xrvlcruiser

I was in both the Concierge (deck9) and PH (deck12) and preferred the Concierge suite. It had a deeper balcony, a larger closet, and for me better laid out storage. I hardly used my Butler although he was very nice. I always prefer to be on a lower deck and in the middle of the ship.

Peggy

I loved the cooking classes - I only took 2 (Mediterranean and Grilling).

There is more discussion/information in the longer thread about the MV trip.

Peggy

I took 2 Culinary Arts Kitchen classes and enjoyed them both. Mediterranean and Grilling (called something else but that's what it was about).

I had taken several on O over a year ago and they are very similar. Chef Kelly - assisted by Chef Noelle and several others - made it a very good experience. The main difference is on the Explorer each person has his/her own spot - no sharing. I think the class limit is 18.

Do it and have fun!

Peggy

One comment about the bed in the PH suite: I like a very hard mattress. The top part of my mattress was removed - it unzips - and the mattress is firmer. The other advantage for me - at 5'1/2" - is that it is not as high - lower by several inches. I had no problem climbing up onto the bed as it was originally but it is nice not to have to do that!

Peggy

I agree with Rich about the differences and I too prefer the Concierge suite.

I stayed in a deck 9 Concierge suite for the Christening cruise and am now in a deck 12 PH.

One other difference is that the balcony in my Concierge was 1/3 deeper than the one in the PH. I'm sure the PH balcony is wider since the cabin is larger but the depth made a big difference to me - the lounge chair in the PH faces the divider wall while the one for the Concierge faced the water.

One plus for the PH is that the marble sink counter in the is white and in the Concierge is black.

In general: many of us are finding that magnets do not work on the walls - hard to post things as in the past.

Having mentioned the above, I think the ship is stunning - I love the original paintings and the classic photos.

Peggy

Avidtraveler,

My penthouse has a magnifying mirror just as you enter the bathroom - attached to the wall but swings out and is 2 sided.

There was none in the Concierge suite.

Peggy

Patti,

I went to deck 14 just before going down to Randall's "conversation" and one steward was near there. neither door was open but will check later.

Update: I went up to deck 14 - it is 9am here - and neither closet door is open and this would be prime cleaning time. One cabin door was open so I assume it was "in the process".

As far as doors closing on my deck - 12 - I have not heard anyone's close at all.

One more thing - the halls are narrower than on the other ships and the stewards/stewardesses do not use the big carts but what look more like carry-ons. which they pull along the halls.

If you look at deck 14 from the pool area - the outside/back of the closet have white sculptures on those walls.

Peggy

Patti,

I went to deck 14 and there are doors at the end of the corridors beyond 1408 and 1409. I asked the steward who was there and they are supply closets. They should not obstruct either entrance doors.

Peggy

The ship is simply stunning - very elegant and not over the top. I love that all the art is "original" - paintings in every suite and classic photos as well.

My opinion: the food has been excellent in all the venues and the new menu in Compass Rose is terrific - I'm glad to know that the same sort of thing will ultimately be on all the ships.

I agree with Rich - the "bath mat" is terrific and I was also told that the marble floors in the baths have been treated so they are non-slip . . yippee!

Congratulation Regent:The Explorer is wonderful!

Peggy

Looking forward to seeing everyone soon!

Peggy

Snack daddy,

I'm doing a class on the next cruise and will let you know. Since the staff is the same as on Oceania - where

I took a few classes - I am sure it will be great

Peggy

I have no idea what plane I flew on (BA NY to LHR) last night - I

I was in 13 J - not very comfortable. The seat next to it faced back. The schedule suited me but I got to where I needed to be.

Kathryn Kelly. Oh good!

100 percent correct Beth!

I'm so sorry.

My condolences to Betsy as well.

Peggy

I'm curious what her name is . . .

Farbster,

Who is teaching the cooking classes?

Thanks . . . Peggy

Culinary space: can't wait to see that.

Also, I love that it looks like the art is original in all spaces. I know this is an area FDR feel is important.

Peggy

Farbster,

Thanks so much!

Peggy

Wow . . . .

I wondered the same thing. Maybe the cabins were not open for viewing . . .

By the way, the Explorer and the Navigator are both in Toulon

Peggy

I think it must be the laundry detergent . . . . .thanks

Lawrence - one question - I asked on your site - what is the "box" - next to last photo?

The pictures are marvelous - thanks so much!

Peggy

USA Today and Avid Cruiser posted some as well. The links are in "the other" thread.

Jamie Logan is CD at the moment.