Nathan's Insights

Thursday 26 December 2024
Highlights: Exploring the ‘Explore of the Seas’ cruise ship, The Welcome Aboard Show

It was finally the day of my first leisure cruise. I woke up excited and went straight into research mode. My check-in time wasn’t until 11.30 am and I was only a 25-minute Uber from the Terminal so I had a bit of free time.

I carefully pack my main bag and my carry-on. Research told me that I won’t see my main bag for a while on embarkation day but this was the best day to swim or use the spa so I ensured I had my bathers in my carry-on bag.

I was dropped off at the Terminal around 11.10 am it was organised chaos with people everywhere. Most people lined up in the wrong line, including myself, which was for those who purchased a special package ‘The Key’. 

Once in the right line, we started moving even if a bit slowly. The document check included my passport and boarding ticket (electronic) which I expected. I did not expect to need to show my ESTA Visa Waiver for the USA but on reflection that makes sense. Finding a copy of the Visa Waiver, however, took a while with the poor internet connection.

Once onboard I completed the safety check and headed for the buffet for an early lunch. I selected the earliest possible check-in and boarding when it opened 45 days ago because I was told the first day could be like a zoo (which was accurate after 2 pm).

I enjoyed the buffet lunch and left just as it was getting crowded. I went to the main pool area and picked up my souvenir cup to allow me to use the soda machines. I also sampled some ice cream.

At 1 pm my stateroom was available and I changed into my bathers and headed back to the main pool area to use the spa. For close to half an hour I enjoyed the hot water and bubbles mostly by myself. As the pool deck was getting crowded I headed back to my room to dry off and change.

Later I explored the ship some more, in particular finding the main theatre room. Just before 5 pm, I headed back up to Deck 11 (main pool area) for the Sail Away party. I watched people dance and enjoyed the coastline slowly disappearing.

At 6.30 pm I headed down to the Main Dining Room for my selected ‘My Dinning’ time of 6.45 pm. The line was huge for dining at this time, hopefully, this isn’t the same every day. However, I was still seated at 6.45 pm having been bought forward as a single dinner. This meant I was seated by myself. This will happen most days but I could be sharing a table, I didn’t state a preference.

Dinner was enjoyable with lots of nice options on the menu. The ice cream for dessert was appreciated. On returning to my room my main bag was waiting outside meaning I was now set for the cruise.

I then went to the main theatre for the Welcome Aboard Show. Our entertainment coordinator introduced herself and some of the theatre performers for this cruise sang some songs with a backing band. We finished up with a comedian L.A. Hardy who interacted with the crowd asking them about their cruise experiences, and their family members and calling up US military service members. 

I returned to my stateroom and settled in for the next 10 nights.