Cruising aboard EXPLORA III
We arrived in Lisbon and had smooth embarkation onto the ship, where we were greeted with a glass of Champagne and a cool towel, which was very welcome after the journey! Explora Journeys has recently changed their onboard Champagne to G.H. Martel & Co, a blend created exclusively for the cruise line and it was delicious. A lovely first taste of what was to come throughout our week on board.
Our Ocean Terrace Suite was a very good size, with plenty of space to relax, a walk-in wardrobe and a separate dressing area. The bathroom had underfloor heating, a small luxury you quickly get used to, and the toiletries came in Explora's signature fragrance, Mandela Blu.
What surprised me most was how many different places there were to sunbathe on board. There are five pools on board, all heated, but my favourite was the adults-only Helios Pool & Bar, the perfect spot for a quiet afternoon.
With seven restaurants, dining was absolutely a highlight of the trip. Fil Rouge, the French restaurant, was sophisticated, serving the kind of food you wouldn't eat day to day normally. Service throughout was exceptional, with real attention to detail. Choosing somewhere different each evening and getting dressed for dinner added to that boutique-hotel feeling, and it made every night feel like a special occasion.
A bit about the itinerary
We set sail from Lisbon, where Explora docks just a five-minute walk from the city centre. From there, the route was beautiful:
- Day 2: Porto
- Day 3: La Coruña
- Day 4: Bilbao
- Day 5: Pauillac
- Day 6: Saint-Jean-de-Luz
- Day 7: At sea
- Day 8: Southampton
Several of these ports aren't places you'd expect a cruise ship to reach, which really is the beauty of small ship luxury cruising! Because EXPLORA III carries just 956 guests, she's small enough to sail into ports usually reserved for river cruises. Pauillac, in the heart of Bordeaux wine country, was a particular treat and we spent a fantastic day out wine tasting and exploring the city.
I would go back to Explora Journeys without hesitation! It's an experience I'd recommend to anyone looking for something a little more luxurious and relaxing on board, while still experiencing some amazing places.
Inspired to sail with Explora Journeys? Call today to get a quote!
