Explora Journeys: An Honest Guide to the Luxury Cruise Experience
Updated: 13 hours ago
Explora Journeys Guide: Introduction
After having taken many cruises with my family on different cruise lines, I have spent the last few years several cruises with Explora Journeys. Each journey has given me a different perspective on what makes this style of cruising so special. From the suites and dining to the service, atmosphere and destinations, there is a lot to discover and plenty that you only really understand once you have experienced it yourself.
Our journey with Explora started at a time when we were ready for something different. We had taken many cruises with NCL, particularly staying in The Haven, as well as Suites on Royal Caribbean. We loved the luxury experience at the ship-in-a-ship concept, but as our children became teenagers, our needs as a family started to change. We were no longer looking for waterslides, children's clubs or soccer tournaments. We were ready to discover what a true luxury cruise experience could offer us as a family.
The first time we sailed with Explora, I had no previous experience to compare it with and, therefore, very few expectations. My husband, however, had cruised with Explora before and kept telling us that we would love it.
What makes Explora Journeys different from many other luxury cruise lines is the feeling that you are staying at a resort at sea.
There is nothing stiff or overly formal about it. No need to dress up for dinner every evening, no formal nights, and no feeling that you have to follow a particular routine. You can simply relax, enjoy the ship, take in the views and make the experience your own.
There are no set dining times. Every evening is your evening. Good food, beautiful surroundings and the freedom to be exactly who you want to be.
For us, that was the moment the concept really clicked.
A different, more European way of luxury cruising had begun.
Over the past months, I have written several articles about my experiences with Explora Journeys, each focusing on a different aspect of life onboard. But with so much information spread across different articles, I felt it was time to bring everything together in one place.
This guide is that place.
Here, I bring together my personal experiences, practical information and impressions of Explora Journeys to help you get a better idea of what it is really like to sail with Explora. Whether you are considering your first journey, already have a booking, or are simply curious about this new approach to luxury cruising, I hope you will find something useful here.
And because my journey with Explora is not over yet, I will continue to update this guide as I experience more.
Explora Journeys is the ultimate crown on the Aponte family's legacy. It is the realization of a long-cherished dream: creating a luxury cruise line that blends timeless elegance with the modern demands of the mindful traveler. This family is known for the MSC Cargo ships and after developing Explora Journeys is their 6th company.
Want to know more about the history of Explora Journeys
The Ocean State of Mind
Stepping aboard an Explora Journeys ocean vessel for the third time feels less like starting a vacation and more like returning to a familiar luxury sanctuary. It feels fantastic to know what is waiting for you: the experience and the excellent service. Having experienced the brand across multiple sailings, I’ve watched Explora Journeys refine what it truly means to travel at sea. They call their philosophy the “Ocean State of Mind” a mindset designed to connect guests with the ocean, themselves, and the destinations they visit. But beyond the refined marketing, what actually sets this experience apart from traditional luxury cruising?
Unlike classic cruise lines that adhere to strict schedules, formal nights, and rigid dining windows, Explora focuses on space, time, and effortless freedom. The atmosphere on board strikes a balance between a high-end European boutique hotel and a private superyacht. From the generous suite layouts to the slow-paced destination itineraries, every detail encourages you to slow down and immerse yourself in the journey.
Whether you are considering your very first sailing or looking to see how the experience holds up over repeat visits, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know from life in the suites to destination experiences ashore.
Bidding Process
At Explora Journeys you will receive several times an email with the possibility to place a bid on a Suite-Upgrade. Approximately 85 days before departure, eligible guests receive an invitation by email, allowing them to choose from the available higher Suite categories and submit the amount they are willing to pay for the upgrade. The bid is made per Suite, rather than per person, and taxes and fees are included. Guests can bid on multiple Suite categories, which can increase their chances of securing an upgrade, although only one bid will ever be accepted and charged. Bids can generally be modified or cancelled up to seven days before departure, provided they have not already been accepted. If successful, the guest is notified by email and the bid amount is charged automatically; if the bid is unsuccessful, the original Suite reservation remains unchanged and no additional payment is made. It is important to note that the bidding process is subject to availability, and guests cannot bid for a specific Suite number, deck or location.
