Luxury at sea on Explora Journeys
Explora Journeys
I have recently returned from an amazing 14-night cruise around the Mediterranean on Explora Journeys ship Explora I.
Explora Journeys is a relatively new luxury brand to the cruise market. Founded in 2021 it is a luxury, lifestyle cruise brand and a part of the MSC group (privately owned by the Aponte family). Although Explora Journeys is new as a brand, MSC Group has over 300 years of maritime history and is the largest privately owned shipping company in the world.
Explora Journeys was the dream of the Aponte family, with the aim to redefine luxury travel for discerning luxury travellers. After experiencing our cruise with them I can certainly say they are making their dream a reality. Their plan is to have 6 brand new ships built within a 5-year timeframe. All ships are being built by Fincantieri in Italy. Explora I (who had her maiden sailing in August 2023) was the first of the Explora Journeys ships to debut.
Explora II had her maiden sailing in September last year. She is identical in size and very similar to Explora I - with only a few tweaks (cosmetic only). Both ships have gross tonnage of 63,900GT, a length of 248m, 461 suites (all ocean facing) and can carry a maximum of 922 passengers (at full capacity)
There are plans for another 4 new ships to be built and delivered over the next few years.
Explora Journey’s Mission
The mission of Explora Journeys is to offer guests the chance to experience an Ocean State of mind – one where guests can escape to connect with the ocean, themselves and other life-minded people, relax and create new travel memories.
Design
The design of Explora I is stunning, and it feels more like a luxury 5-star hotel than a cruise ship – décor is modern, neutral and has a boutique feel. The ships design and layout perfectly makes the most of the ocean views – with its glass conservatory, floor to ceiling windows, several outdoor pool spaces and all suites being ocean facing.
Suites
All of the suites onboard are spacious and well designed. They are all ocean facing with spacious balconies. There are a total of 461 suites onboard including 371 ocean suites (some of the largest entry level suites at sea), 67 ocean penthouses, 22 ocean residences and 1 owners’ residence.
We were in an ocean suite, and it was extremely spacious and comfortable. Amenities included a Dyson Supersonic TM hairdryer (which was amazing and is now on my wish list), Mandala Blue toiletries, mini bar (which was kept well stocked), table and chairs and comfortable day bed on the veranda, down duvets and pillows, complimentary refillable water bottle for each guest, large spacious shower, large dressing area, heated marble floor in the bathroom, a large TV (with a number of on-demand options and plenty of movies) and an Illy ESE Pod Coffee Machine.
Dining
Where can I start……the food was certainly one of the highlights on our cruises and this is certainly an area where Explora Journeys are excelling. In 14 days, I can honestly say we didn’t have one bad meal. There are 9 dining options that are included in the cruise fare.
The main dining options include:
Emporium Marketplace – this is the most casual venue on board. It is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It is the closest there is to a buffet onboard however food is not self-service. Food can be made to order and is made and served by the chefs at each station. The food here was amazing and included freshly baked good including sandwiches, pasta station (with home-made pasta and freshly made risotto), a sushi station (with chefs making the sushi), salad bar, amazing selection of fresh seafood (including oysters and crab claws), a large selection of hot dishes and a wonderful dessert section. Breakfast had options such as eggs benedict and there was also an area with freshly made juices, smoothies. Lunches and dinners had a great selection and there were themed choices for the region you are sailing in (in our case Greece).
Sakura –Explora’s Pan Asian restaurant. It is open for dinner each night and lunch on some days. The décor of the restaurant is beautiful and adorned with cherry blossoms. It really doesn’t feel like you are in a restaurant at sea – unless of course you have a table with a sea view! At lunch time there are Bento boxes and sushi/sashimi available. One of my favourite foods is sushi and the sushi at Sakura certainly didn’t disappoint!
For dinner there are dim sum, dumplings, sushi as well as a range of Pan Asian options. A couple of my favourites were the Crispy Duck Leg Confit and Jumbo Lump Crab salad for starters and the Lobster Pad Thai and Miso Roasted Black cod fillet for main course.
