ededmd

I am a huge fan of Europa 2.

On the issue of smoking however I want to emphasize this ship is truly European.

(The other European issue of note is comfort with nudity in general and in mixed company in the spa and spa sun deck - no judgement just fair warning).

While we were able to make alternate arrangements for our comfort well inside the Yacht Club buffet to avoid it, on our last cruise there were several tables of heavy smokers who had standing tables (due to their high level cabins) just outside the indoor area (it is all open air) and the smoke was significant in the way it permeated the dining area near the outdoor deck.

While technically the smoking area is port side and outdoors, these tables were so central and just outside that they may as well have been in the dining room itself.

As an avowed second hand smoke hater, this issue is not preventing me from returning to the ship as the other positives outweigh other similar options.

Just wanted to make sure people understand the amount of smoking will vary per cruise, can be heavy, but also can be avoided for the most part.

Agree re the letter.

And you earlier referenced the DYKWIA issue a bit tongue in cheek but if you can deftly weave in your (hopefully not really former) love for the line as expressed here under your posting name, Mr. Steffl can see for himself how the loss of a product champion (given the very limited number of us here) is not likely worth the monetary cost of providing you the previously promised discount.

We are taking our 12 and 14 year olds back on Europa2 this summer to the Med having done the same 2 years ago when they were 10 and 12.

They have been on Regent and Disney and for a port intensive cruise like the Med prefer E2 due to the cabin size, the nice bathrooms, and the food.

Especially the food! The charcuterie and honeycomb at breakfast is a hit with the younger lark and the older owl one enjoys the wurst available for late riser breakfast in Sansibar. They also very much enjoy the table service restaurants as well.

The ship's excursions were good and a reasonable value.

The only concern I'd have for you is 2018 is quite near in terms of getting single supplement cabins (which you'd want so as to pay the less expensive child fare) and for 2018 I don't think there is a summer itinerary which does Greece and the Eastern Med. Though there is a lovely one EUX1814 which may interest.

Agree. 'twould be nice...

A bit less than 2 hrs left on this particularly attractive one.

€200 in OBC on Europa & Europa2.

I'll be straight with you...

You will get a LOT of responses to your question on the Regent board.

Make sure to specify "on the Explorer" as that ship is quite different from the older 3.

There was a thread from August asking this same question.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2390601&highlight=Explorer+Penthouse

If you still have questions,

I'd title it "Explorer question"

And just ask:

For those who have sailed her, please share your thoughts on the concierge versus penthouse suites. I read the August thread on this topic and want to see if there are further opinions.

The biggest differential is the butler with the PH and above.

There seems to be some folks who don't like the layout of the penthouse suites.

So in the same way I'd be cautious about G and H, I'd really look closely before booking a penthouse.

There definitely are tables for two in Compass Rose - the main dining room.

There are also tables for two in the specialty restaurants (included in your cruise fare).

Another reason for Explorer is the additional restaurant choices compared with the other ships in the fleet.

A typical dinner is casual elegant (no coat or tie required).

Not fixed dining table or time.

Go when you want and eat with whom you want - as a couple or with new friends if you choose.

To see cost v value, compare suites C, E, and F2 - each the least expensive option in its category.

https://www.rssc.com/ships/compare/default.aspx?Ship=EXP&Suites=c%7Ce%7Cf2

Regarding Regent, not really a fussy, white glove kind of experience.

More relaxed experience than that from the consumer side.

It is very inclusive with a commensurate price.

Liquor is much higher level than "mid-shelf".

I think the ship I'd recommend right now with Regent is the new Explorer - in part because they seemed to have taken a lot of the best and brightest for this ship's crew. 750 guests. 552 crew.

One caution - many have felt the G and H cabins are too tight for comfort. Much of this is relative to past experience. Since you've sailed luxury in the past, make sure you read about these more on the Regent board before choosing.

There are several voyages which would fit your parameters.

Barcelona to Venice 10 nights Oct 4, 2017

Rome to Monte Carlo 7 nights Oct 21, 2017

Monte Carlo to Barcelona 7 nights Oct 28, 2017

Congratulations on your marriage.

Steamboats,

Thank you so much for sharing.

