"Sorta" Live from the Explorer in the Norwegian Fjords

[Hambagahle]

Exactly.  And then breaded and pan fried so the cheese melts - a proper Cordon Bleu is yummy and I far prefer the chicken to the pork - our local butcher sells the pork variety which is too bad!

[Keith1010]

Bob, I have just caught up with the rest of your almost live posts and the first part of your review.

 

I loved each post including narrative and photos.  

 

I applaud your passion and enthusiasm and your ability to make others feel like we are with you two.

 

I look forward to reading the next part of your review and following your next trip.

 

Keep enjoying.

 

Best to you and Jeannie

 

Keith 

[boblerm]

3 hours ago, Keith1010 said:

Bob, I have just caught up with the rest of your almost live posts and the first part of your review.

 

I loved each post including narrative and photos.  

 

I applaud your passion and enthusiasm and your ability to make others feel like we are with you two.

 

I look forward to reading the next part of your review and following your next trip.

 

Keep enjoying.

 

Best to you and Jeannie

 

Keith 

Keith, thank you so much, I very much appreciate your kind words and sentiments.

[boblerm]

Review (Continued)

Ship

Regent claims that the Explorer is  "the most luxurious ship ever built."  I cannot confirm or deny this claim. However, if beauty is in the eye of the beholder, I can say that as I walk around the ship, my eye beholds beauty throughout.  I must add, however, that some consider the decor to be somewhat on the gaudy side.  Different strokes.

 

Compass Rose on deck 4 of the Explorer has a very different look to it than it does on the other ships. 

 

Some find the blue chandelier to be a bit much, I like it quite a lot.  I should note here that those who still have nightmares about the hideous blue cast that in the past was a problem in food photographs from CR in the other ships needn't worry, not a problem here.

 

Leaving Compass Rose you enter the exquisite atrium area.

 

The displays in the cases are, for me, museum quality.

 

 

 

 

 

  On either side of the atrium are Explorer Lounge,

 

 

and the Casino (have never set foot in there)

 

At the opposite end of deck 4 is the Constellation Theater.

 

 

If memory serves, (and it may not), the sight lines here are not quite as good as it is in the theater of the other ships.  Please note that the ramp has some steps in it (again, I do not think the other ships have this).  Please watch your step.

 

 

On deck 5 is reception, destination services,

 

There is a lovely lounge space here.

 

 

 

There is also the Meridian Lounge

 

 

and the coffee connection, (which for some reason, on this ship is called the Cafe and the Coffee Bar.

 

Pacific Rim

 

and the Canyon Ranch spa is here.

 

The Horizon Lounge found on the Voyager and Mariner is lacking here, rather there is an small infinity pool.

 

Decks 6-9 are only notable for the Fitness Center on Deck 6, which I have found to be the best equipped fitness center that I have seen on a cruise ship.

(This is not quite the rave as it may appear, as I must confess that I often resist the siren call of fitness centers while sailing)

 

 

On Deck 10 is Chartreuse

 

and Prime 7.

 

Prime 7 has some interesting artwork in the bar area.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deck 11 has La Veranda/ Sette Mari.

 

The pool deck has a feature that I wish all cruise ships had, namely a "cage" for the smokers. 

 

Forward is the Observation Lounge

 

 

 

 

 

Also the Culinary Arts Center, Library, and Connoisseur Club (I wouldn't even open the door to it)

 

Deck 12 is the Sports Deck, featuring golf (driving net and putting) bocce, shuffleboard (what would a cruise ship be without shuffleboard?), and a paddle tennis court.

 

 

 

 

 

While I won't provide any photos, even the restrooms on this ship carry through the elegant theme, they are marble clad, and sparking clean.   It is a pleasure to go in them.

Sorry.

 

 

There is one major downside to this ship, and it a significant one, for some a deal breaker.  There is no forward facing outdoor area (unless, I assume, one has a forward facing suite.  I only assume as I have never been in one.)  So if one wants a direct front facing view, that is only found in the Observation Lounge.  For photographers, this is a worst case scenario.

 

 

 

My Stateroom

We always sail in the Deluxe Veranda Suites on the other ships, the equivalent here is called "Superior Suite" .  It is similar in size to the Deluxe Veranda suites on the other ships, the Mariner being quite a bit smaller.  (And purely for the purpose of confusing us, there are also rooms called "Deluxe Veranda Suite" on this ship, but are smaller.)

