saminina

21 days on that alternative line and very close to zero negative experience in food department, or any other department.

Many are quite obvious. Do you expect SB to send you the list?

Everyday, the most flavorful blueberries. I have no such luck on land. Always hit or miss.

The ship never had more than 200 passengers. Cruise ended in Miami with 156. 166 in Portland.

This was primary reason we wanted to try Explora,

Wondering if there is something I could care less about. Sounds like a day to stay on the ship.

Yes, I thought it strange which prompted the comment.

I do not want to be on this ship with 500 passengers and we'll still be way under in December. Right now, everything is super duper. Passenger count is not close to 220.

Plenty of trees in town and today the leaves are still green.

Lower per diem if you add next segment.

Not satisfied with SS or SB food? There is an alternative line on the scene if food is a primary influence on booking. We began sailing SB towards end of Charlie Palmer era. So many were so happy to be rid of Palmer. I typed "be careful what you wish for" and a year later many were unhappy with Restaurant 2. We liked Palmer and 2 much more than TK.

So write it off and move on. Plenty of things can be found as inferior on this ship. Most easily rectified and some not. It's a balancing act and we will see how the scales tilt for future bookings.

Mostly different vintages from same wine producers on the original published list.

You are correct. Less than 250 passengers. Quite a few less.

The parking spot is a first. I ain't know influensar and agreed with the exit poll.

Not saying it does not work. Less hassle and cost effective to use phone in suite.

There are wine apps that will give you a clue to how fairly priced available wines are on the ship. wine-searcher.com being one.

Call from room was about $1.79/minute last year. Very surprised. My satellite phone is useless on SS.

Yes, if you are a public company, market to fill. I would not want to be on EJ with over 500 passengers and I think they will be happy at this number for quite awhile. I wouldn't give a nickel for whatever NCL is selling.

More than seventy people in EJ bar department. Only bar at sea known to me is S.A.L.T. Bar on newer Silversea ships paying a premium to the bartender for being a mixologist. They operate under a different contract than bar staff. Are you positive?

Yes. Steiner BluHorizons 10 x 26 Do your own research. My suggestion is if you have a decent pair, bring your own. Other than the Steiner name, these have nothing in common with mine.

Dover sole.....TK versus Fil Rouge. Yes, TK will properly debone. My partner ordered the dish last night on Explora and the server attempted to debone on the plate in front of guest. Awkward! The fish served last night was superior to the (very) many had in TK. One persons opinion, of course. Personally, I enjoy separating the bone. SB still supplies fish knives in all venues. Explora does not and Silversea tossed theirs to reduce weight and save fuel costs.. I miss the fish knife. And try buying one on land.

Looking forward to boarding Serenity during February. Currently parked next to it in Boston. After two nights on Explora, I fear that Crystal has a tough road ahead. Ship is amazing, service over the top as it should be with about 300 passengers on board. Dining options and presentation tops anything I've seen at sea. A bankroll that is larger than any competitor. Only self inflicted cuts will keep Explora from being in top spot within ten years. Assuming design changes are in place for future builds.

Best source for accurate passenger count.....gangway. How many on board at the moment. How many are booked. How many coming on board at next port. Same for crew.

Don't forget Ballantines. I can survive on the included single malts. Too soon to tell on the wines. After just a few hours on board, I really do not want to comment. But......initial impression is very positive. Over the top positive. Thanks to Hlitner, I knew packing certain items would cut angst. Something else learned from Hlitner, ask security for the true passenger count.