FIRST IMPRESSIONS are always important and set the stage for the vacation ahead and so it was when sailing on a Caribbean cruise from Panama to Barbados earlier this year. There had been a lot of anticipation about this new cruise brand and what its ships would be like – and I am delighted to report the vessel is beyond stunning. It is vibrant, cosmopolitan and beautiful. The attention to detail, the fixtures and fittings, the furnishings, the art, the lighting, the ceilings – the simply everything – is astonishing. The understated elegance, atmosphere, and expansive space remind one of a hotel, and there’s a sense of style everywhere. Fresh flowers bloom, and the small but important touches are noted. While sailing, I spoke with many other guests, and everyone agreed that this is a gorgeous ship; perhaps even more importantly, the service is superb, and the choice of cuisine is excellent. Explora Journeys has arrived and made a startling impression.

This cocoon of luxury is a wonderful retreat at sea, and the tranquil, calm atmosphere is much appreciated, as is the extensive outdoor deck space. The staff numbers about 600, and we sailed with just over 500 guests –of a potential 900. Some are already on their second and third sailings, which is impressive as the ship was launched less than a year ago.

The Ocean State of Mind

The staff designated “Hosts” mostly come from luxury hotel backgrounds, many from the Middle East and brands like Kempinski, Jumeirah and Waldorf Astoria. They are perfectly trained, amiable, helpful, charming, endearing and on the ball. They are always nearby and keen to serve and engage, and the hotel operation is very well-run and overseen by Maarten Smeets as the General Manager. We adored Kevin, the engaging bartender in the Malt Whisky Bar who made terrific concoctions, encouraged conversation and ensured a wonderful atmosphere pre-and-post dinner. We admired his spiffy waistcoat, too. Explora Journeys has got this right, and even though we know it isn’t, there’s an appearance of effortlessness. They have achieved a smooth, seamless, expert hotel operation, resulting in a brand that effortlessly achieves ultra-luxury at sea. It is an impressive accomplishment that cannot be underestimated.

Ultra-luxury is always in the details and behind the scenes. Although shore excursion info can be easily accessed on the app or suite TV, I prefer paper, and it was presented in a lovely portfolio titled ‘Destination Experiences Collection.’ Our hosts anticipated our needs and remembered our preferences from day one, whether in our suite, at the pretty Crema coffee bar or at dinner. Everyone looks you in the eye and greets you, and if you’re trying to find something on the ship – they will personally escort you there. There is an immediate camaraderie between guest and host – we realized something special was happening and loved it.

Ocean Terrace Suites

Elegant, spacious and comfortable suites and residences

All of Explora I’s suites are oceanfront, light-filled, well designed and have spacious terraces. We loved the heated floors in the bathroom and the Dyson hairdryer in a drawer under the dressing table. The walk-in closet has lots of space for two, with ample drawers and hangers. There are bedside ports to charge one’s phone, an Illy coffee machine, a kettle and teapot, a mini-fridge stocked to one’s preference, a welcome bottle of Champagne, binoculars and water bottles. The beds with Frette linens are deliciously comfy, and there’s sitting and dining space for relaxing and ordering 24-hour room service if desired.

Our Ocean Terrace Suite (of which there are 301) was a spacious (there’s that word again) 377 sq ’. There are 70 Ocean Grand Terrace Suites and 67 Ocean Penthouses with dining and sitting areas and a separate bedroom. These are proving very popular with guests as one might imagine.

The 22 spectacular Residences are the top accommodations, spacious and beautiful, naturally, and described as a home at sea with a dining room, living room and separate bedroom. These offer marvellous leather game boards for backgammon, chess or checkers, a Technogym Bench and a case kit for an in-suite experience and other amenities. And private butler service from the Residence Hosts to care for those guests. I do love having a Butler – it feels so special. Whichever accommodation you choose, you will be delighted, spoiled and happy, just as it should be on a luxury ship.

