Hello- we are booked in January and I am enjoying your comments. However, apart from the OP and Stickman, who have clearly stated that they are onboard, it’s hard for me to be clear who is speaking from experience cruising on this ship, vs. not. Correctly or not, we are regarding Explora as a new line and not judging them based on whatever the economy line of MSC did or didn’t do in the past. Sure, we can all chip in and debate about what might be, just for fun, but the only informed opinions are from people who have experienced the ship.
Can anyone post part of the “included” wine list? My DH and I are both very serious about wine. We do not judge by price but rather by quality and enjoyment. Our greatest thrill is discovering underpriced wines from lesser-known producers, small farms and “unfamous” wine regions. Frankly I would rather drink an excellent grower producer wine from Portugal or Chile that cost $15 than a $1500 champagne produced by a factory and priced according to the strength of its marketing. If the wine on board is tasty, diverse enough to match appropriately with the food they are serving, and included in the price, I will be happy. The worst thing for me is if they stock all the overpriced, overly alcoholic California things that those with more money than taste insist on ordering to “impress” their equally pompous business associates - you can probably guess some of the wines of which I am thinking.
I noticed on their website that there seem to be a lot of smoking areas scattered around the ship…. starboard and port, fore and aft…. have you been bothered by smoking everywhere? This is a big worry for me and my family as we are health conscious and never around smokers in our home life so really don’t want to turn what should be a getaway from unhealthy stress into an even more unhealthy environment. Thanks