Love reading all things H-L and very much enjoying your pictures.

Wonderful!

So excited you're sharing your journey with us.

Good job on the photos - definitely getting the flavor of Lisbon from your shots.

So excited!

Thanks vistaman.

Doesn't sound very luxurious.

I particularly don't care for the "open" conduct / guest snubbing you describe.

And like you find a good F&B experience very important.

We are totally satisfied with Europa2.

At this point it would take a lot to pry us away from Hapag-Lloyd.

i am going to do my first Mein Schiff 2 in February

one week Canaries and Madeira - suppose eventually it is not good , i will not being so upset as after my last not so good and far from "exclusive "Crystal and my rather bad Seabourn Sojourn

Viking is not on the belgian market yet ...i saw one of the ships in Copenhagen when i was on ms Europa 2.

i do not know their single policies - nothing is mentionned on the web at all about it .

Mein Schiff is purely German speaking, correct?

Did you post about your Crystal trip? Would like to see why it was 'not so good'.

Have considered them in the past for itinerary but it sold out and how we discovered how much we loved Europa 2. Rather fortuitous I'd say!

In the mini brochure I received from Viking, the listed ocean cruises carried a single supplement of 100%.

 

However, because of the heavily discounted pp price, the total cost for a solo traveller was attractive for an eight day cruise.

 

In fact the total cost of my Azamara, and Viking cruises, totalling 16 days, is less than my now cancelled 10 day cruise on the Europa 2.

Interested to hear how you enjoy Viking Ocean and Azamara in and of themselves and how they compare to Europa 2.

While not a luxury cruise, you can have a luxurious time on Disney, in concierge, with a spa pass, eating at Remy and Palo, and booking plenty of babysitting time in the nursery for the 8 month old. Out of Florida. Next month...

That is a Titanium only benefit:

FREE private transfers to and from your home to the ship (within a 50 mile radius)

Or FREE private transfers from the airport to the ship and the ship to the airport on embarkation and disembarkation day

Interesting as this is not listed as a benefit for Titanium (a level we hope to reach in 2018).

My prior post was copied today directly from the RSSC benefits page online.

So yes, it is listed as a benefit.

So the non-Ti pax who book the more expensive suite for the transportation loose that bene if they go for an air deviation? Interesting.

"Regent Suite" Amenities Beyond the Suite includes:

FREE Roundtrip Private Sedan Transfers between your Home, Airport and Ship

I only see this benefit listed for the Explorer - Regent Suite.

Looking forward to your thoughts and pictures!

Not at all true - at least for Titanium. I had air deviation and didn't lose my transportation in either direction.

That is a Titanium only benefit:

FREE private transfers to and from your home to the ship (within a 50 mile radius)

Or FREE private transfers from the airport to the ship and the ship to the airport on embarkation and disembarkation day

Thanks Keith.

Both you and Roy are good for creating interesting travel blogs.

Very thoughtful of you to think of notifying this board of your posts to come.

Mr. Rumor,

If you get a chance please consider posting a wine list if you go to "The New Explorer Wine Selection & Tasting," in Compass Rose.

Thank you for your continued lovely balanced posts.

Strongest recommendation for Jorge Bras as the top tour guide in Lisbon, pls see testimonials here:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1851646&highlight=lisbon+tour+guide

Thanks Wes! Didn't know you followed this board.

I may email (still have on file from prior) you for more thoughts so thread can get back OT.

Thanks for the indulgence to all.

We are going to Barcelona a day early and are considering booking a tour or two with "Hi, This is Barcelona," a company recommended to us by a fabulous guide we had in Lisbon. They are expensive, but the reviews on a Trip Advisor are very good.

If you don't mind sharing, I'd appreciate a referral on your fabulous Lisbon guide.

Hello friends,

 

Can someone please post the Canyon Ranch Spa menu from Explorer with prices when you have a chance? It will help me figure out a budget for my cruise in March.

 

Many thanks and whoever posts this - please enjoy your time aboard this beautiful ship.

Remember there is an 18% service charge already included in the billed price.

Don't double tip (by accident anyway).

Michael, thanks so much for your informative thread.

It was a good read.

I am also a traveler who enjoys visiting grocery stores. Always interesting.