Dr. Cocktail

1 hour ago, Waltershipman said:

Enjoy your posts a lot

Thanks!  Happy that you're booked again!

18 hours ago, saminina said:

  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.

7 hours ago, 2SailingNomads said:

Not yet decided, have another 7 days on-board.  Problem is with 290 and now 325 pax hard to know how it works for 800.  As always needs to be the itinerary we are interested in, the timing etc.  Have 6 future cruises booked for end of this year and 2025 plus multiple land-based vacations and nothing I have seen yet for Explora excites me in the future.  But overall we really like the product.  

 

As to the move up ratio, probably equal to higher enders like us trying it out.  

 

Obviously you like it if coming back.  So much potential, maybe EJ III can rectify the shade issues and better bathroom design.   

We've sailed twice and did a few catamaran excursions where we chatted with a lot of people.

Basically everyone had been on Regent/Silversea/ and particularly Seabourn.  While there were many cruise first timers, there were extremely few people who had sailed on a premium or mass market line before.

On our second sailing we actually travelled with our friends who generally do Regent and Silversea.

I spoke to management on board and was told that Explora II will have a lot more shade and I would be getting more too on her return to Europe. We're also shade monsters and didn't find it a huge problem as we would just move once or twice a day. There's waaaaay more shade than the Regent Explorer Class Ships and it appears that there's basically no shade at all on Siver Nova and beyond.

We sailed with 400 on our first trip and between 600 and 700 for our second and the ship strangely felt much better with the additional passengers! Just a nicer vibe although it made second visits to Sakura and Marble next to impossible.

2 hours ago, RJ2002 said:

We have our first Explora 'journey' coming up soon, and have recently received an email from Explora regarding our onboard preferences.   One of the items was this:

 

WELCOME TOASTS AND BEVERAGES

Toasting the launch of a sea-faring journey is a long-held maritime tradition. So, to help you begin your journey in style, please let us know about your beverages of choice.

Share Your Preferences >

 

When I log on to the Explora website and access my booking, I am getting a message to contact my travel advisor or Explora to make selections.   I am guessing these are beverage preferences for our suite (we are in a Penthouse).   Does anyone know if this includes both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages?   Are we able to request full bottles of spirits, or is it just the mini bottles?  Can you request a bottle of wine for the suite?

 

Thanks for any guidance.

 

 

We have sailed twice in a Penthouse over the last few months and my advice is .... don't worry about it!  You cabin attendant will leave a form in the room for your alcoholic preferences and they will appear in due course. The sizes will range from 200 cc to 1 L and will be replenished if consumed.  Obviously, you can tell him or her what you want ... they really want to make you happy!

Of course, they will do the same for juices, mixers and pop.

As for wine - we ordered lunch one day from Room Service and asked if it was possible to get a glass of wine. The operator said "wouldn't you much rather have the bottle?".

I complimented her on reading my mind!

11 hours ago, Waltershipman said:

With your passenger count does the shop feel roomy and we're you able to dine freely at all venues

 

Thank you

Good morning!  We had between 600 and 700 on our sailing (I can't remember!) and the ship felt no more crowded than the 400 in November. Second reservations were a problem -we weren't successful but our friends who ate early got in a few times.

I have taken the liberty of reposting the article link in a more accessible fashion as many may not understand that the original title of this post is actually the link.

This way, people can read and interpret the article for themselves.

https://cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/2024/04/explora-journey-creating-a-unique-cruise-brand/

To clarify, NOWHERE in this article does it say that they have no plans to change.

As for "they think that they are doing great": This is the exact quote from their Chief Sales Officer:

“At the very beginning, we told a very bold story. Many of our travel partners didn’t believe us. Now, they do,” he said, noting that Explora Journeys has created a “category of one.”

Austin said that Explora never aimed to create a “copy of a classic, traditional cruise brand” but something “very special, different and unique” that incorporates the “vision and the dream” of MSC Cruises Group owners to create something entirely new.

11 minutes ago, CJANDH said:

But at home you have to pick up your towels and make your bed 🤪

Have you ever been to my sister-in-law's house?

8 hours ago, maggie.1008 said:

This will be my 70th birthday cruise. How did that happen?

My waist might get larger and my liver will be hanging by a tread but I will have a smashing time.

So sorry to say that I am not as clever as you with my writing skills and technical ability.

