Dr. Cocktail

52 minutes ago, commodoredave said:

We’ve fully cruise booked until spring 2025 with Explora, Silversea, Celebrity, Princess, NCL and Emerald Ocean. But actively looking for summer and fall 2025, and winter 2026. In particular, looking for a cruise call at Easter Island on the way to Tahiti, and a cruise from BA or Rio to Florida or the Caribbean in February 2026.

From the sublime to the ridiculous … who do you think you are…. me?

Those Toronto people…..

ps - I haven’t even HEARD of Emerald Ocean …. Is that like Irish ☘️ Spring?

Ok - just realized they’re part of Seen-it

29 minutes ago, cruisingxpert said:

Were you in the 60 day time frame when you booked?  I called Explora this morning and was told the system would not allow them to make my reservations until 60 days before embarkation.

It was 60 days for both my sailings 

1 hour ago, mike@sea said:

I did not make dining reservations yet. I am torn now, if I better should do so, looking at the number you just quoted. Wow. That would mean that we sail at almost full capacity. Cool in a way. Perfect for the entertainment due to an enhanced atmosphere and hopefully good for excursions, which hopefully will not all be cancelled again. 

 

 

We thought that it was too quiet last time but hopefully I won't be bemoaning the crowd this time!

The young and eager staff were actually a bit bored - I think that they will all enjoy being a lot more challenged this time around.

I totally agree re the Shorex.

5 hours ago, mike@sea said:

Just noticed that EJ deployed a new website user interface version, which will allow you, once it works ( which is not yet the case as I am writing this ) , to log into your profile, then go to menu symbol on the pages upper left side ( as the bookings don’t automatically appear ), select My Explora account at the bottom, then My Trips, then open the dedicated reservation and all new menu items appear on the left side of your screen, including „Restaurant Reservations“.

Huzzah! 

Progress!!!  My cancelled reservations have finally disappeared and all by bookings are now listed in order of date of departure.

As you said, still not functional for my upcoming sailing but definitely in the right direction.

ps - did you end up making your dining reservations or are you "winging it"?  I know that the March 1st sailing currently has close to 800 (!) passengers.

2 hours ago, Miss SeaBee said:

I'm really upset about this! I know it is such a "first world problem," but the foot stools were literally the ONLY reason I booked a concierge class cabin.  I will not book concierge again.  😞 

I'm not sure why people think that this is funny....

On an upcoming fall cruise, I too booked Concierge as it was the only way to get a footstool/ottoman on our large hump veranda. For the small price difference, it was easier than lugging my inflatable ones .... I could care less about the swill, I mean Sparkling Wine-oid product, embarkation lunch or  daily cheese poofs.

I guess the inflatables are going back into my luggage! 

13 minutes ago, Oceangoer2 said:

Would like to know the alternative.  I'm trying to envision the 'side roads' to Mississauga instead of the 401?  All N to S are lights and traffic, unless part of the way is 401 to ?

For central Toronto, Dixon Road and then Lawrence!

3 hours ago, 1960Travel said:

Our flight leaves at 4:15 now..I always second guess in the end anyways but thought change it now before that flight is gone...Who knows maybe another change coming..Travel is like that now..

 

thanks you.  

I’m restating …. I stopped counting my AC flight back from MIA this March after the TENTH CHANGE!!! 🤷‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤷‍♂️🤦‍♂️

Actually rebooked after the second change as there was ZERO way to make the flight and they then rescheduled my original flight so I could have actually made it!   

And this is how a near monopoly operates….

I view this as Alexandria does - make it a POSITIVE experience!  Grab an Uber to a hotel with a day pass and enjoy a few hours in the sun. Alternatively, use a luggage storage facility on FLL beach and go for a walk and have lunch!  About $100 (including your data roaming!) will buy you a GREAT day!
 

I’m weighing in on this again because I feel so strongly about it!

Odds are - you’ll be fine but you’ll likely start stressing the night before arrival and continue to do so until you’re off the ship!

If you’re NOT fine and you miss your flight, you’re on your own.  You’ll have to buy a new ticket unless the agent takes (unlikely) pity on you. None of these CC members extolling you not to be negative are pulling out their Visa cards to pay for your new flight.