Sakura also had my 2 of favourite desserts of the cruise; Black sesame ice cream and 60% Weiss Chocolate Matcha Fondant with Matcha Ice cream.
Marble and Co. Grill – This is Explora’s steak House/Grill restaurant. Although I’m not personally a big lover of steak this did end up being one of my favourite restaurants for 2 reasons; 1. their Jumbo Lump Crab Meat Salad was amazing (sadly I only discovered this in our 2nd week) and 2. The Mediterranean Tuna Steal “Au Poivre” was also very tasty as was the Lobster Brioche. There was of course a great choice of steak options also available here. The hosts were extremely helpful in guiding you towards the right one. However, my favourite dish of the entire cruise was the Fingerling Potato, with Calvisius Oscietra caviar, Normandy Butter and Crème Fraiche. It really was delicious!
Fil Rouge – This had a wonderful selection of menu choices with a French Influence. Some notable favourites from Fil Rouge were the Langouste (Lobster) Thermidor and the Dover Sole with her butter and chive potatoes (which is boned at the table). They also did some great soufflés (the flavour changed each day). I enjoyed the soufflé so much that one evening I went there just for dessert.
Med Yacht Club – Influenced by beachside Mediterranean restaurants and cuisine from France, Italy, Spain, Greece and North Africa, this was another lovely option. Some of my favourite meals here were the Risotto ai porcini and the Tapas (we loved the Patatas Bravas and Shrimps Saganaki). The Floating Island dessert here was another of my cruise favourites (and the presentation of this was so pretty!)
At the time of our cruise there were 2 dining options with a surcharge:
Anthology – Open for dinner only this restaurant had a 7-course tasting menu and the perfect option for foodies. On our cruise it was A Culinary Journey Through Italy – created by their Head of Culinary, Franck Garanger. At the time we cruised we were advised that this menu does change every few months.
Chefs Kitchen – this is an immersive cooking experience which is held in the private kitchen. It can take up to 12 guests who along with the chef cook a meal related to the region they are sailing in. On our sailing there were 2 options; One was Signature Risotto dishes and the other A Taste of the Mediterranean - Flavours of Greece.
As well as the restaurants above other dining/snack options include:
Crema Café – for a coffee, or snack such as a sandwich or (they also make amazing chocolate each day that changes flavour).
Gelateria & Creperie at The Conservatory – located just outside the Market Place and close to the pool this is a lovely, relaxed place to sit and have a sweet snack. Some of the options include ice creams with a number of toppings available, fresh fruit, soft serve ice cream and freshly made pancakes or waffles.
Explora Lounge – The Explora lounge is in a stunning location with 270-degree views of the ocean. It is a beautiful location for the Afternoon Tea to be served and you can also order light meals and snacks, coffees, smoothies and freshly pressed juices here.
In suite Dining – available 24/7.
I am gluten free and found that they catered extremely well to my dietary requirements.
Lounges and Bars
There are 12 indoor and outdoor bars and lounges onboard. Some of these include:
Lobby Bar - One of the most stunning and eye-catching parts of the ship is the lobby bar located on deck 4. This is a beautiful space with a two-story bar (showcasing rows of bottles in the backlit shelving), marble tables and seating. There is a self-playing Steinway piano (one of 3 onboard) and it is a great meeting place at any time of the day (an onboard pianist also plays in the lobby each evening).
Explora Lounge - as mentioned previously afternoon tea is served daily at the Explora Lounge. This is located forward of the ship on deck 11 and has floor to ceiling windows as well as an outdoor area with seating and stunning views.
Journey’s Lounge - The largest venue on the ship is the Journey’s lounge. There are talks during the day in here and performances at night.
Malt Whisky Bar – located within the Explora Lounge this bar has a great selection of Whisky’s including some of the rarest. There is also a walk-in humidor, cigar expert and an outdoor cigar smoking terrace.
