Explorer of the Seas is a large, beautiful ship that has lots of amenities. The staterooms are a decent size (we had a basic balcony room that sleeps three including the pulldown upper bunk) and the beds are comfortable. Cabin steward was very pleasant and accommodating. The dining room food is good and the servers are very attentive. Photos are taken by RCI staff frequently, although after a week on the ship I still don’t know where the photo center is located.

For me, there are just too many people on this ship (about 3800 passengers). The ship’s public areas didn’t seemed designed for such a large mass of humanity. The Windjammer cafeteria was always crowded and there were often long waits for food, and then for table space. I know there are those who like the large ships, but for me, I will take a “small” ship (since when do 2200 passengers constitute a small ship?) in the future.

Another issue I have with Royal Caribbean (and possibly every cruise line) is that the ship is more a profit center rather than an all inclusive vacation experience. Everywhere you go you were invited to upgrade to an expensive meal (Johnny Rockets is an upgrade?), or to purchase soft drinks or to pay $2.50 or more for each arcade game. On top of that, about $100 per person was added to each stateroom for gratuities whether you like it or not. Another example -- regular water bottles were sold at the gym, in a vending machine, for $3.95!! Seriously? Read more