And…. Most flights are beyond full these days - no guarantee that you’re getting on a flight that same Sunday.

Again, I have witnessed people FREAKING OUT on board on arrival day as we’re one to 4 hours (medical emergency) late and they’ve missed their flight.

7 hours ago, Cruise Junky said:

I don’t think so. Doesn’t it have to be over a certain time?  I don’t think any  change gets you a free change or refund.  Wasn’t it 60 minutes? 

It's three hours officially for a full refund.  With all of my cruises and in the situation described by the op, I have NEVER paid a change fee!  But .... it's the call center, not online. 

In fact, if I've said "I'm sorry, I booked this to get back from a cruise and this new time simply doesn't work", I've actually gotten a refund a few times and used it to rebook at a better fare!  Coming back from my next Explora cruise, my flight has now been changed ..... 10 times!  (actually - I STOPPED counting after the 10th change.....)

2 hours ago, 1960Travel said:

We are getting off the ASCENT April 14 .  Just had time change to this earlier flight

with Air Canada...What is the earliest you can disembark doing self assist to help us 

decide if we should rebook onto a later flight

 

Thank you

 

If AC has moved your flight time at all, the change is free.

I have been on many cruises that have arrived late in port because of weather including fog and medical emergencies. 

7 hours ago, PrivateIdaho said:

See, it takes all kinds. For example, I’m good with the bathrooms and enjoy most of the wine. Agree there needs to be more daily specials. I also will be back for more. 

I need to clarify my position on the wines!  I did enjoy them .... the FIRST time but not the same ones 9 days in a row. They should have a 7 day rotation .... there are literally hundreds of wines at the same price point for them to choose from. They need to mix it up a bit.

I'm not backing down on the bathrooms!  No electrical outlets, the mirror fogs in 14 milliseconds and the door opens into the entrance of the shower making it difficult for two people to get ready at the same time.  Oh, and while you're at it, put in a night light and don't have the bathroom door immediately opposite the bed in a Penthouse!  A much better arrangement in the OT's....

3 hours ago, frankhi said:

It seems the entry level rooms on Vista are a lot smaller than on EJ (240 v 301 sqft). Vista says the balcony rooms are 291 sqft, but that includes the balcony, and they make no effort to point that out. Where EJ clearly says 301 sqft plus a 70 sqft balcony for 371 sqft. So 291 v 371 with balcony, or 240 v 301 room only, makes EJ cabins and balconies more that 25% bigger than Vista. I've been on EJ, but my sizes for Vista are just what I see on their website, so can't confirm.

49 minutes ago, frankhi said:

Not to go off point, but I liked the entry level cabins on SS Nova even more than EJ. They are the same size, but Nova has a larger, better laid out bathroom (no heated floor though, and I'm talking about the shower only cabins). I also didn't like, and found unusual compared to other ships I've been on, that EJ didn't have a "desk". That said, I still prefer EJ.

Isn't it great that we have the health and means to enjoy and compare these superb new products?

8 minutes ago, Stickman1990 said:

Seriously?

 

Don't sweat the small stuff 

 

I’m beginning to wonder how I even managed to survive during my time in Explora last year? 

 

Reading some of these posts you have to wonder why people even both to cruise
 

 

As a proud Canadian I've got this covered ...... we're packing 5 large Maple 🍁 boughs.

I will use the leaves instead of toilet paper, tap the branches for the sap and ask one of the chefs in the Emporium to boil half for syrup and rapid ferment the other half for maple wine.

Obviously, I will be the source for the new Alternative Gas Engines.

32 minutes ago, Whipsnade said:

The thing that really has turned me off is the 40% discount that applies only to ocean suites not to luxury cabins. I have asked to be included. Answer is NO. Crystal running promotion with cabin upgrades which include higher priced suites. Thus I have replaced my September bookings on Explora with Crystal at 35% lower price. Which would you choose?

You'd be crazy not to book Crystal with that difference in price!

At this stage in life and with ageing animals, I'm can't really go over two weeks. But your points are taken - as the Explora fleet expands, I expect to see some significant changes.

