Waltershipman

1 hour ago, Kay S said:

Some people really like lobster. When I was a much younger person I equated cruising with non-stop lobster and caviar. Then I went on a cruise. 😂  I think that idea is still out there. A cruise isn’t luxurious without lobster. 

While in Barbados on cruise in February got off ship and ate 2 lb lobsters in local restaurant BIG FUN

1 hour ago, Stickman1990 said:

Well guess what - Anthology seems to have transitioned to a menu prepared by the head chef of Explora, Franck Garanger, now - still carries a hefty surcharge but it’s an in house menu now  

 

Excellent 

51 minutes ago, Hlitner said:

When we were on the Vista (Mar-Apr) we did post a "live" review of our first O cruise.  Most of what we experienced on the Vista was very good, although we do agree with some others that the design of their main theater is terrible.    We have also mentioned, in the past, that O does not have the best cuisine at sea (not even close to the best).  At the moment, we would give that prize to Explora Journeys.

 

Hank

AGREED Hank yes Explora Journeys in our experiences is for now The absolute best food at sea

12 minutes ago, Hlitner said:

Ahhh, so you will get a different chef.  Wonder who?

I wonder as well and hope to dine there

40 minutes ago, Hlitner said:

Did you dine there, back in the fall?

 

Hank

We did not  and I have followed your posts and others about the venue

Best to you 

On 6/13/2024 at 6:58 AM, Dr. Cocktail said:

Antholo-Gino’s?

 

Antony-gy?

 

Pastology?

Hope it is in place for january 2025

3 hours ago, Lois R said:

Hank, thanks for the detailed reply.

Food on EJ was best ever ar sea including multiple luxury brands

Hank's observations are right on too

15 minutes ago, Mommapadraig said:

1/4/2025 on Explora ll

We sail January 28 enjoy

2 hours ago, Mommapadraig said:

I wish they would extend that to January 2025. Our cruise is still the same price that we booked. I’d cancel that for 200.00 and rebook this….however I’m sure that isn’t going to happen.

What date do you sail in January 

37 minutes ago, maggie.1008 said:

Ok I now see a picture of the two beds. I missed it because there are only a few inches between the beds. I thought there might be a side dresses between the two beds. You cannot walk between the two beds. Not ideal. 

I think some twin rooms may have a tub as well

12 minutes ago, longboard55 said:

Those brands work, thank you.  I have one more in general cruise question,  we recently had a cruise travel office open locally.  I have always booked direct, but read how the agents can get you more on board credits.  What do experienced cruisers do

One more thing my TA is located across the US from our abode and we had dinner and met only once over the  years. Great relationship 

I have used  TA successfully  for cruises  over the past 44 years on Every cruise booking 

Enjoy

15 minutes ago, Dr. Cocktail said:

Did you lose a bet?

15 minutes ago, Dr. Cocktail said:

Did you lose a bet?

Losing  a bet might have cost less

13 minutes ago, Dr. Cocktail said:

You mean it’s NOT A Small World After All?!

Although did Disneyland with family in April and it remains FANTASTIC but that's a different message board lol 

5 minutes ago, Jratlanta said:

At Sea, How are you able to see bookings?  I don't see the option on the website; are you a TA?  Sailing Explora 1 in January.  Cheers

 

What dates do you sail 

7 minutes ago, RlyLvn said:

We are on Explora I now. Incredible experience!  Way too many positives to list. I should be keeping a journal but I’m just soaking it up. 

Would live to hear more on how great your trip is going 

Maybe starting a new more positive thread? Just an idea

Thanks for sharing 

4 minutes ago, santos949 said:

I totally agree that it is hard to believe that I was on the same ship==the Explora 1.  We loved our first Explora cruise and have booked two more.  
 

We have cruised all of the luxury lines so this was not our first rodeo.

 

i hope anyone reading this thread does not give up on booking Explora.  It is an incredible experience! The negativity on this Explora board really surprises me.  I suggest you book a cruise and make up your own mind.

 

i predict great things for this cruise line.

