Explora Journeys is good for:
- Those that want a mega-luxurious cruise
- If you're travelling with family or children
- If you love (really) good food
Explora Journeys might not be good for:
- If you love Broadway-style shows onboard your cruise
Explora Journeys redefines luxury cruising with an elevated yet relaxed atmosphere, offering refined elegance without the formality of traditional dress codes. While it shares a touch of modern flair reminiscent of Virgin Voyages, Explora Journeys takes the experience to another level, delivering exceptional gastronomy, sophisticated design, and an intimate ambiance aboard ships that host around 1,000 guests. As the brand itself describes, these vessels feel more like private yachts than traditional cruise ships. They are serene, stylish, and thoughtfully crafted for travelers in search of the ultimate escape.
Positioned among an elite group of ultra-luxury cruise lines, Explora Journeys offers sailings where fares can reach $30,000 per guest, depending on the itinerary and suite category. Like Seabourn and other top-tier brands, the focus is on creating unforgettable memories through personalized service and enriching experiences.
What sets Explora apart is its more contemporary and relaxed approach. There are no formal nights or strict dress codes, and guests will even find a dedicated Kids Club on board, which is a rare feature among cruise lines in this category. It is luxury without pretense, designed for travelers who value both sophistication and comfort.
The price may be premium, but so is the experience. With Explora Journeys, you are investing in some of the most exclusive and unforgettable voyages across the Atlantic and Mediterranean. The brand is fully all-inclusive, which means nearly all dining venues are included in your fare, premium beverages are complimentary, high-speed Wi-Fi comes at no extra cost, and every suite welcomes you with a bottle of champagne.
Speaking of suites, every accommodation aboard Explora Journeys is designed as a suite, complete with private terraces, floor-to-ceiling windows, and heated bathroom floors. The experience only elevates from there, offering a level of comfort and attention to detail that rivals the finest hotels at sea.
The fleet currently includes two state-of-the-art vessels, with two additional ships scheduled to launch in the coming years. These ships are intimate and elegantly designed, with a size that even allows for unique itineraries along the Amazon River before continuing toward ocean destinations such as San Juan. The level of service is exceptional, with nearly one crew member for every guest, ensuring personalized assistance at any moment.
Explora Journeys is ideal for travelers who desire a luxurious cruise without the formality of strict dress codes. The atmosphere is refined yet relaxed, and the line is especially appealing to families, thanks to spacious connecting suites and thoughtful onboard experiences for guests of all ages. While entertainment is more understated compared to larger cruise lines, the emphasis here is on tranquility, quality, and immersive destination experiences. For those seeking one of the most extraordinary weeks of their lives, Explora Journeys offers a voyage unlike any other.
Have questions or need guidance? Simply click the Request a Quote button and reach out to us. Our assistance is entirely complimentary, and we would be delighted to help you choose the perfect ship and itinerary for your next journey with Explora.
Explora Journeys Reviews
The Good
Space… and plenty of it: Explora Journeys offers an exceptionally high crew-to-guest ratio, with nearly as many staff members as guests on board. Most sailings accommodate between 600 and 900 travelers, creating an atmosphere of spaciousness and serenity. The result is a ship that never feels crowded, where service is attentive, and moments of relaxation are uninterrupted. For those who value peace, comfort, and a deep connection with the surrounding seascape, this is luxury cruising at its most refined.
Great Food: Dining aboard Explora Journeys is an experience to savor. Nearly every restaurant on board is included in your cruise fare, with only one exclusive venue requiring a supplementary charge. The culinary offerings are exceptional, featuring fresh, artfully prepared dishes that rival those of the finest restaurants at sea. Guests can enjoy everything from delicate sushi and sashimi at the buffet’s live station to selections like lobster tails, crab legs, and oysters. Even the steakhouse is part of the all-inclusive experience, ideal for those who appreciate a perfectly cooked filet mignon.
All-Inclusive: Explora Journeys offers a truly all-inclusive experience, where nearly every element of your voyage is seamlessly covered in the base fare. Gratuities, all dining venues with the exception of one, premium beverages, and high-speed Wi-Fi are all included.
