Dr. Cocktail

50 minutes ago, mike@sea said:

I agree with most of your observations and I believe we mostly think the same in regards to EJ. 
However, this round of cancellations and they way EJ dealt with it by NOT (!! ) notifying any German nor UK agents ( and probably other EU countries ) with booked passengers on those cruises, is an absolute shame. And inexcusable! 
 

That’s why people are angry, not having meltdowns , but feel they do neither get the respect nor the thanks they deserve for booking early, believing in a brand and promoting the brand, ever since they booked. 

I'm in Canada and my agent never got notification .... can't disagree. My partner and I were joking how unlike most situations, EJ shouldn't have been afraid to hit "reply all"!!!

Let's split the difference - many here have been beyond angry while not fully melting down!

36 minutes ago, Whipsnade said:

I could go on. These are really not just introductory growing pains. They are indicative that they have not really studied the luxury market and probably never sailed on one of the luxury ships. 
We would like to come back. It is that good. But unless our TA can assure us EJ has listened to pax and are getting up to speed it won’t happen. Too many choices out there. 

 

 

 

I'm sorry to hear about this  - really no excuse for rudeness in any staff.

I'm curious to see how things will change when Heiki Berdos returns - she really had zero time on board with paying passengers to have any influence.

Finally, I'm CERTAIN that they will get the message loud and clear when hundreds of New Yorkers start boarding in 12 days time!!!

6 minutes ago, JTor said:

OK great.  hello from University Avenue.

I was just making fun of "snowflake culture" where we're all offended by, well, something!

It's funny how people were having meltdowns on these boards because of the canceled itineraries ... I was "high-five", got to rebook with a discount!

55 minutes ago, JTor said:

 

Dr. Cocktail: sorry I offended you, not the intention.  Don't slam me for being Canadian though, apparently Americans just voted us the 2nd best country in the world, after Switzerland and before Sweden...

 

 

Um, did you check under my avatar?  I'm talking to you from Midtown!!!

That was homespun, Canadian sarcasm!

Not offended .... just totally agreeing with your observations and totally in line with many of my previous posts.  

12 hours ago, JTor said:

 

 

I’m sorry you didn’t have a nice time.  I’m perplexed though by the comments in this thread suggesting that there have been ever so many reviews of this ship when it has been sailing for less than a month…. how many “real people” have even been on the ship yet?  Yes we are likely hearing a lot from people who are biased because they were “comped” but we may similarly be hearing from people who are biased because they got on board a ship before it had even been taken out of its packaging….. perhaps we need a few more months or even a year before we can really judge “who will like it” or if anyone will? I am going to try to keep an open mind and judge for myself when I get on board.  (also making a lot of assumptions about what people in their 30-50’s will or won’t want or tolerate if you are yourself a lot older is a bit offensive.  I don’t assume I know what you want, and you probably don’t really know what I want either.  How about you report your experience and I will report mine? Then we can learn from each other)

Whoa, whoa, whoa .... not liking this common sense Canadian vibe from you.  It's mean, triggering and possibly offensive.

.... and basically what I've been saying on these boards for weeks!

There's usually a price to pay for being an early adapter but frequently many great surprises too!

Cruisecritic members form such a  small  proportion of cruisers and bring all sorts of "previously sailed on biases" with them.  Admittedly, the prices probably should have been adjusted for these early sailings but I remain extremely optimistic about my upcoming sailings.

45 minutes ago, Critically Cruising said:

Hopefully, I will be able to make this a regular series of posts for the sailing from Reykjavik to New York.  As a bit of background, I've had a couple decades of cruising with about a hundred segments all told.  Most all on the luxury lines of Crystal, Regent, Silversea and Seabourn.  A couple here and there on Oceania, Azamara, Windstar and Celebrity with the one-off HAL, Princess, PG and RCI.

 

A lot of initial reactions to the first afternoon, evening and next daytime.  As mentioned in another thread, I've already had a different experience than another CC poster, so let's see how it goes.  More to follow.  And glad to answer questions, if can provide the answer.

 

 

Thanks for taking the time to post! Hopefully things will settle themselves (in a positive way) as your journey progresses!

