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Really enjoy your comments, particularly since we'll be following ya'll very soon, boarding on Sunday for Explorer's Christmas cruise, and you're just whetting our already high anticipation.

By the way, there is another option if you can't decide on your next cruise: make an open booking. My understanding is you put down $3,000 and use it to make an 'on-board' booking. useable within the next two year, OR you can get all your money back during that period (but beware; after 2 years, it is forfeit!). I didn't know about the on-board booking $100 on-board credit, but if you do get that, I suppose the 'full refund' would be reduced by the $100. to pay them back for the credit you got on this cruise.

I'm sure the cruise consultant on board will know all about it, and will explain all the ins and outs. I think we used one of these 'open' reservations to book our up-coming Christmas cruise, or if not, then our Explorer trans-Atlantic>Barcelona>Venice cruise in March-April 2017. Its a nice option to have available, particularly if your planning is constrained by employment or health considerations.

Again, thanks for the marvelous commentary on this exciting new ship!

I should have made it "like Regent used to do" - We were so fortunate have to been on the Seven Seas Voyager's, preceded by a FREE western Med shakedown cruise and, because we had booked the 12 day (mostly eastern) Med maiden cruise, we got to stay on board in Monaco for two extra days, for the Christening, which took place at the brand new cruise terminal in Monaco; it's very first use as well! Delightful, just absolutely delightful.

My lovely wife and I had lunch with the Crown Prince of Monaco, . . . . . and about 300 of his closest friends. The scrumptious menu included Dover sole accompanied by a Montrachet, followed by Kobe beef accompanied by a 1st growth Bordeaux. Probably the best lunch we ever had. The only downside was most of the attendees had to listen to the Archbishop of Monaco blather on (in French, of course) for at least 20 minutes - he was supposed to give a 2-3 minute Benediction, but apparently didn't get the word. I managed to miss most of that; - our suite was on the wharf side of the ship, so I stayed put and watched from the balcony, escaping into the room after 3 or 4 minutes of His Grace's preachment.

Over 11 years ago now. Don't think they'll do it for the new Seven Seas Explorer. A shame, but things have changed so much, generally not for the good.