uktog

They need to work on their business to customer relationships as well. Im disappointed to learn the future focus is 7 night cruises albeit combinable ones. Im on a cruise with a strap line as a 14 night cruise, it’s actually 2 seven night experiences. You have the entertainment staff talking about the final night of this cruise when it’s actually the final night of the segment. My biggest fear is Deja vu entertainment next week now.

They were only officially available in both venues immediately post pandemic. They went back to separate menus quite quickly.

I meant to say the captain on Explora is Italian with limited language skills so the lack of interaction may be a cultural thing but it does impact on the overall atmosphere- given how many Italians are onboard this Explora captain could an effort for them. They’ve commented he even avoids conversation with them when they see them. For me, it’s ok to be shy but if you are the “face/master” of an operation whatever it is - you have to overcome this or you’re not the best fit for the role. Alternatively rely on your No2 to be that public face.

This is our second Explora we have one more booked. It’s nice, very good food but very impersonal. Crew are over eager but to a set pattern, no attempt to remember your wishes unlike on Azamara. Beautiful spacious ship. And as for the captain (given the comments on this thread) we have a Trappist monk who wears a Harry Potter invisibility cloak. No noon announcements, no welcome to announcements, no pre departure announcements first and last time we heard him was over the PA at the safety briefing. Our first cruise had a better atmosphere this one is soulless.

Pleased to report the spirits are with us 😀. Not without issue, we traded the wine for a second bottle of spirits. We asked for Whisky and Gin. A tip to any non US guests don’t ask for whisky name the brand, they brought Jack Daniel’s (nice sized bottle to be fair) then to get it swapped to whisky without an e required more hoops and the stateroom attendant claiming he had to get his supervisors permission now the bottle had been in our room. 24 hours later we finally now have a rather small bottle of Glenmorangie but all is well! The tonic we were given is Schweppes- ok but not “premium” They really do need to get their act together on this process which shouldn’t take to Day 4 to sort out. Other changes much less port information provided than last year (aka zero). We were ok today as we’ve been to Thessaloniki before so knew what were doing but others were pretty fazed when the port shuttle dropped us at the dock gates and there was zero information, maps etc. Poor move The food offerings continue to delight!

We’ve had the information pack since Covid. It saves the scramble to get port information the night before and allows forward planning - a very good idea We are currently on Explora there is zero information given - today in Thessaloniki many struggled. They did not even tell us about a port shuttle or where it left you (still a walk from town) . We’ve been before so were ok. Sent several to the HOHO which given where the port gates were was their best option or they’d have seen nothing. Azamara certainly takes care of good port information

Exactly what is needed! It would be good if they in time looked at the patio and improved both its evening offerings and how it cooks things as some of the lamb dishes are so greasy. The Patio has great untapped evening potential

Great to hear because I would agree with previous posters earlier this year on both Quest and Journey it was rather “cheap” cuts no special Fish or beef products and the other food was more akin to the brunch salads and desserts.

Day 4 and still no sign of our spirits Back to guest relations who confirmed they’d contacted the attendant the previous day and he’d advised he’d left the list in our room the previous day We knew that wasn’t the case but they said they would chase again. Eventually saw our attendant who changed his story three times in three sentences confirming to us he clearly hadn’t brought this list until now. We are now negotiating to change our wine to a second spirit (having previously confirmed with guest relations that would be no problem but we have to let others have their power trips!) Here is the list we got, I hope our next post is of the bottles, probably 5cl miniatures 😂😂😂

Yes and of all the legs on our trip to South America Frankfurt was awful and the one place we worried we would miss the flight. They hand you over from person to person if you change terminal and sometimes abandon you in areas where no one else is saying my colleague will come soon. To be fair they did but it was coming to boarding time and we were stressing. I would not transit in Frankfurt now if I can help it

Onboard now. Shampoo is a good quality if you have well behaved hair. What I mean is hair that can tolerate being washed without the need for anti frizz, colour protection or whatever. If your colour treatment was fair/blonde and your in a sunny area it’s probably fine to use with plenty conditioner otherwise take your own.

