What a great review. We so enjoyed interacting with you and "G" onboard and excursions. A few additional comments:
1. The heated dining areas in the Pool Grill were also great places to eat lunch and enjoy the view. Our standard practice was to ht the Pool Grill after excursions and Gede was on the spot whenever we walked in. We rarely went to the counter to order. On frigid days, we just walked into the heated areas and sat down and he got another person to take our order.
2. On the Starboard Side, we found heated wicker lounges--great places to read and watch sail-ins/outs.
3. Our first time on Explorer. We were on Splendor last year in the Baltic and in many ways--crew interaction, service level, and "quiet space" availability I think Explorer wins.
4. We had the best steward ever--Shannen on Deck 9. Whatever we asked her for--orchids, Velcro fasteners, cream, liquor or wine bottles--she managed to procure.
5. I felt the Captain and GM to be the most approachable and open I have seen.
6. Several times, Eliana in Destination Services or Alouis at Reception helped us with issues we had. Eliana guided us to several tours at the last minute when we were thinking of just doing a walk-about. They were great.
7. I've always enjoyed getting to know the staff, but it seemed the staff on Explorer were much more responsive when I recognized them.
8. One critique is of Coffee Connection: Too dark, too small. In the AM the place was jammed. Meanwhile, the across-the-passageway Meridian Lounge was closed so 10 ladies could do Bingo. CC in other Regent and Oceania ships we've been on was much better. Having said that, the service staff there were great. They recognized the shortfalls and tried to make up for them with excellent service. Finally, when I went in earlier or later there was no problem.
Again, thanks for allowing me to tag on to this superbly crafted review.
Yes, I'll be working on it slowly. Once it's done I'll send you the link. Thanks for remembering! johnloucks3@gmail.com.