 

 It is laid out differently, the equivalent suites on the other ships having an oblong configuration, this one being more square.  Also, the bed faces the window, not the wall.

 

Here is what I love about this suite:

I find it a bright, cheerful environment to hang out in.

 

The storage space is cavernous, I think I could move in here. (Which makes one wonder- how is it that a cruise line has planners when in designing their new ships know that people actually want places in which to store their stuff, but in redesigning their older ships actually remove storage space???  One of life's great mysteries.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With apologies to Bill Murray in "What About Bob", there are 2 types of people in this world: those who like bathtubs and those that don't.  My wife is a member of the former group, I of the latter.  Fortunately, this is a room in which both types can happily co-exist, there is a tub that you can get lost in, and a very nice shower.

 

 

 

 

Dual sinks make co-existence even easier.

 

 

Here is what I do not love so much:

A minor quibble- the corridor from the living/sleeping area to the closet/ bathroom area is very narrow, one way traffic only.  So if people are entering simultaneously from opposite directions, it can be reminiscent of Robin Hood and Little John crossing the bridge.

 

 

The window is divided into a sliding door and fixed window, divided by a wall, which limits the view.  I'm sure the designers had a good reason for doing this, but I cannot fathom what it was.

 

 

This I really hate- you have to put your keycard in here to make the lights go on.  Had I not have been traveling with someone who is swift enough to remind me to take it every time I leave the room, I would probably have set a world record for visits to reception to let me in.  I know, you can put a credit card it here, frankly, I'm not crazy about the idea of leaving a credit card around either.

 

But all in all, a very livable room.

 

 



 

Edited August 24, 2019 by boblerm

[flossie009]

30 minutes ago, boblerm said:

Which makes one wonder- how is it that a cruise line has planners when in designing their new ships know that people actually want places in which to store their stuff, but in redesigning their older ships actually remove storage space???  One of life's great mysteries.

A perfect observation and a question that both baffles and infuriates many of us 🤨

 

31 minutes ago, boblerm said:

The window is divided into a sliding door and fixed window, divided by a wall, which limits the view.  I'm sure the designers had a good reason for doing this, but I cannot fathom what it was.

Yes, this really spoils what could have been a near perfect suite.

Not such a bright piece of design to reorientate the bed to face the windows .............. then to block the middle part of the view 🙄. No doubt the piece of wall is structural but surely it could have been at the sides.

 

 

Your overall summary and observations about Explorer are generally spot on. IMO a great ship that could/should have been so much better with a little extra thought at the design stage.

[Travelcat2]

Bob - really lovely photos.  What type of camera do you use?  

 

I realize that Explorer isn't perfect but nothing is.  For us, the lack of a forward outside area is not a deal breaker (nor is the theater........ as has been mentioned, there are plenty of seats with good views ..... you just need to get there early).  This is one area that has been changed on Splendor (in addition to the Coffee Connection and the stairs orientation going down to deck 4, PH suites and not having the Prayer Wheel outside of Pacific Rim).

 

In terms of the blocked view in F1/F2 suites, if it is a structural wall, obviously it could not have been moved.  I've seen structural walls moved on house renovation programs and it costs a ton of money to build something to hold up whatever the structural wall was holding up.  This is not something that can be done on a cruise ship.

 

In any case, I'll be missing your posts but it will give me more time to organize and pack for our Crystal mini-cruise in a little over a week.  Only wish that my photos would come out as clear as yours.  I tend to use my iPad because if I take photos with a camera I need to somehow get the photos onto the iPad in order to post.  Obviously I'm not as good with Apple products as I would like to be (but will be taking a couple of classes while on Crystal ....... really wish that Regent had Apple computers - or at least better computers than they currently have).

 

Want to add my thanks for taking the time to post while on vacation.  That is real dedication!

[boblerm]

3 hours ago, flossie009 said:

IMO a great ship that could/should have been so much better with a little extra thought at the design stage.

I know. If only they asked us beforehand, things would have been so much better! 😁

[boblerm]

1 hour ago, Travelcat2 said:

What type of camera do you use?  

For my indoor photos, I use my Galaxy s8 android phone (not interested in carrying around a dslr on board). For my touring photos, I use a Nikon d5600, which is a mid to entry level dslr. The lens that I use goes from 18mm (wide angle) to 3oomm (zoom), made by Sigma, as I'm not going to carry multiple lenses around. 

