EXPLORA II – Is This the Future of Luxury Cruising? My Experience Onboard

I‘ve been lucky enough to experience some incredible ships during my years in travel, but now and again, something comes along that makes me look at cruising a little differently.

And EXPLORA II has done exactly that!

I recently spent seven nights onboard EXPLORA II, sailing from Venice through Croatia, Montenegro and the Greek islands, before finishing in Athens.

It was an incredible opportunity to experience Explora Journeys for myself, and I came home with one very clear thought...

This is a ship I can see so many of my clients absolutely falling in love with!

First Impressions – Where Is Everybody?

One of the first things that struck me was the space.

EXPLORA II can accommodate around 900 guests, yet even with the ship sailing with just over 900 onboard, it never once felt crowded.

No fighting for sunbeds, no queues for breakfast and certainly no wandering around trying to find somewhere peaceful to sit.

Instead, there are gorgeous lounges, beautiful outdoor spaces, several pools and quiet corners everywhere.

It feels much more like staying in a luxury resort at sea than being on a traditional cruise ship.

And that's exactly the experience Explora Journeys is aiming for.

Your Suite – And Yes, That Heated Bathroom Floor!

Let's talk accommodation, because this is where things start getting rather lovely!

Every guest stays in a suite with a private terrace, and even the entry-level Ocean Terrace Suites are incredibly spacious and beautifully designed.

Think walk-in wardrobes, gorgeous bathrooms, seriously comfortable beds and your own outdoor space for enjoying a morning coffee or watching the world sail past.

Then there are the little extras that make a difference.

🥂 A welcome bottle of champagne

🍸 A bottle of your chosen spirit for your suite

☕ Coffee machine and complimentary minibar

🛁 A beautifully appointed bathroom with heated flooring

🍽️ 24-hour in-suite dining included

And believe me, once you've experienced a heated bathroom floor, it's difficult to go back!

For those wanting even more space and luxury, there are Ocean Penthouses, Ocean Residences and the spectacular Owner's Residence.

But the wonderful thing is that you don't have to book the most expensive suite to feel thoroughly spoilt.

The Food – Definitely One of My Highlights!

I do love good food, and EXPLORA II certainly didn't disappoint.

There are multiple dining experiences onboard, with everything from relaxed lunches to elegant evening meals.

One of my favourite spots was the Emporium Marketplace.

Forget everything you think you know about a traditional cruise buffet. This is a completely different experience, with beautifully presented dishes, freshly prepared food and a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere.

Elsewhere, you can enjoy Mediterranean cuisine at Med Yacht Club, Asian flavours at Sakura, sophisticated dining at Fil Rouge and steakhouse favourites at Marble & Co. Grill.

There's also Anthology, a special fine-dining experience available at an additional charge.

What I particularly loved was being able to choose somewhere different each evening without feeling tied to a rigid dining schedule.

And the service? Exactly what you'd hope for from a luxury brand.

What's Included? Quite a Lot, Actually!

One of the things I think clients will really appreciate is how much is already included in the fare.

We're talking:

Beautifully appointed oceanfront suites with private terraces

A choice of excellent dining venues

Premium wines, spirits, cocktails and speciality coffees

Complimentary Wi-Fi

Gratuities

Access to the spa's thermal area

24-hour in-suite dining

Complimentary fitness and wellbeing facilities

There are some additional-charge experiences, including selected speciality dining, spa treatments and shore excursions, but you can enjoy an incredibly luxurious holiday without constantly reaching for your wallet.

For anyone who enjoys a five-star hotel experience, I think this is a huge part of the appeal.

The Atmosphere – Relaxed Luxury Without the Fuss

Here's something else I loved.

EXPLORA II is luxurious, absolutely, but it isn't stuffy.

You can dress up for dinner if you fancy it, but there's no pressure to spend your holiday worrying about formal nights or complicated dress codes.

The whole atmosphere is stylish, relaxed and welcoming.

There are lovely bars, live music, entertainment and beautiful spaces to enjoy a drink before or after dinner.

And then there were the sunsets...

One of my favourite places onboard was the Sky Bar, particularly as we sailed away from some of the most beautiful destinations in the Adriatic.

A cocktail, a gorgeous sunset and a spectacular coastline disappearing into the distance.

That's my kind of evening!

The Destinations – An Adriatic Adventure to Remember

Of course, a beautiful ship is only half the story.

Our itinerary was pretty special too.

We sailed from Venice and visited Rovinj, Zadar, Dubrovnik, Kotor, Corfu and Katakolon before arriving in Athens.

Rovinj was absolutely charming, with colourful buildings, cobbled streets and a beautiful waterfront.

Dubrovnik gave us the chance to explore its spectacular coastline, including a memorable tuk-tuk excursion up towards the Franjo Tuđman Bridge.

And then there was Kotor.

Wow!

Sailing into Montenegro, surrounded by dramatic mountains and beautiful scenery, was one of those moments that reminds me why I love cruising.

We were able to tender ashore even when larger ships had to change their plans, which really highlighted one of the advantages of travelling on a smaller luxury vessel.

Being able to visit these wonderful places and return each afternoon to the comfort of EXPLORA II was a real treat.

Who Would I Recommend EXPLORA II To?

This is probably the question I was most interested in answering before I travelled.

And now I've experienced it, I think it's ideal for several different types of travellers.

Luxury hotel lovers: If you normally choose beautiful five-star resorts but have never considered cruising, this could completely change your mind.

Couples who appreciate good food and service: There's a wonderful selection of restaurants, bars and peaceful spaces, without the crowds of a large ship.

Experienced cruisers looking for something different: If you've enjoyed premium cruise lines but are ready for a more intimate, luxurious experience, Explora Journeys is well worth considering.

Travellers who dislike traditional cruising: No huge crowds, no packed pool decks and no pressure to join organised activities. You can enjoy the ship entirely at your own pace.

People who love exploring: You can experience several destinations in one holiday, unpack just once and enjoy the comfort of your own luxury suite every evening.

So, Would I Sail with Explora Journeys Again?

In a heartbeat!

What impressed me most wasn't just the beautiful ship, the fabulous food or the spacious suites.

It was the overall feeling onboard.

Everything felt effortless.

There was always somewhere lovely to sit, the service was attentive without being intrusive, and the ship somehow managed to feel both elegant and wonderfully relaxed.

Having now experienced EXPLORA II personally, I can genuinely explain to my clients what makes it different, which suites I'd recommend, where to eat and those little details that don't always appear in a brochure.

And that's something I think makes all the difference when you're investing in a luxury holiday.

Thinking About Trying Explora Journeys?

Whether you're a seasoned cruiser or someone who has always said, "Cruising isn't really for me," I'd love to have a chat.

There are some fantastic itineraries available, from the Mediterranean and Caribbean to more far-flung destinations, and I'd be delighted to help you find the right voyage.

After all, there's nothing quite like recommending somewhere you've experienced for yourself!