We have received several emails from Explora after booking our cruise to participate in the bidding process. Read more about the Bidding Process.
Suite Life & Onboard Atmosphere
One of the first things you notice when stepping into your suite on Explora Journeys is the sense of space and light. Every single accommodation on board is an ocean-front suite with a private floor-to-ceiling window terrace.
Rather than traditional cabin categories, Explora organizes its accommodations into:
Ocean Suites
Ocean Penthouses
Ocean Residences
Owner’s Residence
Each category offers a residential feel, complete with refined European design, walk-in wardrobes, and spacious bathrooms featuring rainfall showers.
Choosing the right category depends heavily on how you plan to spend your time on board:
Ocean Suites: Generous in size and ideal for travelers who spend their days exploring ports and enjoying the ship’s public lounges. These Suites have floor-heating in the bathroom and a lounger on the balcony.
Ocean Penthouses & Residences: Offer expanded living areas, larger private terraces with dining tables, and dedicated butler service, perfect for those who prioritize extra privacy, in-suite dining, and generous space.
Beyond your private Suite, the onboard atmosphere feels calm, unhurried, and sophisticated. With one of the highest guest-to-space ratios in the industry, you never feel crowded, whether you're relaxing by the swimming pools or finding a quiet corner in a Lounge.
Unsure which suite best fits your personal travel style? Read my complete guide: Blog Suites Choice at Explora Journeys
Dining Experiences
At Explora Journeys you will find the following restaurants:
Emporium Marketplace (Buffet)
Sakura (Pan-Asian)
Marble & Co (European Steakhouse)
Med Yachtclub (Mediterreanean restaurant)
Fil Rouge (Frans/International Cuisine)
Antology (paid restaurant)
Emporium Marketplace
The biggest surprise was without a doubt Emporium Marketplace.
I am usually not so keen on ship buffets, but having experienced Emporium Marketplace, it completely redefines the concept. It feels more like a collection of high-end, live-cooking culinary stations than a traditional buffet. Everything is extremely modern and hygienic, with dishes served beautifully plated rather than scooped from self-service trays.
What blew me away was the quality of the daily offerings. Experiencing fresh ceviche, lobster tails, fresh pasta's and made-to-order New York Strip Steak every single day (as much as you like) is something I have never seen at a marketplace venue before.
The service here is just as impressive: if a dish requires a few extra minutes at the grill, the chefs hand you a pager so you can relax at your table. When the pager goes off, your waiter will most of the time collect it for you.
If you are ready to explore more about the Emporium Marketplace
Sakura
Sakura is one of my favourite restaurants on board Explora Journeys. From the moment you walk in, you notice that it is about much more than just the food. The design, the atmosphere and the open kitchen create a feeling that is both elegant and relaxed, while the flavours are what really make this restaurant stand out for me.
Sakura is inspired by Asian cuisine, with dishes designed to be shared. I particularly enjoy this style of dining because it makes the experience feel social and relaxed. Instead of everyone ordering one dish for themselves, you can choose several different dishes and share them around the table, allowing you to discover a variety of flavours.
Sakura is also open for lunch, it is a completely different experience during the day, when the restaurant feels light and relaxed, and it is a great alternative if you want something different from the other lunch options on board.
In the evening, however, Sakura has a special atmosphere. If the weather is good, I highly recommend asking for a table outside. Sitting there in the evening, enjoying the food, the sea and the views, makes the experience even more special. There is something wonderful about having an excellent dinner while being surrounded by the ocean rather than sitting inside a traditional restaurant. We had diner at Sakura during sail away from Kotor, we experienced this amazing food in combination with the most breathtaking views of sailing between the fjords.
For me, Sakura is one of those places on Explora where the combination of food, design, atmosphere and location comes together perfectly. It is definitely a restaurant I return to on my journeys, and one I would recommend trying more than once if you have the opportunity.
Marble & Co
Dining at Marble & Co. Grill feels like stepping into an exclusive, European steakhouse. The experience is centered around precision: prime, dry-aged meats, with a standout 500g Black Angus Steak (my son tried this dish) designed for serious lovers of exceptional beef. If you prefer not to eat meat, the menu features some very nice seafood selections and sophisticated vegetarian signature dishes.
