Another live from Explora I departing LA 12th May

[Sidney68]

Not wanting to high jack English Tim’s live report I am starting my own, it will be interesting to see the similarities or contrast in our reviews and I very much hope to get to meet any fellow CC passengers sharing this trip.i have always found this board a helpful resource in booking and preparing for my holidays and I hope to give back a little for the help I have received thus far. 

 

So a little about me for context; I am very well travelled and whilst I am privileged enough to stay in some amazing luxury hotels and resorts, I am equally at home in taking holidays in more basic accommodation or settings, trekking across Mongolia or sailing a 49ft yacht in Thailand as I did 6 weeks ago. However, I work hard and love good service and luxury accommodation, my family call me Lady Sarah I am not really sure why? 😉🤣 I am in my mid 50s and am travelling with my partner.

 

i came to cruising fairly recently sailing several times on Seabourn and RSS, effectively starting in an attempt to prove to myself that as a sailor I hated cruising. how wrong was I! I am now a convert and whilst I cannot proclaim to having numerous cruise experiences I know what I like and have a very good comparison having stayed at some of the most luxurious hotels across the world. Does that matter to me, no. What is important to me is not the name but more on the experience- good service and value are top of my priorities. I loved the personal experience and service levels of Seabourn and the stunning, quality ship of Regent ( but where the quality of the food and service left me feeling a little hollow) What I am looking for is a combination of both .. will Explora be it? 
 

Day 1 Embarkation 

 

The check in process was probably the best I have experienced  extremely quick and efficient and the staff genuinely seemed pleased to welcome you on board. 
 

The cabin seems nice but lacking in storage compared to a similar level suite in Seabourn - I don’t travel light (I know!!) but the hanging space is compromised by the dressing table being in the closet, the entry to the bathroom also being off this rather than the walk in wardrobe set up on both RSS and Seabourn. It all just feels too compact and a lot of wasted space. Not a deal breaker but an observation.

 

Staff; too early to tell on levels of service but early indications are akin to Seabourn in that they want to serve you and are attentive without being intrusive. This was something that was extremely patchy with RSS where I often had to ask for another drink, clear my own plates etc. which was below my expectation. 
 

The ship itself is a little different from previous experiences, well laid out and lots of pool areas. The positive I have noticed is that even some of the quieter smaller pools have bars! On Seabourn and RSS the quieter pools didn’t have service so this is a huge plus! 
the gym looks good and lots of classes which is positive for me as I am very active.  I haven’t yet seen a speaker in the room which I love to have music playing as I get ready - perhaps it’s somewhere I haven’t found yet! 
 

The age range seems younger than on previous cruises- not sure how many are influencer or TAs time will tell. I have seen a couple of children and a teenager but cannot comment as yet on behaviour or impact. If I am totally honest I usually book adult only hotels or cruises as whilst I have children of my own (now grown up)  I don’t usually like to have children on my holiday. I may feel differently when I have grandchildren and I can see how this cruise line may suit multigenerational groups but let’s see. I am keeping an open mind …. 

So as I await for the ship to depart, keeping an open mind and enjoying the experience thus far. Holidays are very much what you make them and I like to think that I am fairly pragmatic however every traveller has their priorities, we mostly work hard to have achieve or earn them and I look forward to seeing how this benches to mine. 

Any specific questions please let me know and I will do my best and answer.

 

.

 

 

[KJB416]

I’m really looking forward to your thoughts while you’re on board.  I’m similar in your age and travel experiences, and 100% agree that experiences are what you make of them. We are big fans of the ship, food and the staff; the spa and the back office control over everything needs work. I truly hope you have a wonderful time. 
 

I think there is a speaker in the tv and it does have ports to plug into. I didn’t bring anything with me to try it out, as they say you can’t do this, but I think I remember seeing something on the tv about speakers or ability to listen to music through the tv. I didn’t try it, so I could be wrong, but check the tv out for a way to connect your phone possibly. 

[rrrrtt]

Got off today. There's some capability to connect to the TV by Bluetooth.

