really have room for any dessert! (but a
little chocolate something-something was in order!)
The next day was a sea day. Enjoy doing whatever you like to
do. Dinner was okay. I had the duck
(prepared a different way than the previous night) and Mr. had something he
enjoyed. Notice we didn’t get to many shows.
Oh Look! Those miracle soda machines! Note they are leaking and being fixed, maybe.
Leigh & Erky from Turkey, Cruise Director and Activities dude, what an awesome TEAM!
Day 4 (June 9
th, 2014) we called on St. Maarten,
docked with Jewel of the Seas. Having been here many times there were still
things we haven’t seen, like Maho. I know so many happy with Bernard’s tours we
arranged to tour with him. We didn’t dock until 1 o’clock, so we needed to meet
for his tour at 1:30pm. We first stopped at a photo-op then on to Maho beach
and Sunset Bar where we watched the planes land had a cocktail and picked up
tee shirts for our kids. We didn’t have enough time to get in the water here.
We went to Marigot after learning that it was some kind of Holiday there and
most everything was closed. We had some authentic food for lunch at Rosemary’s.
We didn’t shop in the market, they were mostly closing, but some were still
opened. We were then off to Orient beach. We have been here before & the
ocean is magnificent as is the beach. I couldn’t wait to get in. The beach was
very quiet. We didn’t arrive until after 4pm, most everything was closed. We
all dropped our things in a pile on the sand and went right into the ocean. Where
we stayed until 10 minutes before we had to leave. Explorer didn’t leave St
Maarten until around 8pm, but we were back on board around 6 o’clock.
We
ordered mushroom soup (you have to have it) and crab cake for appetizers.
(since I am mostly writing by pictures we took I can’t tell you what we had for
dinner unless I took a picture)
Today is Day
Five and we call on Old San Juan.
Also having been here before, there are still
many things to do. Last time I wanted to go to LA Bombonera but it had closed.
That was fine with me because that call on Old San Juan we had very bad weather
& just enjoyed staying on the ship (oh, sorry, that was a different cruise!
J) So, we took a cab to Cafeteria
Mallorca on 300 Calle SanFfransisco in Old San Juan
and had Mallorca’s for breakfast (we had ham, cheese
& egg on a Mallorca that is grilled on a press then dusted with powdered
sugar). Oh My. We enjoyed our authentic
breakfast and coffee. You will also enjoy the ambiance of this cafeteria, it
puts you back 60 years. That’s if you remember the 1950’s. The added old timer in his black vest, bow tie
and hat appears to probably have been working there since they opened.
I cannot tell you just how good this breakfast mallorca was, and I don't even eat "yellow" cheese!
We quickly looked around the market in the
square.
We hopped a cab over to the Candado area after breakfast.
It wasn't as
I imagined. Although I am honestly not sure what I imagined. Maybe I thought it
was going to be lined with upscale luxury stores and little café’s and be
bustling with excited pretty people? I asked the cab driver to be dropped off
at GUCCI, but he dropped us at Louis Vuitton. We decided to stroll down Ashford
Ave. and see where it lead us. On our walk (back) we stopped at La Concha Renaissance.
Nice Hotel. If you want to stay on Ashford Ave. you can stay here.
I never
found my Gucci store until we were sitting in a cab taking us back to Explorer!
I don’t understand how we missed it. Since there is usually a pool deck BBQ Mr.
ventured to see if in fact there was one. It was a little disappointing to find
out that they did not have the grills out. They had a buffet set up with
hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken (?) and salads. Oh, and dessert cakes.
Tonight we ordered
seafood ceviche for an appetizer, I would pass next time, but you may like it.
Mr.’s lamb chops were excellent, but mine, not so much.
We received a
half-way through survey to hand fill out and leave at guest relations. We
commented on how passengers were dressed entering the dining room for dinner. The
Maître D came to our table the next evening to discuss. As we left the dining
room that night he was outside talking to others and motioned us to come over.
They too had the same concern. If nothing else, please don’t ever think it is
okay to wear a baseball cap to a dining room. It is not a diner or cafeteria or
drive thru. And, your Grandmother would probably be very disappointed in you.
By the way, if
you forgot your snorkel gear or just want to buy some, it is available for
purchase near guest relations, you will pay around $59.00.
Acupuncture, this
guy was all over the place promoting. The oddest is when there was a passenger
laying on a table having acupuncture on the promenade.
Oh Escargot! We
asked, we received. The End. It is not on the menu.
One night we ordered the
Gourmet Meatball appetizer. Sounded very good; spicy sausage, Portobello mushrooms,
provolone cheese, sautéed spinach with a port wine sauce (Yes, I read that off
a picture of the menu). You could have fooled me they tasted exactly like beef.
If there was sausage in there I would be shocked. Just sayin’.
The Cranbury
Turkey Roulade for dinner was very good! And, the sugar-free desserts were very
good.
There were only
351 children on board this sail The Arcade was always empty. We went to the top
tier event. Often we decide not to go because honestly, I can’t be ready early
on formal nights! It’s the
fashion-police calling again, if the invitation states formal, don’t show up in
shorts, period. To be honest though, there was only one couple there in shorts.
