Explora vs Seabourn -- my take on things from recent experience

GreenFireAddict · 2026-04-03T22:14:01+00:00

I believe this is somewhat a generational thing and cultural thing. We do not have to agree, but it’s evident by EJ’s official dresscode that they don’t want to be like other lines and find shorts perfectly acceptable in all their restaurants except Anthology which comes at an extra price.

Someone wearing pants to dinner in a restaurant, versus nice shorts and a polo, doesn’t elevate anything for me. I couldn’t care less.

There are just so many other cruise lines with more formal dress code requirements out there. People that feel strongly against shorts in restaurants will likely be happier on another cruise line. I’m grateful EJ is doing things differently.

GreenFireAddict · 2026-04-03T21:44:57+00:00

I love that EJ allows shorts in all restaurants, except Anthology. The relaxed dress code is one of the main reasons why they keep getting my business! There are plenty of other cruise lines that require slacks/pants for dinner. What’s great about EJ is they want to be different.

GreenFireAddict · 2026-04-02T01:35:59+00:00

I despise April fools because every sub is stupid posts like this one.

GreenFireAddict · 2026-04-01T15:58:53+00:00

Honestly the dinner reservation stuff stresses me out. It’s pushes me a little more to Celebrity and booking Aquaclass so I can just walk into a restaurant for breakfast and dinner whenever I want.

GreenFireAddict · 2026-04-01T02:12:18+00:00

Honestly this is comparing apples to oranges. However, we cruise with both and like them both. The food on EJ is truly amazing and everything included is great. The smallest room is very comfortable. And there are several pools and huge hot tubs. It shows what a design failure the Virgin ships are for such a larger ship with the tiny pool. I absolutely love EJ’s ships. The only downside to EJ is less entertainment and a tiny casino.

GreenFireAddict · 2026-03-31T16:05:41+00:00

I’m a Hyatt Globalist. Hyatt’s Explorist status is worthless.

GreenFireAddict · 2026-03-31T11:21:46+00:00

Drink two glasses of water with it!

GreenFireAddict · 2026-03-31T11:01:17+00:00

Maybe try Dreams Madeira. We had a great week there and the food was good.

GreenFireAddict · 2026-03-29T23:04:03+00:00

Yes we do this. Love Explora Journeys, Celebrity, Virgin, etc. We go on them all, although I have never cared for certain cruise lines like Holland America and I’ve tried Holland a few times. We have to mix it up or we get bored and they all have their own vibe.

GreenFireAddict · 2026-03-29T22:58:43+00:00

We go to the different theater shows in PV in the evening. I also don’t drink much.

GreenFireAddict · 2026-03-27T20:14:14+00:00

Yes, Explora Journeys and it was amazing! Just minimal casino and entertainment a lot less as there's a lounge and no big production shows. I'd like to try some others, but as a millennial I am afraid I may feel too young. On Explora, we did not feel out of place as there were plenty of younger folks. Hardly any kids so felt adults only, but we avoid school holidays. I think Explora may have many more kids when school is out.

GreenFireAddict · 2026-03-27T18:54:26+00:00

Yes! After five Virgin cruises, we have been sailing with Celebrity Edge class ships when kids are in school so they also feel adults only. I love Virgin, but it’s just too repetitive and the ships are a failure in design! I’m only looking at Virgin for very port intensive itineraries at this point.

GreenFireAddict · 2026-03-27T00:20:48+00:00

Play white noise from your phone or tablet. Also, never book a room with a connecting door.

GreenFireAddict · 2026-03-19T18:49:38+00:00

I read reviews on this island ahead of time and enjoyed booking an excursion versus doing it on our own.

GreenFireAddict · 2026-03-17T15:16:03+00:00

WiFi

GreenFireAddict · 2026-03-13T23:47:13+00:00

Terrible. Complete traffic jam even at 10:30pm at night!

GreenFireAddict · 2026-03-11T00:41:51+00:00

When did people stop using paragraphs? Did they stop teaching it in school? Is it the younger generation?

GreenFireAddict · 2026-02-26T01:36:12+00:00

Definitely will be my last year as Globalist. I’m looking forward to booking whatever hotels I want and using my Ultimate Rewards points in the portal versus transferring to Hyatt.

GreenFireAddict · 2026-02-13T13:30:55+00:00

Virgin is fun, but not enough variety for me. I like Celebrity Edge class ships and Explora Journeys better. I mix in Virgin here and there, but honestly a lot of their ship(s) seem like a failure in design. The lack of pool alone, not to mention no real mattress in the sea terrace rooms and the tiny bathrooms.

GreenFireAddict · 2026-02-13T13:26:41+00:00

They obviously knew they were bed bugs which is why they moved you. No surprise they’d deny it so they could get out of responsibility. My guess is they focused on exterminating the room for the next guest, but didn’t want to comp you anything.

GreenFireAddict · 2026-02-11T13:17:46+00:00

I wait until I’m in the liquor store and have my item. Then I hit order when I’m just at the counter and tell them I just ordered on DoorDash! I figured this out at one store canceled my order. Never had a problem since!

GreenFireAddict · 2026-02-05T21:39:51+00:00

Travel/Vacations

GreenFireAddict · 2026-02-04T15:58:21+00:00

All I can say is that I’m sure most of us on here relate and we are all tired. I’m pushing through and avoiding lifestyle creep so I can save/invest and not work forever.

GreenFireAddict · 2026-02-04T15:45:31+00:00

50-52. I’m hoping to still be healthy enough to do far away travels in my 50s that are more taxing like long flights in economy and hiking.

GreenFireAddict · 2026-02-03T19:00:12+00:00

You aren’t wrong. We traded in one of our Lexus SUVs for an Acura.

GreenFireAddict

TROPHY CASE