[Sidney68]

Thank you! I have managed to Bluetooth my phone to the TV so can run Spotify. Appreciate your help 

[RlyLvn]

Hi Sydney68!

Thanks for the great update. We board Explora I in Miami for the Transatlantic. Do you know how many passengers are on your cruise?  It seems that the ship has not been sailing at capacity. 
 

Thanks a lot.  I will stay tuned for your exciting itinerary. Have fun!

 

[kool kruiser]

7 hours ago, Sidney68 said:

Thank you! I have managed to Bluetooth my phone to the TV so can run Spotify. Appreciate your help 

Should be fine as internet on board is simply fantastic. Enjoy !

[uktog]

Great informative post @Sidney68  Looking forward to more! Enjoy 

[English Tim]

11 hours ago, RlyLvn said:

Hi Sydney68!

Thanks for the great update. We board Explora I in Miami for the Transatlantic. Do you know how many passengers are on your cruise?  It seems that the ship has not been sailing at capacity. 
 

Thanks a lot.  I will stay tuned for your exciting itinerary. Have fun!

 

 

[English Tim]

Just now, English Tim said:

 

Sorry, the above post should’ve said 390, with another 10 due to arrive today.

[English Tim]

15 hours ago, Sidney68 said:

Not wanting to high jack English Tim’s live report I am starting my own, it will be interesting to see the similarities or contrast in our reviews and I very much hope to get to meet any fellow CC passengers sharing this trip.i have always found this board a helpful resource in booking and preparing for my holidays and I hope to give back a little for the help I have received thus far. 

 

So a little about me for context; I am very well travelled and whilst I am privileged enough to stay in some amazing luxury hotels and resorts, I am equally at home in taking holidays in more basic accommodation or settings, trekking across Mongolia or sailing a 49ft yacht in Thailand as I did 6 weeks ago. However, I work hard and love good service and luxury accommodation, my family call me Lady Sarah I am not really sure why? 😉🤣 I am in my mid 50s and am travelling with my partner.

 

i came to cruising fairly recently sailing several times on Seabourn and RSS, effectively starting in an attempt to prove to myself that as a sailor I hated cruising. how wrong was I! I am now a convert and whilst I cannot proclaim to having numerous cruise experiences I know what I like and have a very good comparison having stayed at some of the most luxurious hotels across the world. Does that matter to me, no. What is important to me is not the name but more on the experience- good service and value are top of my priorities. I loved the personal experience and service levels of Seabourn and the stunning, quality ship of Regent ( but where the quality of the food and service left me feeling a little hollow) What I am looking for is a combination of both .. will Explora be it? 
 

Day 1 Embarkation 

 

The check in process was probably the best I have experienced  extremely quick and efficient and the staff genuinely seemed pleased to welcome you on board. 
 

The cabin seems nice but lacking in storage compared to a similar level suite in Seabourn - I don’t travel light (I know!!) but the hanging space is compromised by the dressing table being in the closet, the entry to the bathroom also being off this rather than the walk in wardrobe set up on both RSS and Seabourn. It all just feels too compact and a lot of wasted space. Not a deal breaker but an observation.

 

Staff; too early to tell on levels of service but early indications are akin to Seabourn in that they want to serve you and are attentive without being intrusive. This was something that was extremely patchy with RSS where I often had to ask for another drink, clear my own plates etc. which was below my expectation. 
 

The ship itself is a little different from previous experiences, well laid out and lots of pool areas. The positive I have noticed is that even some of the quieter smaller pools have bars! On Seabourn and RSS the quieter pools didn’t have service so this is a huge plus! 
the gym looks good and lots of classes which is positive for me as I am very active.  I haven’t yet seen a speaker in the room which I love to have music playing as I get ready - perhaps it’s somewhere I haven’t found yet! 
 

The age range seems younger than on previous cruises- not sure how many are influencer or TAs time will tell. I have seen a couple of children and a teenager but cannot comment as yet on behaviour or impact. If I am totally honest I usually book adult only hotels or cruises as whilst I have children of my own (now grown up)  I don’t usually like to have children on my holiday. I may feel differently when I have grandchildren and I can see how this cruise line may suit multigenerational groups but let’s see. I am keeping an open mind …. 

