uktog

Day 4 and still no sign of our spirits 

Back to guest relations who confirmed they’d contacted the attendant the previous day and he’d advised he’d left the list in our room the previous day

We knew that wasn’t the case but they said they would chase again. 
Eventually saw our attendant who changed his story three times in three sentences confirming to us he clearly hadn’t brought this list until now. 

We are now negotiating to change our wine to a second spirit (having previously confirmed with guest relations that would be no problem but we have to let others have their power trips!)

Here is the list we got, I hope our next post is of the bottles, probably 5cl miniatures 😂😂😂

2 hours ago, Benthayer Gonbak said:

The distance in Frankfurt hasn’t improved and after the pandemic they are severely short staffed.  It took us at least 2.5 hours to change terminals due to needing wheelchair assistance, which we still get all of it. 

Yes and of all the legs on our trip to South America Frankfurt was awful and the one place we worried we would miss the flight. They hand you over from person to person if you change terminal and sometimes abandon you in areas where no one else is saying my colleague will come soon. To be fair they did but it was coming to boarding time and we were stressing. I would not transit in Frankfurt now if I can help it 

Onboard now. Shampoo is a good quality if you have well behaved hair. What I mean is hair that can tolerate being washed without the need for anti frizz, colour protection or whatever. If your colour treatment was fair/blonde and your in a sunny area it’s probably fine to use with plenty conditioner otherwise take your own. 

Not too clear sorry but the current wine list however not all is available- of the Malbec only the Italian exists and it’s “so so” 

I will post the wine list shortly 

Changes I’ve noticed Part 2

There is now Muzak everywhere mostly weird sounds. Personally sitting at the Astern pool I wish there wasn’t as you are on a groundhog loop

They certainly are trying with the entertainment- they had an Atol bar sunset disco party last night and a sail away party today from 1300. Both are so loud I can hear the thump thump at the Astern pool - indeed our 6 floor room is “vibrating” and as it’s a different beat to the Muzak I find it so annoying. However others like the parties

They made a big thing previously there would be no karaoke - tonight’s after show party is karaoke! (Doesn’t bother me just saying). 
Looks like a proper luminary (ex UK diplomat) later today 

Food is still excellent staff almost over eager beavers. 🦫 It grates after a while - how many people do I have to say no I’m fine I don’t want a drink and please just accept that don’t go “but wouldn’t you like…..”. No im a big girl I can make my mind up ! 
 

As regards my room spirits we couldn’t for the second day find our attendant he is getting tied up with high maintenance guests. So asked guest relations - the lady was delightful- a note should have been left in our room at embarkation AND the attendant should have rechecked our wishes Day Two. So he’s clearly the breakdown point and for others be proactive ask the attendant on boarding if the letter isn’t in the room. A training issue here! 

4 hours ago, KJB416 said:

I’m glad to hear you’re back onboard and look forward to hearing more about your trip. Are they still offering two nightly shows and if so, do you mind letting me know the times?  I’m on Explora II In October, but assume they will follow the same schedule.  
 

I hope you continue to have a wonderful time and that the booze gets offered to you asap!

Thanks it’s one show only on EJ1. They now have six extremely competent singers. The harmonies on their Vegas show last night were outstanding. Tonight is a guest artiste whose specialism is Adele 
 

We are still to track down the “booze” it’s not an issue but highlights why some guests who don’t know what they’re entitled to miss out. 

4 hours ago, Elizabethbea said:

 What do you mean by "had to play the legal card". Cruise lines have legal advisors on tap. Your TA isn't a lawyer.  Cruise lines are a business,  once they realise you know your onions they are usually very reasonable.  Maybe your TA is egging the cake?

I find that comment offensive. My very trusted agent who heads up the cruise side of a large UK agency would not egg the cake. They know the UK travel trade regulations they are not lawyers but professionals who are also bound by the same regulations. 
The agency used their usual escalation route and expected the cruise line to immediately recognise their obligations under UK law without having to remind them. They did not. 
Therefore the agent had to resort to reminding the cruise line that whoever was advising them was clearly unfamiliar with UK Travel regulations. Travel agents shouldn’t have to do this cruise lines should know the travel regulations of the markets they do business in. Secondly maybe once overlooking the regulations might be forgive twice is totally unacceptable 

1 hour ago, Khareef said:

i think they could add some peanuts or chips together with the complimentary wine, i recall in my galapagos trip with silversea they gave us some snacks every day and i liked that very much.

 

I would add that the crew does a great job and that explora1 serves one of  the finest coffee in the business,

They offered crisps last night in the Journey lounge

First impressions 

The good is as ever - all the meals enjoyed to date and service spot on

The entertainment is a huge improvement far far better than last year both in terms of the show lounge and all

the bars 

For those interested, there are now snacks available on Deck 10 Journey Lounge from 11am through to midnight (not checked what)

The less good, the Four Pillars Gin is not included now but an 8 euro extra

Several wines are “waiting supplies” - no Argentine Malbec they have an Italian Malbec not a patch on the previous ones 

Zero mention of spirits for the room. I will

leave it until tomorrow then follow up

But a very positive start overall 

Grace is by far the best female cruise director Azamara has ever had. Modest, totally engaged with all guests and very hard working plus extremely talented. None of the others have had all these traits. 

10 hours ago, Elizabethbea said:

 To avoid misunderstanding--TA s ability to achieve the desired result for you --does not depend on the consumer rights of your country. Not at all.

