Why I love Explora Journeys
Explora Journeys are the newest Ultra Luxury cruise brand, they are successfully doing things a little different to ensure they fulfil their mission for you to reach your “Ocean state of mind”
Explora I and Explora II are sister ships and sail to many exciting destinations including the Med & Caribbean, Explora III will join them in 2026, Explora IV in 2027 and then Explora V/VI will follow shortly after that.
New and exciting destinations will include Alaska, Asia, USA/Canada and many more, ensuring that they can retain repeat guests with new and exciting destinations!
I have been very lucky to have sailed on various luxury cruise ships in the past, but stepping on to Explora for the first time I immediately felt a sense of just “wow”!
Space, luxury finishing touches, a design that flows, extremely friendly and attentive staff and not to mention the extensive facilities for a mid-size ship carrying just under 1000 passengers.
Embarkation in Civitavecchia was extremely quick and efficient, luggage taken swiftly and then shown straight onboard. The actual check in took place in the lounge onboard which I really liked, this was comfortable and intimate and not to mention all done with my first glass of bubbles in hand!
A light lunch in the Emporium restaurant before we had an explore of our home for the next 7 nights.
She features no less than 12 bars/lounges, ranging from casual pool bars to more elegant indoor bar areas such as the expansive lobby bar, she has 5 heated pools over various decks, 6 restaurants and the most extensive outdoor areas I have seen on any luxury ship of this size! You can relax on double day beds, cabanas, loungers, and chairs all over several decks with outdoor space. My sailing was full and at no time did I ever know it, I was always able to relax in comfort with waiter service not too far away.
My suite was an Ocean Terrace on deck 9, featuring a large king bed with choice of pillows and bedding options, comfortable lounge area, outdoor terrace with not only a y=table and chairs but a day ned too! The perfect spot for a morning coffee or an afternoon chill watching the world go by.
The bathroom was extremely generous in size with a large walk-in shower, the walk in wardrobe featured the dressing area/table which I found to be a great idea so did not impact on space in the bedroom area.
The suite was well designed and featured all you needed with lots of small attention to detail too.
I have to talk about the food and dining options in more detail as this was simply some of the best food I have ever had at sea!
There is no “buffet self-service restaurant”, what they offer is the Emporium marketplace for a more relaxed breakfast, lunch & dinner offering. A selection of fresh cooking stations that you place your order and it it cooked fresh while you wait, this includes fresh fish, pasta, meats, salads…..it was endless! The food is then served on to your plate so there is no sharing of food utensils etc. I have to also mention the Sushi station which was available for every lunch serving, if you are a sushi lover then you are in luck!
You then have options for fine dining speciality restaurants including Fil Rouge, Med yacht club, Sakura and Marble & Co. Both Sakura and Marble can be pre booked 90 days before you sail and they guarantee you at least one visit to each per cruise. All other dining venues are open although bookings for Med Yacht Club and Fil Rouge are advised for our preferred time and these can be made as soon as you step on board.
You can manage all aspects of your dining on the Explora App which we found very easy to use, it also had the daily planner and times of venues for ease.
Do not expect big west end style theatre productions on board any of the Explora ships, there is no theatre as such but the largest of their lounges does feature twice nightly performances including the resident house bad/dancers, guests performers etc.
There is a lounge/bar for every mood, my favourite was the relaxed Sky bar up on deck 14, this was great for sail out as they have a chilled dj vibe and bar tenders looking after you while you sail out reflecting on your day ashore.
Explora is a great option for multigenerational families, they feature facilities for children and teenagers, and they are always entertained. There is a limit to the number of children on any sailing but with so much space not once did I even notice they were there ( and I was sailing in school holidays)
You have the beautiful stay and wellness centre for those they want to indulge in a little pampering, you have lectures on port visits, afternoon tea, movies under the stars and so much more…
Explora Journeys are without a doubt a cruise option for those looking to experience a relaxed country club feel, but at sea.
She is the envy of others when seen in small ports or tendered just offshore in some of the most stunning destinations around the world.
Definitely one to have on your wish list, Explora Journeys…..I will be back onboard again very soon.
