RJ2002

Yes, thanks for all the reports from Explora, and glad you were able to make the most of the cruise despite your confinement.

1 minute ago, Atllindo said:

Well, Shmirnoff is the "most popular" vodka in the world, but can you tell me it's even quaff-worthy? Sometimes "most popular" means "affordable by the masses".  

LOL.   Like most things consumed - beverages, food, etc. - it's a matter of personal preference.

I am not so much of a champagne person, but looking online, Mercier is supposedly the most popular champagne in the French domestic market.

The thing I was disappointed with was the limited selection of vodkas.  From what I saw at the bars, Absolut is their 'well' vodka, and only Tito's and Grey Goose were on the shelf.  Thank goodness for the Grey Goose, at least.

6 hours ago, uktog said:

The count is increasing by almost 50%. The bar staff are correct they’ve been in training planning for it! 

Yes, we heard the passenger count was going up when Explora calls in Miami.

I'd say it's a good thing that the bar staff is preparing for the increased load.  The bartenders in the Explora Lounge and Astern Lounge were not the speediest, IMO.  On the other hand, the bartenders in the Lobby Lounge were great.

2 minutes ago, CJANDH said:

Which was it? Minimum or maximum?

I understood it to be maximum.  This was just a passing comment at dinner by our TA, and I had no interest anyway so I didn't pursue.  It might very well be related to their inventory onboard, and that they don't want to sell out within the first few days of a sailing.  Just speculating.

47 minutes ago, Jratlanta said:

RJ2002 - Are you referring to a quota of a minimum or maximum number of sales per day set at two watches?  Thanks in advance.

 

Yes, that is what I understood from our travel advisor, who was also on our sailing.  I am presuming it was communicated during one of the Explora orientation sessions which were held for the numerous TA's onboard.   As I said, I didn't follow up since I was not interested in a purchase.  Perhaps someone else onboard currently can confirm for you.

19 minutes ago, English Tim said:

I had a chat with one of the corporate people yesterday, who is onboard for a short time. I told him how pleased we were with the food and beverage offerings and the facilities, but the one thing that really grates with me is that when we booked, many months ago the champagne on offer was a fair bit different to what is available today. I explained that my feeling would be that with a new cruise line, they would need to pretty much offer what they promote and if clients feel that things have been advertised and not provided, they may look to book their cruises elsewhere.

It's good that you shared your feedback directly with management.  What was his response?

I was onboard the Vancouver-LA sailing, and someone mentioned that the shop has a quota of how many watches they can sell in a day...  something like 2?  I didn't confirm, so just FYI.

33 minutes ago, saminina said:

Not knocking Glenmorangie.   Not a fan of poured shots, so watching a barman ever using a shot glass is the first obstacle to overcome when paying for a premium whisky.   You forgot Ballantine's as being on the included list.  A distant second choice.  It's nice to have Ardbeg, but it's beyond my pallet.

 

Looking at included red wines on the list, average retail is $9. USD.   If they retailed for $20, it would not change my opinion.  The premium wines that could tempt me are grossly overpriced.

It's not a big deal to supply my own.  As I do with bathroom paper products and (first time this cruise) butter.  

If you are speaking of toilet paper, you should not bring your own.  I’ve read here many times that the supplied toilet paper is designed for the ship’s plumbing system.  You run the risk of toilet blockages if you use regular toilet paper, inconveniencing not only yourself but also likely your neighbors.   

7 minutes ago, English Tim said:

Well, those HAVE to help a little!  😂

Hope you are feeling better. So very nice you have access to the adjoining suite.  

Agree that Explora can work on the entertainment, though you really can't compare the entertainment capabilities on a behemoth like Meraviglia to the modest sized Explora.  BTW, @HappyInVanwere you in Yacht Club on Meraviglia?

Great pictures!

11 minutes ago, HappyInVan said:

 

 

 

A lot of work still needs to be done on the crew. I would recommend that you contact your steward from time to time, to maintain focus on you. Your phone has a speed dial programmed for your steward, who will answer on their communicator. 

 

 

 

We were on the same sailing, and thought that the crew was top notch.  Everyone was so friendly and willing to serve. Really great teamwork.  We were addressed by name multiple times, even on such a short 6 night segment.  We generally sail on Regent, and I'd say that this particular Explora crew rivaled Regent in that regard.  However, I recognize that even on the same cruise, some guests experiences will be different.

We spoke with several crew who were preparing to rotate to the new Explora 2 after a short break back home.

