Random Notes, Explorer Maiden Voyage, LIVE

[lincslady]

In the UK we classify beds a bit differently - but a King size should definitely be 6', or twice 3' if as singles. I do think 64" sounds ungenerous, and if as singles is less than 3' each; more like a child's size bed.

[eliana]

The penthouse bed measures roughly 76 x 75 inches. This mattress is thicker than the others.

The concierge bed measures roughly 72 x 75 inches.

The G2 bed measures roughly 64 x 75 inches.

 

I say "roughly" because mattresses are not perfectly defined rectangles. There are curves at the edges. But I measured all 3 styles at the same (maximum) points.

 

I am very surprised by the measurements of the bedding, but I saw this for myself. Had I not seen the differences, I would have assumed they would have stocked one standard size. "European King Size Elite Slumber Bedding" has a meaning that has confused me.

 

Quite confusing. A European King size mattress is 63x78 whereas a British king size mattress is 60x78. European and British super King is 72x78. So it looks as if Regent are using King size in G2 and super King in concierge. What they have in PH is beyond the standards!

Edited July 28, 2016 by eliana

[Mr Rumor]

Valletta sailaway. Ginny and I loved our time in Malta, too!

 

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Pamela1]

Valletta sailaway. Ginny and I loved our time in Malta, too!

 

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

 

Looks beautiful, we ended out last cruise in Malta and was very surprised how large it was (Valetta) would love to go back.

Thank you for the continuing commentary and hope you are still racking up the points in trivia!

 

Pam.

[Wendy The Wanderer]

Thanks for the reports on Malta! Will be there for a day in October, and I'm so looking forward to it!

[flossie009]

The penthouse bed measures roughly 76 x 75 inches. This mattress is thicker than the others.

The concierge bed measures roughly 72 x 75 inches.

The G2 bed measures roughly 64 x 75 inches.

 

I say "roughly" because mattresses are not perfectly defined rectangles. There are curves at the edges. But I measured all 3 styles at the same (maximum) points.

 

I am very surprised by the measurements of the bedding, but I saw this for myself. Had I not seen the differences, I would have assumed they would have stocked one standard size. "European King Size Elite Slumber Bedding" has a meaning that has confused me.

 

If Wikapedia is to be believed then rough equivalance of the widths measured is:

76" = US King

72" = European King

64" = European Queen

 

unless someone else knows better...........

[rarin2go]

Quite confusing. A European King size mattress is 63x78 whereas a British king size mattress is 60x78. European and British super King is 72x78.

 

That is certainly correct according to major UK retailers and our own purchasing experiences!

[Eager2Travel]

Anchorbouy, you are a gem to have gone around and measured all those beds! With this kind of determination I can see why you and Mr. Rumor plus spouses make up such a winning trivia team.

Ann

[machotspur]

Quite confusing. A European King size mattress is 63x78 whereas a British king size mattress is 60x78. European and British super King is 72x78. So it looks as if Regent are using King size in G2 and super King in concierge. What they have in PH is beyond the standards!

 

This got me wondering so I ignored these Wiki thingies and consulted the doyen of beds in the UK - John Lewis !

 

Their website states :-

 

Single 90 x 190 (3ft wide)

Double 135 x 190 (4.5 ft wide)

King 150 x 200 (5.0 ft wide)

Super King 180 x 200 (6 ft wide)

 

So according to JL two singles zipped together is a Super King in the UK. (your info is spot on eliana !).

 

Fortunately for Mrs machotspur who has a husband that snores we have exactly this in our bedroom (purchased from John Lewis !). :o

[sundecksam]

We hope you are delighted with suite 816...we'll be in it for the 25th Anniversary Cruise in April. Please post something, especially about the verandah which (on the deck plans) appears to benefit from being at the transition to the wider verandahs astern of it.

Zqueeze1/Portolan,

Hope everyone will be satisfied with suite 816. We have it reserved for the LA to Miami canal cruise. Any helpful hints will be appreciated. Enjoy.

[xrvlcruiser]

One comment about the bed in the PH suite: I like a very hard mattress. The top part of my mattress was removed - it unzips - and the mattress is firmer. The other advantage for me - at 5'1/2" - is that it is not as high - lower by several inches. I had no problem climbing up onto the bed as it was originally but it is nice not to have to do that!

 

Peggy

[Mr Rumor]

Another big thank you on behalf of the CC MV live-blogging team for all the nice comments. I'm delighted the blog has become a joint endeavor with the contributions of Anchorbuoy, lisemare, pet lover, witt's end and xrvlcruiser and I'm looking forward to their continued posting.

 

Watching the Regent song and dance team's third performance in the Constellation Theater tonight, it struck me that it was time I shared my thoughts about one of the most important public rooms on the Explorer.

