Waltershipman

15 hours ago, Hlitner said:

Interesting points of view.  Those of us who have a lot of travel and cruise experience (in my case it is more than 50 years) always suggest that flying-in at least 1 day early (for domestic ports) and more than 1 day for foreign ports, is wise.  We would only consider gambling on a same day flight if we were comfortable with a Plan B, in how to catch-up with the trip.  For an embarkation in Copenhagen, where the ship is in nearby Arhus the following day, is a good example of where one might take a chance.  On a closed loop Caribbean cruise, we would not gamble.

 

While we understand the arguments for flying in the day of....those folks should consider "what if they are wrong" and miss their ship.  Can they catch up without spending a lot of extra money?  Is it even possible?  For those cruising without a valid Passport, it can be a problem.   Also be careful with trip insurance, because most policies have a clause requiring a flight be scheduled to arrive X number of hours before the scheduled embarkation.  So, if your policy requires a 6 hour window, and your is scheduled to get you to the port 5 hours before your cruise, you will collect zero insurance if you miss that cruise.

 

The other reason for arriving days early is for folks with checked luggage.  Luggage seldom gets lost, but more commonly misses a flight, or gets mis directed, and will usually catch-up the following day.  That is not good if you are already out to sea.

 

Hank

On a 14 night SB cruise some years ago we flew from PDX to Alaska on the earliest flight of the day of departure of our 14 night cruise. My luggage however did not make the flight. With some stress and strain and fantastic customer as well.as good luck  service my luggage made the next flight in time for departure and was delivered to the ship some almost 2 hours from the airport. I did book the earliest flight knowing there was a flight soon to follow in case of a problem

I have not made that mistake again

All the best

1 hour ago, thixson said:

I just emailed Explora and they credited me with the promotion.

You were credited on a preexisting reservation?

Thank you 

On 6/26/2024 at 11:21 AM, Sthrngary said:

@Host Jazzbeau Jazz, great to hear from you.  Thank you for taking the time to reply to my post.  My approach has provided much fruit in the past, with many other brands.  So when I am working with a new cruise brand, I simply use the same strategy.  Where it is true, I may be put into the Norman Thomas file, love that term, which is always a possibility, usually it only takes two cycles of the letter to gain the needed action or response.  

 

EJ being a new brand and also associated with a European company may cause a less then acceptable outcome, however worth my effort at least.  I assure you, after my retirement, when I approach things like this, it is strictly for hobby and or sport. My excessive blood pressure meds, keep me safe on that front. The great news is most folks that get on the EJ ships seem to really enjoy the experience.  For me, that is no downside.  

 

As I have said before, we are lucky to have you here as our voice of reason.  

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

Gary

Excellent 

I have used an online information portal that lists the names phone numbers and emails addresses of many major businesses including AM Ex and Alaska Airlines. I have been able to resolve major issues because I had the right contact info that may not be generally available. I once reached the administrative assistant of a major corporation CEO  whose office was just outside the door of the CEO. My problem was resolved in a matter of hours.

BTW

Does one have to wait until after payment to reserve excursions? Dining reservations are available  60 out? I think

Thanks for your  posts

It would have been fun to have been on same ship in January

All my best

26 minutes ago, Hlitner said:

When we are paying for a premium or luxury line, we prefer both lamb chops and lobster.  O did deliver on our recent Vista cruise and did a pretty good job with both items.

 

Hank

Agreed Back a few years in early 2000 I had lamb and lobster for breakfast or dinner on O most every day

1 hour ago, Kay S said:

Some people really like lobster. When I was a much younger person I equated cruising with non-stop lobster and caviar. Then I went on a cruise. 😂  I think that idea is still out there. A cruise isn’t luxurious without lobster. 

While in Barbados on cruise in February got off ship and ate 2 lb lobsters in local restaurant BIG FUN

1 hour ago, Stickman1990 said:

Well guess what - Anthology seems to have transitioned to a menu prepared by the head chef of Explora, Franck Garanger, now - still carries a hefty surcharge but it’s an in house menu now  

 

Excellent 

51 minutes ago, Hlitner said:

When we were on the Vista (Mar-Apr) we did post a "live" review of our first O cruise.  Most of what we experienced on the Vista was very good, although we do agree with some others that the design of their main theater is terrible.    We have also mentioned, in the past, that O does not have the best cuisine at sea (not even close to the best).  At the moment, we would give that prize to Explora Journeys.

