saminina

Agreed, and seeing the stack of pre cooked burgers is not pleasant. Difference is very noticeable. Only had to ask once and the fellow doing the grilling was sharp.

Ask to have a non pre cooked burger put on the grill. It's not a problem.

If you haven't met the top layers of management, then you are having a successful cruise. It's a different management style. One that I prefer. We met F&B man first day of last trip because he stopped and introduced himself for no particular reason and did not mention his title. We had a slight issue that would come under a different department. 15 minutes later, all was resolved. I'm betting he is now hotel manager on II. We could all write volumes about hotel managers and their style. Or, lack thereof. I'm happiest knowing an Austrian is running the hotel department. Doesn't mean I need to meet him. But chances are he knows we are on board. You, too.

The heavy negative on Explora posters have based their opinion mostly from the first three months of operation. Their opinions are mostly valid, but the need to repeat over and over is a bit puzzling. All two of them still keep at it.

Restaurants in order of least likely to disappoint IME. Med Yacht Sakura Buffet Fil Rouge Marble

Great news for all fans of disco music. Should please entire Crystal demographic. Irony of ironies, "I will survive" being her hit recording. Edit.....Gloria Gaynor. I was too excited.

Are you inclined to do Explora again? We'll soon board with supply of wine. Guessing you have talked with more people that have considered Explora a move up versus the SB, Regent types. What would you think the split to be? My guess is 7 to 1. Your last paragraph is spot on.

When they promise meet and drive from airport, research goes out the window.

Wish I had know of FlyBus last year. Took a taxi, which SS reimbursed.

Of course. Have enjoyed reading your posts. More than most on here, you have described yourself enough to be recognized on board. We both gave up on SB a long time ago. I passed on SS before you did. Understand your Explora disappointment. But how smart is it to catch an early sailing with any line? No need to repeat what you went thru with Explora, it's a vivid memory in my mind. All valid points for you and a bit off logic for me. Note when I write Crystal and Explora being top choices, today or currently is in same sentence. How long either can maintain what they offer is a question. Nothing is set in stone with this market, including H-L.

What is being proven other than we're people with different tastes/priorities? I'm not booking something that is not affordable. Currently SS and SB are high risk propositions for receiving value. While both might have higher daily rates, Explora and Crystal are low risk for disappointment. "We had a good time anyway" does not cut it for me.

My opinion today......Explora and Crystal. Have not been either Europa ship post Covid, but if they are what they were.....dependable quality with neat surprises along the way.

Stickman, I enjoy reading your posts and we travel with same companies (mostly). Yes, I missed seeing the outdoor equipment. Or, maybe not as I was on that deck once. Even missed that bar until very late. I can drink the included wine for a few days. After that, it's my own brought on board. Cannot afford their offerings. Guess who you are reminding of with your first paragraph? Anyway, back on Explora in a few weeks.

Well, it looks like handing out the free passes to top suites has paid off with this placement. After his (or her) mention of food and beverage in the same sentence, the rest written was read with a critical eye. Food yes, but not to mention the up charge mere mortals pay at Anthology was a sin. Or, perhaps they did not know there was a charge. Guess they noticed Rolex watches were not being handed out. Beverage....maybe they didn't drink wine from the included list. And the included list for whisky is the weakest of any ship I travel. Did I miss the outdoor fitness center? It's possible because it looked enclosed on the one day it was visited. A cold day, so perhaps it opens up. Frette linens made in India are not Frette quality from Italy. The Turkish robes were nice as expected. Agree that it deserves to be top on the list. Travel and Leisure....nice to know it's still around, I guess.

+1....thanks for the reminder. And congrats on having done Amazon Prime. That's huge.

Will add comment to those considering first time with Crystal. Began sailing shortly after all inclusive went into effect. So, a relative newbie but have sailed 28 segments. Crew has been welcoming since the start and noticed them treating new passengers the same on most recent cruise. Edit: About five Seabourn crew in food service plus a hotel manager we've been on friendly terms with on Serenity adds to the fun.

Crystal has two ships. I believe close to 83% of crew has returned since BK debacle. Should be an indicator in this very competitive market for quality crew. Ships are dated by years in service. Inside, you would never know and have been much better maintained than SS ships. Bottom cabins are not competitive to SS for comfort/space. No casino. You might enjoy passenger mix on SS versus Crystal. So three out of how many categories? We all have our own priorities. Mine align with Crystal.

Point taken.....

"But we had a good time anyway" is what you will be saying at end of cruise. A quite common statement. My Solis dinner on Quest was a non event. Happy that they honored request for table 5, so at least it was a comfortable experience. Overall, food was a disgrace here, there and everywhere. Exception being sushi.....more fun and filling. And more fun and filling room service spaghetti. Overall, I had a good time anyway. 100% improvement over previous time on Sojourn.

Agree with two previous posts. Plenty of options.....Explora is not one.

Yes, the lack of shopping ashore is a real problem. 100 days on expedition ships and there have zero shopping ashore opportunities. Sounds like the list of complaints come from one or two. Hard to believe too many board with so little knowledge of the product. Filed review of Quest trip a few minutes ago. Same thoughts as yours re food and service.

A shared hobby. IGA in my town is tops.....worth the visit.

True. IMO, based on and limited to food quality matched with decent service it is either Crystal or Explora, followed by stay at home in today's market. Neither SB or SS have offered a competitive product for quite some time. Currently on Quest and it will go down as a "we had a good time anyway" cruise. Which by far beats the last SB experience.

goodfeet.com. Bought the product on board about seven years ago and use it daily. I'm a believer. Suggested to a friend and feel badly for making the suggestion. IMO, it's worth the risk. These free footprint tests are nothing but a sales tool employed in many places. I bought into New Balance product because that is the shoe preferred. Totally worthless piece of cloth. The Good Feet product has held up.

It's a problem if you do not have a passport. If your name is on the manifest, nothing else matters. Posted for future reference.