uktog

They only have very expensive specialist shops

We have a large amount of obc for the transatlantic due to Explora messing up on an itinerary change. Our hotel booked through them was to be b and b but they claimed unable to get a rate other than room only so gave us obc to cover the extras. This was in addition to the obc (price reduction not given) when they reduced the cruise by two nights. My agent tried very hard to argue a refund but no. It was ridiculous and Explora just said obc for 4 nights breakfast and 2 nights less or nothing I accepted the position because I’d identified three excursions that whilst pretty expensive would use the credit. I will be very unhappy if we do not get these now we have to wait until we board to book them. I expected Explora to be like Azamara as they use the same software and to be able to use obc to book excursions precruise. Having been onboard before I know there is absolutely nothing else I would want to spend this obc on. I will be very very unhappy if I can’t get the excursions I want or close alternatives

I couldn’t imagine dragging bags in the heat for the sake of 10 euro taxi

They do a special every night. Many people who go align their visit to their favourite special. There is a board advertising the special every day by the Deck 9 lifts and if the chef has fixed on the special before the Insider goes to print you will find the details there.

Agree but there they do not act all insulted if you ask for a measured drink. As you say each to their own (the Patio is a once a cruise for us on a casual night after a long day’s touring but not an absolute must by the way )

Even the bartenders can be inconsistent- our experience was with those two. I am much more a fan of cocktails precisely measured rather than free pour guessing

Unfortunately the theatre doesn’t always deliver well prepared drinks as you get in good cocktail bars on land. Too often staff equate an overly heavy hand on the spirits bottle with a good cocktail. I know though that some guests think that is great

Drinks would be charged at $18.95 each for a special cocktail if you do not have a package. It’s not really an experience other than rather bright video wall. I far prefer if I want a quiet drink having it in Prime C where you can get the included drinks

They can mix non alcoholic drinks but so can the Den and the Living Room so not worth a visit imho.

There are no included drinks available in the Atlas bar only the ultimate package range so no package you have to pay and there’s no Gordon’s etc. There are now books in the Living Room but it’s only a fraction of what the library had. As before there are travel type books in the Den.

One solo lady at our Bob turned up 40 minutes late as she only wanted the main course. To be fair she had told her butler but it messed up the table dynamics. Even if you don’t want the food you could take a morcel of each course - so rude

Great to read another of your excellent reviews. It’s so helpful you store them all together on your website so I don’t have to search here for them! Your reviews first helped us many years ago on Celebrity cruises and it’s fantastic you’re still sailing and producing quality well selected photos (just the right amount!) with such useful hints and tips. Thank you!

Whilst I agree when you are working around food allergies (nuts and chilli in our case) you want to find a menu that has least adaptations otherwise as DH found to his cost he gets lower quality substitutes at times.

Same on Azamara. Last time on Explora either they ignored the maximum or it wasn’t applying on the excursions we did. Azamara are brutally strict their system flags up your age and it will not allow a booking to be made - in our case we couldn’t join a cooking class which was ridiculous. They said it’s the company that provides the excursions that sets the limits and they have to follow them strictly. No way round the issue - other than suggesting I being slightly younger went and DH went on a panoramic drive around - that was the ultimate slap as he’s fitter than me.

Interesting we’ve been told sale reductions do not reduce your fare and in the UK it only relates to a wholesale reduction eg change in taxes