 

I was struck by the design of the Constellation Theater the moment Ginny and I strode into it for embarkation. The first words that entered my mind as I took in the design of the room with its large overhanging balcony, plump columns and rows of little tables sporting lamps: "retro" and "classic." After I had the chance to take in all the dark woods around the ship, and the vintage B&W photos--especially the glamor and Hollywood-themed ones--on the passenger floors, I came to appreciate how the theater's design echoes the overall elegant, classic feel of the Explorer.

 

About those rows of little tables: They're permanent, meaning you can't move them when trying to get into your seat, perhaps spilling a drink on your neighbor in the process (I've seen it done). That's good.

 

It is also very good that there now is more room between the tables/chairs and bench seats in each two-row segment of the theater. How many times have you had to carefully work your way around a fellow passenger in a chair to access a bench seat? You'll have an easier time of it now. I also like the fact that the first row of the theater is bench seats instead of chairs and tables. Those are our favorite seats right now (we also like the chairs in the other rows, which seem to sit a bit higher than the bench seats in each chair/bench segment).

 

But the Constellation Theater also has problems. Most of the balcony seats have obstructed views. The columns also obstruct views.

 

But the biggest issue with the theater, because it involves passengers' safety, are the two center downstairs aisles. Instead of a ramp design, there is a series of steps. The steps were not identified as well as they could have been when we boarded, and I witnessed one stumble and one (bad) tumble, and heard of others. By the second day, small white reflective squares had been placed on every aisle step, as well as on the steps leading up to the balcony. In the evening, flashlight-bearing ushers have been conspicuous.

 

I know that Regent is keenly aware of this safety issue and is working on a permanent fix. One solution would be to install a string of small lights on the top of each step, such as already appear on the stairs on each side of the stage, for the safety of performers.

 

Alas, I don't know what can be done about the poor sight lines from the balcony short of a balcony remodel, and the columns most probably contain steel supports and need to stay. But there is a solution here, too: Arrive early to the Constellation Theater for the events you most want to attend, and claim the seat of your choice.

 

If there are further developments regarding the above matters while I'm still onboard, I'll let you know.

 

Rich

 

The Explorer Constellation Theater--going for that classic look:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Travelcat2]

Great post Rich. Again, I agree with you 100%.

 

My cluttered brain just came up with another trivial tidbit about the Explorer that women in particular may find interesting (or not). The table linens are gorgeous and they look the same in every dining venue. However, if you look closely, they are different. The crew members in the laundry are aware of the differences (basically sizes of the squares or rectangles) and are easily able to send the correct table linens to the right restaurant. IMO, this was a genius idea - making things much easier for both the laundry and restaurant crew.

[petlover]

Poss: You are a true romantic!

 

Petlover: How do you like your F2 suite? Any positives and negatives? The sofa looks a little small on most of the pics we've seen. We are booked on Suite 816 for the Nov TA and would love to hear more about the F2 suites if possible. Thanks.

 

 

Z and TB

 

Zqueeze1, we are happy with our F2. I wish it had a vanity but am doing ok without it after requesting a magnifying mirror.

 

At first I thought the closet would not hold as much as the standard Voyager cabins with double bars but after living with the long single bar closet I realize that it seems to hold more than Voyager closets and I like it better. There is lots of drawer space as well.

We LOVE the bathroom with the double sinks and loads of storage. It also has hanging hand towels in-between the 2 sinks. The lighting is very good. Thus far I've taken an equal share of baths and showers. Both work great and I enjoy having a choice. The F2 works so well for us that we will be in an F2 again in September on a B2B.

 

There does seem to be a design flaw. If the bathroom door is left open and you come through the front door, the front door will hit the bathroom door. We're now in the habit of keeping the bathroom door closed.

 

The sofa may be on the small side but works just fine for us. For ensuite dining, the table is larger and one of us sits on the sofa and one sits on the desk chair.

 

The large King bed is WONDERFUL and very comfy.

Edited July 29, 2016 by petlover

[lisemare]

Another day at sea today . In regards to Cabin 684 and the gym entrance that is adjacent , you can use this entrance to take the stairs down to canyon ranch (turn left for ladies or right for men )where you can access the infrared sauna ( with views out to back deck over horizon pool) COLD ROOM (50–54°F/10°–12°C) Cool air, heated seating and lighting effects help relieve fatigue and re-energize your body, mind and spirit.

 

EXPERIENTIAL SHOWER Invigorating warming and cooling showers with environmental effects delight the senses. Choose your favorite immersive experience: tropical monsoon, Atlantic storm, gentle spring rain … or experience all three in turn.

