Returning to Explora 1 after almost a year

[uktog]

First impressions 

 

The good is as ever - all the meals enjoyed to date and service spot on

The entertainment is a huge improvement far far better than last year both in terms of the show lounge and all

the bars 

For those interested, there are now snacks available on Deck 10 Journey Lounge from 11am through to midnight (not checked what)

 

The less good, the Four Pillars Gin is not included now but an 8 euro extra

Several wines are “waiting supplies” - no Argentine Malbec they have an Italian Malbec not a patch on the previous ones 

Zero mention of spirits for the room. I will

leave it until tomorrow then follow up

 

But a very positive start overall 

 

 

 

[ChilledGecko]

Sounds good! 

Currently bag packing and documentation gathering...

[Jimmycruiser]

Uktog, I remember you from Azamara cruises of which we did several but became disillusioned. Interested in your comparisons to AZ at the completion of your Explora cruise. We just booked a 15 night B2B Explora I for next November to try it.

[KJB416]

I’m glad to hear you’re back onboard and look forward to hearing more about your trip. Are they still offering two nightly shows and if so, do you mind letting me know the times?  I’m on Explora II In October, but assume they will follow the same schedule.  
 

I hope you continue to have a wonderful time and that the booze gets offered to you asap!

[Khareef]

2 hours ago, uktog said:

First impressions 

 

The good is as ever - all the meals enjoyed to date and service spot on

The entertainment is a huge improvement far far better than last year both in terms of the show lounge and all

the bars 

For those interested, there are now snacks available on Deck 10 Journey Lounge from 11am through to midnight (not checked what)

 

The less good, the Four Pillars Gin is not included now but an 8 euro extra

Several wines are “waiting supplies” - no Argentine Malbec they have an Italian Malbec not a patch on the previous ones 

Zero mention of spirits for the room. I will

leave it until tomorrow then follow up

 

But a very positive start overall 

 

 

 

i think they could add some peanuts or chips together with the complimentary wine, i recall in my galapagos trip with silversea they gave us some snacks every day and i liked that very much.

 

I would add that the crew does a great job and that explora1 serves one of  the finest coffee in the business,

[uktog]

1 hour ago, Khareef said:

i think they could add some peanuts or chips together with the complimentary wine, i recall in my galapagos trip with silversea they gave us some snacks every day and i liked that very much.

 

I would add that the crew does a great job and that explora1 serves one of  the finest coffee in the business,

They offered crisps last night in the Journey lounge

[uktog]

4 hours ago, KJB416 said:

I’m glad to hear you’re back onboard and look forward to hearing more about your trip. Are they still offering two nightly shows and if so, do you mind letting me know the times?  I’m on Explora II In October, but assume they will follow the same schedule.  
 

I hope you continue to have a wonderful time and that the booze gets offered to you asap!

Thanks it’s one show only on EJ1. They now have six extremely competent singers. The harmonies on their Vegas show last night were outstanding. Tonight is a guest artiste whose specialism is Adele 
 

We are still to track down the “booze” it’s not an issue but highlights why some guests who don’t know what they’re entitled to miss out. 

[Waltershipman]

5 minutes ago, uktog said:

So?  I was comparing EJ November to EJ now. Whether I cruise on Azamara or not is irrelevant 

Love your comparisons since our 1st EJ cruise was last October and next one in January so the comparison is very informative and appreciated. We do enjoy EJ very much

[Dr. Cocktail]

6 hours ago, uktog said:

 

 

The less good, the Four Pillars Gin is not included now but an 8 euro extra

Several wines are “waiting supplies” - no Argentine Malbec they have an Italian Malbec not a patch on the previous ones 

Zero mention of spirits for the room. I will

leave it until tomorrow then follow up

 

But a very positive start overall 

 

 

 

Hmmmmm - as we all know, I’m one of the biggest “cheerleaders” here but this is pretty unimpressive.

 

It’s not their first rodeo - you should be able to be choose your spirits pre cruise or have the selection form waiting for you.

 

As for the wines, the lack of choice and variety was my #1 complaint last year and I spoke to a LOT of senior people onboard about it. I’m disappointed to hear that nothing has changed.

 

But - I have a Seabourn cruise coming up and their boards are abuzz with alcohol cutbacks…🤷‍♂️

[johng75370]

2 hours ago, Dr. Cocktail said:

But - I have a Seabourn cruise coming up and their boards are abuzz with alcohol cutbacks…🤷‍♂️

A bit “apples and oranges” as the Seabourn complaints are coming from a higher starting point than Explora; Explora started low and has gone lower.  The most recent SB list that is being complained about contains several that retail $15-$20 USD, and mostly covers the main requests (Malbecs from Argentina, Cabs from California, Pinot from Oregon, Rose from Provence, etc..).  

 

All cruise lines make changes/adjustments to optimize their business, so as they receive more feedback I’m hoping Explora moves their budget for wine higher.  It was a negative from our two Explora cruises (one of a few factors) that holds us back from booking another one right now, but if there are included wines on Explora that work for us (along with reasonably priced premium wines) we’d be more likely to come back.  

Edited Saturday at 10:23 PM by johng75370

[saminina]

I'm paying much less to be on a ship with favorite restaurants serving consistently reliable food with great service.  It's not a stretch to bring my wine aboard.  Or, we can sail on Seabourn's dated ships with an excellent chance of being stuck with a lousy piano player in Observation Bar drinking cheap wine because the wine we enjoy on the premium list has not been on board the past eight months. 

[johng75370]

9 minutes ago, saminina said:

It's not a stretch to bring my wine aboard.

We almost always bring a couple special bottles with us, regardless of cruise line.  It's only on Explora that the Caymus Special Selection Cab we brought was offered to other guests because some waiter thought it was one of the "included wines" because our waiter just left it with the others unmarked.  At least Seabourn or Crystal has always properly handled wines in such situations.  

