Explorer of the Seas Review
Rating by category
Additional details
This was our 5th RC cruise and the first sailing from Southampton (and last). From the car park to being on board was around 20 minutes which was quite impressive.
This was the ships second cruise following a refit and compared to reviews on its first cruise after refurbishment things seemed to have improved.
Dining room & windjammer food quality was up to the usual standards (we are not fussy eaters but would complain if things were amiss).
Cabin Review
Promenade Stateroom
Cabin was clean but there were 'wear marks' on the metal work in the bathroom. In rolling seas there was also a creaking sound from the wall which was not present in calmer waters.
Port Reviews
Bilbao
We used the Shuttle bus. approx. 20 min ride to town. Nice place with interesting buildings. There is also an area around the port next to the ship. This looked nice but we did not have time to walk there.
Lisbon
We used the shuttle bus, but realised later that this was not needed if you knew were you were going! Nice buildings and old style cobbles and streets.
Seville
We walked off the boat here and took a stroll around town. Nice squares with flowers in bloom. Pleny of nice looking buildings to photograph as well. So take your camera!
Gibraltar
Walked in to town. Plenty of shops. Cable car to the rock was at the far side of the town centre. Impressive views from the top along with views of the apes.
Vigo
We walked straight off the ship into town. Lots of shops and nice looking streets with old style street lights. There is a smallish shopping centre next to the boat moorings.
Malaga
Walked straight into town from the boat. Plenty of shops and bars along with a super cathedral and roman ruins for you to photograph. So take your camera.
Southampton
We drove here to board the boat. Great shopping and port history. We had booked to park next to the ship on the dock which was very convenient and easy.