Review of Explora Journeys New 'Explora I' Cruise Ship

Table Of Content

• Rooms on Explora I Are All Suites, Including Some of the Largest Entry-Level Suites at Sea
• A Luxury Hotel at Sea: Check Out Our Photos of Explora I
• • Complimentary pre- or post-journey hotel night (where available, conditions apply)
• Explora I’s Symmetrical Deck Plan is Filled with Dazzling Venues and Ample Outdoor Spaces
• This first Explora I only just set sail in August 2023. Explora II will hit the seas in the summer of 2024.

In addition to our journey inclusions, we offer an array of exclusive benefits tailored to your suite category. This includes an infinity pool overlooking the ocean and one under a retractable glass roof. In place of the typical cruise atrium, the "Lobby Bar" looks more like an actual hotel bar. This is significantly less than mega ships like the Icon of the Seas that will sail with thousands of people. The writer enjoyed a chocolate-making workshop and private visit to the Adornes Domein estate during a shore excursion in Bruges, Belgium.

Rooms on Explora I Are All Suites, Including Some of the Largest Entry-Level Suites at Sea

The illustrious Captain Serena Melani was seen throughout the ship, speaking with guests and ensuring everything was running smoothly outside of the bridge. Overall, the service was extremely personalized with 640 team members and a 1.25 to 1 guest to room host ratio. At the top of the ship on Deck 14 is the open-air sports court and outdoor fitness area, allowing passengers to get their fitness fix while enjoying the ocean’s breeze. Below, on Deck 12, are two of the ship’s slim and long hot tubs, towards the aft, while the adults-only Helios Pool & Bar lies at the front. The running track loops Deck 12, and rows of sun loungers and a cluster of cabanas are here, too, making it one of the best spots for sunbathing away from the main pools, with typically fewer younger passengers using this space.

A Luxury Hotel at Sea: Check Out Our Photos of Explora I

The new arm of the business brings a completely new identity to both the MSC family and the medium cruise category, harkening its design, ethos, and service style more akin to a superyacht or boutique resort, than what is expected for a cruise ship. Explora Journeys has plans to launch five other Explora ships in the next four years. There are 461 suites, penthouses, and residences across five categories on the Explora I. All are oceanfront, with floor-to-ceiling windows and a private terrace with a daybed and dining area.

• Complimentary pre- or post-journey hotel night (where available, conditions apply)

This is the only pool onboard that has outdoor dining, as you can order bento boxes from Sakura, the ship's Asian fusion restaurant. A gorgeous Steinway piano anchors the top of the lobby (and there's another in the ship's Explora Lounge). Explora Journeys has a partnership with the legendary piano company and often has guest artists onboard (known as "luminaries") who specialize in the delicate instrument. Explora Journeys is owned by the Aponte family, who intended the ship's vibe to encompass the luxury they feel on their own yacht and personal vacations. From the moment you enter Explora I's lobby, you get the sense that the design of this ship is decidedly different. With modern Italian furnishings and the sheer glamor of the illuminated two-story bar, the lobby feels like a place to see and be seen.

Review: Explora I From Explora Journeys - TravelAge West

Review: Explora I From Explora Journeys.

Posted: Wed, 13 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Review of Explora Journeys' New 'Explora I' Cruise Ship - AFAR - AFAR Media

Review of Explora Journeys' New 'Explora I' Cruise Ship - AFAR.

Posted: Wed, 13 Sep 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

They comprise 371 Ocean Terrace and Ocean Grand Terrace Suites, 67 Ocean Penthouses, 27 Ocean Residences and one Owner's Residence. The staterooms range in size from 377 square feet in the Ocean Terrace Suites category to 3,014 square feet for the Owner's Residence, making them among the most spacious in the industry. Prices vary depending on the itinerary, but Explora I's 16-day maiden voyage starts at $18,500 for an Ocean Terrace Suite, based on double occupancy. The fare includes food, beverages such as wine and specialty coffees, gratuities, and Wi-Fi, according to the line's website. Beyond its public rooms, outdoor areas and suites, where Explora truly shines is with the dining.

