saminina

No worries.....new to SS passengers seem to like what is given to them.  Out with the old, in with the new. 

Not gonna happen today.  Next year, who knows?

15 hours ago, commodoredave said:

Thanks. That’s exactly why no one should contribute to the crew fund. It is a waste of money that has no correlation to the service one receives and only rewards mediocrity.

The error is in taking filthy tipping habits from mass market lines with you as you move up the ladder. 

On 5/31/2024 at 8:45 PM, 2SailingNomads said:

 Ponant is not bad and I want to go back on Le Commandant but Vantage that I never heard if emails me almost every day.

I doubt many on here have ever booked Vantage,  Check the "other cruise lines" category on here for some fun reading.

Things I bring on board Explora.  Facial tissue, toilet paper, wine.   Polyester mattress cover removed and top sheet added prior to boarding.  Beds have been great, but bedding just passable. 

Crystal is my idea of luxury with Explora being a decent runner up today.  Emphasize today, because I would not place a big bet on either being the same beyond. 

Noggins nailed it describing the three traveler categories and I agree with most of what has been written on here by those that have tried Explora.  I'm well aware that things that matter to me, matters not to most others.  Explora staff have been excellent. 

For those that have not tried it, It's worth a slight premium to do so.  That suggestion is aimed more at the SS and SB crowd.   I met an elderly, very well (land) traveled couple that think it wise to do more shipboard travel at this stage.  Totally disgusted with their Explora experience in a top level residence and rightfully so IMO.  They found Oceania superior,  Crystal is custom made for this couple and suggested they check it out.  Had no idea Crystal existed.

It was fun listening to a Brazilian housekeeper during recent time on Explora.  She worked mostly deck 11 on Serenity for seven years until the shutdown.  She liked to talk, and I enjoyed listening.  She has finished the Explora contract and hope to see her on Serenity this December.  She did one contract with Seabourn.  A company neither of us will spend time on again.

After first Explora cruise of 21 days, my suggestion would be to limit a first time Explora experience to 14 days.  Explora might be luxury for hardware.  Falls short of luxury on the soft product.  Some areas where they fall short can be compensated for by yourself, some by on board staff.  After 60 days on Explora, fewer bum meals than NC for 20 days.  

Not mentioned ..... Explora on board internet is fastest and without blockage.  

11 hours ago, MJN1 said:

"Yes, we are negative about folks, who don't know how to adjust their (primarily USA) tipping pattern in other countries/cultures and thus raise expectations and inflate the local tipping levels.

Long ago, there was an unwritten rule among passengers.  If you enjoyed the service, please express it thru crew fund donation.   You mentioned within the boundaries rules.   That precedent has been destroyed by people not understanding post by MJN1.

4 hours ago, Mahogany said:

Does anyone know how the Gratuities Included part of the cruise fare works? Do the behind-the-scenes staff benefit? And I read that the Crew Fund provides parties, not cash.

Reading responses to your questions on the internet might not produce accurate information.

I believe in crew fund.  I believe in tossing an occasional crew party while on board for more than thirty days.  For a few reasons,  I just plain do not buy into gratuities for individuals. 

On 6/4/2024 at 3:12 PM, commodoredave said:

 Therefore, if you wish to provide an extra reward to a few specific individuals such as a room steward, waiter or bartender, you can do so directly -- that is what I do on all the luxury lines.

I have never/would ever extend a gratuity to an individual.   Today, anything goes obviously.

Occupants of top suites/residences on Explora have reason to be disappointed.  It might be the only line that offers so little in the way of perks.   There could be published benefits and there should be the discreet unpublished benefits not uncommon on other lines.  Stuff that goes unnoticed by majority of guests on all inclusive lines.

2 hours ago, JYDCruise said:

It seemed odd that they wouldn't stock a $150+ bottle of liquor specially for him? Was the expectation that this would be included in his fare, or did he want it available for purchase at the ship's bar?

There was a time when such a request would have been no big deal to fulfill for a top suite guest paying rack rate.  Or even a regular customer in lower suite.  If it was not in stock, they would purchase in port.  This was common practice on SS and SB, though it's likely to have been on the shelf so no big deal.  Yes, they were expecting it to be a no charge item for one bottle. 

And yes, there is an expectation that fellow passengers on a so called luxury ship know how to dress and act to a higher standard than what you might see at the local pro wrestling event.