Say "hi" to Bali, or "Bali Hi!"

1 hour ago, Whipsnade said:

Sounds like a mass market ship entertainment. What else to expect from ship owned by MSC. And Barbie no less. 
Grumpy

With that logic, why should I expect anything from Regent or Oceania as they're owned by NCLHI, Seabourn and Cunard by Carnival and Silversea by the Royal Caribbean Group?

You've made some valid comments but please don't be an arbiter of what is and isn't important to a cruiser.  As someone who is spoiled enough to see about 30 live performances a year in Toronto and NYC, most cruise ship "entertainment" is an oxymoron to me. Explora is trying something different - I didn't love it but I didn't hate it either. They're on the right track.  Racing through my meal to make it to a plastic show? Not luxury. Or how about only having one show (I'm talking to you Oceania and Regent) where if I like to dine late, I don't even get to see the show. Not particularly luxurious.

You are also equating "luxury" almost entirely based on your meals. As someone who likes to sit on deck during the shade and read, Explora is provided me a fantastic canvas on which to do that. Great bars and different vibes.  ALL the luxury lines and in particular, Regent and Seabourn are known for their overcrowded pool decks with people fighting for chairs. Not "luxury" to me.

But if it doesn't work for you, it doesn't!  It's not simply "bad" because you didn't like it.

There ARE problems - the wines are not up to snuff, the bathrooms are a disappointment and there should be daily specials in Fil Rouge and Med Yacht Club.  I have 4 more booked and am NOT cancelling!

1 hour ago, Whipsnade said:

Sounds like a mass market ship entertainment. What else to expect from ship owned by MSC. And Barbie no less. 
Grumpy

Well, you're certainly not ...

2 hours ago, Waltershipman said:

Curently sailing on Oceanis Vista with some conclusions from my experiences as compared to Explora Journeys having sailed on EJ in October 2023. Both ships are new builds. One thing to remember is that much of what I am sharing is highly subjective and depends on ones tastes.


Vista operates top to bottom like a regular very nice cruise ship.  EJ is a cruise ship yet offering something very different more akin to a high end luxury hotel. Both ships lovely.

Food on EJ is best I've ever had at sea overall.

The ⁹Vista bed is better.

  Entertainment on Vista is better. EJ staff more personally focused and generally more attentive while Vista staff is cruise ship professional.

GDR is big beautiful loud and enjoyable on Vista while EJ intimate restaurants are tops. When we were on EJ it was less than half full so that may be hard to compare since Vista is full at 1200 pax. Embarkation on both ships excellent. On EJ no crew assistance at all when getting off and on ship and no assistance with info on how to get to a town or sites at ports.

Smoked salmon on Vista is better at least more to my tastes.
The poolside music on Vista is great and is wonderfully typical of big fun Carribean cruise

Bathrooms on entry level cabins are comparable although the cabin on E J is a bit larger and the extra 9 square feet is a big plus, plus the separate makeup  dressing area on EJ also big plus. Heated floor on EJ bathroom a real winner. Vista shower is excellent. The light on large mirror in bathroom on Vista has a secret button that even our cabin steward was not aware of that dims the light on mirror which is great to use instead of the blue night light in entry. Vista night light are less intrusive  than EJ floor lights that light at night

EJ feels more intimate and plush.
Announcements on Vista help organize the day better and they are not intrusive. No announcements on EJ along with far less info on ship activities and ports. .
More daily activities on Vista with beautiful string quartet playing at some bars and Tea time as well as pop music vocal group singing pop music.

A fellow CC passenger organized a meet and greet on Vista well-attended by over 40 CC passengers and it was great. Oceania provided snacks hors d'oeuvre extended happy hour and it was most enjoyable.

Vista has a large number of passegers requiring some type of mobility assistance while on our EJ cruise we saw no one that utilized mobility assistance.  Whether or not that is true for each sailing may differ for each ship. Overall older guests on Vista.

EJ is very well staffed. Vista is understaffed.

