EXPLORA III

The cruise experience was excellent in every aspect, especially the spacious rooms, which surpassed most five-star hotels. The food quality was also superb, exceeding the standards of many restaurants. The most convenient aspect was that almost all meals and drinks were available on board; you could eat and drink wherever you wanted without additional charges, including tips (except for a few Michelin-starred restaurants). Areas for service improvement include promptly informing passengers of the ship's departure and arrival port information, especially if the original port information changes. During my recent cruise, I encountered a port change when boarding in Quebec City, and the berth was quite far away and not even visible. I couldn't get a response from the cruise line's WeChat customer service platform in China, and I eventually found out about the situation at the Quebec City Visitor Center.

Having sailed on the Regent SuperStar Virgo and MSC Magnifica, and also on the Hapag-Lloyd and Slieve Sea expedition ships, I was incredibly curious when I saw the Explora III, especially since this voyage started in Quebec, promising a perfect fall foliage season. When I booked, it was less than a month before departure, so there weren't many room options. However, I unexpectedly got room 10055, which had a great view and was conveniently located for the elevator and pool. These 10 days were incredibly relaxing; I explored every corner I could, ate at every restaurant, and attended every evening show. I didn't feel lonely at all; the food was great, the conversations were wonderful, and it was quiet and comfortable. The itinerary was superbly planned, especially the New York portion. I've been to New York many times, but I've never had the panoramic view of Manhattan at dawn and dusk from a ship. The attention to detail was also remarkable. When departing from Halifax, there were three large cruise ships at the pier, but only the Explora arranged a farewell with bagpipes, setting sail to soothing music – it instantly lifted my spirits. Special thanks to my housekeeper, Keith, whose care was truly meticulous and thoughtful. I've only selected nine photos to review, as it's difficult to express my genuine appreciation. All I can say is: there will definitely be a next time, to experience the most beautiful moments of wandering the world.