 

AROMATIC STEAM ROOM (160°F/71°C) This cleansing and fragrant therapeutic environment provides steam infused with essential oils for a multisensory healing and mood-enhancing experience.

 

I have confirmed that these features are available to all , not just those having paid services at the spa .

 

Lisa

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

[Mr Rumor]

Good morning from the Pool Deck. This is the second of our two sea days, and our dance card is pretty full with lectures, the Seafood Extravaganza at noon, CD Ray's pre-dinner show, and more. Still I hope to pop in with a post or three.

 

Someone asked about the Boutique. The Boutique is actually comprised of two spaces, one starboard the other aft, on Deck Four. You reach the shops after exiting Compass Rose and passing the Casino on your right. (Clever placement, Regent! One has a couple of options to immediately lighten his wallet after a big, waistline-expanding dinner in CR!)

 

Here are several Boutique snaps:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Anchorbuoy]

 

One more thing - the halls are narrower than on the other ships and the stewards/stewardesses do not use the big carts but what look more like carry-ons. which they pull along the halls.

Peggy

 

 

I really like the elimination of towel carts on Explorer. The corridors are not cluttered like before, and there is no dodging to walk by. The stewards seem to have supply closets conveniently placed to retrieve fresh provisions.

 

Here is a picture of the new cleaning carts:

 

 

 

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app

[witt's end]

The Compass Rose is spectacular!

The openness is enhanced by the placement of the workstations along the entrance wall. It makes it quieter while eating, less congested and expansive.

There are also half wall partitions that enhance privacy in some of the window areas.

I particularly love the reflection on the cutlery from the huge blue ceiling art in the center.

This dining room is something special!

 

It did take a while to break the habit of walking through the restaurant to access the aft elevator and stairwell though. Early in the cruise the aft stairs down to deck 4 were blocked to prevent us from hitting a dead end.

[Zqueeze1]

Portolan/Sundecksam/Petlover:

 

We recently switched cabins when 816 seemed to become available last week so we can take advantage of the sun (fingers crossed) during the Nov TA, and, of course, what seems to be a larger balcony. Don't worry, we will take good care of it and will try to post info and pics. I expect Mr. Rumor to have his wonderful live reporting thread running smoothly during this cruise.

 

The Boss is thrilled to hear about the bed since taking naps is her favorite cruise activity.

 

Have a great weekend, all!

 

Z and TB

[purpleally]

Another day at sea today . In regards to Cabin 684 and the gym entrance that is adjacent , you can use this entrance to take the stairs down to canyon ranch (turn left for ladies or right for men )where you can access the infrared sauna ( with views out to back deck over horizon pool) COLD ROOM (50–54°F/10°–12°C) Cool air, heated seating and lighting effects help relieve fatigue and re-energize your body, mind and spirit.

 

EXPERIENTIAL SHOWER Invigorating warming and cooling showers with environmental effects delight the senses. Choose your favorite immersive experience: tropical monsoon, Atlantic storm, gentle spring rain … or experience all three in turn.

 

AROMATIC STEAM ROOM (160°F/71°C) This cleansing and fragrant therapeutic environment provides steam infused with essential oils for a multisensory healing and mood-enhancing experience.

 

I have confirmed that these features are available to all , not just those having paid services at the spa .

 

Lisa

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

 

So happy to hear the sauna/steam is available to all. I have read the infinity pool is not?

[witt's end]

The infinity pool is available to all.

It has limited loungers though.

It can be accessed outside on deck 5 without going through the spa.

Since it is connected to the spa, no alcohol is served there.

[WesW]

Witt's end/Katie, thanks for your delightful/educational Explorer posts. And you are becoming a picture posting Regent CC wizard along with your CC Bro, Rich. Thank you both for your continued outstanding posting efforts.

 

Please excuse this minor off topic post for Mr. Rumor.

 

Rich, if you have time can you please find out who the HD and CD will be on board our Voyager (Singapore to Hong Kong February voyage) is? Would like to coordinate with them a few months prior to boarding, for our February 21st Cruise Critic and Regent meet & mingle.

Edited July 29, 2016 by WesW

[fizzy]

So happy to hear the sauna/steam is available to all. I have read the infinity pool is not?

 

We were wondering if it was finalized that only the upper tier cabins had use of this pool.....aside from spa patrons.

[Pam]

I know I sound like a broken record, but the beds in the G & H category suites were always quoted as being smaller, because those two categories were to be sold to single cruisers who wouldn't need/expect a king-sized bed. I went way back in this forum one day, trying to find the original announcement, but my time was limited and I just couldn't wade through the hundreds of posts to find one.

[Saildude16]

Can ship board credits be used in the botiques?