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If you are looking for a high end cruise line, luxury but not stuffy, an intimate ship that has all the amenities, then let’s consider sailing on the new cruise line, Explora Journeys. I recently had the pleasure of sailing from Venice to Athens on the Explora 1 and it was amazing. I know many of you are curious about this new cruise brand, so let me share my Explora 1 review with you.
Explora Journeys Explora 1 Review
What is Explora Journeys?
Explora Journeys is a brand new luxury cruise line brought to you by the MSC corporation – yes, the same European family that owns MSC Cruise Line and MSC shipping company.
Explora Journeys ships are yacht inspired, but still offer a cruise ship experience. With intimate spaces, more guest to space ratio, and the largest lead in suites in the industry. Frankly, the ships are just gorgeous. And their itineraries, food and service are top of the line.
Explora Journey’s ships are designed to feel like a European ultra-luxury hotel, and they definitely do. Another cool feature – with their commitment to sustainability, the ship really does not feel like it’s moving. The ships are designed with the propellers further back in the hull so there is less vibration for the guests – and the ocean life below.
Explora’s tag line is Ocean State of Mind, and everything on the ship is built with the ocean at the forefront, from the great views, large balconies, and environmentally friendly technology.
Explora Journeys is currently sailing ships Explora 1 and Explora 2, with four more ships coming on board soon. This will expand their itinerary reach into Alaska, Northern Europe, South America, and Asia. Currently they are sailing mostly seven night itineraries in the Mediterranean and Caribbean.
Explora Journeys’ Itineraries
Yes, most Explora Journeys’ itineraries are seven nights, designed to create flex itineraries for those that can stay on for 14, or even 21 days. Since the itineraries do not repeat each week, you can really customize your time at sea.
Worth noting, the average age on board an Explora Journeys ship is 54 years old. And with starlink Wi-Fi (3 devices included per guest) guests can easily get away while still being connected, OR take a working vacation.
Explora Journeys’ itineraries also always include at least one sea day – so you can feel exhilarated, not exhausted from your vacation. Plus the ship is a destination to be enjoyed!
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Explora 1 Deck Plan
The Explora 1 has six restaurants, twelve bars, five pools, and two workout areas. As well as the first Rolex shop at sea. In fact, this is the only Rolex store you can walk in, and then out, with your Rolex watch
What I loved most was the multiple, and large pool areas. And worth noting there are more loungers than guests on board, so no fighting for chairs on Explora 1. The cabanas and day beds are first come, first serve, so no upcharge to use these.
There is an adults only pool on deck 12, two pools on deck 10, one with a retractable roof for bad weather, and then the Astern Pool at the back of deck 5 with the best views of the sea!
The fifth pool is the hydrotherapy (all included) pool located in the spa.
Three of the outdoor pools are heated.
Explora 1 also has the Ocean wellness spa, a running track, pickleball and tennis courts, as well as a basketball net. The ship has a large gym with complimentary classes including boot camp and yoga.
What is Included on your Explora Journeys Cruise?
At the end of our cruise, my sister actually turned to me and said “I didn’t spend any money on board.” We did spend money on excursions and in the ports, but on the ship, almost everything you need is included with your stay!
Beverages are all included in your Explora Journey’s cruise fare – and yes, the drinks are great. Top shelf liquor, amazing wines curated by a sommelier, as well as a bottle of champagne, two bottles of wine AND a bottle of spirits (of your choice) in your stateroom.
All dining is included, including lobster tails and caviar. Only Anthology (chef’s tasting menu) is an upcharge restaurant.
Three devices of Wi-Fi are included for each guest, and they have Starlink AND a backup satellite provider, so the Wi-Fi on board was great.
The Hydrotherapy circuit at the Spa is free for each guests to use when in a port. Do note on a sea day, use of hydro therapy would be reserved for those who have a spa service booked.
Staterooms on Explora 1
The staterooms on Explora 1 are amazing. The lead in suite is 377 square feet. Each stateroom is equipped with a Dyson hair dryer, heated floors in the bathroom, bedside phone chargers, robes and slippers, a large balcony, a sitting area, a TV with on demand shows and movies, and a bottle of French champagne to greet you.
The Penthouses start at 463 square feet, and the Residences start at 753 square feet and come with dedicated Butler service. Every penthouse and residence also comes with in-suite workout equipment.
