commodoredave

I was wondering if Emerald may be trying to take business away from SeaDream. There’s a sizeable market for yacht-like cruise ships, and SD’s ship are very old. 

5 hours ago, saminina said:

Maybe because not all children grow up equally.

How so? 

13 hours ago, stan01 said:

 

I am surprised at how many likes I have (seven and counting), not sure if that means people agree or they are acknowledging a strong opinion 🙂

 

For Explora and Ritz Carlton:  I do wonder if the shorter 6-8 day itineraries are going to attract a lot of families with children along with a younger demographics of people whose jobs don't permit longer vacations.  These ships are not set up with areas for families, and if a poorly supervised group of kids takes over the pool area(s) it really would detract from our experience.  Nothing against kids, just that these ships are not set up to handle them in a separate area where other passengers won't be disturbed.  Of course some parents are very watchful of their kids and would not allow them to disturb others.  But if the kids are disturbing others the crew seems unable to do anything in our experience.

 

Agree. When we cruise with our grand children, we go on a mass market line like NCL that provides lots of activities and facilities for children. The kids have more fun and they do not interfere with adult activities or facilities. Why anyone would want to subject young children to an ultra-luxury cruise ship experience with little or no ability to entertain them is beyond me. Maybe others can explain their logic.

5 hours ago, Host Jazzbeau said:

Scenic (River Ships and now Ocean Yachts) is all-inclusive.  Emerald (River Ships and now also Ocean Yachts) was designed to offer much of the same quality but keep the prices down a bit by limiting what is included.  The extreme example being that the Scenic yachts include submarines and helicopters, which even if you don't pay the premium for those activities inevitably raise the cost of operating the ships.

 

 ^Flights on board our two helicopters, helicopter experiences, and submersible at additional cost

https://www.scenicusa.com/ocean

Thanks for the explanation. Will there be a point in time when CC provides a dedicated forum for Emerald ocean yachts?

5 minutes ago, Dr. Cocktail said:

Now, now - don’t be like everyone else reviewing before you sailed!

 

TBD in person!

Well, as long as they keep the tattoo parlour closed while I’m on board, I’ll give it a chance.

Why does Scenic operate two ocean going cruise lines - Scenic and Emerald - and what are the major differences between them?

On 2/19/2024 at 3:59 AM, Fletcher said:

A perennial and interesting topic.  I currently find myself on Silversea cruises (two last year, two this) because of the itineraries, though Silversea has already completely cocked up our so-called expedition cruise next April.  This has nothing to do with Suez/Houthis etc.  But on that subject, many people have complained about lack of information from Silversea about cancellations.  

 

If you want to do a 'classic' cruise on a biggish ship then Silversea has a broad choice, including some recent ones like the Dawn, the Nova and the Ray.  Once they were market leaders in the expedition sector but now lag behind Seabourn with its new purpose-built Venture and Pursuit.  Silversea's Cloud and Wind are old-school, old-tech conversions of classic cruisers.  Silver Endeavour is the only one of their fleet I'd consider taking to Antarctica. I still think Seabourn's ships - Quest class or Ovation class - are the best-designed I have ever been on, mainly because of their vast deck space. Seabourn's decor is also superior as Silversea is a bit too beige for me.

 

On a more general note, I always have preferred the vibe on Seabourn ships.  Silversea is a bit more dressy, a bit more formal, which isn't to my taste.  I also think the Silversea butler thing is pretty silly. I mean, seeing men waltzing around in tail coats when you come back on board covered in penguin poo is ridiculous.  I think service levels are pretty much equal and ditto the food.  You can pay extra on Silversea at La Dame for fancy glassware and cutlery which is a treat I am obstinately resistant to.  All Seabourn feeding stations are included and I'm delighted to see they have finally dumped Thomas Keller. 

 

So you can tell I prefer Seabourn, though Silversea  currently has - for me - the more attractive itineraries.  And that's the only reason I go on ships.  

Your comments are fair and interesting. Like you, we choose between the two based on itinerary and price. But we enjoy both and would never say “no” to a bargain on either!

6 minutes ago, Dr. Cocktail said:

Is your wife on CC?

Yes, but she doesn’t know who I am. Please don’t tell her!

On 2/10/2024 at 10:29 PM, Whipsnade said:

Not for me. 

I agree. I like a country club casual dress code for the Caribbean. But I’m not into the gangsta dress code. Guess this will be our first and last cruise on Explora.

On 2/10/2024 at 9:54 PM, nigelc said:

Well just out of the med restaurant and was sat next to a man in shorts, a hoodie and flip flops - a relaxed dress code is one word for it lol.

Was he an officer?!

