uktog

Here is a picture of the own brand they use. It’s far better than old Eco on Azamara. My hair is temptemental but has been ok (not perfect) with it. However the star is the Dyson hairdryer. Makes a huge difference. If you’re not familiar with one I’d suggest a google “education” before boarding Both DH and I love the hand and body wash lovely subtle scent that works for us. It’s the usual body wash, shampoo, conditioner and body lotion In decent pump bottles. I’ve found the body lotion particularly good on my dry skin.

I have just seen the most beautifully dressed young boy with his parents in Fil Rouge. He was impeccably behaved and a credit to his parents

On this cruise it’s everything from very casual to people like my husband who is more comfortable in his jacket. Most ladies have pretty dresses or dressier tops. It’s very much wear what you want

Viking do the beautiful three tier stands. You’re right no need to pile items on however that’s how the staff operate- if you want more you need to snag their attention which despite there are few guests can be tricky at times. I’m dreading posting these pictures today 😂. Last night I dragged DH to Sakura. He was very hesitant as he’s not a fan of Asian food especially my love -Sushi. I’m delighted to say it was a great success and he’s going back. Unfortunately I’ve no pictures of our appetisers but the soft shell crab was the favourite. DH played safe with the smoked NZ lamb chops which he said was the most tender lamb chops he’d ever had. He also fell in love with the vegetable rice. I enjoyed the teriyaki black Angus steak and caught someone who was emboldened trying to steal some slices (ok I let him). Our desserts were nice. Eton Mess for him and a sharp refreshing mango medley for me. We went to the lounge show last night. Our view on the entertainment in general is the jury is still out. We get the informality but the lack of information doesn’t always help when making choices. It was so vague what the show was about but the performer Janice Martin was extremely talented and versatile. Glad we went as we would not have known what to expect and we so nearly did not. Playing piano, violin and guitar to an amazing standard plus doing opera far better than the resident artists had done the nights before. She did her second 45 minute set accompanied by the ships band. We felt she did not get sufficient thanks or recognition at the end. Her final number was ruined in our view by some entertainment staff running on stage dancing in front of her so it was all about them and one carrying a mike that then completely screamed out the performer with feedback. And then in the melee no strong suggestion we applauded the performer who had exited stage right. Such a shame as she was so good. We will keep an open mind on the entertainment but it’s currently not quite there for us. With more explanation, definition and boundaries it could be.

Thanks. Honestly the dish wasn’t runny. The dish most certainly wasn’t smothered and the sauce to meat ratio was perfect. I fear as much the photographer is to blame as the chef 😀

I’m sorry but I have to disagree.

Today we’ve arrived at British Virgin Islands. The weather is very showery so I’m not sure how many people have headed ashore yet. We are leaving it until the afternoon to decide. Unfortunately we had thought about lying poolside as the roof is closed but there’s no effective air conditioning so it was extremely steamy and unpleasant. Whilst there we noted the giant TV was still encouraging us to go to last nights show. We did not do that show or the karaoke which they’ve now introduced. We went to the Explorer lounge where the Ukrainian pianist did a nice short set. However it all lacked atmosphere as the bar staff outnumbered the guests! We still continue to enjoy our cruise, the food (which really matters to us) is excellent. It’s very much a line where you have to work things out for yourself and they are still learning. Entertainment is very much work in progress and I think has a way to go. But it’s early days! Pic is this morning’s breakfast indulgence in Fil Rouge - Poached egg, creamy spinach, yuzu hollandaise and caviar on top of a little brioche round. One I will certainly repeat!

Changes also in the menu in Marble with US beef though DH stuck with the French Fillet as he only wanted a small amount. He was delighted with it. My veal and little lobster tail was also a perfect size. I had the caviar signature starter which was divine. A little touch in our room. We are all used to how we highlight if we want towels changed but what about bedding? Explora have solved that with this cute little cushion We had a lazy sea day. There were talks and activities a plenty but we just lay out reading the books we had brought. So many places to lie out. It was no problem finding a lounger in a perfect spot (and given how quiet the ship is, never anyone near!

