Explorer of the Seas--Next Reburbishing Scheduled?

1shipshape · June 11, 2010

Does anyone know when the Explorer of the Seas is next scheduled to be in dry dock? I've read lots of negatives about the shape its in and the poor dining experience recent cruisers are experiencing. Anyone on CruiseCrazies been on her within the last six months? I'm a bit concerned to book on her if I will entail a bad experience. I'm not real fond of LARGE ships. How does the embarkation and disembarkation work on her and is it frustrating or have they changed their procedures recently? How long does it take to get off? I know when we were on a LARGE ship over 3000 in Galveston it took us over four hours and we said "NEVER again!"

Any comments will be much appreciated!

1shipshape · June 11, 2010

Does anyone know when the Explorer of the Seas is next scheduled to be in dry dock? I've read lots of negatives about the shape its in and the poor dining experience recent cruisers are experiencing. Anyone on CruiseCrazies been on her within the last six months? I'm a bit concerned to book on her if I will entail a bad experience. I'm not real fond of LARGE ships. How does the embarkation and disembarkation work on her and is it frustrating or have they changed their procedures recently? How long does it take to get off? I know when we were on a LARGE ship over 3000 in Galveston it took us over four hours and we said "NEVER again!"

Any comments will be much appreciated!

sailingrose · June 12, 2010

Every pier is a different experience for embarking and debarking. I like Port Canaveral and Ft. Lauderdale, hate Miami, each is different. Can't help with the dry dock schedule sorry.

I feel that food is subjective no matter what ship your on. It can also differ depending on the head chef, each ship as at least 2 and the food can be vastly different from one to the other.

rogue · June 12, 2010

EOS was in drydock in January of this year.

I believe that you really must take other people's reviews with a large grain of salt. I have found that sometimes one little thing goes wrong and they feel like the whole cruise is ruined. Sometimes they complain about something that would never bother me at all. I read review, but I never let others make the decision for me.

1shipshape · June 13, 2010

I agree with you, Howard. I'm just a little skeptical about booking it and being disappointed like I was on the Conquest which everyone said was a great ship. I really enjoy being pampered because vacation time is precious and few and far between each for me so I want to make the most of it. I'm trying to be open-minded.

1shipshape · June 13, 2010

Hey sailingrose, I agree on the food stuff too. It does depend who the chefs are, which port you are sailing from, the week you are sailing, the weather, etc. Last year in October I guess there must have been a Nor'Easter or something, because they had snow and it was very cold. I think that's a bit unusual, isn't it? I haven't lived in the cold for many years now so I'm not sure what the "norm" would be.

Ellie · June 16, 2010

Yes, Howard. I totally agree with your opinion. Some people look for the bad.....I prefer to be more on the bright side of life. There is always something to complain about and if it's not MAJOR, forget it! GEE....the waiter didn't bring my drink back within 2 minutes....PUH-LEEZE! You can't please everyone. We considerate ourselves fortunate to be able to have the freedom and finances to go cruising. It is one of our favorite things to do. And having met K&R, we enjoy it even more when we are with them. Usually you make your own good time....that's kind of how we do it.

Ellie · June 16, 2010

Yes, Howard. I totally agree with your opinion. Some people look for the bad.....I prefer to be more on the bright side of life. There is always something to complain about and if it's not MAJOR, forget it! GEE....the waiter didn't bring my drink back within 2 minutes....PUH-LEEZE! You can't please everyone. We considerate ourselves fortunate to be able to have the freedom and finances to go cruising. It is one of our favorite things to do. And having met K&R, we enjoy it even more when we are with them. Usually you make your own good time....that's kind of how we do it.

1shipshape · June 17, 2010

Ok, thanks for all the info. I actually took some time to look around online and check out this Explorer of the Seas. Somebody had some wonderful pictures of their trip to Bermuda in May on EOS. I'm amazed. We've never been on a ship with that promenade in the middle of the ship. Very impressive. I would totally love the ice show. I love to skate. Looks like there are plenty of things to do on it, too. Sooooo..... we'll see if we can swing it and if I can convince DH.

jobowl · June 20, 2010

Just returned on Sat. from EOS. We were on it in 2008. I can tell you the service and food was excellence. Just so so in 2008. The ship is in very good condition. sure there are some signs of age (10 years old) but over all very nice. You can Ice skate in the afternoon. and the ice show is great. Let me know if I can answer any questions for you.