1 hour ago, 2SailingNomads said:

Emporium is IMO the best at sea for a buffet.  Simply a brilliant implementation.  And all the choices from sushi to al la minute fish and pasta.

Agree 100%.  
 

We almost never have dinner in a ship’s lido venue, but we did one evening on Explora.  Delicious, and the seafood options in particular are a step up at night vs. what is offered at lunch (which is quite good as well).   I especially enjoyed the chilled crab legs.   

Crema Cafe opens at 7:00am.  Agree with the suggestion to call room service for coffee earlier than that. 

I just did a booking online and put it on hold.  Agree, seems to work for some of us.

edit:  have not attempted to pay, so not sure if that step works

2 hours ago, 2SailingNomads said:

We had heard there were going to be a large contingent of travel agents for the segment after Vancouver.  Maybe TA's and so called influencers are their true market. 😁 I know my TA was on for a 5 day cruise several months ago.  

 

Interesting about the 5% discount, we were on for 18 days and never received anything mentioning it.  On other lines you usually get, more than once, a note in your suite offering an on-board booking discount.  Not sure why they think a loyalty program is a bad idea, I like to obtain perks after spending some amount of $ with a company - unlimited laundry for example on Seabourn.  Discounts on revenue wines, etc.  

I am currently onboard, and the future cruise consultant confirmed to me that there is a 5% discount for onboard bookings.   Interestingly, the following day when we were having pre-dinner drinks in the Explora Lounge, we overheard a group of travel advisors discussing that there was an additional 5% being offered.  Perhaps that is only for travel types….  Who knows?   I have not attempted to clarify with the onboard consultant as there are no current itineraries that interest me.  
 

I do find it odd that there has been no promotion of future cruise bookings at all.  

Onboard gratuities are included in your cruise fare just like other luxury cruise lines.  However, as others have noted, any offered gratuity is graciously accepted regardless of the currency. 
 

I am on the current short sailing from Vancouver to LA, and have been surprised to see multiple instances of gratuity being given at bars.  
 

We have our first Explora 'journey' coming up soon, and have recently received an email from Explora regarding our onboard preferences.   One of the items was this:

WELCOME TOASTS AND BEVERAGES

Toasting the launch of a sea-faring journey is a long-held maritime tradition. So, to help you begin your journey in style, please let us know about your beverages of choice.

Share Your Preferences >

When I log on to the Explora website and access my booking, I am getting a message to contact my travel advisor or Explora to make selections.   I am guessing these are beverage preferences for our suite (we are in a Penthouse).   Does anyone know if this includes both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages?   Are we able to request full bottles of spirits, or is it just the mini bottles?  Can you request a bottle of wine for the suite?

Thanks for any guidance.

There is a discussion of the Voyager situation over on FB in the RSSC Social Club Group.  One guest on board has already been in touch with their TA.  Regent is apparently evaluating the options as a result of a delayed arrival in Barcelona.  Lots of rebooking in store, it would seem.

48 minutes ago, TheShag said:

I always thought it was 210 days from departure regardless of room status.

 

Correct.

From RSSC:

Beautiful shots of Sydney harbor!

Great picture of you with the dolphin.  I'd have paid $30 for that shot.  Good job.   

Thanks for sharing all the pictures and commentary.  Enjoy!

7 hours ago, KJB416 said:

I would book Marble and Sakura on the first two nights and if you like them, then go to the reservation agent on deck 5 outside the Crema Cafe and see if you can get another nights reservation at each of those places.
 

Go to med yacht club and Fil Rouge the other two nights. Sakura is open for lunch (Sushi bar only) so you can try that as well. We would hit the Emporium Marketplace (the buffet) for oysters, crab/shrimp and a cocktail pre dinner every night. We thought Emporium was great for breakfast and lunch.  Their dinner offerings were very good as well, but with only 6 nights I’d just try to get in again to wherever you enjoyed most and if nothing stood out then go to Emporium for dinner. 
 

Enjoy your cruise  

Very helpful advice, thank you.

Does Explora have an evening "welcome aboard" affair at the beginning of the cruise?  We are most familiar with Regent, which frequently does something like that on the second evening after embarkation.  Not that we always attend, but on Regent it can impact the dining venues with the number of guests hitting the restaurants right after the reception.  Just curious.

We will be on our first Explora cruise soon, for just a short six night West Coast segment.  
 

For those here who have sailed Explora already, what would your recommendation for a dining strategy?   We would like to experience as much as possible, but give the limited number of evenings onboard, we want to make the best of it.  
 

We enjoy all cuisines.