Swimming pools/hot tubs
There are 4 pool areas on the ship (including 3 heated outdoor pools and 1 indoor pool).
My favourite of the pools was the Astern pool. It is an Infinity pool with stunning views out to the ocean. It is on a low deck (deck 5) and aft with its own bar so a great place for sailaway and with its stunning wake views it is definitely the most popular of the pools.
The indoor pool is a great place to relax on a hot or cold day. The pool is located inside a climate-controlled glass conservatory with a retractable glass roof and surrounded by ceiling to floor windows with numerous sunbeds.
As well as swimming pools Explora I also has 5 whirlpools. Four of these are long Infinity Whirlpools (the largest I’ve seen).
The pools never felt overcrowded and there are also plenty of areas to relax around the ship with several comfortable day beds and cabana’s available to use.
Boutiques
Onboard Explora 1 are a number of luxury boutiques including Cartier, Panerai and also the only Rolex shop at sea. At the other side is The Journey (which has selections of stores selling gifts/clothing/accessories from small luxury brands. There is also a wonderful perfume store selling French brand Memo Paris and Floraiku (which I couldn’t resist).
Internet and technology
If you have cruised before you are likely to be aware that Wi-Fi at sea can be a frustrating thing. Thankfully this was not the case with Explora Journeys and the Wi-Fi was the fastest I’ve used at sea. In 2 weeks, we had no connection issues and were able to use the internet at all times. This is due to being equipped with Starlink connectivity which gave high speed and stable internet. It is also complimentary as included in the cruise fare.
Each suite has European and North American sockets as well as USB and USC outlets. There was also a wireless charging bases next to the bed.
Cruise inclusions
Included in the cruise fare are:
- A welcome bottle of champagne and sweet treats
- Unlimited beverages - these included fine wines and premium spirits, speciality coffees, teas and soft drinks available anytime
* Charges do apply for the extremely top shelf wine, spirits and liquors.
- Bottle of wine and spirits of your choice on arrival for your suite
- 9 dining options
- Thermal spa access (treatments are additional)
- Wellbeing and fitness programmes
- High speed Wi-fi
- All on-board gratuities
- Shuttle from port to city centre where required
Our itinerary
Our cruise was 2x7 night cruise back-to-back. The first 7 nights was Venice to Athens and then the second 7 nights was Athens to Istanbul. Some highlights from our ports were:
Venice, Italy – St Marks Basilica and Doge’s Palace (we did the after-hours tour), Murano (Glass blowing demonstration), Burano and Torcello, Rialto bridge and a gondola ride.
Rijeka, Croatia – Trsat Castle (built in the 13th century) with beautiful views across the bay, Church of Mary of God of Trsat (while at the castle we heard beautiful singing and followed it until we came to the church), Central market, City Clock Tower and Maritime and History Museum (where we saw Europes only Titanic life vest)
Hvar, Croatia – Hvar was beautiful and I would love to spend more time here. We spent our time here wandering the beautiful harbour area and surrounding streets and looking in the local shops. We also walked up the City Fortress or Hvar Spanish Fortress (construction of this began in 1278). The walk was worth it and the views from the top were great.
Kotor, Montenegro – located on the Adriatic coast Kotor is one of the most stunning ports I have ever been to. As we sailed into Kotor the scenery was stunning and we cruised past the Lady of the Island Church – which is in the middle of the water. Kotor Old town is a walled city with a fairy tale feel to it. We absolutely loved wandering around and exploring. Our main goal for this port was to walk up the Fortress. It was steep at times and took a while (apparently there are 1350 steps to climb) but once we got to the top it was completely worth it. The views across the bay are breathtaking – and we also met some very cute cats of Kotor on the way up!
Brindisi, Italy – There are several beautiful places to explore that are relatively close to Brindisi. We did a shore excursion to explore the beautiful white village of Ostuni. Although we got caught in torrential rain it was still a beautiful place to explore and somewhere I would love to return to. A little further away is the fairytale-like village of Alberobello with its traditional Trulli huts (A UNESCO World Heritage site).