Sakura

Culinary delights for discerning palates

Explora I showcases six vibrant restaurants, nine dining options, 12 elegant bars and lounges and a Chef’s Kitchen where guests can discover and enjoy exceptional globally influenced cooking. We dined very well in a fine choice of restaurants. Two – Marble & Co and Sakura – require reservations, which are easily made; two others, Fil Rouge and Med Yacht Club, do not. We happily dined in all four, enjoying delicious cuisine and lovely décor in each and the included wines and spirits. We particularly appreciated that each of the four are small venues with intimate spaces and terrific décor. There was no main restaurant, and there didn’t need to be. You can easily book a reservation after you board or just be casual and go with the ‘ow. The food is always excellent and each restaurant is beautifully decorated – so much so that you may appreciate the room as much as the meal! Also, the dress code is “smart casual with ‘air,” which worked well for most people and for our surroundings.

Marble & Co is the spot for steaks, seafood and heartier fare. We loved wandering into Fil Rouge or the Med Yacht Club without a reservation – particularly if we had returned late from a shore excursion. Fil Rouge is very beautiful, and its menu, as one might expect, focuses on French cuisine. The Med Yacht Club has an airy feel with nautical décor and Mediterranean-focused cuisine. We dined twice and loved it.

As so many guests love Pan-Asian cuisine, Sakura shone. The pretty décor with a cherry blossom theme set the stage for a delicious dinner with Asian-style tapas, soup pots, seafood, and meats cooked with interesting sauces.

Room service is also available 24 hours if you feel like staying in and dining “at home.”

Fil Rouge

Michelin-starred Chefs take over Anthology Restaurant for a superb gastronomic experience at an upcharge – when we sailed, Emma Bengtsson, a Swedish Chef with a New York City-based restaurant, Aquavit, was the Chef in residence and curated the menu offered to guests.

There is all-day dining, indoors and out, in the Emporium, an airy, casual spot with a fantastic choice of cuisine, including Sushi, an excellent pasta station, salads made to order, a carvery, a wok station, great pizzas, and more. Oysters are a popular item during casual evening dinners in this room – we dined there once and marveled at how busy it was with guests wandering in as they pleased. On several days, I enjoyed freshly made-to-order pasta and salad and then sat outside in the sunshine overlooking one of the many pools while sipping a delightful rosé. Champagne is ever present, and you feel very spoiled wherever you might be on the ship – especially when sipping Champagne in one of the hot tubs accompanied by a mesmerizing sea view.

Refined entertainment and enrichment are at your fingertips, and there is music everywhere – whether you’re being serenaded at cocktail hour on the Grand Piano above the gorgeous Lobby Bar or listening to a classical music concert in the beautiful Journeys Lounge. We enjoyed afternoon tea to a musical accompaniment in the Explora Lounge on several days, with wonderful sea views everywhere. Explora is focusing on its entertainment offerings and tweaking a few things, but there is something for everyone both during the day and in the evening in several lounges. I would say that their culinary offerings seem to steal the thunder every night.

Explore I Lobby and Bar

We found the generous outdoor spaces fabulous: three outdoor pools, including one for adults-only – the Helios Pool and Bar – and the Conservatory, which I loved, that can be covered with a retractable glass roof. It’s a gorgeous space and very tempting. Sunbeds, some for two, are scattered around the pools and service is always at hand. Yet again, a calm, peaceful feeling pervades the whole ship, and it’s easy to find your bliss. Naturally, there’s a large spa, hair salon and barber, fitness centre, fitness studio, and a pickleball court.

As the fleet grows, with sister ship Explora II arriving this summer and four more ships to come by 2028, Explora Journeys will sail far and wide and offer curious and discerning guests in-depth global explorations. There will be an Explora Journeys ship sailing the Med and Northern Europe, the Arabian Peninsula, Canada and New England, the Caribbean and Central America, Hawaii and the Pacific Coast – and soon beyond. Shore experiences are not included in the fare but are generally for small groups, can be tailored and curated as required, and are thoughtfully created to suit the Ocean State of Mind!

Explora Journeys has emerged as an ultra-luxury cruise brand, with an all-inclusive lifestyle, including gratuities, offering guests a superb experience at sea. They are ably showing that the Ocean State of Mind is a marvellous, effortless way to enjoy a cruise journey. For me, it’s the sublime and silky feel of indulgence bathed in sunshine and happiness. And I can’t wait to return.

Written by Vanessa Lee for Cruise and Travel Lifestyles (Summer 2024). All images courtesy of Explora Journeys.