3 hours ago, travelberlin said:

Looking forward to your review from your cruise with Explora. When is that?

End of the year!

5 minutes ago, morpheusofthesea said:

I took the time to look up synonyms for ' final goodbyes'.

Still impressive that your computer was able to function through the Miasma of Negativity pervading this forum. I'm surprised that wifi was able to penetrate the cloud!

3 minutes ago, morpheusofthesea said:

 it's adieu, goodbye, adios, bon voyage, bye-bye, and cheerio.

I'm impressed!  You correctly didn't say "au revoir"!

Many thanks to you all!!!

Booked the V1 - THIS is what I love about CruiseCritic - no whining or trashing, just helping each other out!!!

Thanks!

More thoughts and opinions greatly appreciated!

Happy Thursday!

I'm booking my first Seabourn cruise on Ovation and have actually held a V2 but was curious about the cheaper V1's. The majority are above a mysterious White Area on deck 4 on the deck plans forward of the restaurant and behind the Medical Center.

Could someone possibly tell me what that area is and if anyone has stayed in the V1 category?

Many thanks!

54 minutes ago, Nunagoras said:

So... On "that" other big social media outlet, Michael Ungerer, EJ's CEO, is cited saying that EJ fleet will have 4 ships!... Not 5 or 6 like has been thought elsewhere. So, have they denied to firm some 2 orders?... This thing is not going like planned by any means... They'll only commit for firm orders, not additional optional ones. If true, this is the first time I notice such a thing like this in the industry since I started my cruising's "career" back some 20 years ago. Someone more knowledgeable will likely to shine in with other incidents of this sort, if any they may know.

 

On the positive side, E3-E4 will be LNG powered permitting them some more destinations than what they have now. Nordic seas are on my mind, exactly. That would to be great on a time when cruising said region is becoming mostly a top of the tops full luxury sort of thing. Time will tell.

Cruise Industry New is reporting that: "The Explora III will launch in summer 2026 and be the first of Explora Journeys’ four luxury vessels to be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), the world’s cleanest maritime fuel available at scale that plays a key role towards the decarbonization of international shipping"

That is, four vessels powered by LNG.

What Michael Ungerer said is: “The double event today marks another major step forward on our mission to redefine ocean travel for today’s discerning luxury travellers.  Following the successful launch of Explora I and the incredibly positive feedback from the first guests, travel advisors and media, who had a chance to experience the Ocean State of Mind, the story continues, and we are now beyond thrilled to witness the next important construction milestones for both Explora II and our first LNG powered ship Explora III. We are proud that our four ships are built by Fincantieri, further underlining our commitment to Italy.”

Which leaves me confused ...... or simply, 5 and 6 remain as options as is common with many ship orders.

35 minutes ago, AtA said:

How do you know that?

And top pay isn't everything if one isn't treated well. I know many who returned to Crystal and took a pay cut to come back because their sense of pride and dignity was more important.

It’s been all over the web how much Explora is paying in crew blogs and such. 

Actually , how do YOU know that Explora crew are not being treated well?

4 hours ago, Mr Luxury said:

I'm just wondering if some of those good staff that flew the nest from other luxury lines might be re thinking their career move.

Explora pays more than anyone else so I sincerely doubt it!

1 hour ago, uktog said:

Be prepared for the value of any 30% “gift”

to be obliterated 

I am still keeping my rose coloured glasses on until further notice!

2 hours ago, CruiseCrew123 said:

Has anyone seen any prices for the revised itineraries ? 

1 hour ago, travelberlin said:

It seems that the prices will not be published for the time being. You can only know how much the cruise you like cost via your TA.

According to my travel agent, all will be revealed on September 7.

9 minutes ago, morpheusofthesea said:

That wine may even taste better.

https://cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/2023/04/cunard-reveals-why-chocolate-tastes-better-at-sea/?feed_id=2358&_unique_id=64307c875311f

 

 

One hundred percent fascinating (and true!)…

Thanks for a positive post on this board for a change…

59 minutes ago, morpheusofthesea said:

Based on the presented anecdotal evidence on this thread we are most likely to book a second 2 week cruise before trying our first this December/January. The Captain and her officers keeping their distance from passengers is more professional, than the gregarious type that have shown to be the first to leave the ship than 'go down with the ship'. What appears to be a negative for some is actually our positive. We could care less for the quality of toilet paper as long as than is ample product some countries do not even use these types of toilets that require paper. This Explora Journeys is becoming more to our liking the more we read. Thank you.