Amazing Rooms: Every accommodation aboard Explora Journeys is a suite, setting a high standard from the very start. Even the entry-level suites feature a private balcony, a king-size bed with fine linens, an in-suite espresso machine, a welcome bottle of champagne, and a spacious bathroom complete with heated floors and premium amenities.
The Bad
Lack of Late-Night Entertainment Options: You will not find Broadway-style productions or large-scale theatrical shows aboard Explora Journeys. Instead, the evening ambiance is more understated and sophisticated, offering experiences such as intimate piano performances, curated art exhibitions, engaging seminars, the onboard casino, and live music by emerging artists. While the entertainment is thoughtfully selected to complement the relaxed elegance of the ship, some guests may find the variety somewhat limited.
How Much is a Cruise on Explora Journeys?
Explora Journeys is positioned among the world’s premier luxury cruise lines, and its pricing reflects the elevated experience it offers.
A 5-night Caribbean journey begins at approximately $13,000 per guest, while an 8-night sailing in the same region starts at around $34,000. In the Mediterranean, shorter 4-night cruises are priced from $11,000, with extended 14-night itineraries beginning at $35,000.
This is not a cruise line designed for mass-market appeal, but rather for discerning travelers who value exclusivity, personalized service, and a truly all-inclusive experience. With Explora Journeys, you are investing in one of the most refined and luxurious travel experiences at sea.
What is included in your Explora Journeys fare?
Good news! Explora Journeys is an all-inclusive cruise line, which means a lot is already included in your fare. Your base fare covers:
- Gratuities
- Your Stateroom
- Food in most restaurants onboard (only one paid restaurant)
- Unlimited alcoholic drinks and beverages
- Thermal Spa Access
- Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi
- Fitness Center
- Shuttle services from port to city centres (upon availability)
- Bottle of wine and spirit of the guests’ choice upon arrival
- In-suite welcome bottle of champagne and refreshments
Explora Journeys Fleet and Destinations
Explora Journeys currently operates two luxurious vessels, with two additional ships scheduled to debut in the coming years. Designed with the feel of a private yacht, each ship offers an intimate and tranquil atmosphere, far removed from the crowds of larger cruise lines.
Each vessel features approximately 460 spacious suites, multiple refined dining venues and bars, and at least five beautifully heated pools. The ambiance is calm and sophisticated, ideal for guests seeking rest, rejuvenation, and effortless elegance at sea. With nearly a one-to-one guest-to-crew ratio, personalized service is always just a moment away, ensuring that every detail of your journey is handled with care.
Their fleet includes:
- Explora I (2023)
- Explora II (2024)
- Explora III (2026)
- Explora IV (2027)
Every ship is basically the same, with the same amount of suites, bars and restaurants.
Explora Journeys Destinations
While Explora Journeys currently operates just two ships, their reach is impressively global. Their carefully curated itineraries span Europe, the Caribbean, South America, and, beginning in 2027, Alaska. At present, the line does not offer sailings to Oceania, Africa, or Asia, but their expanding presence continues to captivate discerning travelers worldwide.
Their main destinations include:
- Europe (Mediterranean, Iceland, Greenland specially)
- Caribbean
- Central America
- Alaska (in 2027)
- Arabian Peninsula
- South America (Amazon)
- Transatlantics
Explora Journeys Main Home Ports
Their main home ports are:
- Miami
- San Juan
- Vancouver
- Barcelona
- Athens
- Rome
- Venice
Is Explora Journeys for You?
Explora Journeys is an exceptional choice for travelers seeking unparalleled luxury and exquisite cuisine. What sets it apart is its genuine appeal to families of all kinds, whether that means children, parents, or groups of friends embarking on a shared adventure. The line is known for its abundance of connecting suites, allowing guests to open adjoining rooms and create a spacious, communal retreat perfect for gatherings or even intimate celebrations right within your own accommodations.
