maggie.1008

How would you compare Explora to Scenic? I know the ship is much smaller. 

Tim, please refresh my memory and let me know your itinerary. 

We just missed seeing Heike by one day. We sailed with her a few times on Azamara. 

Can you please find out what her schedule is for next year. I assume she will be going to Explora  2. 

Hoping for warmer weather and smooth seas for you to enjoy. 

So sorry Tim ! Bad luck. Wishing you a speedy recovery. 

Weather is perfect in LA today, cheers 

They plan on having 6 ships by 2028. I’m sure there will be many more choices. 
Now they have many back to backs so you can have a longer cruise with different itinerary. 
At this point in our lives it’s more about the ship, so Explora suits us.

I feel Explora is definitely as good as Seabourn, Silver Sea, Regent or Crystal. They all have their strong points, depending on your preference. 

There was a lovely piano player and a young man who sang. Another man played the piano and sang later in the evening. 
Around 10pm there was a dj in one of the lounges.

During the day they had several enrichment speakers.

As I posted before, Explora is more like a Four Seasons or Ritz land hotel.

if a lot of activity and entertainment is important to you then there are many other lines that may be a better fit. 

Jim, I think you and Iian would really enjoy. 
The only Cons are the bathroom is small with only one sink but a large walk in shower.

Entertainment is on the mellow side. We were in bed early in Hawaii so maybe things picked up later in the evening. 
Otherwise we loved it. 

I think if you were board on Regent then you will probably feel the same on Explora. Very classy and mellow vibe. It’s more like a 4 Seasons or Ritz Carlton land hotel.

They also have a Dyson hair dryer in the dressing room. I believe there is one in every cabin. I want one now, I think they are about $500. 😳

Explora has free Wi fi, all beverages (except super high end) 

Butlers only in the high-end Residents suites. Our Stewardess / Host could help us with anything we needed. 

The excursions are not included but we always do our own thing when it comes to tours. 

They have five different restaurants that are included and one pay for. We didn`t go to the pay one because we don`t really enjoy the 5 course meals anymore. 

All beverages are included except the super high end. That is the same as the other luxury lines. 

The website goes into detail about the comp restaurants if you are interested.

Yes, we are going on the Edge to Alaska in August and after that I will be booking Explora whenever I can. 

Welcome home Jim. As always, I enjoyed your travels and beautiful pictures. 

I just came off the Explora 1 and was at the YVR airport the same day as you and Iian. 

We had two legs home and both flights were an hour late. 

I just posted a review about our cruise that I think you will be interested in. 

Cheers, Heather

I just came off the Explora Journey's Explora 1. There will be 5 more ships by 2028.This is a luxury line, and the price point is from $600 to $1000pp pn.

Our cruising history is 68 cruises. Half on Celebrity and half on the luxury and Premium lines. We consider X to be the best of the Mass cruise lines.

We were in a Premium Penthouse Suite, and I think about the same price as a Royal Suite on X. 

We have only been in Sky and Celebrity suites on X so I can`t compare anything above that level. We consider AQ cabins a good value,

 but X suites have increased so much that we decided to go back to try the luxury lines. 

I have been waiting for Explora Journey 1 to sail since it was being built in Italy. My expectations were very high! Well, they exceeded my expectations. 

The ship and cabins are beautiful. Food and service wowed us. Granted the ship holds 900 passengers and we were only half full. They have their second ship coming out in August, so I think they may have had extra crew onboard to train. It felt like the ratio was 1 to 1.

Explora Journey`s is owned by MSC shipping company but is nothing like the Mass MSC CruiseLine. 

Happy to answer any questions as I know Jim, Iian and others have been interested. This is an all-inclusive line, and we had a hard time spending our OBC. 

They do run sales so keep your eyes open on their website.  Cheers, Heather

Love the West Coast cruises. So tired of the Caribbean.

I guess I am some folks 😜

Glad we have so many choices. I have been on Regent, Silver Seas, Crystal and Seabourn. Explora is my favorite. How fortunate we are. 🛳️

I just got off the ship on Monday. We had a smashing time, you are going to love Explora. 
My new favorite cruise ship. 🛳️ Cheers, Heather 

I hope not. We just came back yesterday from our first Explora cruise. I didn’t see any children onboard. I think the size is perfect and wouldn’t want to see a larger ship.

We just came off Explora yesterday in Vancouver. Explora exceeded our expectations. 
We have cruised on all the luxury and premium lines and Explora is our new favorite. 
I hope you enjoy as much as we did. We will definitely sail with Explora again. 

We have friends on this cruise so I will be following along.

I also was born in Glasgow and my mum made the best mince. Miss her so 😪

We are on day five at sea on Explora 1, arriving tomorrow at noon in Victoria.

Haven’t seen another ship. 

Large tables always ruin the ambiance for everyone else.