 

2 hours ago, Travelcat2 said:

In terms of the blocked view in F1/F2 suites, if it is a structural wall, obviously it could not have been moved.  

More likely than not, that is the case, I have no expertise here, but I'm not sure why a structural wall is needed here, but not so on the other ships. Whatever. But still really like this room! 

 

I understand that Crystal gives really good apple courses, I hope you can take some. 

Will you be posting on the Crystal forum? 

I hope you have a great time! 

[Travelcat2]

26 minutes ago, boblerm said:

For my indoor photos, I use my Galaxy s8 android phone (not interested in carrying around a dslr on board). For my touring photos, I use a Nikon d5600, which is a mid to entry level dslr. The lens that I use goes from 18mm (wide angle) to 3oomm (zoom), made by Sigma, as I'm not going to carry multiple lenses around. 

 

More likely than not, that is the case, I have no expertise here, but I'm not sure why a structural wall is needed here, but not so on the other ships. Whatever. But still really like this room! 

 

I understand that Crystal gives really good apple courses, I hope you can take some. 

Will you be posting on the Crystal forum? 

I hope you have a great time! 

 

At the request of someone that I greatly respect (since you have sailed on Crystal, you likely know who I am referring to), I will be posting on the Crystal board as well as on the Regent board.  On the Regent board I will post many, many photos ....... of the ship, the suite and the food.  On the Crystal board, I will simply react to what we are experiencing.  At the end of the cruise, I will post on the Crystal board that my comparison of the two cruise lines will be on the Regent board.  Hope that this makes sense.  

 

I'm a bit surprised that photos from your Android phone are better than my Apple phone.  In some ways I wonder why I went to Apple, but, now that we have iPads, iPhones, an iMac and a laptop (all that work together seamlessly), it would be expensive to change out our equipment.

 

Hope that you comment on one or both of my Crystal threads as your comments are ones that I will respect. I have concerns that whatever I say on the Crystal threads will be challenged or worse.  I am not into confrontations (even though they happen regularly with some posters).   

 

Looking forward to you taking the lead on our Splendor cruise so that I'll only have to make occasional comments.  

[papaflamingo]

2 hours ago, Travelcat2 said:

I need to somehow get the photos onto the iPad in order to post.

You can get an Adapter from Apple or Amazon (or other vendors) that will allow you to connect a digital camera to an Ipad. 

Edited August 25, 2019 by papaflamingo

[Travelcat2]

6 minutes ago, papaflamingo said:

You can get an Adapter from Apple or Amazon (or other vendors) that will allow you to connect a digital camera to an Ipad. 

 

Thank you so much.  Will order it and try to get it here before we leave

[papaflamingo]

3 minutes ago, Travelcat2 said:

 

Thank you so much.  Will order it and try to get it here before we leave

Of course you know now you'll REALLY be obligated to post pictures!  😎

[RachelG]

I save an old keycard from a hotel room to put in the electric controller.   I like to charge my devices while we are out and about (apparently a no-no on Regent for mythical fire dangers, but Silversea has no issues with this, and we charge things at home all the time without the house bursting into flames.).

 

Travelcat, I am laughing about you trying Crystal.  Will be interested in your observations as we have a river cruise and a cruise on their new expedition ship booked for 2021.

[Hambagahle]

Jackie - your description of what you will be posting and where next week makes huge sense and I am looking forward to reading/seeing everything.

 

Papaflamingo - will try to get the connector you mention.  Problem is I have to use Amazon.de but they will probably have one...  thanks!

[boblerm]

8 hours ago, Travelcat2 said:

I'm a bit surprised that photos from your Android phone are better than my Apple phone.  In some ways I wonder why I went to Apple, but, now that we have iPads, iPhones, an iMac and a laptop (all that work together seamlessly), it would be expensive to change out our equipment.

Just wondering what model iphone you are using?  To the best of my knowledge, the more recent models have excellent cameras, at least as good as any android phone.  There are lots of articles on the web giving tips on getting better photos with iphone camera, here is one:

https://macpaw.com/how-to/iphone-photography-beginners

Truly, it would make no sense for an apple user to switch over to "the other side", since as you mention, all of your devices work together so well.  I am a PC/ Android person with no interest in switching , but most  people I know that are ios would never dream of coming over to my side.