Edited Saturday at 11:21 PM by johng75370

[saminina]

Yes, I remember your post with that sad story.  Very easy to picture.  Funnily enough, that is the wine I was referring to as being missing in action on SB.   Regardless of line, once opened the bottle stays on our table.  Same rule for house wines. 

[Stickman1990]

10 hours ago, uktog said:

The less good, the Four Pillars Gin is not included now but an 8 euro extra

Several wines are “waiting supplies” - no Argentine Malbec they have an Italian Malbec not a patch on the previous ones 

Zero mention of spirits for the room

Great you are back on board and thanks for taking time out to post about your experience - it will be good to get your comparison between the early sailing experience and now

 

Did you ask your cabin attendant (or whatever Explora are currently calling them - Host?) about getting some alcohol for your room? What was their response?

 

Could you post a copy of the page of included wines from the wine list so we can see what’s currently on offer?

[johng75370]

2 hours ago, Stickman1990 said:

Could you post a copy of the page of included wines from the wine list so we can see what’s currently on offer?

My brother will be on the maiden voyage for Explora II on Monday, and I’ll see if he can pass along what is on the launch.  FWIW, it’s his first cruise and I can’t imagine a better starting point.  

[Dr. Cocktail]

5 hours ago, johng75370 said:

A bit “apples and oranges” as the Seabourn complaints are coming from a higher starting point than Explora; Explora started low and has gone lower.  The most recent SB list that is being complained about contains several that retail $15-$20 USD, and mostly covers the main requests (Malbecs from Argentina, Cabs from California, Pinot from Oregon, Rose from Provence, etc..).  

 

All cruise lines make changes/adjustments to optimize their business, so as they receive more feedback I’m hoping Explora moves their budget for wine higher.  It was a negative from our two Explora cruises (one of a few factors) that holds us back from booking another one right now, but if there are included wines on Explora that work for us (along with reasonably priced premium wines) we’d be more likely to come back.  

A good point .... I just don't understand their not having decent wines to match their excellent food!

[Khareef]

6 hours ago, Dr. Cocktail said:

A good point .... I just don't understand their not having decent wines to match their excellent food!

I take food over wine so no problem there. But the lack of a proper view without high protection glasses is really annoying for me for example. I do miss a proper forward bridge space, the one available is so small.,.surely an intentional design for some reasons i fail to understand.

 

Did you guys leave any tip on anthology? 

 

 

[uktog]

I will post the wine list shortly 

 

Changes I’ve noticed Part 2

 

There is now Muzak everywhere mostly weird sounds. Personally sitting at the Astern pool I wish there wasn’t as you are on a groundhog loop

They certainly are trying with the entertainment- they had an Atol bar sunset disco party last night and a sail away party today from 1300. Both are so loud I can hear the thump thump at the Astern pool - indeed our 6 floor room is “vibrating” and as it’s a different beat to the Muzak I find it so annoying. However others like the parties

They made a big thing previously there would be no karaoke - tonight’s after show party is karaoke! (Doesn’t bother me just saying). 
Looks like a proper luminary (ex UK diplomat) later today 

Food is still excellent staff almost over eager beavers. 🦫 It grates after a while - how many people do I have to say no I’m fine I don’t want a drink and please just accept that don’t go “but wouldn’t you like…..”. No im a big girl I can make my mind up ! 
 

As regards my room spirits we couldn’t for the second day find our attendant he is getting tied up with high maintenance guests. So asked guest relations - the lady was delightful- a note should have been left in our room at embarkation AND the attendant should have rechecked our wishes Day Two. So he’s clearly the breakdown point and for others be proactive ask the attendant on boarding if the letter isn’t in the room. A training issue here! 

[Sololux]

I’ve looked in their app and it has the list of room spirits you can request.  However I would like the following:

Pimms - which I’ve seen in some of their bar pictures

carton of milk - I’m a really big tea drinker and take chi teabags whenever I fly!

zero alcohol white wine 

zero alcohol beer

Daily - small dish of orange, lemon and cucumber slices - for the Pimms!

 

Do you think this will be a problem?  If not, should I talk to customer services before boarding or wait and sort out on board?

[Dr. Cocktail]

I think it’s all doable but ….. on board. I’m wondering 🤔 if you’d get some pushback re the Pimms but if the answer is “no”, just ask for the Beverage Manager.

 

Try room service for the “accessories” or worst case scenario, get it daily at the Emporium!

[Sololux]

Thank you Dr Cocktail.   Have a good time.  I’m now busy organising flights and hotels for next year!

[Dr. Cocktail]

12 minutes ago, Sololux said:

Thank you Dr Cocktail.   Have a good time.  I’m now busy organising flights and hotels for next year!

Enjoy!  I LOVE all the planning and anticipation.

 

My office manager asked me years ago if I actually enjoyed going on vacation or just liked all of the organizing!

 

 

[CruiseCrew123]

There is Pimms available in the bars but it isn’t on the list available in your suite by the bottle although I’m sure you could get a glass delivered. Room service will deliver an jug of milk 

[johng75370]

3 hours ago, Sololux said:

zero alcohol white wine 

zero alcohol beer

They have a very good selection of non-alcoholic “adult beverages”, including some nice N.A. spirits from Australia.  We didn’t care for the N.A. wines they were serving, but were very impressed with the French Bloom, a N.A. sparkling option.  For N.A. beer I think it was Heineken (we prefer Tuborg’s N.A. offering, but at least they had options). 

 

Edited Sunday at 05:17 PM by johng75370

[uktog]

Not too clear sorry but the current wine list however not all is available- of the Malbec only the Italian exists and it’s “so so”