 

Hank

AGREED Hank yes Explora Journeys in our experiences is for now The absolute best food at sea

12 minutes ago, Hlitner said:

Ahhh, so you will get a different chef.  Wonder who?

I wonder as well and hope to dine there

40 minutes ago, Hlitner said:

Did you dine there, back in the fall?

 

Hank

We did not  and I have followed your posts and others about the venue

Best to you 

On 6/13/2024 at 6:58 AM, Dr. Cocktail said:

Antholo-Gino’s?

 

Antony-gy?

 

Pastology?

Hope it is in place for january 2025

3 hours ago, Lois R said:

Hank, thanks for the detailed reply.

Food on EJ was best ever ar sea including multiple luxury brands

Hank's observations are right on too

15 minutes ago, Mommapadraig said:

1/4/2025 on Explora ll

We sail January 28 enjoy

2 hours ago, Mommapadraig said:

I wish they would extend that to January 2025. Our cruise is still the same price that we booked. I’d cancel that for 200.00 and rebook this….however I’m sure that isn’t going to happen.

What date do you sail in January 

37 minutes ago, maggie.1008 said:

Ok I now see a picture of the two beds. I missed it because there are only a few inches between the beds. I thought there might be a side dresses between the two beds. You cannot walk between the two beds. Not ideal. 

I think some twin rooms may have a tub as well

12 minutes ago, longboard55 said:

Those brands work, thank you.  I have one more in general cruise question,  we recently had a cruise travel office open locally.  I have always booked direct, but read how the agents can get you more on board credits.  What do experienced cruisers do

One more thing my TA is located across the US from our abode and we had dinner and met only once over the  years. Great relationship 

I have used  TA successfully  for cruises  over the past 44 years on Every cruise booking 

Enjoy

15 minutes ago, Dr. Cocktail said:

Did you lose a bet?

15 minutes ago, Dr. Cocktail said:

Did you lose a bet?

Losing  a bet might have cost less

13 minutes ago, Dr. Cocktail said:

You mean it’s NOT A Small World After All?!

Although did Disneyland with family in April and it remains FANTASTIC but that's a different message board lol 

5 minutes ago, Jratlanta said:

At Sea, How are you able to see bookings?  I don't see the option on the website; are you a TA?  Sailing Explora 1 in January.  Cheers

 

What dates do you sail 

7 minutes ago, RlyLvn said:

We are on Explora I now. Incredible experience!  Way too many positives to list. I should be keeping a journal but I’m just soaking it up. 

Would live to hear more on how great your trip is going 

Maybe starting a new more positive thread? Just an idea

Thanks for sharing 

4 minutes ago, santos949 said:

I totally agree that it is hard to believe that I was on the same ship==the Explora 1.  We loved our first Explora cruise and have booked two more.  
 

We have cruised all of the luxury lines so this was not our first rodeo.

 

i hope anyone reading this thread does not give up on booking Explora.  It is an incredible experience! The negativity on this Explora board really surprises me.  I suggest you book a cruise and make up your own mind.

 

i predict great things for this cruise line.

Absolutely agree 

23 minutes ago, BartonX said:

 

Thank you. That is what I thought as well! I believe there is enough variety across all restaurants but only time will tell - once we cruise. Food is very subjective. 

We were on 9 nights without a problem. In fact, sometimes we did all order the same things from the same menu. Because we loved it

14 minutes ago, CJANDH said:

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

Or on the other hand you might find yourself eating a variety of choices off the same menu

17 minutes ago, Hlitner said:

Perhaps it is telling that the price has dropped, but the ship still seems to be sailing at far less than capacity (according to some posts here on CC).  I do have some theories.  1.  The short itineraries are a turn-off to many of us who like luxury cruise lines.  2.  The lack of any air program is a turn-off for many luxury cruisers who prefer to have all their travel arrangements made by the cruise lines (such as with Regent, Seabourn, Silversea, etc).  

 

Hank

Understood

Be well and we will stay connected 

7 minutes ago, Hlitner said:

I look forward to reading your comparison of EJ, in Jan, to EJ, last year.  In looking at a possible future booking, we have been surprised to see that the price is actually lower than our previous booking (last year).  

 

Hank

Yes indeed the price we are paying in January is way less than last years pricing 

I will of course keep you posted

Wishing you all the best always