All I can say is I wouldn’t be them. We thought the event was lame. Not as it
was on past cruises. And, it was sad that at least half a dozen couples were
recognized for reaching a milestone and weren’t present. To those folks who
earned 210 points and were getting their glass block, I’d gladly take it for
you if you don’t want it!
The couple in the center being recognized, (I forgot for what exactly) were very nice! We had breakfast with them in the Diamond breakfast area. Did I forget to mention, if you are on board Explorer of the Seas and you are Diamond or above Crown & Anchor status, don't miss breakfast here.
It was formal
night, we took pictures. We had dinner. Then we changed for the QUEST. Again, a
time on board we missed our kids who are always the most awesome team leaders.
Out of habit, we sat in the same section we always do in Studio B. But, our
team looked weak. Then a family we were introduced to by a cruise friend that I
keep in contact with came in and sat in a different section. We knew they had
tricks and we were quick to join them! I have a saying, “What happens at Quest
stays at Quest”.
We were so lucky to have Captain Steubing and the Monopoly Man on board playing the Quest! Captain Stuebing was our teams "look alike"!
As we sat at
the pool late morning all of a sudden our Cruise Director Leigh Xuereb and Erky
from Turkey, activities director appeared in their pink Dr. Dentonesque open
flap butt with a fake butt sticking out jammies! Unfortunately we didn’t have
the camera! So, lesson learned, take your camera to the pool deck!
Yay for a
Galley Tour! This was fun and informative. It was awesome to meet head Chef Mc
Donald who had just gotten married a couple days before on either St Maarten or
Old San Juan (I cant remember). I even had him autograph my new cook book!
We actually
remembered to have Johnny Rockets for lunch! Woo Hoo, on our last cruises that
had a JR’s we forgot. I think I know why. After some hot French fries and onion
rings, after trying to finish a burger (forgetaboutit, for me I hate half) and
then wanting a shake! I know why it is better to forget about it. Truth be
told, it was very, very good. We wouldn't eat it on land, not our gig, but it
tastes great on board a cruise ship!
We had a yummy scallop appetizer tonight
and lamb shank for dinner. Both were very good. As an FYI, everyone should know
that at the bottom right corner of the nightly menu there is a section with “Premium
Selections”. Whole main lobster (1/4-1/2 but we saw them and at best they are
1-1/4 maybe.) for $29.95. Chops Grille Filet Mignon for $16.95. Surf and Turf a
6 oz. lobster tail and 9 ounce filet for $34.95, Plus gratuity. One suggestion,
try the Chocolate Sensation for dessert!! Nom.
Packing to go
home is not fun. I usually put it off and keep putting it off. This time we
packed all our formal a day ahead of time. It made everything else a little
easier (If you’re not a light packer).
Additional
Notes on Cruising: The safes might be small on some ships and if you have a lot
of tech gear you will need to store it. Make sure you have luggage locks and
you can store your tech toys in your luggage under your bed. If you have a
laptop lock, you can even secure your luggage to the bed frame. Take plenty of
various sized zip loc baggies. Don’t try to bring home sand in them, my sand
was confiscated. If you want to bring your own water, carry it on. Again, this
was a first ours didn’t ‘arrive safely’.
Synopsis:
Awesome cruise. Cabin 1690 was ahhh mazing! So was our cabin attendant. We didn’t
know the crew like we used to but the crew was pleasant enough. Even though
Explorer hasn’t been revitalized she looks pretty darn good! It was great to
see old friends and make new ones. The food was okay, it was easily edible and
we enjoyed most of what we ordered. The ship had an air of excitement as
friends of ours said. We were amused by the 20something year old at the sky bar
in his royal Caribbean bathrobe one afternoon. As well as by the folks who
thought they were having supper in the “diner room” instead of dinner in a
dining room. We had been to the ports of call but still enjoyed all of them
again.
Oh
Labadee I left you out! Labadee is a favorite port of call but just know that
for some odd reason Royal Caribbean gives out maps and suggestions for all
ports of call except Labadee. They don’t hand you a map when you disembark or
tell you the good from the not so good beaches. If you want to lay on the beach
and watch the zip line, that’s Adrenalin beach- a beach you will definitely need
water shoes to get into the ocean here. There are also blue clam shell
cabanaette to go over your lounger if you want to stay clear of the sun. These
are also available on Nellies Beach. I suggest the Nellies side, Nellies or
Columbus….I also suggest a ride on the Zip Line here! It is an awesome experience.
There is a lot you can do on Labadee or you can do nothing at all and relax
floating on a water mat! This time we brought out own water loungers! Best
thing we ever bought. I need to mention that unless you drink Labadoozies we couldn't find any bars that had mixers other then soda. No juices, nada. So, rum and coke it was? It was that or risk sugar shock from a Labadoozie. Actually, in retrospect that might have been the lesser of two evils!
Remember to leave your questions and comments. And, Stay tuned for more pictures and commentary.
