Renaissance Voyages-MV Explorer

[rtdiva]

We are considering taking this ship to the Amazon in December. Has anyone had experience with this

ship?

Ann

[rascalrider]

I am considering this cruise also. I have found that this ship is apparently owned by the University of Virgina and is used as part of the university program "Semester at Sea" program. They charter it out for cruises such as this inbetween semesters. It is outfitted with classrooms and oriented for learning as opposed to entertainment. What you been able to find out? Have you decided to book?

[rascalrider]

rtdiva... check this site http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=533581 There has also been a roll call started on The Roll Call Boards.

[dwolfe]

I was on the May 08 central american voyage and liked it so much I am taking our grandson (age 15) to the Amazon in December. This ship is not like other cruise ships...they took out the casino for a wonderful library and computer lab. The food is dorm food and the beds are dorm beds. That said, if you are looking for a voyage that's different and enriching, this is the one for you.

[edtheboatguy]

I agree almost completely with dwolfe... this is not a typical cruise. I was also on the Passport to Central America sailing in May of this year, and had a great time. The ship is spotless and well maintained, and I found the crew to be friendly and very eager to please.

 

I have to disagree, though, with her assertion that "the food is dorm food and the beds are dorm beds." The food goes far beyond what I'd call dorm food, though the selection is a bit more limited than most cruises I've been on. As far as the beds, I thought that they were much more comfortable than my accommodations on my last cruise a couple years ago on Carnival.

 

I recommend the Enrichment Voyage experience without hesitation. Go on the Amazon cruise and have a wonderful holiday!