On 2/24/2024 at 2:15 PM, Dr. Cocktail said:

Keep an eye out for the two guys with the “interesting” t-shirts 👕!

I’d rather keep an eye out for two gals with interesting T-shirts, but I’ll take the bait anyway. 

19 hours ago, Dr. Cocktail said:

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

I wanted to follow in your footsteps, but kept falling over!

54 minutes ago, cruisingxpert said:

Same question.  Was this more than 60 days before embarkation?

 

I got this answer from Explora by email and on the phone

"

Within 60 days prior to your Journey you will be able to pre book a table for the following restaurants:

Anthology
Sakura
Marble & Co.

Do not hesitate in contacting us by the time of your request.

Have a good day 


Lanz Maestri

Experience Ambassador

EXPLORA JOURNEYS"

Within 60 days. 

1 hour ago, Stickman1990 said:

Were on Serenity at the moment - it’s great - basically what old Crystal was with some tweaks eg new Italian restaurant and many more larger suites (but less overall capacity)

The entertainment and enrichment programme is top notch 

 

Having said that we’re definitely returning to Explora as well as we really enjoyed our time on her - and the dining is superb

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.

On 2/1/2024 at 10:00 PM, Whipsnade said:

I agree with Stick 100%. A&K in partnership with Manfredi d’Ovidio bought the ships. Manfredi flush with cash after he sold Silversea to RCL. He has always wanted to be Crystal. Now has the chance. 
We are on board Symphony now. Couldn’t be happier. Have booked three more Crystals in 24, half of WC in 25 and about to book end of 25 in Red Sea. Canceling all my Explora bookings. Crystal 25% cheaper in top  cabin categories. And Crystsl at least 50% better all around. 
And remember, due to Ei and Moecker we didn’t lose a dime on collapse iof old Crystal thanks to New Crystal. 

Good to hear. Haven’t considered a return to Crystal yet, but your experience may be the push we need.

On 1/30/2024 at 6:49 PM, PutnamNY said:

Our Explora Journeys travel advisor took care of our restaurant bookings for Marble, Anthology and Sakura at the time of booking the cruise. Very simple and fast. 

Us too. We got the dates and times we wanted. 

It’s a no-no to tell-tell other people-people how to tip-tip!

On 1/4/2024 at 8:34 PM, kidless said:

We gave additional tips to those that exceeded our expectations. Not sure I trust a “fund” who manages fund and decides who gets it?

Agree. In my view, the best way to reward exceptional service is to tip the person who renders it. If that person decides to share their tip with others, it’s their choice.

When companies make up their own language to describe what consumers are used to calling something else, I often wonder if it’s because they don’t fare well in direct comparisons.

It’s sad and a poor reflection on the ignorance of some people that even on a luxury line that some pax feel they need to hog pool chairs. If everyone left them empty when not in use, there would likely be no issue with finding one when needed. 

I was not able to provide the requested information or check in via the EJ website. I had to ask my TA to do everything for me. My TA told me that the EJ website is the laughing stock of the cruise industry and that they are constanty having to intervene on behalf of clients. I spent 2 hours trying to check in before asking my TA to help, and that was extremely frustrating. 

So, at this point, my opinion of EJ before even getting on the ship is 0 out of 10. The crew will have to work overtime to make up for the useless website and incompetent shoreside management. 

At this point, I'm thinking it's one and out with EJ.

While we enjoyed our SeaDream cruise, it did not knock our socks off, mainly because of the design of the ship. However, the crew made up for some of that with their terrific service and attitude. I always thought if I could take the crew and put them on a newer vessel, it would be perfect. I'll report back next January on my experience.

I've decided to take the easy path and do Emerald first to do my own evaluation.

On 2/2/2024 at 7:10 AM, misztercruizer said:

Dave, 

  You may be interested to see the review Ben & David mad on Seadream before and now.

They sailed two times, once during covid.

   

 

Frankly, can’t tolerate these types of reviews. All hyperbole and takes ages to provide any information, some of which is useless. Are there any serious reviews out there?

4 hours ago, misztercruizer said:

MrDave,

  We sailed on Explora1 from Iceland To NYC last September had a fantastic trip all 1st class service and great food. Would like to book again soon.

  We will be on Seadream1 next week out of San Juan with a BtB for a 14 day trip. We are looking forward to the relaxed atmosphere. First time on SD1  I never see any roll calls for this line I guess people will get to know everyone on board because of the size.

  TA love EJ because of the upgrade they offer in commissions. It helps them fill the ship. I did notice the prices are getting a little high on Explora Journeys.  Enjoy!

 

MiszterCruizer, I would be interested in your view of SeaDream after your upcoming voyage . I have not been back on SD since they renovated their two ships. I found SD1 a bit tired looking before the renovation,