So as I await for the ship to depart, keeping an open mind and enjoying the experience thus far. Holidays are very much what you make them and I like to think that I am fairly pragmatic however every traveller has their priorities, we mostly work hard to have achieve or earn them and I look forward to seeing how this benches to mine. 

Any specific questions please let me know and I will do my best and answer.

 

.

 

 

With reference to storage space for clothes there are three large drawers underneath the TV, which you may not have found.

[Sidney68]

2 hours ago, English Tim said:

With reference to storage space for clothes there are three large drawers underneath the TV, which you may not have found.

Thank you Tim, unfortunately found (and used) those already 🫣🤣

[Sidney68]

So we headed to Fil Rouge for dinner last night and had a lovely meal, I had the Lobster Thermidor and my partner had the Hake which was expertly deboned at the table. The restaurant was only half fall so although I made a reservation via the explora app, I probably didn’t need to. The service was attentive and my general first impression of the staff is a real willingness to please. We attended a performance by two of the “artistes” for those of you who love explora speak 🤣 in journeys lounge which was ok, both had nice voices but as soon as they had finished the audience disappeared and we failed to find any life or dancing (which is an important part of any holiday for me) maybe we were looking in the wrong places.. I will try again this evening. 
 

i slept really well, probably the best I have slept since arriving in the USA, the bed was comfortable and pillows to my liking. As we were in San Diego for a very short time we were up and about for an early breakfast in Emporium before heading off the ship at 8.30. We were very impressed with San Diego and opted to do our own thing utilising the services of a hop on, hop off trolley tour which worked really well for us and we were back on board for lunch.  
 

The Emporium Market place is in my opinion a great concept, it provides a great deal of choice but still maintains the freshly cooked approach which I much prefer to a standard buffet. There was obviously a lot of training going on of newer staff, but this was unobtrusive and done in a manner that was commendable. Having witnessed extremely poor service in a number of restaurants on our last RSS cruise in November where new staff appeared to just be left to get on with it, this was a breath of fresh air. Never once did we have to ask for top ups on drinks or sit with finished plates on our table - all very efficient.

 

This afternoon the sun has decided to come out and I am enjoying the conservatory pool, the beds are comfortable and plentiful. My partner does not fair well in the sun but has not had any issue finding a shady spot - I guess this may be helped as the ship is not at capacity, but even so there appears to be numerous spots around the ship where we will both be happy. 
 

Tonight is the Med Yacht Club but before I am going to give the sunset restore yoga a try and perhaps hit the gym - well a girl has to do something to try and fit in her clothes at the end of this trip!!! 🤣 I will report on how I found that later. 

[2SailingNomads]

Emporium is IMO the best at sea for a buffet.  Simply a brilliant implementation.  And all the choices from sushi to al la minute fish and pasta.

[RJ2002]

1 hour ago, 2SailingNomads said:

Emporium is IMO the best at sea for a buffet.  Simply a brilliant implementation.  And all the choices from sushi to al la minute fish and pasta.

Agree 100%.  
 

We almost never have dinner in a ship’s lido venue, but we did one evening on Explora.  Delicious, and the seafood options in particular are a step up at night vs. what is offered at lunch (which is quite good as well).   I especially enjoyed the chilled crab legs.   

[Waltershipman]

1 hour ago, RJ2002 said:

Agree 100%.  
 

We almost never have dinner in a ship’s lido venue, but we did one evening on Explora.  Delicious, and the seafood options in particular are a step up at night vs. what is offered at lunch (which is quite good as well).   I especially enjoyed the chilled crab legs.   

When we were on board we did the Emporium often  however it was not until late in the cruise that we had dinner there. It's excellent and yes best at sea for certain . Great food with lovely service as well.

[Sidney68]

Day 3

 

sleeping really well on this trip, in fact I didn’t wake until 8.30 am which is unheard of for me usually being an early riser. Dinner last night at the Med Yacht Club was I would say average. We shared a selection of tapas as a starter and both had the pork for our main course, there was no issue and perhaps just a poor choice but it wasn’t as nice as some of the other dishes I have sampled thus far. 
 