Happy to answer any questions along the way.

We will fly from San Francisco to Honolulu on Hawaiian Airlines brand new Dreamliner aircraft. Treating ourselves to first class.✈️

We have friends in Hawaii meeting us for two nights before we board the ship on thr 27th.

 I have high expectations for this cruise and have been following along since the early stages.

I have four friends who are disappointed in the new Regent Grandeur 

They are getting off the ship today in NYC.

I enjoyed your review and all the best to you and yours.

cheers, Heather 

We all know that I am a "cheerleader" on these boards but I still think that it's better than being a font of negativity like what we've  also seen!

Our RegentCertified (sm) friends who joined us thought that the food on Explora was miles above R.

I was 60 on our last sailing a few weeks ago and Explora defines what I think that luxury cruising should be. No excessive bling, no need for me to be babysat, fantastic fellow passengers, no need for bragging about "badge appeal" and one upmanship and just plain swell.

A quiet, elegant product on a ship whose outdoor decks and bars are unmatched by anyone else in the industry.

Oh ... and btw...

Happy Birthday!

7 minutes ago, maggie.1008 said:

We have moved to a Penthouse suite for our Hawaii cruise. Does the Penthouse come with any complimentary laundry? Also can you order cocktails and wine from room service? 
Many thanks 😊 

Yes!  While many references have been removed, I've attached this link that shows that you get a complimentary bag of laundry.

https://explorajourneys.com/ca/en/life-on-explora/onboard-services

When we had our room service lunch, I asked for two glasses of wine. The operator was "wouldn't you much rather have the entire bottle?".

Bottle arrived n/c but I didn't ask about cocktails!

22 minutes ago, Limonadier said:

Alright Thanks for this,  we are in PH as well

and would have appreciated the Dom which was included at time of booking but oh well...I will see if a sale happen on my sailing and splurge with my onboard credits 🙂

 

We loved Explora just as much the second time as the first. I'm loathe to comment as people tend to seize on the negativities but I just wish there was a larger, rotating selection of wines.

We were joined by friends who are total Regent devotees and commented on how Regent couldn't compare on food or entertainment!

Returning to the Champagne, we should be happy that it's not the Montaudon aka swill that is the house brand on Seabourn!

30 minutes ago, Limonadier said:

I now understand Mercier is the included Champagne onboard for all guest and has also replaced the Veuve Clicquot as welcome bottle in OT. What about the welcome bottle of Champagne in Penthouse ? and Residences ? Any recent DP ? Thanks.

On March 1st, we had the Mercier in our PH - same as throughout the ship. I found it drinkable if not my absolute fave.

Like us Canadians, it doesn't make waves!

56 minutes ago, Noggins said:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So sorry to hear this! Losing an animal is THE worst.

The same thing happened to us after a cruise 16 years ago but unfortunately, she didn't last until our return.

Her "replacements" (personality so big that two required) are turning 16 but please don't tell them that they're geriatric! They would both strenuously object!

Again, so sorry that you had to go through this.

I'm glad that you got to enjoy Explora but disappointed that it wasn't the best fit for you. At my stage in life, the product works exceptionally well for me.

2 hours ago, Norwegian Cruiser 73 said:

 

 

 

 

 

 

So funny .... we were there also there March 7 and your camera pans past us in the distance at about 2 o'clock!

 

 

 

 

 

 

23 minutes ago, TrinaLC said:

Well, I get that, except the Residences are treated differently. They get to experience the YC area on OC which we have always enjoyed. So why should we not feel as second class citizens? 

 

A venue that we have had as YC guests is now for another higher “first class”.   
 

So how is this egalitarian? everyone treated as the same?
 

 

I have no problem when out of a maximum of 461 suites, only 5% of those that paid three times what I paid have access to the YC area. Especially when the island is basically empty.

But ... and with no disrespect intended, if this is unacceptable to you, don't book. Aside from Ocean Cay, you have universal access to everything on the ship.

4 hours ago, TrinaLC said:

Dr Cocktail, didn’t you find the OC experience devalued after having experienced the full “YC treatment”?  
 

and I guess we don’t know yet what the experience will be like with a normal docking …

I think that you have to get out of the entire "YC mindset".  The YC pampers you by making you feel special among a vast crowd. They emphasize this with the private decks, lounges and restaurants.