 

11 hours ago, Travelcat2 said:

I need to somehow get the photos onto the iPad in order to post.

You can post directly from iphone, it would be a similar process to using your ipad.  The only advantage to using ipad as far as I know is the larger display (someone please correct me if I am mistaken!)

 

8 hours ago, Travelcat2 said:

Hope that you comment on one or both of my Crystal threads as your comments are ones that I will respect. I have concerns that whatever I say on the Crystal threads will be challenged or worse.  I am not into confrontations (even though they happen regularly with some posters).   

I am very much looking forward to your impressions of Crystal and will certainly be putting my "2 cents" in where appropriate.

[boblerm]

8 hours ago, RachelG said:

I save an old keycard from a hotel room to put in the electric controller.   I like to charge my devices while we are out and about (apparently a no-no on Regent for mythical fire dangers, but Silversea has no issues with this, and we charge things at home all the time without the house bursting into flames.).

Yeah, I really don't quite get the business of not wanting you to charge devices while you are out.   So on Regent, do you leave an old keycard in and the room attendant does not remove it?

[kjbacon]

Really enjoyed your review and agreed with your thoughts. We also loved Ross at cocktail hour and we are looking forward to the new P and K duet (weren’t big fans of the last duet). Thank you again for all the enjoyment of reading this. I’ll blog again when we return in January but this time, I’ll have to learn how to post pictures. Your two cents here would be most welcome, yours were fabulous!

[boblerm]

I meant to mention in my discussion of my suite, that this is a category F2, but all the rooms from F1 through D are physically identical, only differing in location and concierge benefits in D and E.  I am pretty sure that these will be physically the same on the Splendor.

 

This ship also has 2 categories of somewhat smaller rooms, the G1 and G2 Deluxe Veranda are laid out in the more familiar oblong configuration, and are similar in size to the Deluxe Veranda Suite on the Mariner.  The category H suites are quite a bit smaller, but one should bear in mind that they are of comparable size to a standard cabin on the Crystal ships. It is a great option for those who do not spend much time in their staterooms ,  as on Regent and Crystal, once you are out and about you are treated to first class luxury experience. 

[boblerm]

12 minutes ago, kjbacon said:

Really enjoyed your review and agreed with your thoughts. We also loved Ross at cocktail hour and we are looking forward to the new P and K duet (weren’t big fans of the last duet). Thank you again for all the enjoyment of reading this. I’ll blog again when we return in January but this time, I’ll have to learn how to post pictures. Your two cents here would be most welcome, yours were fabulous!

I will be looking forward to your report with or without pictures.  Truly, posting pictures is not all that difficult, plenty of time to get the hang of it by January.

[boblerm]

I had indicated in post number 1 that I intended to post more photos of the ports after my return.  I like to do what I say I will, and actually, I find doing this to be fun.  In truth, it is more fun from home , as due to way faster internet,  I am less likely to fall asleep waiting for photos to load.  So over the next days, I will be posting some more shots and comments about the ports.

Will this thread ever end?    Hey! I heard that!

[papaflamingo]

3 hours ago, Hambagahle said:

Papaflamingo - will try to get the connector you mention.  Problem is I have to use Amazon.de but they will probably have one...  thanks!

Amazon does carry them.  You just need to make sure you get the one that's compatible with your camera.   I have used it on an older Ipad...worked great for me. 

 

Edited August 25, 2019 by papaflamingo

[RachelG]

1 hour ago, boblerm said:

Yeah, I really don't quite get the business of not wanting you to charge devices while you are out.   So on Regent, do you leave an old keycard in and the room attendant does not remove it?

I have never had them remove it, but some do pull it up so that the electricity is off when they leave the room.  Most get the idea that I am wanting to charge something, and leave it alone.

[xrvlcruiser]

a really dumb question: if the card in "down" in the slot, is there power to the outlets and if it is "up", there is none? I know the answer to the the first half but wonder about the second.

TIA .. .Peggy

[English Voyager]

It is not difficult at my age, but I am confused!

 

It has always been my understanding that the key card only controls the lighting not power to the sockets.

 

I have not been on the Explorer, but on every cruise ship I have been on I have often left items on charge while I have gone to eat.

 

If the key card controlled power presumably the in suite refrigerators would have to be on an independent  circuit.

[xrvlcruiser]

refrigerator: good point. My best guess is that the card controls the lights only.

Peggy