Yes you are correct that’s the point I was making. If you want a particular room with some major agencies a three way call is the best approach in case your choice is no longer available

I agree I was just highlighting it does need a call for some agents. A three way call is a good option

Bluebird I think is UK based I know one UK high street travel agent appears to have to phone and could not log in to view last time I went in (about five weeks ago)

I think you’re going to love it if you like good food and attentive but not over the top service. We are certainly talking about some new bookings albeit recognising three Azamara cruises equals two Explora

A slight menu refresh in Fil Rouge last night I did not have the lobster but those around who did seemed to be enjoying it a lot I found the veal wellington to be excellent and for me a perfect size. I very much enjoyed a plate of three lovely ripe French cheeses as dessert but forgot to photo them! Now for something a little different- all the public restrooms have these all in one sinks all “hands free” motion activated. Doors into restrooms are also hands free. These sinks are great - no more lining up with dripping hands for a dryer! And another random observation unlike Azamara the bath towels are a proper wrap around style.

If you’re bored with the whole thing why not do what others do - ask that they recognise the second top cruiser instead? For them it might be a very meaningful event. I much prefer the Viking model of a drinks party but simple round of applause for the top cruiser - no pointing them out or parading. The event should recognise loyalty many are very loyal with less than 5 cruises. Top cruiser only recognises wealth and the personal circumstances to be able to engage in multiple cruises only. So I agree time for a radical rethink

I agree. I’m very happy with the artists around the ship concept but they need to sort out the main lounge experience. Tonight was very disappointing like most folks we left at the break. The singer is probably a very good “session player” but not a headliner

Explora 1 is a very pleasant ship to spend a warm sea day. There is lots of places to sit. I know the ship is only about 1/3 full but apart from popular areas by pools most loungers are empty. The hosts are very quick to set your towels out for you and the bar staff are attentive but not going up and down shouting Bar Service and standing over you until you say yes or no as we found on another line. It’s much more about them looking around for signals guests want service I would agree that you will miss out on things to do and enjoy if you don’t make the running. Much reliance is made of QR codes for more detailed info though they do place a daily in your room the information in this is minimal This morning we enjoyed a more relaxed breakfast in Fil Rouge where the food was piping hot and excellent. One thing we keep commenting on is the breads and this morning was no exception. They are far too good for my waistline. Lunch was an example of a situation that had someone else not told me about an option I would not of known. You can get delicious Bento boxes from Sakura and we shared one on our bed over the water at the Astern pool. It was absolutely delicious and the perfect quantity for the two of us. However it’s something that’s not advertised. We were less impressed with the afternoon tea, which, compared to Viking lacks some of the refinement. It is based on a cart being brought round, and all your choice sandwich scone and cake being piled onto one plate by the server. To be fair, the scones were excellent, and it was Clotted cream. Unfortunately, for DH every one of the six cakes on offer contained nuts so he had a lower calorie experience!!! we are going to talk to them about the level of inclusion of nuts in the pastry section because we found the same in the lunch desserts. It has however been a beautiful day so enjoyable and such good service. But you need to look out for yourself and do your homework!

Another very quiet, smooth and comfortable night. Maybe our very satisfied tummies helped. Med Yacht Club was an excellent experience though my husband found his suckling pig too much. Trouble is we were brought up to finish on our plates or be punished. He should in his parents eyes be punished but that’s ok! I thought the beef carpaccio was excellent As was my tuna. We had some croquettes to start and plan to come back for a tapas only night as that would be delicious. So far DH food allergies are being handled very well. He has the menus send each previous night with his name on them and by 10 he has to mark them with his choices and hand to any restaurant supervisor- which we do at breakfast. That’s easy to do though it does remove any spontaneous choices later in the day. The Emporium at lunch has been fine although desserts have been a challenge and there was a little bit of inconsistency in answers over one mousse. However the supervisor was very quick to call the chef directly and the mousse was indeed safe! However it was the only item that was for dessert but they’re going to look at that. The entertainment is the one thing that’s not fully firing on all cylinders for us. Partly because the show last night wasn’t our “thing” so we didn’t go only to find no one in one bar (so no entertainment as advertised). No problem we thought we’d check out the Malt Whisky bar but it’s closed for maintenance. We did finally find a venue with entertainment albeit it was finishing up. I think we need to do more homework on what each entertainer offers (we just have names on the program) and will suggest to the ship they are more proactive in sharing information about choices. Today is a sea day so going to check out all the pools!

