Royal Caribbean - Explorer of the Seas Eastern Caribbean Review

  After taking an incredible 10 day cruise on the Explorer of the Seas in April of 2008, I have come to the conclusion that Royal Caribbean is the only way to cruise. 

  April's cruise was my 14th but my partner's first.  She, like I, will now travel no other way.  The staff was absolutely incredible, the amenities impeccable and the service was no less than 5 star.  Our ship left from Bayonne, NJ, which was extremely convenient for us as we reside in Westchester County.  We were literally dropped off at the ship, surrendered our luggage and walked onto the ship.  We were welcomed with an beautiful lunch prepared buffet style in the Windjammer Cafe, and then proceeded to our stateroom by 1 p.m. and the fun began!  Our ports included the Dominican Republic, St. Thomas, Puerto Rico and Labadee (Royal Caribbean's own area in Haiti).

   There was nothing negative I could say about this experience.  We personally do not like buffets, so opted to dine in the dining room for every meal.  We were not only welcomed warmly, but for meals such as breakfast or lunch where tables are not assigned, we asked to wait for a table of 2 and our request was not only met, but met in under 5 minutes.

    There were several other gay/lesbian couples aboard, and as it always turns out, we all managed to meet. 

     I found the ship elegant, the staff attentive, and the passengers professional, those who enjoyed the finer things in life and the noisy partying was left to a minimum including two dozen teenagers who just happened to be on spring break.

    For some quiet, elegant, vacation fun . . . I would highly recommend a Royal Caribbean vacation.