A Journey of Wild Grace and Island Bliss with Explora Journeys Aboard Explora I

Explora 1

The ship and the overall experience

Explora I carries just under 900 guests across 461 oceanfront suites, and that smaller scale changes everything. Even on sea days, the ship never felt crowded. Pools were calm, deck space was plentiful, and we never once struggled to find a lounger or a bed. Even better, those beds were included. No rental fees. No awkward upsells. You simply chose where you wanted to be and settled in.

Every accommodation onboard is a suite, and even the entry-level category felt genuinely luxurious. At 377 square feet, the space felt open, thoughtfully designed, and incredibly comfortable. Nothing about it felt like a starting point or a compromise.

What really stood out was how seamless everything felt. We never felt nickel and dimed. With the all-inclusive fare, there was no constant signing, no pulling out a sea pass card or room key, no mental tally of what was included and what was not. You just lived your life onboard, which allowed the experience to feel relaxed and elevated from start to finish.

Hydrotherapy access was included for all guests, reinforcing Explora’s focus on wellness as part of the everyday journey, not an added luxury. This was a big plus for me as I normally pay for the services on other cruises.

Astern Pool

Dining and culinary experiences

Dining onboard is entirely included, with a variety of restaurants that feel distinct and well executed, including Sakura, Marble & Co. Grill, Med Yacht Club, and Fil Rouge, each bringing a different perspective and atmosphere, allowing you to dine based on mood rather than availability or upcharges.

Pro tip: Sakura is open daily for seated lunch and also offers a curated bento box option that can be enjoyed poolside. It is one of the most overlooked dining perks onboard and an easy favorite.

Emporium Marketplace also deserves special mention. This is not a traditional cruise buffet. It is a beautifully designed space with high-quality offerings throughout the day and became a go-to when we wanted something relaxed without sacrificing quality.

One of the standout onboard experiences was the immersive cooking class. We participated in the Best of Provence dinner experience, which felt intimate, educational, and genuinely engaging. It was hands-on, thoughtful, and perfectly aligned with Explora’s focus on culture and connection.

Med Yacht Club

Retail and curated touches

Retail onboard felt carefully considered rather than excessive. The boutiques feature deliberately sourced pieces that align with the overall aesthetic of the ship. I personally discovered my new favorite fragrance from pH Fragrances onboard, which speaks to the level of curation happening behind the scenes.

Entertainment and evenings onboard

Entertainment on Explora Journeys is intentionally different from what many travelers expect from cruising. You will not find large-scale Broadway-style productions here. Instead, evenings are filled with live music throughout the ship, intimate performances, close-up magicians, vocalists, and beautifully choreographed dance duets.

The result feels more like evenings at a luxury hotel or private members club than a traditional cruise theater schedule. It is atmospheric, refined, and easy to enjoy without planning your night around a showtime.

Community and connection

One of the most meaningful parts of this journey was the sense of connection onboard. Daily meetups for singles and the LGBT community created an immediate sense of ease and belonging, starting on night one. These gatherings felt natural, welcoming, and unforced.

Many of the best moments came from conversations over cocktails, shared dinners, and spontaneous plans made along the way. The people you meet truly shape the experience, and Explora creates space for those connections to happen organically.

Families and the Nautilus Club

Explora Journeys may not be the first brand families consider, but well-traveled families should not overlook it. The Nautilus Club is not flashy, but it is deliberate and exceptionally well-thought out.

The number of children onboard is capped, allowing for curated, host-led experiences such as cooking classes and interactive activities rather than unstructured chaos. Children are treated as travelers with curiosity and interests of their own. For families who value culture, calm, and quality time together, Explora offers something very special. I would absolutely feel confident sailing with Claire.

Nautilus Club

Ports along the way

• La Romana, is an easygoing port on the southeastern coast of the Dominican Republic. We took a shuttle directly from port to Altos de Chavon. This recreated 16th century Mediterranean-style village is a must-see.

• San Juan offered a vibrant mix of history, culture, and food, especially for those who enjoy wandering Old San Juan and leaning into the energy of the city.

• St. Kitts delivered lush landscapes and a wide range of excursion options, whether you were looking for something active or scenic.

• Martinique felt distinctly French-Caribbean, slower and more refined, with beautiful beaches and a strong culinary identity.

• Bequia was standout stop for me. A short hike to Princess Margaret Beach followed by beach chairs and drinks from Jack’s made for a perfect, unhurried afternoon.

• Kingstown, St. Vincent is stunning from the ship, but there is little to do immediately outside the port. Booking an excursion here is highly recommended to truly experience the island.

• Ending the journey in Barbados felt like the perfect closing chapter, relaxed, warm, and full of classic Caribbean charm. If you have time before your flight, visiting the North Coast is a must.

The value perspective

Think of this as modern luxury. Elevated, intentional, and beautifully done, but priced more in line with premium brands rather than traditional luxury cruise brands. What makes the value compelling is how complete the experience feels. Spacious suites, dining across multiple venues, beverages, wellness, hydrotherapy, entertainment, and thoughtful service are all included from the start.

You never feel like you need to add layers or upgrades just to fully enjoy the journey. Everything feels considered, cohesive, and intentionally delivered under one fare.

This journey felt calm, refined, and genuinely enjoyable. Explora Journeys offers a kind of luxury that does not try to impress loudly. It simply works. You slow down without feeling bored. You feel taken care of without being hovered over. And you walk away feeling like you truly experienced something rather than rushed through it.

That balance is hard to get right. Explora does it beautifully.

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