Dr. Cocktail

Full disclosure: there is music in different areas but it’s really not “in your face”! And while we’re not on the subject, those decks and loungers?

OK … people are getting upset for something that's not really a big problem! The proof is in the pudding - let’s listen on a sea day where you can also hear the dulcet tones of .... moi! IMG_7597.mov

Took me a day to respond ... whereas I enjoyed my YC cruises, EJ is on a entirely different level. There's simply no comparison. Don't worry about TA's and influencers.... there were some on our past sailings but not really noticeable except on the odd occasion. Some were, in fact, really interesting and you just ignored the others. If you look at my signature, I've sailed on everything from converted ferries to 100 passenger expedition ships and everything in between. Stop worrying .... Explora is the real deal! I fully agree with Gary on this one .... have realistic expectations but it's pretty darn special!

OK - first “insider” tip! Fantastic shellfish 🦪 bar at dinner in the Emporium Marketplace! Before working out at the gym(!), we would go there when they opened at 6:30 for oysters, shrimp, mussels and champagne 🥂…. We would then shower, have cocktails and head to dinner!

Sounds great! And with that new ship smell too!

Beyond Jealous! Splitting up a similar amount of time on three separate ships where only one is on E!

There are two absolutely gorgeous (seriously) Explora water bottles waiting in your room for you!

Unfortunately, kinda’ maybe….. The problem, of course, depends on whether your sailing has smokers and how often you’re on your balcony….

I was in a PH one cabin forward of the aft. No problem whatsoever. Save the money!

Thank you .... it's the sheer force of my personality. Let's just say I'm going to take it as a compliment!

OK, I checked my phone for videos I took and I would have lost a bet against myself - there was music playing on the decks. It varies between "spa" music and soft rock. Again, it would have been so innocuous that neither Mike nor I (and we chatted extensively, well, everywhere!) remembered it!

Smoking is not allowed in staterooms or balconies. Smoking is indeed allowed outside the Crema Cafe and for that reason, I would not book staterooms directly above the cafe. Announcements are all in English. While there is no dress code per se, no-one was wearing shorts to dinner and most men were in slacks and a button down/polo shirt with or without a jacket. True "country club casual".

Explora wants you up, out and off very early .... I don't keep my dailies but if memory serves well, it was not much later than 9. Might I suggest using ResortPass? They have numerous properties in Miami and Miami Beach where they will check your bags and let you have a nice pool or ocean-side day. Really makes your debarkation day a pleasure! We spent the day at the EAST Miami that did provide luggage storage. Check the reviews of where you want to stay to make sure that it's provided.

Mike is correct - there are none. As confirmed by ….me!

Um, see above .... that sort-of defines luxury in today's world! Let's talk after when you've experienced E without 6000 of your nearest and dearest fellow travellers!

OK, we're taking over this thread .... even though you're the OP! I got flambéed (please be impressed by my use of the accent!) last winter on these boards by "Legacy" cruisers who regularly sailed RSSC, Silversea, Crystal and Seabourn. I dared to pose the same question .... how does one define "luxury"? Getting up at 7 am to snag a deck chair in the shade on SS Splendor doesn't sound particularly luxurious to me. Crystal's standard staterooms where you have to step outside to change your mind? Not so luxurious. Silversea's many, frankly ancient ships with their mechanical issues? Not so fancy. Because E did things differently to what they were used to, it was therefore not luxurious in their minds. Our experience, age, expectations and "secret sauce" contribute to how we define luxury. I can't really add to your superb summary except to say while not always, it's frequently beneficial to be an Early Adopter. Sure there will be changes and lack of consistency but the overall product is excellent. MSC is in it to win it. The Aponte family's unbelievable wealth and assets make RCI, Carnival Corp and NCLHI look like pocket change. They're not walking away from their investment.

1000% true! Might I add, we also bring our own personal wants, needs and desires to the table. The initial reviews for Explora were frequently by Regent/Crystal/Silversea/Seabourn cruisers who were frankly upset because it was, well, different! Isn't that the point? I could care less about the production shows as I generally find them to be abysmal to wretched depending on my alcoholic intake. I enjoy personalized service but hate obsequious and fawning staff. I don't need to be told what to do and where to go. But I LOVE varied and different outdoor spaces. It's great figuring out at dusk whether we should have cocktails with friends (or friends not yet made!) at the Astern, Helios, Skybar or outside of the Explora Lounge. I can't think of any ship that offers so much choice in outdoor lounging areas. (and I didn't even include the Atoll bar as I find it too sunny!) Our friends who are Supreme PuPu with Regent (I don't know their loyalty levels) sailed on E1 and SS Grandeur a few months apart. While they love Regent, they said it was no E!!!

I misread a post. - apologies!

Hello tog! They have been VERY good in changing “problem” cabins once onboard.

Sorry .... I can't really advise with first hand knowledge. If you search these boards, there have been issues with the smell of smoke. I think much would depend on the number of smokers outside at Crema and the wind and speed. I don't think that people actually smelled it in their suites, only on their verandas. My advice would be to try and change to the other side if possible.

I would also avoid being on the starboard side above the SMOKING Crema Cafe.

10000%!!! Our first E cruise’s first port was in Martinique …. one of THE dengue fever capitals of the Caribbean! We were both “hmmmm” 🤔 and had a SPECTACULAR “day at sea” on board. Do NOT feel guilty in the least by ignoring people telling you that you should get off - do what you want. As I tell friends, when you book a 7 night cruise, you’re actually paying for meals and accommodation (assuming boarding at noon and leaving your final day at 8 am) for 164 hours of fabulousness. You are losing value for each minute that you’re not onboard!

100% .... but unfortunately, it's not isolated to E.....

I am aware of my reputation here as an Explora cheerleader but the website, while frustrating, is only one part of the equation. I have been doing my registrations and stuff for my upcoming Seabourn cruise and lemme tell you, the website is NOT much better than Explora! Have I abandoned all hope for a successful Seabourn sailing? Big "no"! I'm sure that the website will be all forgotten within my first 54 nanoseconds after embarkation.

My travel agent was telling me that last minute bookings are a challenge this year because of the lack of available flights. She said that clients simply don't understand that it's frequently basically impossible to get to and/or from your cruise!