 

Disagree I have an excellent calibre TA and they had to play the legal card twice in the UK

Last nights show really good. Singers in the Journey lounge really good. Entertainment manager really engaging. Compared to last year this entertainment is light years better and the manager is not trying to be the most Important person onboard 

Just now, Dr. Cocktail said:

You're back on board?

 

Have a great cruise!!!

Thanks yes back for two x 7 nights 

we will do EJ2 in November. I’m looking for our friend wearing his granny’s green curtains 😂😂😂

16 minutes ago, crickette said:

I haven't followed the Explora offerings to replace the Red Sea cruises.  But, if they are offering replacement cruises, the fine print in your contract allows them to change or substitute ports at their discretion.  Study the fine print to determine your rights.

That fine print is an unenforceable term under the UK consumer legislation in relation to the Travel trade regulations .  Doesn’t matter if it’s in the contract you’ve signed it falls under the unfair contract terms act regulations.
If the cruise is considered significantly different to that originally offered (and this change is) then the guest has the right to cancel and receive a full refund. Under the legislation that right should be explained to guests at the time that any communication is sent significantly changing the itinerary.  MSC know this, it’s so disappointing they rely on passenger ignorance of their rights to  force people to transfer a booking to another Cruise

Boarding was so fast. From our hotel outside Piraeus to sitting outside the Emporium with a glass of fizz 29 minutes! 
 

And lovely how the crew recognise returning guests 

3 hours ago, cruisr said:

The product/service contracted for will not be delivered.  You are entitled to a full refund and your CC company will agree.  This is based on past experiences.

Whilst absolutely you can go after with your CC company the only way to stop this flagrant breech of legal obligations in the UK is for you or your travel agent to report MSC/Explora to ABTA. It won’t be the first time they’ve been pulled up. 

Some people say you don’t get the real experience if you don’t land. What they fail to realise is only 50 or so can be ashore at any point so it’s very regimented and you have (rightly so) to spend time before and after decontaminating. I was happy to walk with penguins in Argentina and the Falklands and see the fun on the flows from the ship 

ABTA rules in the UK. They have to refund. Sadly this is not the first time Explora have had to be pulled up re compliance with UK Travel trade regulations 

10 minutes ago, Sololux said:

So, in addition to Emporium Marketplace can anyone provide details of any restaurants that are definitely available on embarkation day, based on past experience.  I was thinking of getting a calm lunch after embarkation and then using the Marketplace for dinner instead - I figure that most people will head to the other restaurants after having lunch in the Marketplace.

None other than the Emporium at lunchtime all open in the evening 

18 minutes ago, villauk said:

 

Thanks. Did you enjoy the itinerary? We’ve cruised Spain many times but there are some new ports for us on this one. I think that’s one reason why my DH wants to try the smaller ships: different port stops from the standard cruise-line offerings.

The smaller Spanish ports are a must in my view. Being docked downtown in places like Seville cannot be beaten 

Our go to is the Loch Melfort hotel however without a car it would not work. 
Have you contacted the Perle because it may be that their website isn’t fully loaded? That’s not unusual with them.

Oban is a funny place for Hotels because of it being a set off place to so many islands people are necessarily looking for hotels offering much. They are more Premier Inn type somewhere to leave their heads, the Premier Inn in Oban is very good by the way

Two boutique hotels are very good No 17 The Promenade and No 26 by the Sea. 
 

As regards car service, it will be an expensive drive. The reason is although it looks like it’s only 100 miles that trip takes nearly 3 hours because of the types of road that the driver will be on and depending where your driver comes from that’s about a six hour round-trip for them.  Alternative that many people do is they take the taxi from Glasgow Airport to Glasgow Queen Street station and then the train to Oban which is one of the most beautiful train rides often featured on television programs.  It’s a direct train.

Glasgow hotels very much depends on your budget. You could enjoy the Kimpton in Blythswood Square or the old charm of the Central nod refurbished and managed via IHG. The Indigo is also good. A good Scottish chain to consider is the Apex in Bath Street. Glasgow hotels have got quite expensive particularly with more and more pop concerts and sports events happening in the city. As we are usually out and about and only looking for a bed we head to the Premier Inn or the Indigo but you might want more from a hotel 

haha @fruitmachine and I have posted very similar things simultaneously 

5 hours ago, Host Jazzbeau said:

What did you do in Oban?  [planning for a cruise that starts there]

We often go there for weekends- do you want an active or more relaxed day?

Do you want traditional things eg distilleries or more nature related? 
Who are you cruising with and are you looking to stay somewhere before/have a car

Hopefully I can narrow down suggestions 

We did this cruise this year, it was an amazing experience.  I honestly cannot think of anything bad about the experience we had on Quest.  There were several naturalists on board who not only did presentations but were also available on deck at key times.  We saw lots of penguins on ice flows, some seals and so many whales.  The naturalists became very excited at all the whales we saw - we saw some of the less commonly found ones.  The natural beauty was special.  The only thing I would say is if you are not used to the cold (we are) you might find you want to view indooors rather than outdoors and the Lounge did get a little crowded at times

We will sit on the fence not least because we probably have to do some property bridging in the short term 

Just now, susiesan said:

If I spend the money on my personal CC, will it be a PITA to get a refund from AZ? I have emailed my TA about this, she may be able to get it resolved while we're on the ship. 

IF you got to that stage and as Kirk says more likely than not it will be sorted well before they can pay you direct. I’d rather take that risk than not enjoy things throughout my cruise