Discovering an Ocean State of Mind on Explora Journeys

Approachable, cool luxury. Modern aesthetic and elegance. European culinary perfection. Full, premium inclusivity. Unmatched choice, service, and space. Varied, quality entertainment.

You are definitely not alone if you have not heard of the new luxury brand - her maiden voyages were in the Summer of 2023. However, I am here to tell you that Explora Journey’s has successfully delivered a unique vacation experience, that fills a niche in the cruise industry. The most succinct way I can describe it is : luxury yachting standards meets small ship cruising intimacy.

It’s a Journey, Not a Cruise

Explora focuses on delivering high quality, intimate experiences that will be remembered for years to come. They are not interested in cruises for the masses. This is shown in their commitment to ports of call, and their Destination Experiences. Ports tend to be smaller, less visited destinations with long hours and even over-nights. Many of the shoreside excursions organized by Explora are one-of-kind, completely private, or fully immersive.

We traveled on a 14-night journey in an Ocean Terrace suite from Miami to Columbia, Panama, the A-B-C islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao), and Martinique. Most of these ports were new for all of us, and they did not disappoint! My parents joined us for the first six nights before disembarking in Cartagena, while Kasey and I continued through the Southern Caribbean.

Our days typically began with Kasey working out while I enjoyed coffee and a pastry on deck, followed by a quick dip in the hot tub overlooking the sea. We would then pick a pool to spend most of the day at, with a break to participate in daily trivia. Lunch was normally at the Marketplace which offered plenty of variety, ample seating (indoor and out), and friendly service. We had a routine to visit the Conservatory Pool bar each evening before dinner to hang out with our favorite bartenders and other “regulars”. For dinner, we would rotate through the restaurant options, or eat at the Marketplace if we were feeling casual. Afterwards there was always a great show, live music, and fun bars. A few nights we hung out in the cigar lounge with my dad.

Prior to the trip, we were not sure if there would be enough activity to thoroughly satisfy us. But through the amazing inclusions, enriching entertainment, delicious food, and great destinations, we were blown away!

Inclusions

Simply put, the journey fare you see is the price you pay. There are no added port fees, taxes, required gratuities, nor beverage or wifi packages. If you are into wellness, organized fitness classes as well as the Spa Thermal Suite are also covered. Of course, there are always exceptions - if you want a specific spa treatment, extremely rare wine, or the like, those would be added to your onboard account.

While mentioning the journey fare, it can appear a bit steep, certainly if this is your introduction to small ship luxury. However, the value is a no brainer (see inclusions, service, quality). Honestly, when you compare a balcony cabin on a Contemporary line (NCL/Celebrity/Royal), then add everything that you must pay (taxes, port fees, gratuities) + additional packages you may likely purchase anyway, the difference is smaller than you think. The entry level rooms on Explora, called an Ocean Terrace Suite, (they do not have any Interior or Ocean View) can actually be a bit less than an entry level room in the Haven or Retreat (which still do not include things like premium Wifi, all fitness classes, Thermal Suite access, and so on). Kasey and I have said that the whole ship is like being in the Haven or Retreat - bigger cabins, premium amenities, excellent service, large space-ratio, elegant design, and top-notch food.

Food & Beverage Program

Adding to the inclusivity, you will not have to pay for “specialty” dining or “premium” drinks (unless you want to take a cooking class!). The ship has four main restaurants (open for dinner), plus an amazing Marketplace (open for all meals), as well as other grab & go options (gelato, crepes, sushi, snacks). It is without a doubt the best overall culinary experience I have ever had any vacation - I mean the “buffet” pizza was cooked in a wood fired oven by a chef from Italy… we couldn’t get enough of it!

There is enough variety at the main restaurants - Asian, French, Steakhouse, Mediterranean. The Marketplace also rotated most options every day, though you could always get the fresh pasta, pizza, sushi, oysters, amazing baked goods, and so on.

There are no shortage of bars either. No matter your mode, the time of day, or weather, friendly bartenders were never far away - located at each pool, the lobby, main entertainment areas, top decks, and even a whiskey bar.

Most bookings will even include a bottle of Veuve Clicquot (or similar) waiting for you in your stateroom.

Ocean State of Mind

Every aspect of the ship’s design is focused on the Sea, including: overall layout, design, color palette, background music, artwork, and so on. They have created numerous spaces that offer guests the luxury of choice, while never compromising view, elegance, service, and quality.

Sight & Sound - Sensing the Sea

No other ship offers so many options to be in the water. There are 4 main pools and 6 massive hot tubs strategically placed throughout. Plush lounge chairs, cabanas, sitting nooks, and bars populate the decks. The coffee shop, Asian restaurant, Marketplace, and panorama lounge offer outdoor seating. There is also a walking track, outdoor fitness area, and sports court.

Even interior spaces have panoramic, floor to ceiling windows. When walking the corridors, sitting on the decks, or enjoying a coffee there is calming music, designed to align with what you are seeing outside. The sound of the ship’s wake, pool water overflowing infinity edges gently, and fountains further remind you of being at Sea.

Mindset - Enrichment & Entertainment

To further emerge guests into both European elegance, and a relaxed mindset, Explora provides multiple options for entertainment each day. There is almost always live piano at two locations each evening, in addition to a featured show. These featured shows showcase classic/jazz music, tributes, or local talent (we had Tango dancers from South America!). This is just another way Explora connects you to the places to which you are traveling.

Other fun activities include “sweet silent cinema” (movie under the stars with wireless headphones, cookies and popcorn), language & photography classes, informative talks, daily trivia, a pool table, and afternoon tea!

Is it for You?

In short, Explora Journeys has something for everyone. However, it is perfect for the discerning adventurous traveler, who enjoys relaxed luxury and tasteful design. If you have sailed on larger ships, especially in a suite (such as the Haven, Retreat, Yacht Club), and always wanted to try a smaller concept it is definitely for you. If you have sailed ultra premium small ships and enjoyed their service/quality, but found them to be too traditional, mature, or rigid it is definitely for you.

It is pool service in a white polo shirt, not white gloves. It is choice, not structure. It is approachable luxury, not stuffy luxury.