Questions from "New to Explora" Cruisers

[VAWCB]

   We have been on 25 cruises over the years, but will be taking our first Explora trip (November 15 Explora II) soon.  After reading through the comments on this board and looking through the Explora website we have a lot of questions:

 

  Boarding Time - We have a guarantee so don't know which cabin category we will wind up in (probably OT-1).  What time can we board and what time will the cabin be available?

 

  Shade - Various commentators have talked about access, or lack of access, to shaded areas.  We see that the ship has at least some cabanas near pools.  Are those first-come first-served or are they reserved in advance?  If the latter, what is the cost?

 

  Champagne - We note that champagne will be in the cabin when we arrive.  Is it possible to swap the champagne for a bottle of wine as they do on Oceania?

 

  Trivia - Is it offered, and if so, how often?

 

  Port Information - Several people complained about a lack of port information and maps.  Is it non-existent or is it available electronically on TV or Ipads?

 

  Daily Newsletter - Is there a physical hard copy one?  Is there an electronic one?

 

  Casino - What is the minimum blackjack bet?

 

  Spa Access - Are we correct that on sea days spa access is limited to those guests who have booked treatments?

 

   Any responses or helpful hints will be greatly appreciated.  Thanks in advance!

[Wheelhouse]

Trivia was offered on our cruise almost every day at 6pm - just once per day.

 

Shade is free and not reserved.  There are some cabanas on the upper decks and one aft pool on EJ II has some coverings, unlike EJ I.  We used the overhanging shaded areas at the main pool and never had a problem obtaining good seating.  That said we are early risers and used these loungers in the morning.  

 

I used the spa one time on a turnover day (we did a b2b) and I was the only person in the area. 

 

They had port talks on our cruise in the late afternoon before trivia.  Since we were in the Caribbean we only attended a couple.

[PrivateIdaho]

 

Boarding Time - You will probably be given your suite assignment a couple of weeks prior to the cruise and you will be assigned a boarding time. The earliest check-in I can recall was around 11am. We’ve always been aboard before 1pm. Suites are usually available after 2pm. We pack swimwear in our carry-on and enjoy the many pools, after lunch. 

 

  Shade - Cabanas are fcfs & are included. The covered pool offers many shaded areas. I also see that shade covers have been added to loungers on EJll. 

 

  Champagne - We note that champagne will be in the cabin when we arrive.  Is it possible to swap the champagne for a bottle of wine as they do on Oceania? Yes, you will be given list of spirits and wines available by your suite host. 

 

  Trivia - Is it offered, and if so, how often? Yes. When we were on, it was once a day. 

 

  Port Information - Several people complained about a lack of port information and maps.  Is it non-existent or is it available electronically on TV or Ipads? They were speakers on our cruises that provided port info. Maps were available from the local port authority or visitors bureau. There is also a bit of info on the TV. Speakers presentations are also televised. 

 

  Daily Newsletter - Is there a physical hard copy one?  Is there an electronic one? Both were available on our cruises. 

 

  Casino - What is the minimum blackjack bet? No idea, don’t gamble. 

 

  Spa Access - Are we correct that on sea days spa access is limited to those guests who have booked treatments? There are specific hours for those not receiving treatments on sea days. 

[uktog]

In relation to the champagne yes you should be able to swap it but make sure you chase your state room attendant for the list of included spirits that you are entitled to and you can also swap and choose them so you could have more wine if you prefer to do that. 
There were no port speakers or pre-dinner destination talks on the 14 nights round-trip from Athens  this was a big miss not least because in these ports many of them had no tourist information readily available either. 
 

in addition to trivia there was also a half hour quiz type session every night at 9 o’clock in the Astern lounge - when we were there it was a very funny name that tune that was used however they are planning to mix around the types of trivia they additionally offer there

[TrinaLC]

Is it one bottle of spirits in the room per cruise (like YC) or will they replenish?

 

 

[uktog]

7 hours ago, TrinaLC said:

Is it one bottle of spirits in the room per cruise (like YC) or will they replenish?

 

 

Good question it seems to vary from host to host even on the same sailing and room category 

Edited October 10 by uktog

[Bongomeme]

I had an ot1 gty cabin, was not given suite number until 8 days before embarking.  We got a grand terrace (price 1k more than the ot1) which was nice.  We had requested twin beds which do not exist on ot1 but were able to get with the grand terrace.

 

embarking (9/27) was super easy and our suite was ready when we arrived at 1 pm.

 

overall very nice trip (my 3rd on Explora)

 

enjoy!

[wmfabian]

Does each lounge have its own individual drink menu?  Do they have different liquors on the included list based on which lounge you are in?  If I have a favorite drink from one lounge, can they make it in another?

[Cat lady 900]

On 10/10/2024 at 11:50 AM, Bongomeme said:

I had an ot1 gty cabin, was not given suite number until 8 days before embarking.  We got a grand terrace (price 1k more than the ot1) which was nice.  We had requested twin beds which do not exist on ot1 but were able to get with the grand terrace.

 

embarking (9/27) was super easy and our suite was ready when we arrived at 1 pm.

 

overall very nice trip (my 3rd on Explora)

 

enjoy!

Who did you book with? We got to pick our room right away when we booked. 

[RJ2002]

1 hour ago, Cat lady 900 said:

Who did you book with? We got to pick our room right away when we booked. 

Sounds like they booked a guarantee.  

[Grandma Cruising]

2 hours ago, RJ2002 said:

Sounds like they booked a guarantee.  

They said it was a guarantee (gty)

[uktog]

4 hours ago, wmfabian said:

Does each lounge have its own individual drink menu?  Do they have different liquors on the included list based on which lounge you are in?  If I have a favorite drink from one lounge, can they make it in another?

Yes favourites can be made all around the ship. 

[kelleherdl]

13 hours ago, wmfabian said:

Does each lounge have its own individual drink menu?  Do they have different liquors on the included list based on which lounge you are in?  If I have a favorite drink from one lounge, can they make it in another?

If you work on a special drink with one bartender a new bartender will call the original mixologist. At least they do that for me. Your experience may differ. 😀. And since EJ moved about 50% of the Explora I bartenders to launch Explora II, you may find that a special drink from E I is now waiting for you on E II.