The entertainment last night was good, both singers have great voices and the show was well attended. After this we took to the Astern lounge to enjoy two talented guitarists‘Josh and Raffael ’who had the small audience up dancing and having fun. The bar staff were very attentive, may be a little too attentive 😉

 

I promised to update on the sunset yoga class. I was very impressed, a knowledgeable instructor led the class of very mixed abilities, which he did with care ensuring that everything was adapted to meet the needs of each. He went around adjusting poses something that is often missed but is so important. I followed the class with a spin session on one of the techno bikes which was excellent. The gym is small, clean and well equipped on par with that on RSS Explorer and of higher quality than that on Seabourn. To add to the experience I was lucky enough to witness a large dolphin pod (around 30/40 I would suggest) jumping and playing in the surf - amazing! 
 

Today is a sea day and whilst the weather is a little cool and no sun as yet, I have still managed to sit by the astern pool in deck 5 which is lovely. Sat here watching the ocean from the infinity pool is fantastic and very relaxing. There appears to be numerous talks and activities onboard for those who wish to avail themselves, I have a few highlighted of interest including a salsa dance class, a talk on green energy advancement, a weighted Pilates class and a some time in the wellness centre. I definitely won’t be bored! 
 

A couple of personal views/observations in case of interest; as others have said the restrooms are so hard to find?! I frequently lap the deck trying to find them - hey one way of getting the steps in I suppose! 
 

On previous cruises I have noticed that doors in common areas are extremely heavy and I have always been slightly concerned at how anyone with even slight mobility issues cope with them. Onboard Explora 1 many are automatic opening or have a sensor and are level so this helps accessibility. I am sure someone who perhaps has needs in this area will be better placed to comment, but it struck me as a positive.

 

I am really not a fan of the small bathroom. This is definitely the most compact of bathrooms I have ever had, even on entry level suites. The design is not great, the bathroom mirror steams up and don’t even try to get more than one of you in at a time. It feels a little like an enlarged airplane cubicle (ok slight exaggeration but you get my drift) and my partner and I are getting rather good at playing human Tetris! Seabourn and RSS definitely excel in these areas.

 

The laundry room is adequate with two dryers and separate washers. Washing tablets (but not fabric conditioner) are provided. However a major design fault is the ironing board which pulls out from a unit right in front of the door! There is no signage and as such as I opened the 

door I took out a fellow guest who was minding his own business ironing his shirt for dinner!!! I have reported and will obviously take more care next time but someone could be injured. The other guest also commented that the iron plate was not clean and therefore likely to mark items if you didn’t use a cloth between the item and the iron itself. 

[Waltershipman]

23 minutes ago, Sidney68 said:

Day 3

 

sleeping really well on this trip, in fact I didn’t wake until 8.30 am which is unheard of for me usually being an early riser. Dinner last night at the Med Yacht Club was I would say average. We shared a selection of tapas as a starter and both had the pork for our main course, there was no issue and perhaps just a poor choice but it wasn’t as nice as some of the other dishes I have sampled thus far. 
 

The entertainment last night was good, both singers have great voices and the show was well attended. After this we took to the Astern lounge to enjoy two talented guitarists‘Josh and Raffael ’who had the small audience up dancing and having fun. The bar staff were very attentive, may be a little too attentive 😉

 

I promised to update on the sunset yoga class. I was very impressed, a knowledgeable instructor led the class of very mixed abilities, which he did with care ensuring that everything was adapted to meet the needs of each. He went around adjusting poses something that is often missed but is so important. I followed the class with a spin session on one of the techno bikes which was excellent. The gym is small, clean and well equipped on par with that on RSS Explorer and of higher quality than that on Seabourn. To add to the experience I was lucky enough to witness a large dolphin pod (around 30/40 I would suggest) jumping and playing in the surf - amazing! 
 

