Lord Haw Haw

We are considering an extended voyage in a B1 balcony and were hoping you could clarify a few items for us. I see there is no self serve laundry on the ship. Is any laundry included for those that are not travelling in a suite? If there is no inclusion do you provide a bag wash service or is it by the piece and if so could you provide some idea of the costs. Are included alcoholic drinks available at any time? Is there any restrictions on service during port days or outside meal times when sailing outside of the polar regions? Any chance you could post a copy of what's included plus the premium list even if it is an example. I see 1mb of data is included. Is this per person per sailing? Do you anticipate that limits maybe altered to unlimited at some time in the future due to the advancement of technology? I have noticed people on this thread commenting that there is a fairly limited room service menu for those not in suites, we are not big uses of room service but occasionally like a hamburger or something along those lines. Any chance you could share a copy of the current room service menu? Thanks in advance 😃

Virgin Gorda was also very nice.

I'm sure you would have a wonderful time on any of the journeys you are looking at, I guess it all depends on if you are cruising for the itinerary or the ship. For me the most striking port on our current journey has been St Lucia with St Barts as a close second.

Hello Magnus, both are excellent and regardless of the line you chose I’m sure you will have a wonderful time. If you are thinking about a Caribbean cruise and enjoy outdoor space, multiple pools, a younger demographic and European flavour maybe Explora would suit you, however I’m not sure I could justify paying a premium over Crystal.

I know this is somewhat off topic, but is anyone able to advise if the laundry offers a bag wash service and if so what is the cost? I noticed in an earlier post someone shared a photo of the services offered but it seemed to be all single item pricing.

Has anyone been able to invite guests onboard for dinner or lunch and if so what is the process?

Could you confirm if the tenders are air conditioned?

I struggle to see how they will manage to obtain enough bookings on Explora 1 to justify four months in the middle east from November 2025 to February 2026, maybe I'm wrong but I think in the current climate many travellers would be hesitant.

Now I'm not really a gambler but I am interested to hear your thoughts on what the ship will be named. I have $50 on narciccus.

Not so, many these days only chose to have half a glass.

Recent dining review.

Let's hope that eventually it works out just like it did for Bligh.

I have heard talk of mutiny..best to grab a baguette and wave it around until the desired outcome is reached.

Must have a gyroscope.

Take it from someone who has missed cruises due to delays in ship completion, owners going bankrupt, COVID shut downs etc, etc. No it's never nice...count your blessings that at the worst you will be reimbursed for your outlay with an option for a reduced price on the next one (I know, I know, your choice..yes it's inconvenient). I'm pretty sure that the cruise lines are not in a conspiracy to ruin our holiday plans. Might be time for you to start a new thread..for me I like to look forward.

Best of luck with your refund but it might be time to start a new thread on this topic.

See link below https://openjaw.com/newsroom/cruise/2023/07/19/explora-i-maiden-voyage-confirmed-for-01aug-with-priority-on-sustainability/

Not sure how reliable this is but someone mentioned the other day that the complementary champagne is Billecart-Salmon, can anyone confirm?

Am I wrong in thinking that something may be amiss in the description Explora is giving for the ports in the Caribbean? From the below list of ports Deshaies and Quepos are the only ones requiring a tender? Any advice would be appreciated. Miami USA Key West USA Spanish Town Virgin Gorda Gustavia St Barths St John Antigua and Barbuda Deshaies Guadeloupe Soufriers St Lucia Bequia St Vincent and the Grenadines Bridgetown Barbados Roseau Dominica Willemstad Curaco Oranjestad Aruba Cartagena Columbia Puerto Limon Costa Rica Panama City Panama Quepos Costa Rica San Jan Del Sur Nicaragua Puerto Quetzal Mexico Puerto Mexico Cabo San Lucas Mexico San Diego Mexico Los Angles USA

Thanks, we considered doing the same. Travel companions are a very important part of cruising. Hope you enjoy your sailing.

Sorry but a baseball cap indoors only shouts bald headed man to me.

Hi Keith, Just wondering what the main drivers were for you to cancel Explora and book on Crystal? Thanks in advance.

There are two options for payment, standard booking is 25% deposit with the balance three months out from sailing or payment in full at time of booking which attracts a 5% discount. As far as location goes I would avoid deck 6 as the restaurants are below the suites, the cheapest are mid ship as the don't have the extended balcony that the forward and aft suites have on this level. There was an earlier cross promotion for MSC diamond loyalty customers, you may want to look at the previous thread in relation to this.

Always found a wider selection of paddles in Copenhagen.

As I said horses for course, best of luck and keep on sailing...I just like to keep an open mind.