Brothers from a different mother???!!!!  (or a sister?!)

I had three booked and am booking a fourth!

The "old model" doesn't really work for me any more but I do like a Cruise Director to get the "feel" of the crowd as to what entertainment will be on offer as it is so free flowing. There IS one coming and it was also referenced in one of the always reliable UKTOG's posts.

OK - for what I'm paying I will respectfully disagree on the toilet paper. Too many memories of my first visit to Eastern Europe in the 70's with their notorious TP specialty that was waxed paper on one side but remarkable enough sand paper on the other!

Oceania had astonishingly brusque officers and I couldn't confirm that a Captain was actually on Regent. I could frankly care less but I do appreciate senior officers making the rounds, again just to get a feel of the place. The p---ing contests that are the repeaters receptions drive me insane. Hours of humble bragging that I can never get back in my life.

So yes - here's to something new!  When you make an omelet, you're gonna break some eggs!

15 hours ago, Whipsnade said:

Captain is a she. Seen her rarely. There is no such thing on this ship as Captain’s Welcome Party and staff introduction. No captain’s table in dining room. No photos posted of senior staff or bios in daily program. There isn’t even a Main Dining Room but six very nice venues. 
There is no Cruise Director or assistants. No Team Trivia. 
All takes a little getting used to. Not sure yet how I feel about this new way of cruising after 60 years of traditional routines. At first it was jarring and impersonal but getting used to it. We were not particularly partial to welcome and farewell parties especially after the first of several segments. 
This is more like a bus on a continuing journey rather than a cruise with a distinct beginning and end. Some passengers come for as few as three days. Some, like us, are here for a month. 
Live and learn, right? 

What's interesting is that there IS a CD hired - she just hasn't boarded yet which begs the question/statement:  "HUH??!!!"

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanyacroberts/

I was trying to figure this out but someone else was also listed on Linkedin as CD but their posts stopped 5 months ago .... I'm wondering if Tanya wasn't  immediately available after the first person didn't work out ....

1 minute ago, saminina said:

 Regent is a cruise line I do not recognize.

I’m surprised - RSSC is usually mentioned along with the lines you mentioned.

5 minutes ago, saminina said:

Muzak might be something MSC/YC passengers enjoy.  Not so much for folks sailing Crystal/SB/SS/H-L.   Further proof target demo lies elsewhere.

Please read my post #196!!!!

13 hours ago, goldengatecruisers said:

I was not expecting muzak to be played around the ship.  Do you mean in passenger corridors, elevator banks, walking from venue to venue? 

8 hours ago, bitob said:

This all sounds pretty awful to me. 
cancelling. 
I am not their target customer

3 hours ago, Whipsnade said:

Muzak in halls, elevators and all public areas. Not in cabins unless you turn it on. 
large screens astern, central atrium and journeys lounge. No sound, just a three min continuous video loop promoting Explora. Very annoying. 

1 hour ago, uktog said:

Muzak is a cheap deal breaker- but I’m stuck with vouchers because they messed me around so much and continue to do so

Sorry but terrible Costco level Muzak played EVERYWHERE on Seven Seas Splendor!!!

It’s particularly bad in all the restaurants.

36 minutes ago, bitob said:

trying 2 ways

Explora%20Journeys%20-%20Journey%20Planner%20EXPLORA%20I%20MAY%202024%20-%20APRIL%202025%2023082023.pdf 256.36 kB · 4 downloads

Thank you sooooooo much …. My travel agent is literally arriving back from a vacation today and I didn’t want to give her a stroke!!!

What a poo show…..

51 minutes ago, bitob said:

Just got Explora 1 itineraries from my TA

totally different

my feb 2025 cruise is gone

Would you mind posting the itineraries?  I need to start replanning my obviously canceled booking…..