Whipsnade

Explora not ready for prime time. They might get it together by the time 3 goes into service.

We all need something to “cluck” about. We are on Symphony now until Mumbai. We could get kicked off in Singapore. No big deal. Change our air and get a cruise credit. I do pity the poor folks booked Mumbai to Athens. But there are way less than 100 of them. Hope they haven’t packed there bags because they are not going to sail. Of bigger concern is yesterday announcement you can get a 20% discount on 25 cruises if you pay in full now non refundable. Means they need cash. Not a good sign.

Love it!!!

Still no word on loyalty program. I have canceled my future Explora bookings. Too many choices to be jerked around.

Agree 100%.

Don’t you think they will announce it all simultaneously?

Still no news on board Symphony.

And don’t forget that not all PH suites have separate walk in showers. Make sure you read the very small symbols before booking. When we asked why we were told Europeans prefer tubs. So what not a shower too? No comeback. Ear splitting announcements and Explora commercials on big MSC pool screen annoying. Shorex lackluster. No fruit in our PH unless we ask and then a couple on a plate. No fruit knife. Untrained but eager staff. On the good side, most beautiful ship on the ocean and most incredible huge pool for swimmers. Kicker for us was no 40% discount if you book high end cabins. We cancelled future Explora bookings for Crystal. 30% cheaper. What would you do?

On board now even officers claim (I believe them) they have no idea. I do know the Mumbai to Athens cruise is very lightly booked (under 100) and first Athens Med cruise around 400. If I had to choose it would be pretty easy.

Neither Explora or Silversea serve real maple syrup. Crystal does. when booking PH on Explora be careful as many of those suites have tubs only, no separate shower. Whoever heard of building new ship with no separate shower?? .

We can attest that the grass on New Crystal is even greener than on Old Crystal.

Neither Explora or Silversea serve real maple syrup. Crystal does. when booking PH on Explora be careful as many of those suites have tubs only, no separate shower. Whoever heard of building new ship with no separate shower?? .

I can attest that these cruises are in fact fully booked and we will be on board for both.

Certainly I hope Explora changes because we did love the ship. Bali says “hi”. When you get here try Bumbu Bali. About ten min from ship. Authentic Balinese food presented by a chef who was guest chef on Symphonyv a few years back. Superb.

No comment on Barbie. Yes they did show it here on Symphony. We were occupied elsewhere.

I don’t disagree with any of the points of those who have chastised my snide criticisms. We too thoroughly enjoyed our month on Explora. I do like the no cruise director concept and no formal nights with attendant folderol. But once we got back on board Crystal some of the faults with Explora become more obvious. No question that the meals and presentation on Crystal are better than any other luxury line. In Waterside menu at dinner changes every day. Here in Bali they have been shopping for local veggies and fruits. Very tantalizing. In Fils Rouge menu never changes. Silversea almost the same. Those lines are catering to the short 7 day cruise market. That’s not me. We want to come for at least 30 days at a time. Let’s face it, service on Explora not up to snuff as eager as they all are. Explora recruited them from Gulf restaurants. None have any ocean experience. Middle managers who know better are leaving. Very little training for staff. While I am at it, no finer ship on the sea than Explora for physical ship. No one can compete with that. The thing that really has turned me off is the 40% discount that applies only to ocean suites not to luxury cabins. I have asked to be included. Answer is NO. Crystal running promotion with cabin upgrades which include higher priced suites. Thus I have replaced my September bookings on Explora with Crystal at 35% lower price. Which would you choose?

Sounds like a mass market ship entertainment. What else to expect from ship owned by MSC. And Barbie no less. Grumpy

Really?? Sounds dreadful. They told us in September they planned to do it but it was hard to imagine.

Exactly right. Never fails to amaze me that no cruise company ever tells it like it is. M

On board Symphony now in Bali. No announcement yet about any itinerary changes. Hard to believe those cruises are “waitlist”. Senior staff have told me less than 80 booked Mumbai to Athens.

I was on that cruise. No way it was 23 kn for eight days round the clock. Perhaps a few hours at night but 24 hours a day for eight days? No. M

Over 20 kn in Pacufic swells for five days??? Hope you enjoy it.

I know from TA friends ship is still loaded with TAs. Trivia at 6pm? Hard to believe. No library and no movie theatre. They told me they plan to show movies on the large screen in time pool area. Lots of luck with that.

On board Symphony now. No news yet on Red Sea. No way they will be carrying pax there next month. We expected to get news here in Bali but nothing yet.

No way Serenity or Symphony could maintain 20 knots let alone 22 knots for close to 30 days without coming apart at the seams.Remrmber these are 30 year old ships. Besides, the fuel use would be enormous.