Choosing the right ship is one of the most important steps when planning a luxury cruise. There are too many choices at sea, and nowadays, travelers seek comfort, style, generous inclusions, and meaningful experiences. This is where the first ship of Explora Journeys, Explora I, comes in. The ship is meant to resemble a contemporary luxury resort, with a combination of luxurious interiors, spacious suites, personalized service, and immersive itineraries that attract both new and experienced cruisers.
If you want a cruise vacation that balances comfort and exploration, Explora I offers a refreshing approach to luxury travel. And whether you're trying to find a cruise, make a cruise reservation, or plan where to buy cruise tickets, understanding what makes this ship unique can help you choose with confidence.
Why would you go to Explora I in your next luxury cruise?
Explora I redefines the idea of a luxury cruise by combining the feel of a boutique resort with the advantages of ocean travel. From large suites to thoughtful design and rich inclusions, the ship is built for guests who value comfort, style, and authenticity. It delivers a polished, calming atmosphere for anyone seeking an elevated cruising experience with Explora Journeys.
Why does Explora I seem to be a contemporary luxury cruise ship?
Explora I is specifically meant to resemble a modern day luxury hotel rather than a classic cruise ship. The ship is designed in warm colors, minimalist style, and open spaces instead of crowded areas and loud decorations. Double-height lobbies, elegant lounges, and art-inspired spaces give a sophisticated resort-style ambiance.
This sophisticated ambience makes it perfect for those travelers who do not want to be crowded in a highly commercialized environment, as is the case with mainstream ships.
What is the level of inclusiveness of the luxury experience on Explora I?
One of the most compelling reasons to choose Explora I is its inclusive pricing model. While not all luxury cruise lines offer true value-inclusive fares, Explora Journeys ensures that your core needs are covered without constant extra charges.
Your fare generally includes:
- All meals in multiple restaurants
- High-speed Wi-Fi
- Gratuities
- A welcome bottle of Champagne
- Unlimited beverages including fine wines and spirits
- Access to spa thermal areas
- Shuttle services to city centers (where applicable)
This makes budgeting easier for your cruise vacation, especially if you prefer transparency and fewer onboard expenses.
What dining experiences can you expect on Explora I?
The ship has an outstanding dining program that will be enjoyed by food lovers. Explora I has several restaurants, specialty venues, most of which are included in the fare. Instead of serving a buffet, the ship offers custom-made food and a range of global dishes.
The dining options highlighted are:
- Sakura: A pan-Asian restaurant that serves sushi, tempura, noodle, and so on.
- Emporium Marketplace: A sophisticated food hall-like environment with fresh, made-to-order international cuisine.
- Anthology: A fine-dining restaurant that offers a seasonal tasting menu prepared by famous guest chefs (additional cost).
- In-suite dining: Fine meals will be delivered to your own terrace to enjoy your meals with uninterrupted ocean views.
The advanced menus, fresh foods, and customized service take the dining experience to a whole new level compared to the normal cruise food.
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How impressive are the suites and accommodations on Explora I?
Explora I’s accommodations are one of its main selling points. All staterooms are ocean-facing suites with private terraces, ensuring every guest enjoys panoramic sea views.
Suite highlights include:
- Spacious layouts larger than many standard cruise cabins
- Private terraces with seating and a dining area
- Floor-to-ceiling windows for natural light
- Walk-in wardrobes
- Heated bathroom floors
- High-end linens and luxury toiletries
- In-room espresso machines and modern amenities
There are also elevated suite categories such as Penthouses and Residences, which offer enhanced space, upgraded features, and additional service levels.
For travelers seeking both comfort and style, the accommodations alone make Explora I a compelling luxury travel option.
Also Read: Explora I Rooms & Suites
Is Explora I good for both families and couples?
Yes, Explora I is designed to accommodate a wide range of travelers. While many luxury cruise lines cater mainly to adults, Explora Journeys balances family-friendly offerings with adult-only areas for relaxation.
For families, the ship includes:
- Interconnecting suites
- A Nautilus Club for children
- Enriching destination experiences for all ages
For adults, the ship offers:
- Quiet lounges and bars
- Adult-only pool areas
- A serene spa and thermal suite
- Peaceful sun decks and relaxation zones
This thoughtful blend ensures that both couples and families can enjoy a tailored cruise vacation experience.
What wellness features does Explora I offer?
Wellness is a core part of the Explora Journeys philosophy. Explora I’s Ocean Wellness spa offers a peaceful sanctuary designed to relax and restore guests.
Wellness highlights include:
- A hydrotherapy pool
- A Himalayan salt room
- Thermal circuits
- Rainfall showers
- Relaxation areas with ocean views
- A modern fitness center
- Outdoor spa terraces
These spaces allow guests to recharge in serene surroundings, making wellness a valuable part of your luxury cruise experience.
How unique are the shore excursions and destination experiences?
Explora Journeys places strong emphasis on slow, immersive travel. Instead of typical mass-market excursions, the line curates meaningful experiences designed to help guests connect with local cultures sustainably.
Guests can choose from:
- Private guided tours
- Farm-to-table culinary experiences
- Nature hikes
- Artisan workshops
- Cultural visits
- Ocean adventures
- Local gastronomy tours
These immersive journeys elevate your time ashore, allowing you to enjoy each destination at your own pace and with deeper appreciation.
Also Read: What Is Included on an Explora Journeys Cruise?
How easy is it to find a cruise and make a reservation for Explora I?
Booking a sailing on Explora I is simple, whether you want to browse online or work with a travel advisor. You can easily explore itineraries, compare suite categories, and review inclusions before making a decision.
To plan your trip, you can:
- Visit the official website to find a cruise that fits your preferred dates and regions.
- Make a cruise reservation directly online.
- Contact a certified advisor for personalized recommendations.
- Use trusted travel platforms to buy cruise tickets.
Since Explora I focuses on high-end experiences, many sailings may have limited availability, booking early is a smart choice.
Is Explora I worth the investment for a luxury cruise?
Yes, Explora I delivers exceptional value for travelers seeking an upscale, immersive voyage. Its spacious suites, inclusive pricing, gourmet dining, refined design, wellness programs, and curated experiences all work together to create a premium cruise environment that feels truly special.
For anyone seeking meaningful luxury travel, the ship offers an outstanding combination of comfort and exploration that is hard to match.
Also Read: Explora Journeys vs. MSC Yacht Club: Best Luxury Cruise Comparison
Final thoughts
Explora I stands out as one of the most exciting new options in the luxury cruise space. With its elegant atmosphere, large suites, elevated dining, thoughtful wellness offerings, and immersive itineraries, the ship is designed for travelers who want a refined and enriching cruise vacation. If you're ready to find a cruise that blends comfort, freedom, and personalized experiences, Explora I is a strong contender for your next journey.
