Our experience : Colon to Bridgetown

[PutnamNY]

We did our 1st cruise after 30-yrs and decided to go with Explora 1 (Valetta). We did a lot of research and the price point, number of passengers, all-included etc made us pick this cruise. We booked directly with Explora Journeys agent and they were "wonderful". The follow-up and service was excellent from the sales agent that worked with us. 

 

Ship impressions ...

My wife and I commented during the travel several times, that it doesn't feel like a cruise ship. It's like walking around in a 5-star hotel or resort. It was very clean and well maintained. (in fact too clean to be slippery at places)

 

Rooms ...

We were on deck 8 and it was quiet. (too quiet). The rooms were great except it could use a better vent fan in the bathroom which could avoid the fogging on the mirror.  Very spacious walk-in closet and dressing area. The cabins were cleaned twice a day and the young lad spent a lot of time whether clean or dirty. There was a welcome champagne which we left behind in the refrigerator. We probably just made tea once or twice in the room. But everything was available, including liquor, beer, coke etc if needed. Everything was perfect in the suite room.

 

Restaurants ...

We did have multiple meals at the Emporium marketplace. It was top notch. The chefs were very good and the food was excellent. If you find a table to sit, an army of waiting staff came back to back and made sure you had everything from coffee or water or anything for that matter. Very high level of service. 

(Only nitpick ... for such an elaborate offering, they didn't have fresh juices such as orange or anything, just from concentrate was made available)

The specialty restaurants were excellent. All items on the menu were excellent. The portions were small and perfect. The wine list was good (free ones) and you guys should try the Malbec from Argentina. In all of the restaurants, you couldn't have a slightly empty wine glass and they pop in right away and fill it up. Again, the service is just too good. This is something you have to experience to appreciate it. 

 

The Lounges ....

The lounges were a hit or miss depending on where they were located. The staff again in all the lounges were right there and making sure you had what you wanted. No waiting. 

 

Photography ...

We attended 2 of the photography sessions and enjoyed it. The 2 folks who did the classes were top notch. 

 

Cooking class ...

The cooking class was great and it was a nice experience. 

 

Entertainment ...

This was a 50-50 for us.  The main Journeys lounge setup is perfect. Very spread out and cozy at the same time. We had Billy Joel night, but it was a bit rough to listen to Billy Joel with a British cockney accent. 

Another issue is that most shows were over by 10pm. So, if you had a late dinner, you missed the evening entertainment. All they had was a DJ and a dance floor. Maybe it is us, we being the inexperienced cruisers, that we missed most of the shows. 

 

Shore excursions ...

We did none. But were disappointed both in Willemstad and St. Pierre after getting off the ship. It would have been nice if the lady explaining each destinations had a bit more detail for self-travelers. The presentation seemed to be more oriented to packaged tours. After coming, we watched a YouTube video of 2 guys sitting at a beachside bar in St. Pierre. (wish we knew it existed and which way to go there)

 

Overall ...

It was a great experience. The overall trip was awesome once on the ship. The service was just the best all around.  The staff at every point, every turn went above and beyond to help you or ask you and take care of your need. The same type of quality you get at the Four Seasons or the Ritz. 

 

Myths & Realities ....

No pool chair hogs found. Lots of seating.

No guys in hoodies found in the specialty restaurants.

The wine list was fantastic. (free list)

 

Embarkation at Colon ... 

It was a bit confusing once we reached the cruise port terminal. We were made to wait outside the entrance until 11AM before we were let in inside. Even that happened with thanks to this wonderful lady from the Explora cruise, that saw us and made sure we were at least seated inside the terminal area. (That part of Colon is very seedy and it's not safe to be wandering around with your luggage etc.) So, it will make sense for Explora to arrange or explicitly give instructions for embarkation at Colon. (maybe we experienced this because we did our own transfer from Panama City)

 

Disembarkation at Bridgetown ...

The whole experience was smooth. It was fast. We booked for 120Euros a car ride to the airport and this was perfect. Having seen this now, we would not attempt own transfer in or out of the cruise terminal at Bridgetown. It's a very complex complicated cruise and cargo terminal. 

 

Exception ....

The paradox. The whole experience was so exceptional, the only sour point was us wandering into the Future Journeys. The whole experience made us shake our heads when we walked out. The person who attended to us made it feel like she is doing us a favor talking to us and looking for deals whereas the entire ship crew and staff were bending over backwards to give us the best experience. The staff at the Future Journeys lounge could learn some sales techniques and about American passengers. Maybe an American staff would better understand American customers ... as opposed to someone from Eastern Europe?? (Just able to speak English is not qualifying enough) 

 

 

 

 

[travelberlin]

Thank you for your review.

[saminina]

A tip for future cruisers.  Freshly squeezed OJ has been available in Fil Rouge. 

[Noggins]

The OJ is 'subject to availability '. 

 

The evening show is now being repeated at 10.15 on the current cruise. I always think that's tough on the artists but it is very helpful.

[bbearden]

I was on this same cruise with a buddy and had a great experience, will do a review later.  

 

[JakeDeFake]

Thank you. We are considering EJ for 2025…your review helped. Looking like a solid yes for us.

[HappyInVan]

This is encouraging.  🫰

Edited April 6 by HappyInVan