And for the ultimate in luxury, the Owners residence at 3014 square feet has one bedroom and sleeps up to 4 guests. This suite comes with a dedicated butler! Explora 1 and 2 have one owners residence, but the newer ships will have two of these suites, they are so popular.
Also worth noting that Explora 1 offers many connecting suites, perfect for families or groups traveling together.
Is Explora Journeys Kid Friendly?
Explora Journeys welcomes families, especially multi-generational groups. I would not say these ships are family-forward, but rather, family-friendly. There are high chairs in the restaurants, connecting suites for families, and a really great kids club, called the Nautilus Club. On Explora 1 and 2 there is one kids club, but the newer ships will have separate junior and teen clubs.
The number of kids on board is capped, AND there is an adults only pool on deck 12, so if you are worried about having too many kids running around, you probably won’t.
Restaurants on Explora 1
To me, the highlight of this trip was the amazing food. Both the quality and the variety. I had some of the best produce I’ve ever had (much less on a ship!) and everything made with chocolate was incredible.
Every baguette served on board Explora Journeys is made two hours before service with premium French flour from a mill two hours south of Paris, how crazy is that? They also serve the BEST French butter.
Room service is available 24 hours a day, and breakfast is served daily in both Fil Rouge (ala carte) and at the Emporium Marketplace.
Lunch you can opt for the Emporium or one of the restaurants will be open each day for an ala carte lunch (see the daily program to find out which one).
The Explora Lounge on deck 11 also serves little nibbles and an afternoon tea service (except on embarkation day). There is a creperie/gelateria on deck 11 and also the Crema Café on deck 5 which serves coffee and pastries/sandwiches/snacks.
For dinner on Explora 1, the offerings are:
Anthology – Seven course Italian tasting menu
Sakura – Pan Asian cuisine with outdoor seating. They have sushi as well.
Med Yacht club – Serving Spanish, Italian and Greek cuisine. This restaurant has an extensive menu you can dine here several times and not repeat meals.
Marble and Co – European steak house. Explora 1 PRO TIP: try the fingerling potatoes with caviar appetizer
Fil Rouge – Fil Rouge means the Red Line in French. They are open for breakfast everyday, and serve a great French dinner menu.
Emporium Market – This was an amazing food hall with 18 stations cooked ala minuet for breakfast, lunch and dinner. They have a fresh pasta station! Yes, fresh pasta on board a cruise ship. I loved this so much.
As for dining reservations, you can made advanced dinner reservations before sailing. The Med Yacht Club and Fil Rouge do not need reservations because they are the larger restaurants and can accommodate more walk ins. Sakura and Marble & Co. are smaller spaces, so be sure to make reservations for these restaurants in advance.
Explora Journeys Explora 1 Entertainment
Explora 1 definitely had more entertainment than when I sailed Regent Seven Seas last year. They do believe luxury should still be fun.
Explora 1 has 12 bars and lounges, with live music offered often. Explora Journeys is the official ocean partner of Steinway and each ship has 3 pianos on board.
On Explora 1 there is no large Broadway style theater, but the Journeys Lounge has a cabaret style atmosphere. The bar in this lounge is as large as the stage.
While on board, we did see the Billy Joel show, there was a West End star, who sang on a few nights, and also fun events like a silent disco and karaoke.
There is a DJ on board, and he was often up in the Sky Bar playing music for sunset cocktails. A great vibe!
Explora Journeys Status Match
Thinking about trying Explora Journeys but you already have a status on another luxury line? No worries, the Explora Journey’s Explora club loyalty program will status match with MSC and other luxury brands.
Explora Journeys Explora 1 Review
I really had a great week on Explora 1. From the stateroom, pools, food, service, drinks, itinerary, I truly enjoyed it all. I think this ship is a great step up from the MSC Yacht Club or Celebrity Retreat and the perfect cruise line for older adults who want luxury but also want to have fun, but maybe not as edgy and more luxury focused than a Virgin Voyages’ ship.
I highly recommend checking out Explora Journeys for your next ocean adventure. As a full service cruise travel agent, let’s chat and we can figure out if Explora Journeys is the right cruise line for you. Interested in an upcoming cruise? Then CLICK HERE to get started.
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