Chefdi13

A big thank you to Hank for starting this thread! I greatly appreciate his daily commentary. We are sad to end our sailing tomorrow. We have thoroughly enjoyed nearly everything on this ship. Our suite, all crew services, the entertainment, the fabulous food and my new favorite drink a Moet Chandon Ice Imperial! Also, the spa services were stellar, my haircut and manicure were better than what I get back home in California. My only criticism is the dreadful communication, which has already been beat to death. Specifically, it took several days into our cruise to learn whether we had a confirmed hotel in NYC on the 12th, we couldn’t fully verify shipboard credits until the 10th and we still don’t have our 10% credit for our early disembarkation. The guest services staff can’t answer any questions without talking to corporate or shoreside personnel, which often takes days to hear back. Once EJ works out their communication issues I think they will be the finest cruise line in their category.

I spoke to our TA today and received further clarification on this change. Most of what you posted is consistent with what I learned. You are correct the hotel is Hotel Edition Times Square. We will disembark on the 12th as we do not want the inconvenience of hanging around for an undetermined amount of time during the Christening ceremony. We will take the 10% credit of our total trip cost, along with $150pp for incidentals and a transfer to the hotel and enjoy our extended time in NYC.

When I asked the same question, I was told only the Hotel Edison is an available option. That’s why I’ve requested that EJ put this in writing so we understand fully what our options are.

Just received more info from our TA, still not a satisfactory response from EJ regarding our inconvenience. See reply below, sorry trying to stay on top of this, but I’m in the midst of an airline delay at ORD. I'm in the process of getting answers to your questions regarding how long we will be off the ship? As far as the hotel is concerned....There is no other hotel options except the Edition. Your hotel stay at the Edition will include all taxes and fees, Complimentary breakfast is included as well as $150 for incidentals. Explora will take care of the complimentary transfer from the ship to the Edition. As far as the credit is concerned....if you decide to leave the ship on Oct. 12th and not get back on....Explora Journeys will credit you 10% of your cruise fare. I'm asking them to put all of this in writing per your request. I'll send it to you once I receive something from them.

Has anyone received notice from EJ that they must disembark a day early in NYC in order for the ship to be christened? We have received a letter from EJ via our travel agent that we must leave the ship with all luggage a day early. They have offered to cover one night at the Edison Hotel in Times Square, but no offer of transportation, food, beverages, etc… I’m sure there are more details to follow, but in true EJ fashion the communication has been awful. Another last minute fumble!