Not too clear sorry but the current wine list however not all is available- of the Malbec only the Italian exists and it’s “so so”

I will post the wine list shortly Changes I’ve noticed Part 2 There is now Muzak everywhere mostly weird sounds. Personally sitting at the Astern pool I wish there wasn’t as you are on a groundhog loop They certainly are trying with the entertainment- they had an Atol bar sunset disco party last night and a sail away party today from 1300. Both are so loud I can hear the thump thump at the Astern pool - indeed our 6 floor room is “vibrating” and as it’s a different beat to the Muzak I find it so annoying. However others like the parties They made a big thing previously there would be no karaoke - tonight’s after show party is karaoke! (Doesn’t bother me just saying). Looks like a proper luminary (ex UK diplomat) later today Food is still excellent staff almost over eager beavers. 🦫 It grates after a while - how many people do I have to say no I’m fine I don’t want a drink and please just accept that don’t go “but wouldn’t you like…..”. No im a big girl I can make my mind up ! As regards my room spirits we couldn’t for the second day find our attendant he is getting tied up with high maintenance guests. So asked guest relations - the lady was delightful- a note should have been left in our room at embarkation AND the attendant should have rechecked our wishes Day Two. So he’s clearly the breakdown point and for others be proactive ask the attendant on boarding if the letter isn’t in the room. A training issue here!

Thanks it’s one show only on EJ1. They now have six extremely competent singers. The harmonies on their Vegas show last night were outstanding. Tonight is a guest artiste whose specialism is Adele We are still to track down the “booze” it’s not an issue but highlights why some guests who don’t know what they’re entitled to miss out.

I find that comment offensive. My very trusted agent who heads up the cruise side of a large UK agency would not egg the cake. They know the UK travel trade regulations they are not lawyers but professionals who are also bound by the same regulations. The agency used their usual escalation route and expected the cruise line to immediately recognise their obligations under UK law without having to remind them. They did not. Therefore the agent had to resort to reminding the cruise line that whoever was advising them was clearly unfamiliar with UK Travel regulations. Travel agents shouldn’t have to do this cruise lines should know the travel regulations of the markets they do business in. Secondly maybe once overlooking the regulations might be forgive twice is totally unacceptable

They offered crisps last night in the Journey lounge

First impressions The good is as ever - all the meals enjoyed to date and service spot on The entertainment is a huge improvement far far better than last year both in terms of the show lounge and all the bars For those interested, there are now snacks available on Deck 10 Journey Lounge from 11am through to midnight (not checked what) The less good, the Four Pillars Gin is not included now but an 8 euro extra Several wines are “waiting supplies” - no Argentine Malbec they have an Italian Malbec not a patch on the previous ones Zero mention of spirits for the room. I will leave it until tomorrow then follow up But a very positive start overall

Grace is by far the best female cruise director Azamara has ever had. Modest, totally engaged with all guests and very hard working plus extremely talented. None of the others have had all these traits.

Disagree I have an excellent calibre TA and they had to play the legal card twice in the UK

Last nights show really good. Singers in the Journey lounge really good. Entertainment manager really engaging. Compared to last year this entertainment is light years better and the manager is not trying to be the most Important person onboard

Thanks yes back for two x 7 nights we will do EJ2 in November. I’m looking for our friend wearing his granny’s green curtains 😂😂😂

That fine print is an unenforceable term under the UK consumer legislation in relation to the Travel trade regulations . Doesn’t matter if it’s in the contract you’ve signed it falls under the unfair contract terms act regulations. If the cruise is considered significantly different to that originally offered (and this change is) then the guest has the right to cancel and receive a full refund. Under the legislation that right should be explained to guests at the time that any communication is sent significantly changing the itinerary. MSC know this, it’s so disappointing they rely on passenger ignorance of their rights to force people to transfer a booking to another Cruise

Boarding was so fast. From our hotel outside Piraeus to sitting outside the Emporium with a glass of fizz 29 minutes! And lovely how the crew recognise returning guests

Whilst absolutely you can go after with your CC company the only way to stop this flagrant breech of legal obligations in the UK is for you or your travel agent to report MSC/Explora to ABTA. It won’t be the first time they’ve been pulled up.

Some people say you don’t get the real experience if you don’t land. What they fail to realise is only 50 or so can be ashore at any point so it’s very regimented and you have (rightly so) to spend time before and after decontaminating. I was happy to walk with penguins in Argentina and the Falklands and see the fun on the flows from the ship