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Everything posted by PrivateIdaho
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Oceania Vista and Explora Journeys Compared
PrivateIdaho replied to Waltershipman's topic in Explora Journeys
Since our 3rd EJ cruise this past Dec, we’ve been on Oceania Vista and Marina. We enjoyed both cruises but they were not at Explora’s level of food or service. Especially Marina, where we experienced huge staff turnover mid cruise. This resulted in poor service due to lack of training and staff shortages. And honestly all of Marina’s cabins should have updated while in dry dock this Spring. Our suite and bathroom on EJ was outstanding! Looking forward to our EJll cruise this Dec. -
Pretty sure our daughter ate all the sushi and they are letting her back in Dec. We also drank all the Champagne 😘. You will have an amazing trip!
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We were upgraded due to maintenance issues with our AC. But haven’t heard of complimentary upgrades. My understanding is that EJ still hasn’t started a frequent cruiser program. Perhaps upgrades will be offered when that program starts.
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First time cruisers here.....is Explora right for us?
PrivateIdaho replied to Corey44's topic in Explora Journeys
We enjoyed our Atlas cruise in the Med. You really get to know your fellow passengers. Food was good, but not EJ level and there is really not much entertainment. Which was fine on a port heavy cruise. EJ and Atlas are different experiences. -
Our daughter is late 30’s and she’s going back for her second EJ cruise in Dec. It’s a wonderful opportunity for us to travel with her. We all can enjoy the trip and each still do our own things. This will be our 4th EJ cruise and I do think it’s a slightly younger crowd. However, not a party atmosphere like you’d find on Virgin.
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First time cruisers here.....is Explora right for us?
PrivateIdaho replied to Corey44's topic in Explora Journeys
We are booked on a similar EJll cruise for Dec. This will be our 4th EJ cruise. Low key, relaxed, no crowds, all inclusive, lovely suites with balconies, nice pools, well equipped gym, great bars, beautiful decor, wonderful coffee, helpful staff and the best food and restaurants at sea. If you can find an itinerary you like, book it! -
200€ pp up charge? Probably still gonna be a pass for us. Would rather experience a local Michelin ⭐️ restaurant while in port. Don’t really see how this change addresses the problem with Anthology. Not enough guest willing to pay these prices for cruise food. Yes, EJ’s food is excellent, but it is still cruise food.
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Explora 2 Inaugural Canceled due to shipyard delays
PrivateIdaho replied to Stickman1990's topic in Explora Journeys
And that is why you don’t book inaugural cruises. See you in Dec EJll. -
As you wrote, we all have our own preferences, however I appreciate your insight. We are recently retired and starting to cruise more often. I would not describe us as traditional cruisers, which is why we enjoy EJ. Haven’t done the other lines you mentioned, but we are considering them. It’s mostly about itinerary for us and EJ doesn’t offer much variety right now. Thanks!
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Have only heard gossip that they would do away with Anthology. Will be on EJll in December, I guess we will see. We’ve never eaten at Anthology. We prefer to experience Michelin ⭐️ restaurants in the cities we visit. Will be interested to see what they do with the space. Inquiring minds, what cruise lines do you prefer & what do they offer, that you like better than EJ?
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While the food can be quite good, cruise food, is still cooking for the masses. Is it the finest cuisine at sea? I think Explora Journeys is a step ahead.
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Evening pizza and burratta at Waves Grill on Vista. Scallops, lobster Mac & cheese and Thai rib appetizer at Ember.
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First let me say we’ve done 3 EJ cruises, and have had wonderful voyages. However, we were not thrilled with our private island experience. We experienced a bit of weather on our cruise and ended up tendering on our Ocean Cay day. After several attempts to dock, we finally made it to the island around lunchtime. We were the only ship there. While I enjoyed the island, felt the amenities were lacking. We were not in the Residence Suites, so can’t comment on the YC area. The large dining area didn’t open and most of the food trucks were also closed. The ship provided a mediocre bbq on the beach, and the 3 bars that were open offered underwhelming beach cocktails in tiny plastic cup and horrible sparkling wine. In hindsight, we should have stayed on the ship and enjoyed much better pools, food, champagne and cocktails. Did climb the lighthouse which was quick fun.
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Live from EJ1 - Miami to Barbados 8/3 (or 3/8 if you insist) >
PrivateIdaho replied to Noggins's topic in Explora Journeys
Safe travels home. Enjoyed your daily reports. -
Live from EJ1 - Miami to Barbados 8/3 (or 3/8 if you insist) >
PrivateIdaho replied to Noggins's topic in Explora Journeys
The Helios Pool is adults only. During our cruises it was never open either due to weather or maintenance. -
Live from EJ1 - Miami to Barbados 8/3 (or 3/8 if you insist) >
PrivateIdaho replied to Noggins's topic in Explora Journeys
The Pastéis de Nata are addictive. We loved sitting outside for lunch and breakfast. Unfortunately it always seemed service out there was an afterthought. Placements would be nice. -
Live from EJ1 - Miami to Barbados 8/3 (or 3/8 if you insist) >
PrivateIdaho replied to Noggins's topic in Explora Journeys
We did witness a lady falling on those steps near Crema Cafe. What concerned us more, were the people slipping and falling from the chairs in Sakura. At least 4 instances that we saw and very dangerous. Definitely a design failure. -
Live from EJ1 - Miami to Barbados 8/3 (or 3/8 if you insist) >
PrivateIdaho replied to Noggins's topic in Explora Journeys
We really enjoyed Justine. Best voice on the ship and a really nice playlist. -
Live from EJ1 - Miami to Barbados 8/3 (or 3/8 if you insist) >
PrivateIdaho replied to Noggins's topic in Explora Journeys
The books in stateroom were mostly in French or Spanish and not really topics that interested me. Bring your own books. The only library is actually an art installation and not to be touched. Did miss a real library, but loved the ship. -
Live from EJ1 - Miami to Barbados 8/3 (or 3/8 if you insist) >
PrivateIdaho replied to Noggins's topic in Explora Journeys
As a vertically challenged individual, l loved the furniture. 😁 -
Youth will be served on Explora Journeys
PrivateIdaho replied to Host Jazzbeau's topic in Explora Journeys
What a pretentious article. Makes it sound like the ship has free flowing caviar and a bunch of rich yuppie families. Not at all the case on our three cruises. And to Saratogamoof3, from your description of your children, I think they would have a good time. -
Still better than the Germain I will get on Oceania in March. I do see your point & it will be disappointing if the Moët is replaced. Hope this is not an indication of more cost cuts to come.
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Explora cruises from the eyes of clients
PrivateIdaho replied to travelberlin's topic in Explora Journeys
We’ve stayed in both an OT and DP. While the DP is a little larger, I prefer the layout of the OT. The OT bathroom doesn’t open directly into the bedroom and the DP bedroom wall divider just takes up space. You will be fine in the OT. -
Explora cruises from the eyes of clients
PrivateIdaho replied to travelberlin's topic in Explora Journeys
See, it takes all kinds. For example, I’m good with the bathrooms and enjoy most of the wine. Agree there needs to be more daily specials. I also will be back for more. -
Explora cruises from the eyes of clients
PrivateIdaho replied to travelberlin's topic in Explora Journeys
But the Champagne is much better on Explora. I’m really going to miss the Moët on our Vista cruise in March. 🤣🍾