Explora I

I wish I could Explore the whole world with these guys

Sailing on Explora I is like getting the ultimate Christmas present. Even a few minutes inside this gorgeous cruise ship are enough to leave you with a smile on your face, and it doesn’t matter if you’re exploring the Mediterranean or the Caribbean. 

This is a top-tier luxury cruise that feels more like a private yacht, offering some of the best food and staterooms across all cruise lines. Yes, all of them. Sure, the price is spicy, but that’s what you pay for a top-tier experience that truly sets standard cruise lines apart from the luxurious ones.

What we like about Explora I

I mean… everything? Let’s start with the overall vibe of this cruise ship. It’s intimate, built for about 600 to 900 guests, with plenty of outdoor space and tons of crew members ready to help you. You’ll never have to wait too long for a drink or to grab lobster tails at the buffet. Interestingly enough, this is also one of the few luxury cruise ships with a Kids Club, but it never feels like it’s been taken over by children running around in Paw Patrol t-shirts or clutching their Bluey plush toys. It does feel like a private yacht that is all about giving you a peaceful and quiet time.

The food is also amazing. Seriously, this cruise line and Explora I offer some of the best cuisine across all cruise lines. Even their complimentary buffet is a step above many on-shore restaurants, with a fresh sushi bar, crab claws, filet mignon, and more. There’s also a top-tier Pan-Asian restaurant, a steakhouse, an Italian restaurant, and just one specialty venue that requires an extra fee. My advice? Stick to the complimentary options, they’re already excellent.

The staterooms are just as amazing as the food. All accommodations on Explora I are suites, and even the most affordable option gives you a private terrace and plenty of bathroom space. The bigger suites only get better, offering more room and extra perks. But honestly, when the entry-level suite is already better than the entry suites on most cruise lines, that’s more than enough for most guests.

Let’s also not forget that Explora Journeys is all-inclusive. Sure, that’s more about the cruise line than just Explora I, but it’s important to mention - you get free drinks, free food (you only have to pay for one restaurant), free Wi-Fi, and more. A great ship becomes even better when almost everything is included.

What we don’t like about Explora I

The elephant in the room is definitely the price. Again, this has more to do with the cruise line than just Explora I. Luxury is in Explora’s DNA, so it’s standard for prices to start at $10,000 or more per guest. This definitely isn’t a cruise line for everyone.

One area where Explora I could improve? Night entertainment. Sure, you’re not expecting waterparks or Broadway-level productions on a luxury cruise, but a few more shows and musicals would be nice. Explora I features plenty of piano bars and up-and-coming artists delivering fun performances, but the variety isn’t very wide. I just wish there were a bit more, as some venues tend to quiet down as the night goes on.

Conclusion

Explora I is amazing. No, scratch that, this is an outstanding ship, just like our overall score suggests. It has great food, amazing service, plenty of outdoor spaces, and top-tier staterooms. If you can afford a cruise here, go for it. Sure, the night entertainment could be a little better, but with so much designed to help you relax, you probably won’t even miss it. Great job, Explora I.