Currently onboard with some youth and younger people. It’s having zero impact on my enjoyment of the cruise and not one of them looks bored or fed up, quite the opposite in fact

It was our first night onboard it was absolutely creakfree. Not heard anyone report creak issues today

Our stop in Key West took us on a wander as we’ve been here several times before. It was lovely to see the Little White House again though I was concerned when DH said let’s go for a drink. Last night was a creakfree night but not without its challenges. For future cruisers my advice would be get the host to show you how to fully switch the lights off as opposed to dimming them. Eventually we resorted to pulling the power card out but that meant no heated bathroom floor and no phones charged. Our host has got us set up for the rest of the cruise! They are very prompt and helpful feels like he’s only looking after us! Lunch today was another trip to the emporium where I opted to have some truffle ravioli prepared. There were 8 different types of pasta and four sauces. It tasted superb. Then I made a discovery- the choux bun of the day - today was filled with a rich blackcurrant sauce. I need to check these daily. I think what is stand out so far is the quality of the food especially the freshness of the ingredients

I will try and find out

It’s 372 was announced at the show last night

I am in one. I don’t pack light. We’ve had absolutely no issues storing things. There are 9 drawers plus two small drawers each side of the bed. The bathroom is spacious for on a ship with a lovely large shower. No creaking last night for us.

The embarkation was extremely well handled and smooth. There were lots of staff around all at stand-up podiums, which made it feel much less impersonal than the line at the counter experience that we’ve had elsewhere. Ours took a little longer to do as the young lady was still unsure of the various menus on her tablet, and because we are non-US passport holders, there are some additional screens that she had to check through. However, a gentleman came and assisted her very quickly and then we were escorted onto the ship. One of our quickest and easiest embarkations ever. Of course we realise we’re not supposed to call it a ship but a floating hotel and very soon we could see lots of little differences. In some ways, it is a little challenging whilst we get our bearings because lifts aren’t in the positions, you would normally expect them on other ships and they’re actually quite hidden. But I love that it’s not long line corridors but lots of curves. There must be some engineering reasons but there are also some gentle slopes in places. Our room is an OT4. There’s no difference size wise between any of the OTs it’s just location. Grand Terrace is a similar room size but a larger terrace. For Azamara/Viking cruisers it’s slightly longer though a little narrower than a club continental/penthouse veranda but with a much deeper balcony so there’s a good sized round table with two comfortable chairs and a day bed. Inside the suite there is a significant amount of well set up storage and lots of nice touches. I’m sure I will find more but what’s struck me already were a coffee machine and kettle with a range of teas and coffees, recessed storage (no nighttime rattles) for ice tongs, a corkscrew and a bottle stopper and a stocked fridge (yes fevertree!) that is actually cold. Of course my favourite toy is the Dyson hairdryer! Our first food experiences have been exceptional there’s no other word to describe them. The Emporium at lunch (all served the only huge issue was choosing what to have) but this sushi selection chosen for me by the server was divine. The staff so far have all struck the right balance in terms of attentiveness- very professional and all knowledgeable. I’m sure there will be some weaker links somewhere but none evident yesterday. We had dinner last night in Fil Rouge - this is one of the two walk up dining rooms. We both ate very well. Here’s a sample from what we enjoyed I’ve never had so much crab in a crab cake This is rock lobster Thermidor wow and I loved how small the dessert was - of course bigger eaters could have more! But even nicer for this rum baba they bring a pourer and you decide your “rum level” We found the included wines very pleasant- I had some Chemin Blanc DH enjoyed some Shiraz. Their French Rose I would defy the whispering angel aficionados to tell the difference on a blind taste or colour test. We understand there are 372 onboard and over 600 hosts so this could get interesting! So far a most impressive start to our dalliance with a new line. And for Azamara cruisers we’ve met Heike,Alex, Carlos (ex shore ex) Konstantin who used to do the best photography and we’ve seen Tanya Robert’s who seems even more hyperactive than ever!!!

Seems a little unfair if that’s how it’s being handled