Spanning 10,440 square feet, the Ocean Wellness area will include indoor and outdoor spa and fitness facilities. These include two VIP double spa suites with a private outdoor deck and shower, nine treatment rooms, a thermal area, gym and outdoor running track. That applies to the itineraries, which will take passengers places larger ships may not, as well as the accommodations, which consist of 461 suites designed to feel as homey as they do luxe. "Home away from home is a very overused phrase so we call it 'Homes at Sea,'" Ungerer said. That's what the new luxury line from the MSC Group is going for.

The line will partner with a new top chef from the world of fine dining every three months to create the menu. It’s pricy, but foodies with a penchant for visiting some of the world’s best restaurants will likely go for it. Explora I will appeal to travelers who enjoy experiencing luxury resorts around the world -- think Four Seasons, Fairmont, One&Only and Greece’s Sani and Ikos resorts. Well-heeled and well-traveled, perhaps in high-powered or creative senior roles or recently retired, passengers who value their private family downtime, but don’t care much for the formalities of cruising, will likely love Explora I.

All-inclusive Journey benefits plus:

This is luxury dining with all of the flavor and choice, and not too much pretentiousness (well, maybe a bit, but it's worth it -- that caviar-topped potato, served in the ship's steakhouse Marble & Co., tastes as good as it looks). Every suite on Explora I comes with a Dyson hair dryer -- a welcome amenity for women who hate the skimpy hair dryers found on most cruise ships. The whirlpools are also designed with bench seating facing outward, so you can enjoy the view and talk to your friends, as opposed to the more traditional round seating. Supplementing all the pools are a variety of sunning and lounging options. These are first-come, first-served -- there's no fee to reserve one. But they are usually crowded, with pieces by Thomas Kinkade, Peter Max and other mass-market artists.

Night An Extended Journey Of Bridges, Sunsets And RuinsDetails

Filled with art and books, the rooms welcome you with a posh king-sized bed, and all have outdoor terraces. That makes Explora I one of the few places where you can go into the boutique in the morning and leave with a Rolex right away. (The ship limits sales to two per day to keep its inventory stocked). To keep the experience special, the Rolex boutique will likely only appear on Explora I, as opposed to sister ships. Expect another luxury brand to appear on Explora II, we were told.

With drinks, including free-flowing Moet & Chandon, WiFi, gratuities and specialty restaurants included, passengers can easily enjoy a getaway on Explora I without spending a penny extra. A big part of that vision starts with the still-under-construction fleet of four similarly designed ships. Each will have 461 guest suites, all with private terraces; nine restaurants; a massive indoor-outdoor spa and fitness facility; four pools, including an indoor one with a retractable roof; and 64 private cabanas for day-long sunbathing sessions. When it's time to eat, the ship has a choice of six main restaurants with menus inspired by the destinations visited and featuring local and fresh ingredients taking inspiration from the destinations visited. Explora Journeys has announced details of five of the restaurants, which will feature all-inclusive menus that include unique signature dishes influenced by a variety of international cuisines. They are pan-Asian Sakura inspired by the ancient tea rooms of Kyoto in Japan; Marble & Co.

New luxury cruise line Explora Journeys just launched Explora I, a 461-suite ship. T+L's cruise editor was one of the first on board to report what you can expect. For fine wine and spirits connoisseurs or those wishing to elevate their experience or celebrate a special occasion, an ultra-exquisite selection of wines, spirits, and liqueurs, will also be available for purchase. Reduced deposits, exclusive savings and Journey Experience Credit of EUR 400 per suite, per booking.

Wander through blissful regions diverse in landscape and character yet united by a slow pace and warm climes. Roam through vibrant landscapes crammed with rare wildlife or submerge into calm waters to glimpse endless marine life. Drop into lively towns for elegant boutiques, historical museums, art and charming waterside restaurants. Enjoy local warmth and casual glamour as you discover pure escapism, for optimal wellbeing.