CJANDH

I can understand that if you have no dietary restrictions. But as I don't eat seafood the choice was not that great. I know it is my problem not Explora's, but I am not alone in having some things I cannot eat. A change in menu once in a while helps overcome this. I do accept that with a constant menu the chefs should be better able to "get it right".

You might find that the never changed menus get a bit boring for a 14 night cruise.

Thank you for your insights Jersey42. I will certainly look at GeoBlue next March when our renewal comes up.

Can you expand on that a bit please. I sailed in a Cocoon Residence and did not find value in the high expense. But I wasn't miserable. Just disappointed. Was it the suite itself that they disliked or more?

I did. The evacuation coverage is the same. The medical is $100K versus $50K. The premium is in fact a little higher (not a deal breaker) and it does have deductibles that the Allianz plan doesn't. The little extras in the Allianz plan (lost luggage, small cancellation/trip delay etc.) are nice but not important. Overall, I would be happy with either plan. I am just pointing out that there are inexpensive ways to cover for catastrophic events if you are willing to self-insure for the trip cost itself.

Yes.

Medical: $50,000 Emergency Transportation: $500,000 My US medical insurance does not cover me outside the country. Premium: $419 for the two of us for a year.

Those are some issues that I would not like either. However, you found so much wrong that it makes me think that you didn't manage the problems in the best way. I have always found that being nice to the "servants" is a better way to get results than constantly complaining. I have sailed SS many times and have had issues sometimes. But never heard anyone having such a litany of problems. The crew are always the best part of cruises for me and I hate to see such vehement criticism being published.

Wow Lookingtocruise. I have never read such an awful review. It seems that nothing is good enough for you. Reading it over a second time it seems that you alienated everyone you met. Sounds like Disney might be a better choice for you.

I purchase an annual policy from Allianz. It gives me good coverage for medical and emergency evacuation, but only token coverage for cancellation, trip interruption, etc. I am okay with this as I am willing to take the risk of losing the cost of the cruise, but not the mega costs associated with medical emergencies. The policy costs me less than $500 for the two of us. An annual policy covering cancellation for multiple cruises would be hard to underwrite as the risk would depend on how many trips at what cost. Not likely to be available.

Read the announcement carefully. I think that the Blackstone credit is just that . . . a credit towards a transfer. It doesn't imply that you will get the money if you don't use it. Also note that the only way to get air included is to take the Ultimate, including the Blackstone credit (which I am sure will be baked into the Ultimate price).

Did you have any problem with the sounds from the aft pool area right below your balcony? Also, were the thrusters used to keep the ship in place at tender ports still as noisy as they were for us in March?

I doubt that even EJ would give "influencers" a free trip on a transatlantic cruise. My guess is that the uglies will disembark in Miami and the TA will be more peaceful. Fingers crossed for you. Let us know.

You might want to check out Google Fi as your service provider. Their service includes 10 cents per minute calling from virtually every country in the world with no upcharge or pre-registration required. When you get to a new country you get a text message from Google saying: "Welcome to XYZ. Calls are 10 cents per minute." Only available on Android phones however.

Not a huge part of a serious medical situation. I can eat the $30K cancellation but not the $500K for emergency flights and hospitalization in a foreign port.

What is the coverage for Medical and Emergency Evacuation? For me, those are much more important than trip cancellation.

I have a spouse that is not big on meat dishes. Chartreuse offers a better selection for her while still giving me some great meat options.

You say you are travelling over the holidays and reference school break. Are you travelling with children? Does having many children on board bother you? The smaller luxury lines like Silversea and Regent do not have any real activities for children and tend to be more of an adult experience. If you are bringing children with you you might consider the new Explora Journeys. They encourage families and have some kids programs (as well as several pools). Of course, none of the luxury brands offer the same kids' activities as the mass market brands.

If that is your top priority then go to Chartreuse and ask for a window table at the rear of the restaurant. By far our favorite spot for dinner or lunch (when open for lunch).

Is that Ritz Carlton and Four Seasons? If so, I look forward to your impressions.

Increased pax count should not impact the service at the lobby bar. Even with a half empty ship there was often no seating available. The extra people, like us, will just find another bar to frequent.

The restrooms are kind of hard to find. LOL.

Which was it? Minimum or maximum?

They didn't back in March.

That was my favorite too. However on my cruise in March there were several groups of young children who used the pool daily and disturbed the quiet tat you enjoyed. EV should make this the adult only pool instead of the one up front that doesn't open all the time. Also the deck 5 aft pool is right below the premium Residence Suites and the kids' noise was very disturbing. Hate to think how busy that pool will be with a full ship during the school holidays.