Edit to add....conversation with bar manager on Crystal about whisky and my favorite brand was missing.  Next port, he went ashore and purchased a bottle.  It was just a simple comment.  Not a complaint and told him I was happy enough with what was on the shelf.  A total unexpected surprise that the bottle would appear.  

It began prior to the cruise.  Asked for bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue and was told it probably could not be supplied.  No surprise, it was not.  He purchased at first port stop.   This is not a complaint, just seemed odd that such a request could not be met.   Suite decor too brownish for the lady.  Their favorite evening dining venue was Emporium outdoors.  No problem until their butler invited himself to sit at their table.  Also, attempted same on final evening.  By then, they knew how to say NO to him.   While sitting in their suite, butler came in and did not remove tray of dirty dishes.  Also, butler in suite going thru drawers looking for his keys when occupants walked in.  Disappointed in lack of (zero) perks.  The little niceties one sees when residing in top suites on land or at sea.

About same age as Whip.....90.

Wonder if our view looking up from  OGT might be different than looking down from OT   It is a privacy issue for the non exhibitionists.  

Perhaps more importantly, cabins above have a view down.

Good to plant the seed.   Leave cultivation others.  "Hey boss....listen to this great idea and this is how we'll do it."   Reply from boss, "sounds great!  Now go find that guy on cruise critic.  And give your office key to him"

Close enough that you will be happy.  At least one of three will be open.  Have not seen more than two open for lunch and Sakura is least comfortable for leisurely lunch.  IME, likelihood of being open in this order.  Sakura, Med Yacht, Fil Rouge.  Fil Rouge is only non charge restaurant with cloth covered tables.  All have nice cloth napkins.  I'll guarantee you will be served better meals than what you are having on SS.  Well, at least 90% of the time.  In our case it has been 100% of the time. 

So a Zenith from Celebrity coming on SS for first time will get free laundry.   But you will miss the free Budweiser happy hour.

Ten, two hundred, six hundred.  It is possible up to 629 fellow passengers could have, and probably do have a list much different than yours. 

Almost everyone has issues with this line.  It's new and different.  Figure it out for yourself.  It either fits, or not. 

Thanks for listing what is bothersome to you.  It has nothing to do with what would make my list.  And two hundred others.  I'd list mine, but most would find it irrelevant to theirs.

You need help......and this is not the place to find it.

2 hours ago, Sidney68 said:

I am trying to keep an open mind but my near perfect ship has changed, the new clientele are younger and brasher than we had previously I am guessing a large population being influencers and TAs.

You are being far too kind with your description of newly boarded clientele.   In a way, I'm happy you are bearing witness to the atrocity upon us.  But, saddened you will spend a week with such slop.  I've spent the day in cabin and not a big deal to do same until Friday. 

Have written previously.  If the company chooses to pack the ship with influencers without qualifying them, they deserve to reap every benefit these people can bestow upon them.

Seriously, this current crop will yield a negative.   635 is passenger count.

I do not think talking with neighbor is such an obvious first step.  Certainly not my choice.  And drinking a glass of wine is not going to help.  

58 minutes ago, broker1217 said:

I am puzzled by this issue as we never watch television on a cruise! Prefer to sit on the verandah or go listen to music.

You would be a great neighbor.    A not so great neighbor to you would be one that blasts noise into your cabin....or verandah.  See how you like it, then figure the remedy.

It's a drag to change cabins, but 22 days to go would have had me packing based on officer's story..  OTOH, you suffered much shorter time than expected.  Hardly worth writing about on here.

On 5/18/2024 at 2:13 PM, Sidney68 said:

One of the bar staff has just informed me that they are expecting a high number of passengers embarking in Panama, taking the ships passenger level to around 700. It will be interesting to see how this changes the service (if at all) and ambiance. I will try and get a more accurate figure 

You will not see a noticeable difference.   Reason being no noticeable difference in passenger count.  Source: one of the bar staff.   Oh, and common sense.

Not knocking Glenmorangie.   Not a fan of poured shots, so watching a barman ever using a shot glass is the first obstacle to overcome when paying for a premium whisky.   You forgot Ballantine's as being on the included list.  A distant second choice.  It's nice to have Ardbeg, but it's beyond my pallet.

Looking at included red wines on the list, average retail is $9. USD.   If they retailed for $20, it would not change my opinion.  The premium wines that could tempt me are grossly overpriced.

It's not a big deal to supply my own.  As I do with bathroom paper products and (first time this cruise) butter.