Med Yachtclub
Inspired by the laid-back elegance of the Mediterranean, Med Yacht Club brings the rich culinary traditions of Southern Europe directly to your table. The menu has a variety of coastal dining, featuring fresh seafood, prime cuts, and vibrant regional specialties infused with garlic, tomatoes, and olive oil. Beyond the food, the ambiance is remarkably relaxed yet sophisticated, echoing the feel of a chic oceanfront bistro. It is the perfect venue for a leisurely lunch or an intimate dinner, offering an authentic taste of the Mediterranean shoreline regardless of where the ship is sailing. My favorite starter was absolutely the croquettas, this is a dish to share and my husband enjoyed the Jamón Ibérico de Bellota.
Fil Rouge
This is a French-inspired dining experience in an elegant, intimate setting. The menu centers around classic French gastronomy reimagined with a modern, global twist, beautifully plated dishes that emphasize fresh, premium ingredients. Fil Rouge is designed for slow, indulgent dinners where every course feels like a quiet celebration of haute cuisine. We enjoyed breakfast here during our cruise, and the food was amazing, especially the Eggs Benedict with spinach and caviar!
Antology
As the signature, award-winning venue on Explora Journeys, Anthology serves as the ship's ultimate fine-dining culinary showcase. Unlike the rest of the onboard dining venues (which are completely included in your cruise fare) Anthology is an exclusive, surcharge experience. The restaurant offers a refined, multi-course tasting menu curated by Head of Culinary Franck Garanger (and guest Michelin-starred chefs), focusing on elevated regional Italian cuisine crafted from exceptional ingredients.
Pricing: The multi-course tasting menu is priced at €165 per person. An optional curated wine pairing is available for an additional €70 per person.
What’s Included: The experience covers a full 7-course gastronomic journey featuring delicate amuses-bouches, refined seafood and meat courses (such as Oscietra caviar, langoustines, and prime beef).
How to Reserve: Because Anthology offers an intimate environment with limited seating (under 50 indoor seats), advance booking is required. Guests can make reservations prior to sailing via the My Explora online app or directly onboard through guest service or your butler.
Dining Reservations & Access
To ensure every guest gets to experience each culinary concept smoothly, Explora Journeys applies a simple reservation policy across its onboard venues:
Med Yacht Club & Fil Rouge: No reservations required. You can simply walk in whenever you wish to dine.
Sakura & Marble & Co. Grill: Reservations are required and can be booked once per week per specialty restaurant during your voyage. We booked as soon as we arrived on the ship and it was no problem to get reservations for both the restaurants.
Anthology: Requires a separate paid reservation in advance (via the My Explora app or onboard through your host/butler) due to its limited seating and exclusive surcharge menu.
Wellness & The Spa
the Ocean Wellness concept on Explora Journeys is designed around the calming, restorative power of the sea.
The Thermal Spa Experience
Access to the thermal spa circuit is complimentary for all guests and serves as the core of the relaxation experience. The area features:
Hydrotherapy Pool & Thermal Area: A heated indoor hydrotherapy pool surrounded by a Finnish sauna, an aroma steam room, a salt cave, experience showers, an ice fall, and heated marble loungers.
Private Spa Suites: For an elevated, intimate experience, guests can reserve private spa suites featuring their own outdoor relaxation areas.
Specialized Treatments: The spa offers bespoke ocean-inspired body rituals and advanced medi-luxe facials.
Ocean Wellness – Fitness & Movement
Designed in partnership with Technogym, the fitness facilities offer stunning panoramic ocean views and both indoor and outdoor workout zones:
Indoor Fitness Studio: Features state-of-the-art Technogym equipment for strength, cardio, and group classes.
Open-Air Fitness & Sports Deck: Includes an outdoor deck space for functional training, an outdoor sports court for pickleball, touch tennis, and basketball, plus a 250-meter running track that encircles the ship.
Mindful Movement: Guests can participate in guided outdoor yoga, pilates, sunrise deck sessions, and sound bath meditations.