Today is a sea day and whilst the weather is a little cool and no sun as yet, I have still managed to sit by the astern pool in deck 5 which is lovely. Sat here watching the ocean from the infinity pool is fantastic and very relaxing. There appears to be numerous talks and activities onboard for those who wish to avail themselves, I have a few highlighted of interest including a salsa dance class, a talk on green energy advancement, a weighted Pilates class and a some time in the wellness centre. I definitely won’t be bored! 
 

A couple of personal views/observations in case of interest; as others have said the restrooms are so hard to find?! I frequently lap the deck trying to find them - hey one way of getting the steps in I suppose! 
 

On previous cruises I have noticed that doors in common areas are extremely heavy and I have always been slightly concerned at how anyone with even slight mobility issues cope with them. Onboard Explora 1 many are automatic opening or have a sensor and are level so this helps accessibility. I am sure someone who perhaps has needs in this area will be better placed to comment, but it struck me as a positive.

 

I am really not a fan of the small bathroom. This is definitely the most compact of bathrooms I have ever had, even on entry level suites. The design is not great, the bathroom mirror steams up and don’t even try to get more than one of you in at a time. It feels a little like an enlarged airplane cubicle (ok slight exaggeration but you get my drift) and my partner and I are getting rather good at playing human Tetris! Seabourn and RSS definitely excel in these areas.

 

The laundry room is adequate with two dryers and separate washers. Washing tablets (but not fabric conditioner) are provided. However a major design fault is the ironing board which pulls out from a unit right in front of the door! There is no signage and as such as I opened the 

door I took out a fellow guest who was minding his own business ironing his shirt for dinner!!! I have reported and will obviously take more care next time but someone could be injured. The other guest also commented that the iron plate was not clean and therefore likely to mark items if you didn’t use a cloth between the item and the iron itself. 

Loved the automatic doors to public restrooms big plus

[Noggins]

2 hours ago, Waltershipman said:

Loved the automatic doors to public restrooms big plus

I do agree - but I recall at least one toilet where the auto door goes from the very public deck area directly into the toilet cubicle. And the hand-swipe locking mechanism was both not intuitive and the 3 menu options (unlocked, locked, open , if I remember correctly) were so close together you just never knew for sure whether the door was definitely locked - or not.... 

I distinctly remember being relieved (in a different way) that the low passenger count made it a) less likely someone else would find the door unlocked when I hoped I'd locked it and b) the deck area would not be thronged with folk getting an unwanted viewing should disaster strike.

(British trains suffer from the very same problem. Or should I say British train passengers.)

[Sidney68]

2 minutes ago, Noggins said:

I do agree - but I recall at least one toilet where the auto door goes from the very public deck area directly into the toilet cubicle. And the hand-swipe locking mechanism was both not intuitive and the 3 menu options (unlocked, locked, open , if I remember correctly) were so close together you just never knew for sure whether the door was definitely locked - or not.... 

I distinctly remember being relieved (in a different way) that the low passenger count made it a) less likely someone else would find the door unlocked when I hoped I'd locked it and b) the deck area would not be thronged with folk getting an unwanted viewing should disaster strike.

(British trains suffer from the very same problem. Or should I say British train passengers.)

I think I also found the same toilet and had the same confusion (and fear!) I then spotted a red light high above the door so worked on the premise that (hopefully) that meant it was locked, although luckily I never had that tested! 

[Sidney68]

So a busy couple of days - there always seems to be something going on around the ship - plus we have been on a few excursions organised by Explora. I will cover my thoughts on the excisions separately on the ports of call forum although on the whole I would say they offered fairly interesting itineraries which we enjoyed. 

 

We have now experienced all restaurants Shakura being our favourite. The langoustine roll and duck compote was to die for and whilst the penang beef curry was milder than I would normally expect, it was delicious. Whilst there had been lots of debate on marble and co, we really enjoyed our meal and as we have found every where the service was attentive. The only evening meal I have been a little disappointed in was at the Emporium Market place, whilst there were upgraded seafood options such as lobster and oysters, the rest of the offering was the same as lunchtime. It just did not feel special enough for us, but that is personal opinion. Great for breakfast or lunch but with everything else on offer I will likely not repeat that one again. 
 

