Noggins

See current live thread.....

Think I forgot this...

After a bit of rummaging..... (One dud, I think but one OK?) VID_20240312_224731392.mp4 VID_20240312_224613439.mp4

Yes, I know we've been here before and, yes, I know we have Terry's (Stickman's) review / comparison coming up following his recent Serenity cruise. But the EJ product delivery is clearly evolving. Almost 2 years ago, when Crystal was no more we booked a 10 day Caribbean trip. It has finally come around and we are a few days in. I have been trying to capture the daily essence of things and, if that could be of interest to you, pop across to the Explora forum. It's too early for conclusions but what I will say at this point is: - it's way better than expected (but not perfect. Who's perfect?) - it feels like it could be future Crystal. The hardware is just what Crystal could do with. (I forget who suggested Crystal take two of the 4 EJ ships off their hands. An inspired idea - but surely won't happen!) I'll be back here when we're done to offer my detailed summary comparison to help anyone still deciding whether to mix up their cruising experiences with something new Adrian

And then the show. After last night's train wreck tonight was a triumph and as good as we've seen, of its type, anywhere, on any ship First of all the real, high quality musicians had grown to 5 in number. The arrangements were first class, the staging high tech, the sound spot on and the performances outstanding. Shame it was a thin crowd but it was an appreciative one. No standing ovation at the end which was a relief as they are just too readily given these days - although wait, this evening was deserving of one! If you weren't there the videos might give you a small taster. Oh, they are not videos - where do I find the videos ...?

Tonight.... Two posts tonight. We went to the Explora Lounge on 11. We were 2 of about 6 there and caught the last 2 items from the pianist, Justine. Then all the way back down (all those stairs....) to the Yacht Club. It was busy and buzzy - in a good way and we got 'the last table' and a slightly unnecessary apology for it being a 'poor' table. We actually had our second best meal and didn't find it difficult to put together a new combination of dishes for this second visit. A couple of photos. The bread basket is the best on the ship. Once again the dessert was excellent. Service was very attentive despite the number of diners. But by the time we were finished we were almost the last to leave. 10pm, or thereabouts.

Costco? Maybe old stock? Or, wait, maybe it WAS cost related. Thank you for shining a light on a different possible explanation. 🤪

Just to pass on what others have reported here - apparently Moet couldn't make enough to keep up with onboard consumption (no, don't look at me....). Obviously it had nothing, absolutely nothing, to do with cost. Call me a champagne philistine but I don't think the change will mar your experience one jot. 🥂🍾

Disappointing but plays to my theory that the OBC largesse these days - funded by the fare / commission structure - means the lines have to devalue those OBC dollars and the only mechanism they have is crazy excursion / wine charges.

We've been getting a gift every evening. This is unexpected and appreciated. Last night's gift was this elegant notebook. I was brought up to appreciate gifts and to always say thank you. But I'm bound to ask - who, in 2024, does writing? In a notebook? Now, I'm a child of the 50's and I know what a pen is but EJ's target market surely only know of keyboards for the purpose of writing! Sad to say the gifts have not been improving. The tote bag was probably the best. Here is tonight's 'gift'... But we've had a wonderful sunset and the pours in the bar on 14 extra generous. So they give and they take. The way of the world...

Now, listen, the quality of the humour round here is poor enough without contributions like that. 😎

Well done, good result, WH. We dutifully attended the destination lecture yesterday and after 40 minutes off topic we got 5 minutes worth of information on VG. Unfortunately it did not prepare the DIYer well. In fact it made me wonder whether the lecturer had ever visited the island. Of course, I can only blame myself for lack of advance research. More positively we got some exercise, paddled along an OK beach and got the right to say, airily, in appropriate future conversations 'oh yes, we've been to Virgin Gorda'.....

Last night.... We're falling into something of a routine with champers at sunset at the outside aft bar on 14. A very pleasant spot with enthusiastic bar staff. The pre dinner drinks in the atrium bar is proving slightly less successful on account of the seating being a case of style over function. There's seating for about 12 people when a different seating set up could seat, maybe, 30. There are so many bars you'd think you were spoilt for choice but several outside bars close and we need to find a new location tonight. Dinner was in Fil Rouge and was very successful. There was more space between the tables where we were seated so no conversation possibilities. Great service and a difficult choice come dessert which could only be resolved in one way.... Less successful was the late show which we actually managed to make. Comedy can be very hit and miss but from the flat audience response throughout we were not the only ones to think it was, well, terrible. Today we have arrived at Virgin Gorda - new to us. We've had a successful breakfast at Fil Rouge (items came as ordered and the only adjustment necessary was to put the main course items on one plate rather than two) and we're ready to go off and explore. Adrian

It does seem odd that they would buy a few thousand books then let guests have a choice of, maybe, 4 (half are in a foreign language). Or perhaps the idea was to get guests fraternising and popping in and out of each others rooms? (Oh dear, maybe Maggie was after a sight of my books rather than my good looks.....😬)

Thanks - I must have a closer look. First impression was there was not much there. I'll try again.

They don't make all those french oak barrels for nothing!

I know the included wine list has been posted before but I'm not certain whether the current list has changed at all. What I do know is that the Merlot and first Malbec have suited our taste best. The second Malbec isn't available. Our white wine preference is an oaked Chardonnay. There isn't one of those. This resulted in my wondering if, on the chargeable list, there was an affordable bottle of our ultimate favourite, a Montrachet (white burgundy made with the Chardonnay grape). There isn't one of those either....at least there is but there again there isn't.....

Afternoon tea has been considerably more successful. By good fortune we found ourselves sat close to the Holy Grail (sometimes called a hot water boiler). We were brought tea pots of water that were stood to one side but when the coast was clear I filled my cup directly from the boiler and got a decent brew. The trolley came promptly and whilst part of me longed for a 3 tier wonder it was no bad thing that we went more modestly.

Oddly, at the other aft pool there was a row of 4 unoccupied beds in the shade which we spotted whilst at breakfast. We took up residence (EJ speak) on one until the pesky sun moved. We retreated to our partially shaded terrace where we have been gradually edging backwards as the sun continues it's remorseless arc. We can see land but there's no TV map / track to tell us where we are. (Ah, why didn't I think of that, I've got a phone in my hand...🤦- Dominican Republic) The seas are very smooth but there is the sound of water regularly cascading onto neighbouring terraces from above. But no screeching - so the neighbours are either out or enjoying themselves.

That's very sweet, Maggie but I'm a happily married man. 😎🤭

Looks random to me... And not to be confused with a more orderly picture of books on the wall!

To us Crystal set the bar in breakfast buffet quality / choice in the luxury sector. But Emporium now takes over the lead. But it will take us a day or two more to get the most out of it for our tastes - such is the choice. We also snagged an outdoor table in the shade. There are not many tables outside. Furthermore they are quite a walk back in to the buffet area itself. What's more, there are steps up and down involved which is not ideal when carrying one (or possibly two ..) plates of food. On the plus side the extra exercise involved going back and forth can reasonably be rewarded with an extra almond croissant....

Surely not - they are so random, and untidy. Definitely not the 'curated' approach with everything else.

Hello Ivi. I don't believe there's a library but without access to a detailed deck plan it's hard to be sure what we might be missing. We do find it a confusing ship to navigate around - and finding a toilet can take you on quite a hike they are so well 'hidden'! But I'm sure familiarity will increase each day. Back to books, though. There are display shelves in our room two of which have become depositories for past guest paperbacks. There must be 10 random books. I'm not convinced that's a good idea. (Imagine that in the days of COVID! 😳)