Absolutely agree 

23 minutes ago, BartonX said:

 

Thank you. That is what I thought as well! I believe there is enough variety across all restaurants but only time will tell - once we cruise. Food is very subjective. 

We were on 9 nights without a problem. In fact, sometimes we did all order the same things from the same menu. Because we loved it

14 minutes ago, CJANDH said:

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

Or on the other hand you might find yourself eating a variety of choices off the same menu

17 minutes ago, Hlitner said:

Perhaps it is telling that the price has dropped, but the ship still seems to be sailing at far less than capacity (according to some posts here on CC).  I do have some theories.  1.  The short itineraries are a turn-off to many of us who like luxury cruise lines.  2.  The lack of any air program is a turn-off for many luxury cruisers who prefer to have all their travel arrangements made by the cruise lines (such as with Regent, Seabourn, Silversea, etc).  

 

Hank

Understood

Be well and we will stay connected 

7 minutes ago, Hlitner said:

I look forward to reading your comparison of EJ, in Jan, to EJ, last year.  In looking at a possible future booking, we have been surprised to see that the price is actually lower than our previous booking (last year).  

 

Hank

Yes indeed the price we are paying in January is way less than last years pricing 

I will of course keep you posted

Wishing you all the best always

48 minutes ago, Hlitner said:

Interesting post as we could have wrote similar words (and did).  We cruised on EJ1 back in September (on the cruise that led to the naming ceremony) and also had issues with "stability" and the attitude of Guest Relations (i,e, "we are not a cruise line...but rather a floating resort").  The company seemed a bit full of themselves (we got the same impression from some suites we met who were from Geneva) and perhaps they are trying too hard.  I love your comment about SB having "more soul" and agree (which is why we have several upcoming SB bookings and no EJ bookings).

 

EJ has been operating for about 1 year, so it is troubling to read your post which makes it sound like they still have yet to get their onboard act together.  Also figure they still have not done anything for past cruisers.  We read the posts about Anthology, perhaps being eliminated, and are not surprised.  We had to practically beg to get a reservation in Anthology (it was like they were doing us a favor) only to enjoy a meal (cooked by "Emma") with only 8 persons in the dining room!  It made no sense!  And while we were OK paying the big bucks to have a meal cooked by a fabulous Michelin 2* Chef, once she left (after our voyage) folks would have been paying for dinner prepared by EJ chefs (arguably trained by Emma).  The entire concept seemed somewhat "off" and we would not be surprised if they repurpose that venue.

 

The situation with the two "reservation" restaurants also left us thinking that the staff "was doing us a favor" by letting us make a reservation or show-up as a walk-in.  Our voyages were only about 50-60% full, so we cannot even imagine how that works when there are 900 onboard.  On our two voyages, the entertainment seemed to be disorganized, and was just another example of something still under development.  

 

We are now looking at booking two future EJ voyages, the price is right, the dates are right, but we are still hesitating.  We do not have those kind of 2nd thoughts with most other lines.

 

Hank

Good points Hank. We did not experience Anthology when we sailed.  We have booked one EJ for January and certainly have better and more realistic expectations this time around and yet really enjoyed the product even with its blemishes 

All the best. I enjoy following your experiences 

2 minutes ago, HappyInVan said:

 

Unfortunately, there's quite a bit of unprofessional behavior going on.

This thread sure has become a forum for grievances and criticism 

I miss the expression of grace and gratitude that is surely a part of having the ability to experience 

4 minutes ago, saminina said:

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 seat himself 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.

Cruising at 90 sounds wonderful 

5 minutes ago, PaulMCO said:

@drpclarkeThat is because Explora Journeys is lacking in many areas in support for both TA and clients with the worst IT system in the industry.

 

If you book clients be aware of many issue you will have to help your clients with

 

1) Missing details on their bookings, including incorrect DOB and name details.  Including accessing their booking

2) Trouble booking excursions

3) Trouble booking specialty dining

4) Trouble checking in and/or using the Phone APP

 

Yes your clients will can call Explora directly to solve some of these issue, but many will lean on you.

Absolutely correct there are back of house issues in need of repair since the beginning