Karen, a number of small items.

Not having a rear entrance to Compass Rose also means that there are no restrooms right outside Compass Rose; there is only one womens and one mens room for entire Deck 4; leads to long absences from dinner table.

Coffee Connection has 50 seats packed closely together without ability to form into a group larger than six or seven; it is often crowded. On the other hand, the Atrium has seating for over 70 which is usually pretty empty.

We are on Deck 7. Explorer is same design as Mariner with center crew only areas. However, on Mariner there are frequent cross hallways for guest use; doesn't exist on Explorer. Only crossovers are two elevator lobbies and forward stairs and at both ends. Makes for real long uninterrupted passageways and a great quarter mile track.

Lots of molding added to cabins; seems like it leads to creaking. There is so much fake wood in this ship that it looks a bit gaudy. One description of ship is 1920s Art Deco Hollywood.

Landing in front of aft elevators on Deck 5 is only about three feet wide before you fall down the staircase.

Restrooms do have neat feature of automatic doors; however, they are slow to close. Quite normal to walk by mens or womens room with door wide open. By the way, even though doors are automatic; you actually have to push soap dispenser.

There is no forward looking weather decks for photos. However, there are doors on both sides of observation lounge that exit out to a metal roof to deck 10 below. Would seem easy fix to add railings; in fact, it appears they were planning on providing this external area but decided not to for some reason.

On Deck plan it appears that there are around 15 category of cabins to choose from; however, not all within one category are consistent. We really should create a spreadsheet/database of cabins that highlights the differences. Still can't figure out why Penthouse do not have bathtub. (BTW, I am a fan of G2 as we never use bathroom at same time.) Maybe those with F1 or F2 cabins can comment on desk/vanity situation.

In many dining rooms, there are tables that are on both tile and carpet; gets hard to push chairs back. Also, carpet design makes it appear that carpet is not wearing very well.

There are many design improvements such as serving area in La Verandah and expanded outside dining for La Verandah.

Just my two cents, I love this cruise, but don't know (yet) if i will love the ship.

Marc