Emporium Marketplace on EJ is superb in every detail with attentive service and amazing food. Dinner at Emporium is truly outstanding. Terrace Cafe on Vista while adequate is understaffed at dinner. Terrace offers the more traditional cruise ship buffet which can also mean lines at stations making fresh cooked food items at all meal times. Both ships have similar bagels. I am told typical New York bagel is different. Aquamar is a nice healthy food restaurant open for breakfast and lunch on Vista that is very good and offers a quiet setting thats lovely.

Humphry Slocombe ice cream on board Vista remains an excellent addition.
Both ships have automatic sensors on public restrooms which is a plus. Vista has more in additional locations.

Vista cruise director and staff are warm welcoming and helpful as well as visible.
Shows on Vista done nicely with a comedian, some singers and well intentioned ensemble group of 12 capable young singers and dancers. EJ had the popular Billy Joel show and when we were on board we were fortunate to have Steinway piano shows and outstanding piano artists on board. Singers on EJ just OK.
Overall there is significantly more entertainment on Vista.

Polo Grill on Vista excellent and while many love Marble and Co on EJ we did not so much. Toscano on Vista was overall nice but no need to return. Mediterranean yatch club was enjoyed on EJ. Still have more restaurants to explore on Vista.

That's it for  now thanks. Still more days to cruise.
 

Thanks for taking valuable time out of your vacation to post!!!

17 minutes ago, Whipsnade said:

Really??  Sounds dreadful. They told us in September they planned to do it but it was hard to imagine. 

Ok, time for you to change out of your cranky pants! Why is it “dreadful” to have movies under the stars in a venue otherwise not used in the evening?  With headphones on, in what way, shape or form does this affect YOU?

It’s a nice outdoor entertainment alternative. Period.

On 1/30/2024 at 6:01 PM, TomAndJane said:

I call BS on this.  I am Sapphire on NCL and they never allow flip flops, tank tops etc. in the specialty restaurants unless it is the Sushi bar.  I will agree that NCL is the most lax when it comes to dress code but not what you describe. 

.... and you would be wrong!

On the Joy this past May and that's what people were wearing in The Haven Restaurant and Cagneys.

While we're not "judging", just not the atmosphere for us.  We won't be back.

1 hour ago, mike@sea said:

But since every suite is guaranteed one reservation at Sakura and Marbles each per cruise, why bother ? Why not relax and book it once onboard at the designated desk ? Especially if doing a B2B, which will not get you a reservation for the 2nd cruise before departure anyways. 
Isn’t it easier to do it altogether , once onboard? 

That’s how I will be doing it for my upcoming March cruises. In case it does not work out very well, I will gladly report it here. 
On MS Europa2 it works like that without any problems by the way. No pre reservation possible and necessary. 

 

Basically, because you may not get the time that you want!

The restaurants are very full and even extra reservations when we were on were very contingent on the time that you were willing to accept.

4 hours ago, breadandbutter said:

 

How far in advance can you make dining reservations?

Thank you

60 days….

41 minutes ago, Stickman1990 said:

Thank you - happy to help with info where possible 

 

Were on Crystal Serenity next month so I’ll no doubt be comparing the two lines 

30 minutes ago, Waltershipman said:

Will love that comparison as well 

 

Enjoy

 And thanks 

Will also be curious to hear the comparison!

I'm  going on Celebrity Apex in the spring so am wondering how we'll readapt to big ship cruising!

33 minutes ago, Waltershipman said:

 

Thank you so much I will report back

 

I enjoy your posts

Thanks!

I will be curious to compare Explora to .... Explora!  Back later this winter but it appears that we will have almost double the passengers of the first time.

1 hour ago, Waltershipman said:

SPOT ON sailed EJ in October and loved it and will be on thr new Oceania Vista this week. Lots to experience lots to compare. Certain to please 

Have a great trip - will be eager to hear all about it!

15 minutes ago, auntsally said:

Sailing from Barbados on March 1st, does anyone have any advise regarding evening dress code, for both males and females?

When we were on in November, it was all "elegantly casual".

Men in chinos and polo shirts in the evening, many with button downs and some blazers - very few ties. Definitely no shorts. No formal wear as such.

Afternoons were very casual - t-shirts and shorts in the Emporium, Sakura and Med Yacht Club for lunch.  But again, all "neat" and definitely not slovenly!