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Pacific Explorer |
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| The 100-guest Pacific Explorer is a nice small-ship choice in Costa Rica and Panama. She was originally built in 1995 (and was named the Temptress Explorer), but was completely remodeled in 1998 when she was purchased by Cruise West. This intimate ship offers great service (staffed by English-speaking Costa Ricans) and interesting itineraries. Don't expect the "wow factor" features found on some other cruise ships, as this ship doesn't have a casino, spa or large show lounge. However, if you're looking for a destination-rich itinerary, with ports of call that larger ships cannot reach, this may be the right choice for you. During a cruise on Pacific Explorer there will be informative and interesting tours and lectures given by local experts, and you'll experiences the benefits of a small-ship cruising atmosphere (such as an attentive staff that knows you by your first name). All of the staterooms onboard this vessel have a picture window, are air conditioned and have private bathrooms with a shower. A Central American influence is evident in much of the cuisine served onboard Pacific Explorer. A nice benefit of taking a Cruise West cruise is that many guided onshore activities are included in the price of your cruise. In fact, the shore excursions available are a main highlight of a Cruise West cruise. |
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| Pacific Explorer will be featuring cruises in the following regions (subject to change, based on the cruise line's discretion): 2010: 10-night Central America |
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| Overall, the staterooms onboard Pacific Explorer are small, but good enough, compared to the average sizes found throughout the cruising industry. There is a very limited amount of accommodations (50 staterooms in total) onboard this ship. In fact, there are only four room categories available, all of which have an ocean view (via a picture window). All staterooms onboard Pacific Explorer have a two double beds (that can be converted into one larger bed), a private bathroom, TV and closet. A category A stateroom is the most basic type of room onboard Pacific Explorer. The next step up is a category AA stateroom, followed by a category AAA. The most premium accommodations onboard Pacific Explorer are her four Deluxe staterooms, which are must larger than the other staterooms onboard. |
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| Cruise West has an open seating format, meaning that you're not assigned to a specific table. You just have to make sure that you're aware of the hours that each meal is being served between. The cuisine on Cruise West is quite American, but you'll notice a Central American influence onboard Pacific Explorer. The dining times onboard Pacific Explorer vary depending on each particular day's schedule. Typically, there is an "early riser" continental breakfast that starts at 6:00 am. There will usually also be a full breakfast starting around 7:30 am to 8:00 am. Lunch is usually served around noon, while dinner usually starts between 7:00 pm and 7:30 pm. There will be appetizers served during the ship's Social Hour, which takes place each evening before dinner. |
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| Being a smaller ship (there are only four passenger level decks onboard), Pacific Explorer doesn't have a ton of onboard features (relative to what's typical in the mainstream cruising world). The main lobby is on the (appropriately named) Lobby deck, as is Quetzal Dining Room (Pacific Explorer's main dining room) and Tucan Lounge (where various lectures are given during a cruise, and where a small souvenir shop is located). Onboard entertainment may include dancing under the stars and local music performances. Being a destination-focused cruise, there will be many slideshows, lectures and naturalist presentations during a cruise on Pacific Explorer. The next two decks up are the main and upper decks, where all of Pacific Explorer's staterooms are located. The highest deck onboard Pacific Explorer is the Sun deck. This is typically the liveliest area of the ship, as this is where the sunning area and Tortuga Bar are located. Aside from being a popular mingling area, it's also where some lectures are typically given. Also on this deck is the bridge, the area of the ship where the captain and his staff work. |
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| Cruise West's dress code is extremely casual, as they say that they "believe in traveling in comfort." They state that you should feel like you're at home while onboard their vessels. Onboard a Cruise West ship you can wear jeans and sweaters during the day, and during the evening as well! Unlike the majority of the cruising world, they don't require jackets, ties, or formal dress during dinner. |
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| There are not any dedicated children's facilities onboard Pacific Explorer. However, on select itineraries there will be a children's activities coordinator on staff that will plan activities (such as special excursions) for children. |
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| Cruise West's pricing includes service charges for all of their staff members, so that's one less thing for you to worry about during your cruise. They go on to state that "tipping is neither expected nor required for Cruise West Staff, on land or at sea. Recognition for exceptional service is discretionary and you are welcome to tip individuals directly." Unlike many other cruise lines, Cruise West does not charge a gratuity automatically onto bar bills. |
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| Passengers must be at least 21 years of age in order to consume alcohol onboard a Cruise West ship. Cruise West does not allow their passengers to bring their own alcohol onboard for consumption. |
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| There is not a casino onboard Pacific Explorer. |
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