Having just returned, I wanted to at least get started on my Trip Report for Explorer OTS to Bermuda. This was DH's 6th cruise and my 9th. Our first with Royal Caribbean and our first by ourselves.
We left our home on Saturday, September 6th around 10:15am for our drive up to Cape Liberty. Having never been to the port before, we got turned around at one point since we saw the Ship and headed for it, only to find out we were on the wrong side of a Port Complex. If you're leaving out of Bayonne, the route is not clearly marked after getting off Exit 14A; Bayonne and you can get turned around easily. We realized our mistake and headed back the way we came and found our way. It took us approximately 2 hours from our home to the port, even with our little mistake.
Upon arriving in the correct port area, there were tents and porters to check your luggage with, which was a breeze. I had been issued e-documents and had my cabin information and what was needed to be printed on the tag, but once I gave the porter my cabin number he had already filled out the 2 tags with additional information needed and put them on. We tipped him and then headed to park the car.
From the parking area to the terminal is not too far of a walk, but if you are with someone needing assistance or who cannot walk long distances, I would recommend to drop them off by the terminal before parking your car. There are shuttle buses, and one was right in front of us as we got out of the car, but left before we were able to board. We walked and ended up arriving at the terminal prior to the next shuttle.
We entered the Terminal Building and were directed to a check-in desk based on our Deck number. Check-in was also very easy. I had booked a Balcony Guarantee (Category X) and we were assigned a D3; Cabin #6524 on Deck 6. Once our cabin was assigned it was not changed, although I know that Royal Caribbean has the option to do so at any time prior to Boarding. There are some signs saying you need 2 paper documents, but if you have e-documents, you only need your SeaPass Form filled out and your identification.
We were onboard the ship by 12:45pm and were directed up to Deck 11; the Windjammer Cafe where lunch was being served. My DH decided that we would take the steps instead of waiting for the elevators. We embarked on Deck 1 Of course he decided to hike up all these stairs while carrying our carry-on items. We made it to deck 7 before I told him we needed to stop for a rest or he would kill me before we even set sail!
We made our way to the Windjammer and grabbed lunch. We both had some pork stew that was quite tasty and a couple other things that were good. The LavaFlow was the drink of the day and I wasn't ready for one just yet so I skipped getting one when the bar-waiter was walking around, although they looked VERY good!
After we finished lunch, the cabins were ready for us. We headed to our cabin to drop off our carry-on items and also check it out We were on the port side, forward, 6 cabins from the front of the ship. We went out on the balcony to see a foggy view of the Statue of Liberty, I didn't take any pictures since we could barely see her. This day TS Hanna was making her way up the coast and we were expecting her to arrive prior to our sail away. We left our cabin and headed out to find our way around the ship.
We headed up to Deck 11; the Pool Deck and couldn't pass by the Pool Bar without getting something to drink. At the Pool Bar we met our first of many wonderful bartenders, Ellis. While talking with Ellis and the other passengers, there was an announcement that our Muster Drill had been moved up 15 minutes since the weather looked like it would be going downhill fast and they wanted to get that out of the way before the wind and heavy rain moved in.
The Muster Drill was the usual, but while there we were informed that we should expect VERY rough 18 - 25 foot seas that night and in the early hours of the morning. They told the truth After taking a short nap and getting ready for dinner, we made it to the dining room where we met our waiter, assistant waiter, head waiter and dinner companions. I ate one roll and the seasickness hit me. I was done for and told DH I better leave.
Here is the view from the Pool Bar towards the Pool and the Pool Bar Menu Board
We were awakened around 3am that morning when it felt that the ship went airborne These were definitely the roughest seas I had ever experienced and makes me question my decision to cruise during hurricane season
The next day I attempted many times to go out and explore the ship, but unfortunately I was too sick to do anything other than sleep. With this being our first sea day, it was also our only Formal night, which we missed since we slept through it.
The next day we would be in Bermuda so I was looking forward to getting on land and possibly kissing it
Here are some pictures of our cruise into King's Wharf, which is where our ship was docked.
BERMUDA and LAND, FINALLY The ship isn't moving and I'm feeling hungry
We didn't want to rush off the ship with the crowds so we went for breakfast up to the Windjammer. We left the ship around 10:00 am and went out onto the dock to find most of the other passengers still there. Our original plan was to buy transportation passes and then head to GibbsHill Lighthouse, Horseshoe Bay and then the town of Hamilton to just walk around.
We altered our plan since there were huge crowds all trying to make it to Horseshoe Bay on the #7 Bus. We purchased our transportation passes at a Visitor Info Service Center right by the Maritime Museum, at the Ferry Docks and hopped on a ferry to Hamilton and decided to see Fort Hamilton. The Fort has wonderful views and there is no admittance charge. We did a bit of walking up some steep hills to get there, but it was worth it
After the Fort, we made our way to the bus stop to catch the #7 to Horseshoe Bay Beach. Horseshoe Bay Beach is absolutely beautiful. It was very crowded also. We spent about an hour there. At the bottom of the hill to Horseshoe there is a gentleman who will shuttle you in his van up to the top of the hill for $1 per person. His sign states it's the Best Buck you'll ever spend, and he's right! It is quite a hike back up the hill to the bus stop.
The bus route #7 is also a very scenic ride, it travels along the coast where the beaches are.
After arriving back in the King's Wharf area, we went to the Maritime Museum. This area used to be the British Royal Navy Dockyard and there are wonderful views from the area. This is also where the Dolphin Encounter takes place and if you pay to enter the Maritime Museum you can sit and watch the dolphins. We did this for a little while, but those guys are too fast for me and my camera
Transportation Passes are $12 per person for 1 day and are good for unlimited use of the ferries & buses. They are $20 per person for 2 days.
Admission to Fort Hamilton; Free
Admission to Horseshoe Bay Beach; Free
Admission to the Maritime Museum; $10 per person
Here are some pictures of the views of Hamilton Harbour from Fort Hamilton and one of DH and I at Fort Hamilton. There was noone there so I used my camera's timer so most shots are low
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Explorer of the Seas; Sept 6 - 11, 2008; Bermuda
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Of course he decided to hike up all these stairs while carrying our carry-on items. We made it to deck 7 before I told him we needed to stop for a rest or he would kill me before we even set sail! 
We were on the port side, forward, 6 cabins from the front of the ship. We went out on the balcony to see a foggy view of the Statue of Liberty, I didn't take any pictures since we could barely see her. This day TS Hanna was making her way up the coast and we were expecting her to arrive prior to our sail away. We left our cabin and headed out to find our way around the ship.
After taking a short nap and getting ready for dinner, we made it to the dining room where we met our waiter, assistant waiter, head waiter and dinner companions. I ate one roll and the seasickness hit me. I was done for and told DH I better leave. 
The ship isn't moving and I'm feeling hungry 
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I hope you got to feeling better and didn't spend a lot of your time in your cabin.
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