Nydri (Lefkada), Greece – Lefkada was a beautiful port to cruise into with its scattered islands and sailboats. It has a lively marina area with tavernas, shops and a beach club. We had a nice, relaxed day here and spent the afternoon swimming and relaxing in the sun at a beach club.
Athens, Greece – This was also an embarkation and disembarkation point as it was the end of our first 7 nights (Venice – Athens). We were able to continue with the same cabin so spent the day off the ship on a shore excursion exploring Athens. The shore excursion included the Acropolis Museum (which was amazing) and also a trip up to the Parthenon and Acropolis. Athens is definitely somewhere I would love to explore a lot more of and I will definitely return.
Mykonos, Greece (included an overnight) – With it’s white and blue Cycladic buildings Mykonos is certainly a picture postcard place. We spent the day here exploring the beautiful streets, churches and shops and we even managed to meet Mykonos’ World-Famous Pelican, Petros. We spent the evening up at the 180 Degree sunset bar relaxing and eating Greek food as the sun was setting.
Skiathos, Greece – Day 12 was spent at the gateway to the Sporades Islands, Skiathos. Skiathos is certainly a beautiful island with whitewashed houses with terracotta roofs and sandy beaches. It is also well known for being one of the islands where filming of Mamma Mia took place. We spent our time here wandering the lovely streets and stops and plane spotting -Skiathos has a considerably short runway and there is a street close to the runway where you can watch planes landing and taking off (just be extremely careful and keep a very safe distance). We also walked up to the Agios Nikolaos Church and Clock tower – which had beautiful views across Skiathos town.
Thessaloniki, Greece – Thessaloniki is the 2nd largest city in Greece. There is a lot to explore including 15 UNESCO sites and several museums. It is also home to the Statue of Alexander the Great and the Statue of Phillip II of Macedon (Alexander’s father). It is also the home to The White Tower, which was built in the 15th Century after the fall of Thessaloniki to the Ottomans. Thessaloniki was founded in 315BC by the King of Macedonia, and it is certainly a city of great historical significance. If you have a keen interest in history, then this is certainly a great place to explore.
Kavala, Greece – Kavala (also known as the “Blue City” has never previously been on my radar however it ended up being one of my favourite ports. It’s windy streets with colouful building and beautiful views were fun to explore and, in the centre, there were a great selection of bars, cafes and shops. My personal highlight was visiting and exploring the Kavala Fortress (or the Acropolis of Kavala). Built in the 15th century it is at the top of the Panagia peninsula and has stunning views across Kavala. The fortress was interesting to explore and somewhere I would highly recommend visiting if you are in the area.
Istanbul, Turkey – our final destination was Istanbul, and this is where we disembarked. Our last day onboard was a sea day, and we cruised along the Dardenelles strait on our way to Istanbul. It was an interesting journey as we saw the monuments for Gallipoli including Çanakkale Martyrs' Memorial which was built in memory of the quarter-million Ottoman casualties in the Battle of Gallipoli. We also passed under The 1915 Canakkale Bridge. This opened in 2023 and at 2023 metres wide it is the longest suspension bridge in the world connecting the European and Asian continents.
Conclusion
We loved our cruise itinerary, and it had a great selection of ports. Getting on and off the ship was always very easy and we never really had to queue.
Food was amazing in all restaurants and had a great selection of restaurants. Explora also catered really well to my dietary needs (gluten free) and I certainly didn’t feel like I was missing out at any stage.
Although the ship is absolutely stunning it is Explora’s onboard hosts who really make the cruise. They were always so friendly and willing to help with anything.
After 14 nights onboard we can say with certainty that the Explora Journeys mission had been accomplished and we certainly did reach an ocean state of mind (and didn’t want to leave!!). We definitely look forward to cruising again with Explora Journeys in the future.
Jennie@Deluxewanderlust xx
