Luxury Escape on Explora Journeys

First impressions: calm from the very beginning

First impressions matter, and Explora got it right. Embarkation was smooth, quiet, and refreshingly free of chaos. There were no long lines or crowded terminals—just a warm welcome, a glass of champagne, and an easy transition into the ship’s serene public spaces.

What stood out most was how quickly we were able to settle in. Our suite was ready within about an hour of boarding, which immediately set a relaxed tone for the trip. Instead of waiting around with carry-ons, we were unpacked and enjoying the ship almost right away.

Suites that feel like a boutique hotel at sea

Every accommodation onboard Explora Journeys is a suite, and even the entry-level categories feel elevated. I loved the half-wall divider that separates the sleeping and living areas—it offers privacy without making the space feel closed off.

The design is modern, calming, and incredibly thoughtful. Heated bathroom floors, excellent lighting, built-in charging stations, a spacious walk-in shower, and open vanity and closet areas all made the suite feel more like a boutique hotel room than a cruise cabin. It was a space I genuinely enjoyed returning to at the end of the day.

Dining: one of the biggest standouts

Dining ended up being one of my favorite parts of the experience. Explora doesn’t rely on a single main dining room or a rigid reservation structure. Instead, the ship offers a collection of well-designed restaurants with consistently excellent food.

Some venues require reservations, and one (Anthology) comes with an additional charge, but many options are available on a walk-in basis, which made dining feel flexible rather than scheduled. The quality was impressive across the board.

The Emporium deserves special mention. While it may look like a buffet at first glance, it feels more like an upscale food hall. There’s no self-service—everything is prepared and served. The variety was fantastic, and it worked especially well for our teens, who had plenty of choice without sacrificing quality.

Life onboard: space, ease, and a slower rhythm

Explora Journeys is intentionally designed for travelers who value space and calm—and I felt that everywhere onboard. This isn’t a ship for jam-packed itineraries or nonstop activities.

Instead, the ship is filled with smaller, intimate spaces. I found plenty of cozy lounges, quiet corners, and inviting spots to read, relax, or enjoy a cocktail. Even on sea days, it was easy to find seating by the pool or a peaceful indoor lounge without feeling like I had to compete for space.

Everything—from grabbing a coffee to finding a place to sit—felt easy and unrushed.

Entertainment that feels personal, not overproduced

Entertainment onboard follows the same understated philosophy. There are no big Broadway-style productions, but the live music and performances feel intimate and well-curated.

One standout from our sailing was an ’80s rock singer who completely energized the room and kept guests engaged late into the night. It felt organic and fun—more like stumbling upon great live music than attending a scheduled show.

Traveling with kids on Explora Journeys

Explora Journeys is family-accessible, but it’s not a family-focused cruise line—and that distinction is important.

We sailed over a school holiday and saw many families onboard. While there were some younger children, most were teens and young adults, which felt like the ideal age range for this product.

There is a kids’ club (the Nautilus Club, for ages 6–17), but it’s relatively small and lightly programmed. In our experience, it functioned more as a social hub. Our kids used it on the first day to meet others, and after that, they spent most of their time independently—meeting friends around the ship, relaxing by the pool, grabbing food, and attending evening entertainment together.

If your family is looking for water slides, arcades, and nonstop kid-centric programming, Explora Journeys is not the right fit. But for families with older, independent kids who are comfortable in a more relaxed, grown-up environment, it can be a wonderful way to travel together.

Final thoughts: Who Explora Journeys is for:

Explora Journeys isn’t trying to be everything to everyone—and that’s exactly why it works.

This is a cruise for travelers who value space over spectacle, quality over quantity, and calm luxury over constant stimulation. For couples, solo travelers, and families with teens or young adults who appreciate beautiful design, great food, and an unhurried pace, Explora Journeys offers a refined, modern take on cruising that genuinely feels different.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our cruises page.