I have now used 3 of the pools, all of which are beautifully decorated with comfortable beds and bar service. None have been overly busy and lots of shaded areas available for my partner who cannot cope with the heat - we just need to often sit at opposite ends of the pool, but then I am used to that 🤣. The pool on deck 5 astern is my favourite, it’s quiet and whilst you cannot swim in the pool it’s perfect for a dip, although yesterday the temperature of the water resembled a bath probably because it is so shallow. 

little gifts keep arriving which personally I really like. For anyone who may have had the same question around water bottles as I did before I arrived, you are given a smart metal water bottle in your room on arrival which I really appreciated. I nearly brought my own with me as I hated the large plastic bottles Seabourn handed out daily which seemed to taint the taste of the warm water after a few minutes in the sun. We have had some sweet delicacies, some aromatherapy oil and a tote bag. 
 

Overall really enjoying the ship and its facilities. The entertainment is ok and does need some improvement but I am keeping an open mind. I am not expecting large west end shows but the same two singers each night is a little repetitive. The Whitney Houston “tribute” was great and the billy Joel night fun and well attended, likely because people connected with the artist. They certainly got people up dancing which was nice.

 

after dinner entertainment is an important part of my holiday and I would say that a lot of the bars lack atmosphere, likely because there are so many and too few passengers. Maybe this will change when the ship is a little closer to capacity. I do enjoy the two guitarists however who seem to be hidden away in the astern lounge on deck 5. They have commented however that then usually play (they have 3 sessions per night) to themselves so are overjoyed when they have an audience. That must be so hard for an artiste and I wonder how long they will retain talent like that if that is their experience every night, I also question why they are not being offered a slot on the main stage, they certainly shouldn’t be hidden away!

 

café Créma is nice although I wished it opened 30 mins earlier to accommodate those of us who are up early! I tried to get a coffee at 6.30 before my yoga class and whilst they were “setting up” refused to serve until 7am. It wouldn’t have taken a lot and I certainly wasn’t the only one looking for a caffeine intake on that morning. I know we have a machine in our room but as others have stated, some other halves like to sleep in and would appreciate the loud gurgling of the nespresso machine at that time of the day.

 

i am definitely ready for our two back to back sea days. The daily activity app is great and I am enjoying setting reminders of activities I am interested in doing. It also shows dinner reservations and allows you to book more - a really positive addition and welcome after the pre cruise IT debarcle. 
 

Tomorrow I am planning to attend an open air boat camp, use the wellness centre and attend a photography class. Should be another great day aboard Explora 1.

 

 

[English Tim]

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!

[Grandma Cruising]

7 hours ago, Sidney68 said:

1.

 

 

Does the tote bag have a zip or is it the usual open top bag. We also wondered whether you each get a card holder for your key card. Thanks.

[uktog]

1 hour ago, Grandma Cruising said:

Does the tote bag have a zip or is it the usual open top bag. We also wondered whether you each get a card holder for your key card. Thanks.

You get a keycard holder. Our bag was different the first cruise but open topped the second 

[mike@sea]

Unfortunately this is a very cheap ( type „laundry“ ) and smelly tote bag. It smells horribly after some use. Many people did not even realize it was meant to be a tote bag, as it looks like your ordinary laundry bag, the type you find at hotels. Not sure what Explora was thinking there, as it also should represent/market the company, when passengers use it.

Honestly, I was quite shocked when I received it and did complain about the cheap piece, which does neither fit the brand nor the price tag of the cruise. And compares badly to what you receive on other lines like Hapag Lloyd. Of course it is „sustainable“, the excuse for every corporate to sell downgraded stuff or food or whatnot to their clients. 
 

However, much to my surprise it did not bother any other person I talked to on the ship. So, this here might just be my own personal 2 cents. 😉

Of course it does not keep me from coming back ( and repeatedly tell them, they can and should do better.. ) 

Edited Saturday at 09:24 AM by mike@sea

[Grandma Cruising]

3 hours ago, uktog said:

You get a keycard holder. Our bag was different the first cruise but open topped the second 

Thanks - just checking, do you both get a key card holder?