Explora, like most of the luxury lines is far more egalitarian - everyone is treated the same, that is - fabulously ! Better food, better restaurants, few announcements and a well-travelled crowd.

I wish that I could explain it better - It's an overall quieter, more refined and relaxed experience. No real lines, no noise. Definitely no bling!  My expectations of a private island were minimal.

It was just nice to pull up to the dock (no tendering), walk off and have a relaxed day with friends.

We were literally seated and chatting four minutes after stepping off the dock.  The true luxury is and was space and no fuss.

The very nice Mike (who is even nicer in person!) beat me to the punch.

If you're getting off one of the big MSC ships, his number of 5000 is absolutely correct. MSC did a brilliant job of dressing up what is arguably the worst beach on the island and making it "exclusive". Just 'cause it's "special" doesn't mean it's the best.

On our sailing (same one as MIke), we docked after lunch so we had already eaten.  We had our choice of spots with shade and umbrellas as we were sailing with "only" 650 passengers.

Food trucks were open for lite bites/tapas and the bar had bottles of 

While not Champage, it's not particularly cheap either!  I was serving as waiter for our group of 5 and as my carrying skills are not worth *%&*^%, I asked the bartender if I could just get the glasses and entire bottles. No problem!

An extremely relaxing afternoon.

I totally respect PrivateIdaho's posts so experiences may differ.

We've also sailed in YC many times and have no intention to return.

Explora is totally a ballgame of a different colour!

13 minutes ago, Noggins said:

Some imaginative thinking going on in that CGI image. It maybe not be entirely clear from my photo but no lounger would ever fit on that rear platform. And is that a glass wall showing?! 

Steel railings… I think 🤔 that it’s meant for watersports and such while docked…

Chairs? Yes!   Chaise loungers?  

I knew I had seen these images - found them in the original brochure!

39 minutes ago, Noggins said:

We went to the aft pool disco event for sunset last night. It was the place that all the cool people go to. So, we kept a low profile and found a perfect hidden away spot with an uninterrupted view of the ocean. Fortunately  we were not so hidden away that champagne failed to find us. A state of serenity most definitely emerged - putting out of sync all other plans for the evening.

Being on the aft deck - a deck so many ships don't have …l

 

 

But wait - there’s more!  The aft water sports platform and bar (!) has yet to be deployed. There’s a “mystery” staircase that’s roped off just next to the Astern Lounge and aft of the Sakura entrance. The door to it has “Valletta” written on it.

(im)patiently waiting….

2 minutes ago, Noggins said:

Yes, odd that we the proletariat are so well looked after in some of the most stable and comfortable parts of the ship ..

(apart from the ruling classes depositing their bath water - ok jacuzzi water - on our terrace from time to time)

I would charge you for the privilege of having Suite Water rain down from the heavens.

ps .... thanks for letting me cut in!  So sorry that we missed each other by one sailing!

31 minutes ago, Noggins said:

All dead quiet this morning in 'social housing ' class on 6...

😎🤪

I didn't realize that the numbers went down so low .....

4 hours ago, Noggins said:

That's odd, I didn't see your response there when I posted mine little later. Looks like our thinking was very similar.

Same! 🤔🤔🤔

1 hour ago, CJANDH said:

This is the second day in a row where we have tendered. I have no problem with that. However, when at anchor the captain continuously uses the thrusters to keep the ship in position. This is very noisy, particularly at the aft of the ship. Other  cruises I have experienced anchor and allow the ship to swing around with the current/wind. The result is a nice quiet and peaceful ship to enjoy with a slowly changing view. On Explora I  there is constant noise and vibration. A big negative for me.

Anchors are EXTREMELY destructive to reefs and the ocean floor.

All the latest generation ships have avoided their use for years.

It’s not the Captain per se - it’s an automated gps based system.

1 hour ago, Noggins said:

You're fine - but I feel short changed now.

OK if I pop round for breakfast tomorrow?

 

1 hour ago, Beamafar said:

That one isn’t one of my creations lol but my single serving version isn’t far off. 

3 hours ago, Noggins said:

 

 

And out on deck, a hazard for the unwary. Looking like a level service but, oops, it's not.

 

 

I can trip over an imaginary line and always keep a sharp eye.  If that's the deck in front of the Helios pool, that would be such an easy repair. Just take the mitred end piece and replace it in a contrasting colour.

EVERYONE out there would warn each other!