RJ2002

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.

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

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.

Correct. From RSSC: MAY I CHOOSE SPECIFIC AIRLINES, FLIGHTS AND TIMES? Yes, as long as we have a contract with the requested carrier or it is one we are using as a preferred carrier. A Preliminary Cruise Vacation Summary is sent out 75 days prior to departure, which includes your preliminary air schedule. Should you require immediate confirmation, you may book your flights through Regent Seven Seas Custom Air Department within 210 days of sailing. Your flights will be confirmed upon request for a non-refundable $175 per person custom air arrangement fee plus a possible fare differential. Deposit must be provided before air is confirmed. To speak directly to our Air Concierges a $75 non-refundable Custom Air call service fee will be applied to reservations which, if the Custom Air flight option presented is accepted within three days, will become part of the existing $175 per person air customization fee. If guests choose not to accept the Custom Air flight option presented within 3 days, the option will be automatically cancelled, and the $75 fee will not be refunded. To accept the presented Custom Air flight options, you can simply reply to the Custom Air email. It is not required to call Regent to confirm any Custom Air flight options. After the Custom Air flight option expires, to search for additional flight options an additional $75 non-refundable fee will be added to the reservation. Platinum, Titanium, Diamond, and Commodore guests will continue to receive a complimentary one-time Custom Air deviation, including the waiving of one $75 Custom Air call service fee. Please note, schedule changes made by the airlines are outside of our control. If there is a significant change in schedule, our Air Concierge will find a better alternative without charging a new custom air fee.

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!

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.

Great pictures of this beautiful ship. Thanks for sharing.

And getting the disembarking passengers from Istanbul. Thank you for your posts on this discussion.