ONBOARD EXPLORA II — Explora Journeys’ Explora II was just starting its Caribbean season when I boarded, at Antigua and Barbuda.

The twin ship of Explora I, the vessel is the second ship in a fleet that’s on track to reach six ships by 2028.

The ship departed from Barcelona at the start of last month, bound for Miami. So I had a good four days of at-sea time to wander the ship – and I found myself in no need to overstay my welcome in order to be totally dazzled.

First observation: Explora Journeys clearly lives up to its ultra-luxury positioning.

As proof, I can cite the spacious cabins of the Explora II – which look like suites – plus the heated floor in the bathroom, the Italian bedding and the Dyson hair dryer. In short, quality in all directions: from Unopiù furniture to terraces to musical performances – thank you, Steinway!

The Ocean Suite, the entry-level stateroom ©Carolyne Parent

My ship-manicured little finger tells me that the European anchoring of the company, established in Geneva, Switzerland, makes it no stranger to refinement. And if Explora II were a watch, it would be an Audemars Piguet and certainly not Swarovski.

The Owner’s Residence, a 3000 sq ft suite ©Carolyne Parent

Second observation: Still and always, gastronomy is one of the main pillars of any cruise, and here too, Explora Journeys does not disappoint (see below for ‘Explora II By The Numbers’).

Neighbor of the humidor, a smoking room, at the Malt & Whishy bar ©Carolyne Parent

In addition to the daily feasts offered, culinary activities are also on the menu, such as specialized tastings (like ‘Decadence in Pairing: Whiskey and Chocolate’), as well as numerous cooking ‘Chef’s Kitchen’ workshops.

Are your clients gourmets? They might enjoy a sailing in the ‘Guest Chef Series’.

For my part, I enjoyed myself everywhere, including at the buffet-style Emporium Marketplace, for grilled meats, pasta, even oysters and crab legs!

I particularly liked the Mediterranean cuisine at Med Yacht Club, the French breakfasts at Fil Rouge and the seven-course dinner I treated myself to at Anthology, Explora Journeys’ signature Italian restaurant.

LET’S MOVE

Between meals, the day’s schedule gives the opportunity to move or to learn. There’s yoga, pilates and meditation to acquire this ‘ocean state of mind’ that the brand promises us, meeting with the captain (yes, she’s a woman), lectures by marine life specialists, shows and much more.

©Carolyne Parent

There’s also an entire deck (or just about) devoted to outdoor sports activities, hello, running and … pickleball!

We broke the bank at the casino. And do you want to go shopping? Boutiques including Cartier, Piaget and company await. In the evening, the shows and concerts are right on brand: intimate and tasteful.

Third observation: It’s a big ship for 922 passengers! Of course 63,900 tonnes is considered petite these days in the industry, but all the same, the ship is imposing.

You won’t be surprised when I tell you that at this level of luxury, there are no interior cabins – hence this size which might surprise some of your clients.

LAND HO

Another one of Explora Journeys’ promises is that our journey is one of discoveries. That means it’s time for excursions – oops, I mean ‘destination experiences.’ For passengers who prefer to do their own thing, port-city shuttles are made available to passengers, depending on stopovers.

This was the case in Puerto Rico, where I went on a fun culinary trip with SPOON! Most of the 12 English, German and American passengers who were also there seemed to appreciate the gourmet journey in colonial San Juan.

Here’s a tip for Formula 1 fans: exclusive access to the Monaco Grand Prix’s Paddock Club will be reserved for occupants of the Ocean Penthouses and Ocean Residences, next May.

This season and all winter, Explora II and its twin sail for Gustavia (Saint-Barthélemy), Oranjestad (Aruba), St. John’s (Antigua) and other West Indian paradises.

Explora II will then crisscross the Mediterranean, notably stopping over in Barcelona, Saint-Tropez and Porto Cervo, in Sardinia. With an ultra-luxury cruise comes ultra-chic destinations!

EXPLORA II BY THE NUMBERS 

• Cabins: 461 in categories including Ocean Suite, Ocean Penthouse, Ocean Residence and Owner’s Residence, all with balcony or terrace. A butler is assigned to residences.
• Decks: 14
• Restaurants: Six, including Marble & Co. for carnivores and the Japanese Sakura, not to mention the Gelateria, Krema coffee and afternoon tea served at Explora Lounge. Note that it costs US$140 (or US$200 with food and wine pairing) per person for dinner at Anthology, the signature Italian restaurant.
• Lounges and bars: Eight inside and four outside
• Swimming pools: One indoor pool, equipped with a retractable roof, and three outdoor pools, including one, Helios, for adults only. I also enjoyed the many outdoor whirlpools with views of the waves and the pool.

For more information see ExploraJourneys.com.

This article originally ran at ProfessionVoyages.com, part of The Travelweek Group

©Carolyne Parent