The Beauty Studio
Completing the wellness offer, the Beauty Studio provides high-end hair styling, barber services, manicures, pedicures, and specialized grooming, ensuring guests look and feel their best throughout the voyage.
Destination Experiences
Explora Journeys approaches shore excursions with a focus on immersive, small-group discovery through its Destination Experiences. Designed to go beyond standard tourist sights, these experiences are categorized into distinct styles:
Destination Essentials: Classic highlights and iconic landmarks, ideal for first-time visitors seeking a smooth, curated overview.
Curated Explorations: In-depth cultural, culinary, or active experiences designed for smaller groups seeking authentic local interaction.
Tailored & Private Arrangements: Completely customized or private driver/guide experiences crafted around your specific interests.
Booking & Flexibility
Guests can explore and pre-book Destination Experiences online through the My Explora App up to 3 days prior to departure. Once onboard, any remaining availability can be booked directly through the Destination Experiences Desk or your host/butler.
Onboard Credit (Explora Credit / Journey Experience Credit)
This is promotional spending money associated with your booking. It provides complete flexibility to customize your journey.
When and How It Can Be Redeemed
Before Your Voyage (Pre-Journey Redemption)
You do not have to wait until you board to use your credit. You can redeem it in advance through the My Explora App or:
Destination Experiences (pre-booking excursions before they fill up)
Anthology Fine Dining reservations
Ocean Wellness Spa treatments and packages
Special culinary tastings and masterclasses
Pre- and post-cruise airport/hotel transfers
Onboard During Your Cruise
Any unused credit balance automatically transfers to your onboard folio upon embarkation. During the voyage, it can be applied toward:
Onboard Destination Experience bookings
Spa treatments, salon services, and fitness sessions at Ocean Wellness
Surcharge dining (Anthology) and special wine tastings
Ultra-premium spirits, rare wines, or vintage champagne selections
Boutique shopping at The Journey boutique
Selected onboard suite upgrades
Important Conditions to Keep in Mind:
Non-Refundable & Non-Transferable: The credit has no cash value, cannot be exchanged for cash, and cannot be transferred to another guest.
Expiration: The full credit balance must be redeemed before 18:00 local ship time on the final evening of your voyage; any remaining balance automatically expires.
How Explora Compares to Traditional Luxury Lines
When comparing Explora Journeys to established ultra-luxury brands like Silversea, the decision comes down to the complete onboard and destination experience. While both offer exceptional service, fine dining, and all-inclusive luxury, their overall philosophies differ significantly:
Onboard Atmosphere & Lifestyle: Silversea represents traditional, classic luxury cruising with formal evenings and structured environments. Explora Journeys redefines the ocean experience as a contemporary European resort, spacious, and completely free of rigid dress codes or assigned dining times.
Service & Butler Concept: Silversea includes dedicated butler service for every suite category. Explora Journeys focuses on high-touch personal service throughout the ship, reserving dedicated butler service exclusively for top-tier accommodations like the Ocean Residences and Owner’s Residence.
Destination & Overnights: While both Silversea and Explora Journeys prioritize deep destination immersion, visiting unique, boutique harbors with late-night departures and frequent overnight stays, they deliver time ashore through two distinct lenses: Silversea frames its destination program around classic, port-intensive discovery and structured shore experiences, whereas Explora uses extended port calls and overnights to foster a slow-travel "ocean resort" rhythm, giving guests total freedom to dine at local restaurants ashore late into the evening without being bound by traditional onboard schedules or formal evening dress codes.
Want to know more about suite concepts, service styles, and destinations between these Silversea and Explora Journeys?Read my full review:
Combining Cruise with landtour
As I made my third cruise with Explora, we always include a few days landtour before and after our cruise. As Explora never comes twice in two weeks to the same port, you will get the opportunity to visit two different cities.
We combined Istanbul and Athens on our first cruise, Genova (Portofino) and Venice and now we will visit again Athens and Venice, which we don't mind. We love having diner at Geco in Athens, a restaurant not to be missed when staying in this city and Venice is where my inlaws live, so a family visit for us.
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