CJANDH

4 hours ago, RELS said:

 

If it's anything like Silversea, if there is no Blacklane in your city, there should be a credit.

But what makes you think it is like Silversea? They are very clear that the Blackstone charge is refundable if not used. The Regent wording is not clear. They talk of a "voucher" for the service, which if you don't use it you might lose it.

47 minutes ago, Wheelhouse said:

16 nights for us and I wholeheartedly agree.   There is plenty to chose from.  

I can understand that if you have no dietary restrictions. But as I don't eat seafood the choice was not that great. I know it is my problem not Explora's, but I am not alone in having some things I cannot eat. A change in menu once in a while helps overcome this. I do accept that with a constant menu the chefs should be better able to "get it right".

3 hours ago, BartonX said:

The only negative I have seen as of now (without ever sailed on them yet) is the limited itinarary in the Caribbean and Med!

You might find that the never changed menus get a bit boring for a 14 night cruise.

Thank you for your insights Jersey42. I will certainly look at GeoBlue next March when our renewal comes up.

39 minutes ago, saminina said:

Visited a couple in their cove residence last week that were truly miserable with the entire Explora experience and rightfully so IMO.

Can you expand on that a bit please. I sailed in a Cocoon Residence and did not find value in the high expense. But I wasn't miserable. Just disappointed. Was it the suite itself that they disliked or more?

3 hours ago, Jersey42 said:

did you look at one of the GeoBlue Trekker plans offered by Steve's company.  It offers much more medical coverage (with a small deductible) and more robust emergency evacuation at a lower annual premium.  It does not give you any trip cancellation/interruption benefits.

I did. The evacuation coverage is the same. The medical is $100K versus $50K. The premium is in fact a little higher (not a deal breaker) and it does have deductibles that the Allianz plan doesn't. The little extras in the Allianz plan (lost luggage, small cancellation/trip delay etc.) are nice but not important. Overall, I would be happy with either plan. I am just pointing out that there are inexpensive ways to cover for catastrophic events if you are willing to self-insure for the trip cost itself.

3 hours ago, iamtrustworthy said:

Are you old enough to be on Medicare?

Yes.

14 hours ago, Jersey42 said:

What do you consider to be good medical coverage? Does you regular medical insurance cover you outside of the country?  Are you looking for your annual travel plan to just supplement your regular insurance for things like copays and deductibles, or is the annual plan your only travel medical coverage?

Medical: $50,000

Emergency Transportation: $500,000

My US medical insurance does not cover me outside the country.

Premium: $419 for the two of us for a year.

10 minutes ago, Lookingtocruise42 said:

You wouldn’t have any problem with trash filled carts lining the hallway, nor with food delivery being missed multiple days? No problems with them dropping off a folded tablecloth to unfold yourself and setup?

Those are some issues that I would not like either. However, you found so much wrong that it makes me think that you didn't manage the problems in the best way. I have always found that being nice to the "servants" is a better way to get results than constantly complaining. I have sailed SS many times and have had issues sometimes. But never heard anyone having such a litany of problems. The crew are always the best part of cruises for me and I hate to see such vehement criticism being published.

Wow Lookingtocruise. I have never read such an awful review. It seems that nothing is good enough for you. Reading it over a second time it seems that you alienated everyone you met. Sounds like Disney might be a better choice for you.

I purchase an annual policy from Allianz. It gives me good coverage for medical and emergency evacuation, but only token coverage for cancellation, trip interruption, etc. I am okay with this as I am willing to take the risk of losing the cost of the cruise, but not the mega costs associated with medical emergencies. The policy costs me less than $500 for the two of us. An annual policy covering cancellation for multiple cruises would be hard to underwrite as the risk would depend on how many trips at what cost. Not likely to be available.

On 5/30/2024 at 10:33 AM, papaflamingo said:

And they're now offering a credit for private transportation. Sure, that part may be copying Silversea door to door, but it's CHOICE only.  If you don't want it, don't take it.  

Read the announcement carefully. I think that the Blackstone credit is just that . . . a credit towards a transfer. It doesn't imply that you will get the money if you don't use it. Also note that the only way to get air included is to take the Ultimate, including the Blackstone credit (which I am sure will be baked into the Ultimate price).

