I know there are a few thing missing, but it is a beautiful ship IMHO. Can't wait to cruise of the Explorer.

Agree Carolyn....nothing is perfect, and yes maybe there are some things that could be better, and maybe they will change some of those things in the end, but we too are excited to sail on the new ship and can't wait. Hope to see you.

A couple of other observations:

There is no atrium. Decks 4 and 5 are connected by dual staircases and have an atrium, but it definitely does not continue to Deck 6.

For those cruises which include a SSS discount, it may actually be smart to book a Cat E Concierge suite. The non-use hotel credit, higher credit for onboard booking, and higher credit for SSS may come very close to the difference in fare of F1 suite (will have to wait to see as none of the 11 itineraries currently offer SSS discounts). So, those desiring tubs may be smarter to book E if they use any of the other concierge benefits (such as discounts on wine).

Deck 5 looks like it could have traffic flow problems. All of those seats right in front of Reception and Destinations may cause a bit of a problem when those desks are busy. Of course, you have the folks going to coffee connection and Horizons walking amongst the same seating area. I hope they have really analyzed the traffic flow.

One other quirk: to get to the gym, it looks like you have to go to the Spa on Deck 5 then climb a circular staircase to get to the gym. I guess if you are in a wheel chair they don't expect you to work out in the gym. I must be reading the deck plan wrong as this doesn't make sense.

Has anyone heard anything confirming their request? Know that since we are only doing the Rome to Venice, we might be in the last group, just wondering. I am sure the BK agents are going crazy right now, and don't want to bother them, but again, just asking if anyone has gotten any confirmation? That would be good news.

JoAnn, yes. Ngaire and her team are swamped; I am sure we will all here back in next couple of days. I am looking forward to the EXPLORER Roll-Call starting soon.



More quirks:

Guests with suites on Decks 12 and 14 either have to walk the entire length of Deck 5 through the public areas to get to the spa or transfer elevators somewhere between Decks 6 and 11; may see a lot of bathrobes on Deck 5.

I am not sure the information on "Voyager" design versus "Mariner" design regarding one or two corridors is correct; I think it has to be Mariner two corridor design or else there is no room for housekeeping or laundries on decks. Of course, these floor plans could just be estimations and there is just one corridor and a lounge at the stern of the ship.

The deck plan shows one corridor and the life boats are way down low I hope that lifeboat blocking view issue is resolved.

I think everyone at least got their cabin number today with almost everyone getting what they wanted. The power of the wait list.

Resending Joanns now.

I know you all were swamped today, Ngaire. Thanks so much for your hard work and getting us what we wanted! Looking forward to sailing on this new ship.

Got it, excited to be part of this great group. Thanks Ngaire, and staff for all your hard work, know it was a long day and appreciate all the hard work.

We are happy campers in 735, exactly where we requested. Ralph and June are sandwiched in-between us and Sheila & Ken Simpson. Ralph is requesting that we behave ourselves, no late night parties and quiet in the morning on the balcony...., he says the old folks need their sleep zzzzzzz

Totally envious of those on the B2B wish we were too, but its not meant to be. Oh well, you all can get the ship warmed up for us and give us all the scoop when we board. We are right down the hall from you Marcie, 749........it will be a party on deck 7 for sure. Jack and Laura are on too, 745 and Glanvilles are up on deck 9.

and rosanne an victor just below in 623

Marcie

Guess the party can move across the hall. We are in 736

We are in 633, but just for the last half. (Darn work!)

Rachel how fun to finally get to meet you and George. We too are only on for the Rome to Venice. Will be fun to meet Victor and Roseanne too.

Susan, so glad you and Russ are on, I was wondering if you might be as hadn't seen any posts from you. We will see you on CANAL too.

I just called RSSC to inquire on Biz Class upgrade cost...YIKES it's $2598. PER PERSON !!