Another notable advantage is Explora Journeys’ relaxed approach to onboard attire. Without formal dress codes or gala evenings, guests enjoy the freedom to dine whenever and however they please, eliminating the need to pack elaborate evening wear. This ease of style is especially appreciated by families traveling with children.
For those prioritizing a romantic escape, Explora Journeys will undoubtedly deliver a luxurious and memorable experience. However, travelers seeking a more traditional, couple-focused ambiance with elegant gala nights may find other luxury cruise brands better suited to those preferences. Explora’s welcoming atmosphere often attracts more families than some other upscale lines, though many couples do delight in the occasional special evening onboard.
Activities Onboard Explora Journeys
Explora Journeys is dedicated to offering a serene and refined experience at sea. With ships designed to accommodate no more than approximately 900 guests, the atmosphere is intimate and peaceful, far from the bustling energy of mega-resorts. You will not find waterparks, waterslides, bumper cars, or ice rinks aboard these vessels, as such large-scale entertainment options do not align with Explora’s sophisticated and understated style.
Here’s what you will find onboard:
- Live music throughout the ship
- A stylish casino
- Art galleries
- Small, intimate live shows
- Multiple heated pools
Why book Explora Journeys with us?
At Famvia, we are luxury cruise specialists. We proudly partner with some of the world’s most prestigious cruise lines, including Seabourn, Silversea, and of course Explora Journeys.
Navigating Explora Journeys’s extensive portfolio of hundreds of itineraries along with numerous suite options can be overwhelming. That is where we come in. Our dedicated travel advisors specialize in Explora Journeys cruises and can help you find the perfect voyage tailored to your preferences. In addition, we often have access to exclusive offers and pricing not available to the general public.
With deep expertise in Explora Journeys’s all-inclusive fares and two luxurious ships, we are here to guide you every step of the way. Simply click the Request a Quote button to get in touch. Our personalized planning services are complimentary and we look forward to crafting an unforgettable journey just for you.
Explora Journeys Additional Info
The key requirement is your ID. Don’t forget to bring it!
Passports should have at least six months of validity remaining. For cruises departing from international ports, a passport is mandatory. It's essential that the name on your reservation matches exactly with what appears on your passport or other official proof of nationality.
Gratuities
Gratuities are already included in your base fare. Tipping is optional.
Wi-Fi
Premium Wi-Fi is included in your base cruise fare.
Dress Code
Explora Journeys don’t have a dress code onboard, but they suggest an elegant resort casual style. Swimwear and bathrobes are not allowed throughout the day in any of the restaurants and indoor bars and lounges.
Shorts and sleeveless t-shirts are not allowed during dinner time (18:00 - late) in Anthology, Fil Rouge restaurants.
Baseball caps and sportswear are not allowed during dinner time (18:00 - late) in Anthology, Fil Rouge, Sakura, Marble & Co. Grill, Med Yacht Club restaurants.
Laundry
Laundry is available on every Explora Journey ship and comes with additional charges.
Carry-on Drink Policy
Here’s what Explora Journeys says about bringing your own drinks onboard: "If you would like to bring your own drinks/spirits with you, this is possible."
They don’t specify a quantity limit, so it’s a good idea to check with them directly if you plan to bring more than a bottle or two.
Explora Journeys Loyalty Club
Explora Journeys loyalty club is called Explora Club, and features five different tiers:
- Classic
- Silver
- Gold
- Platinum
- Diamond
Point accumulation is based on weighted nights at sea, multiplied by a suite category boost multiplier. You can also earn additional points through eligible onboard spending and the purchase of Destination Experiences.
Benefits include complimentary laundry, exclusive cocktail parties, discounts on future cruises, and even a free cruise at the highest tier. For a complete list of perks, check out this link.
Book your dream vacation with Explora Journeys!
Now that you know a lot about Explora Journeys… why not learn even more!? Yeah, our guides do not end here. We have guides about almost anything you can think of. How about the room options at Explora? Or the list of restaurants you can find there? We have those too. Wait, now you want to know about the specific pH levels of the swimming pools during June on a rainy night? We don't have that guide yet, but don't tempt us!
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