commodoredave

How so?

Agree. When we cruise with our grand children, we go on a mass market line like NCL that provides lots of activities and facilities for children. The kids have more fun and they do not interfere with adult activities or facilities. Why anyone would want to subject young children to an ultra-luxury cruise ship experience with little or no ability to entertain them is beyond me. Maybe others can explain their logic.

Thanks for the explanation. Will there be a point in time when CC provides a dedicated forum for Emerald ocean yachts?

Well, as long as they keep the tattoo parlour closed while I’m on board, I’ll give it a chance.

Why does Scenic operate two ocean going cruise lines - Scenic and Emerald - and what are the major differences between them?

Your comments are fair and interesting. Like you, we choose between the two based on itinerary and price. But we enjoy both and would never say “no” to a bargain on either!

Yes, but she doesn’t know who I am. Please don’t tell her!

I agree. I like a country club casual dress code for the Caribbean. But I’m not into the gangsta dress code. Guess this will be our first and last cruise on Explora.

Was he an officer?!

I’d rather keep an eye out for two gals with interesting T-shirts, but I’ll take the bait anyway.

I wanted to follow in your footsteps, but kept falling over!

Within 60 days.

We’ve fully cruise booked until spring 2025 with Explora, Silversea, Celebrity, Princess, NCL and Emerald Ocean. But actively looking for summer and fall 2025, and winter 2026. In particular, looking for a cruise call at Easter Island on the way to Tahiti, and a cruise from BA or Rio to Florida or the Caribbean in February 2026.

Good to hear. Haven’t considered a return to Crystal yet, but your experience may be the push we need.

Us too. We got the dates and times we wanted.

It’s a no-no to tell-tell other people-people how to tip-tip!

Agree. In my view, the best way to reward exceptional service is to tip the person who renders it. If that person decides to share their tip with others, it’s their choice.

When companies make up their own language to describe what consumers are used to calling something else, I often wonder if it’s because they don’t fare well in direct comparisons.

It’s sad and a poor reflection on the ignorance of some people that even on a luxury line that some pax feel they need to hog pool chairs. If everyone left them empty when not in use, there would likely be no issue with finding one when needed.

I was not able to provide the requested information or check in via the EJ website. I had to ask my TA to do everything for me. My TA told me that the EJ website is the laughing stock of the cruise industry and that they are constanty having to intervene on behalf of clients. I spent 2 hours trying to check in before asking my TA to help, and that was extremely frustrating. So, at this point, my opinion of EJ before even getting on the ship is 0 out of 10. The crew will have to work overtime to make up for the useless website and incompetent shoreside management. At this point, I'm thinking it's one and out with EJ.

While we enjoyed our SeaDream cruise, it did not knock our socks off, mainly because of the design of the ship. However, the crew made up for some of that with their terrific service and attitude. I always thought if I could take the crew and put them on a newer vessel, it would be perfect. I'll report back next January on my experience.

I've decided to take the easy path and do Emerald first to do my own evaluation.

Frankly, can’t tolerate these types of reviews. All hyperbole and takes ages to provide any information, some of which is useless. Are there any serious reviews out there?

MiszterCruizer, I would be interested in your view of SeaDream after your upcoming voyage . I have not been back on SD since they renovated their two ships. I found SD1 a bit tired looking before the renovation,

I am always curious about new ships. Tried the new Seabourn Pursuit in October and signed up for another one while on board. Trying the new Explorer 1 in March based on strong recommendation from my TA. She also recommended Emerald, which is why I’m leaning towards it unless I see negative reports.