4 hours ago, dolls123 said:

Yes, I always try to book a cabin at the aft of the ship so this was the perfect location for us.The cabin was the perfect size and loved the balcony. I was sitting on the loungers everyday for 15 days just looking at the wake! Loved the huge walk in shower. I hate hate hate the tub/shower combo 

Did you have any problem with the sounds from the aft pool area right below your balcony? Also, were the thrusters used to keep the ship in place at tender ports still as noisy as they were for us in March?

On 5/25/2024 at 8:33 PM, RlyLvn said:

we are joining the ship in Miami on the 31st for the Transatlantic to Casablanca  I hope these undesirables get off in Miami and there isnt another load ready to board  Last I heard we will have 600 Passengers on that leg.

I doubt that even EJ would give "influencers" a free trip on a transatlantic cruise. My guess is that the uglies will disembark in Miami and the TA will be more peaceful. Fingers crossed for you. Let us know.

You might want to check out Google Fi as your service provider. Their service includes 10 cents per minute calling from virtually every country in the world with no upcharge or pre-registration required. When you get to a new country you get a text message from Google saying: "Welcome to XYZ. Calls are 10 cents per minute."

Only available on Android phones however.

22 hours ago, canderson said:

Ah, understand now.  So about $500 per year per person?

Often, when researching the cost of travel insurance, people here in the cruise boards are particularly interested in cancellation insurance since that's such a huge part of the potential cost of any mishaps.

Not a huge part of a serious medical situation. I can eat the $30K cancellation but not the $500K for emergency flights and hospitalization in a foreign port.

On 5/25/2024 at 6:54 AM, gcornell said:

If you haven’t already, check out the Chase Sapphire Reserve card.  In addition, to dozens of perks worth hundreds of $ a year, each card includes $20,000 of trip insurance which if you travel a few times a year, easily pays for itself. Since this is SS and many trips run over that, I have a card for my wife as well and that doubles our insurance to $40,000. 

What is the coverage for Medical and Emergency Evacuation? For me, those are much more important than trip cancellation.

1 hour ago, eric4395 said:

I noticed  prime 7  & chartreuse both on level 10 side by side looking much the same set up. Any reason for chartreuse in particular. 

I have a spouse that is not big on meat dishes. Chartreuse offers a better selection for her while still giving me some great meat options.

You say you are travelling over the holidays and reference school break. Are you travelling with children? Does having many children on board bother you? The smaller luxury lines like Silversea and Regent do not have any real activities for children and tend to be more of an adult experience. If you are bringing children with you you might consider the new Explora Journeys. They encourage families and have some kids programs (as well as several pools). Of course, none of the luxury brands offer the same kids' activities as the mass market brands.

3 minutes ago, eric4395 said:

Perhaps it would be down to the nicest setting and seats for 2 probably with a lovely view  looking out over the sea if there is any  of the restaurants that provides this.

If that is your top priority then go to Chartreuse and ask for a window table at the rear of the restaurant. By far our favorite spot for dinner or lunch (when open for lunch).

On 5/23/2024 at 10:48 AM, Gourmet Gal said:

I am planning to try RC or FS on my next cruise, though.

Is that Ritz Carlton and Four Seasons? If so, I look forward to your impressions.

3 hours ago, RJ2002 said:

On the other hand, the bartenders in the Lobby Lounge were great.

Increased pax count should not impact the service at the lobby bar. Even with a half empty ship there was often no seating available. The extra people, like us, will just find another bar to frequent.

9 minutes ago, English Tim said:

The restroom manager came to assist

The restrooms are kind of hard to find. LOL.

21 hours ago, RJ2002 said:

 

Yes, that is what I understood from our travel advisor, who was also on our sailing.  I am presuming it was communicated during one of the Explora orientation sessions which were held for the numerous TA's onboard.   As I said, I didn't follow up since I was not interested in a purchase.  Perhaps someone else onboard currently can confirm for you.

Which was it? Minimum or maximum?

17 hours ago, Atllindo said:

Like a violinist or cellist? 

We love hearing the classical music, like during tea on Crystal or afternoons on Celebrity.   Anyone know?  And do they have a small band that can play jazz?  

Thanks!

They didn't back in March.