English Tim

Yesterday, we visited Quetzal, Gauamala, which was an interesting destination in that it is obviously been designed as an access for Tours to Antigua. There is very little at the port apart from a little market and a couple of places offering food and drink. We had a little walk around and watched some iguanas before heading back to the ship to enjoy the peace and quiet. Neither of us are back to full health, so it is nice to be able to sit in these lovely warm weather places and enjoy the excellent service on board. It was very humid yesterday and as soon as we opened the balcony door, the mirror misted up. in the afternoon we had some violent thunderstorms, so it wasn’t a good time to sit in the outdoor hot tubs, so we went to the spa. The unisex sauna, steam room and salt relaxation room, together with the hydrotherapy pool offer great relaxation. We had another fantastic dinner at Sakura and then we sat outside by the pool. The lighting and colours is fantastic so nice to sit and enjoy the moment. Heike came over and we had a long chat discussing our experience of cruising around the world. Images 1. tree in cruise terminal area 2. Martinis in Explora lounge 3. Astern pool

1. Champagne Mercier - seems fine, but Moët Chandon had prestige. 2. nothing mentioned to date to be honest, the kindness, compassion and in room service was excellent and I am very happy with that.

I agree with Gary. The onboard service on virtually all the ships I’ve ever been on has been first rate. On Explora, they go to another level and some are very keen to offer top level service. There is a fast difference between the level of service on board and what we often suffer from the shore service personnel. I have had some interesting discussions with senior management and clearly all is not well. Hopefully they will find the optimum solution and will all be happy, or as I have explained if they don’t get it right for me, then I will vote with my feet.

He said he would refer back to management and agreed with me.

I had a chat with one of the corporate people yesterday, who is onboard for a short time. I told him how pleased we were with the food and beverage offerings and the facilities, but the one thing that really grates with me is that when we booked, many months ago the champagne on offer was a fair bit different to what is available today. I explained that my feeling would be that with a new cruise line, they would need to pretty much offer what they promote and if clients feel that things have been advertised and not provided, they may look to book their cruises elsewhere.

I didn’t do much yesterday as although I’ve been allowed out I’m still feeling fairly weak so I’m taking things easy, which is not a bad thing to do on a cruise. Two particular things of note were pre-dinner drinks in the Sky bar watching dolphins and a beautiful sunset and talking to the lovely hostess, Irene (picture below). I am not sure why there is a hot tub at that bar, as it seems an unlikely place. We had dinner at Med Yacht Club, where we experienced extremely slow service, which is not what was required when we were very tired.

Absolutely amazing how quiet the ship is. It seems possible to have what you want when you want without joining any queues. I think it is going to take me a little while to get more strength and didn’t realise how much Covid can knock you for six. However, I am determined to enjoy this beautiful ship and all it has to offer. I would say to anyone who enjoys relaxation, excellent service and excellent food, to book ASAP. I am not on commission, but if it continues like this is going to be a very popular product. I am still very sad that the promised Moët Chandon has been replaced and such decisions might affect my future choices.

I have now been given the get out of jail free card and so I am wondering and

It’s the first time it has happened to me on a ship, but then again we are not often in temperate places.

Another thing to note is that the card is needed to operate the lights and electricity in your room, so when you remove it, if you have left any devices charging, charging will cease. Another potential problem is that if one person leaves the suite early in the morning and takes their card with them, when the second person wakes up, they will have no electricity! I solved this issue by getting a dummy card.

Went out on the balcony early in the morning, when humidity is high, please take care when moving about, particularly when re-entering the suite as the deck can be slippery and a couple of times my back foot has slipped while stepping over the raised door frame. I have advised the ships management of this potential hazard.

I think the above post should have started about the tote bag, that I have seen but not examined it, as I think it’s a thing that the ladies think more of. I would’ve preferred a box of chocolates, but they probably think we have enough calories. After months of planning for the cruise and getting over excited , most of my plans have gone out of the window, due to catching this dreadful virus. I’ve had plans to use all the fitness facilities and restrict my diet, in order to return home in a fairly healthy and slim state. I can’t see this happening.

Well, from my experience on board so far I found the crew be absolutely magnificent, kind and friendly. One design fault I have discovered, is that the rooms don’t appear to have a doorbell, so whenever anyone wants your attention, you hear a little light tapping on the door, which is difficult to hear at the best of times, especially when you are on the balcony! Then you have to close the balcony door, before opening the door to the corridor, or all the papers on the tray being delivered get blown everywhere! 😉 When they wash the windows above, they need to notify those in isolation and not just assume everyone is inside or provide umbrellas (only kidding). One thing I have really appreciated during my period of isolation is all the social media chitchat: which has kept my spirits up.

You could order room service coffee delivered to whichever lounge you like. I thought about this, but as you know, I haven’t needed to the last few days, but I have ordered room service before 7 o’clock, but since my wife had a separate room, as she wouldn’t appreciate any notice either!

If I am, no one has told me. I am still dreaming.

Apologies for the poor quality picture and the fact that my toes are on the bottom, but I find it very difficult to take photos with my iPad, as my hands shake!

The smoked salmon was great and the view is great, but something happened to the picture.

Today is Window Cleaning day, so I’ve recently discovered, but fortunately my balcony doesn’t extend as far as some and I stayed reasonably dry! Photo one is of my main breakfast dish and photo two is last night’s sunset. it is a magnificent day today’s view is much better

No, all crewmembers enter the room in the normal way, but with mask. They usually clean the room with me on the balcony and it’s now warm enough at night for my wife and I to eat outside. Then she goes one way and I go the other!

We are currently in Puerto Vallarta. Nurse just told me I should escape tomorrow. The weather is fabulous and the last two days have been fine for sitting out on the balcony at all times of the day.

I like the sandwiches, but most of the time dinner has come from one of the speciality restaurants. to be honest, that menu gets a bit boring after five days.

Feeling much better today, thanks and I’ve even ordered two drinks, pretending that I have company.

First image towel elephant 2nd extended balcony -Rosy one side and me the other! 3rd sunset at Cabo San Lucas 4th View of Mazatlan

It is very tedious, but the crew have been magnificent and very kind. The nurse visited and did my obs and the doctor brought some more paracetamol. Last night, we had room service from Sakura. It was excellent, but of course it all comes at once and then some things go cold. Today, Rosy met a poor soul who had broken her arm and was having to leave the cruise and fly back to Houston for hospital treatment.