Explora I: A Refined Mediterranean Voyage from Barcelona to Rome

One of the things I enjoyed most about Explora I was having the freedom to spend our days however we wanted. There was never a sense that we needed to follow a packed schedule or compete for space around the ship. Daybeds were almost always available, and there were countless lounges where we could relax, have a drink, or catch some entertainment. We also loved the onboard art gallery and ended up attending a Clarendon Fine Art lecture about Picasso versus Dalí. It wasn’t something we had planned to do, which made it one of those unexpected experiences I especially enjoyed.

Explora I

Explora I Ocean Terrace Suite

The food on board was phenomenal. We secured reservations at Mediterranean Yacht Club and Marble & Co. Grill, and our dinner at Marble & Co. was perfection. I was also pleasantly surprised by Emporium Marketplace. While the setup is buffet-style, much of the food is made to order, and the experience feels considerably more elevated than a traditional cruise buffet. I quickly learned to check the dessert bar every time we visited because the selection changed with every meal. During our entire sailing, I never saw the same desserts repeated.

Cannes, France

Old Fortress, Livorno, Italy

Ocean Wellness was another highlight. We tried nearly everything in the thermal area, including the Finnish sauna, salt cave, steam room, steam shower, experience shower, and hydrotherapy pool, although neither of us was brave enough to try the Ice Fall. I loved having this space available without needing to book a spa treatment, particularly after spending a day exploring ashore. For clients who prioritize wellness when they travel, I would absolutely recommend making time for the thermal area rather than saving it only for a sea day.

Portofino, Italy

Portofino, Italy

Our sailing traveled from Barcelona to Rome with stops in Cannes, Portofino, Livorno, Porto Cervo, and Ajaccio. I loved the variety of the itinerary and the ability to experience several very different Mediterranean destinations while returning to the same suite each evening. After disembarking, we stayed at Hotel Barocco near Piazza Barberini for a short extension in Rome. Its location was ideal for exploring on foot, but temperatures over 100 degrees quickly changed our ambitious sightseeing plans. We still made it to the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain, but the experience was a good reminder that summer heat needs to be taken seriously when planning Mediterranean travel and that sometimes a shorter, more flexible itinerary is the better one.

Porto Cervo, Sardinia

Trevi Fountain, Rome, Italy

I would especially recommend Explora Journeys to travelers who appreciate exceptional food, wellness, and beautiful surroundings but don’t want their vacation dictated by a schedule. I also think it’s a compelling option for luxury travelers who have resisted cruising because they’re concerned about crowds or the traditional large-ship experience. Having previously toured Explora I, I already knew the ship was beautiful; actually sailing on her showed me how much the space, dining, wellness, and overall atmosphere contribute to the experience.

I recommend making dining reservations before sailing for restaurants such as Marble & Co. Grill and Mediterranean Yacht Club, but don’t overlook Emporium Marketplace. It became one of our favorite places for an easy meal without sacrificing quality. I also recommend taking advantage of Ocean Wellness throughout the sailing rather than waiting for a sea day; access to the thermal area is included, even if you aren’t booking a treatment.

Not every Mediterranean port requires an organized shore excursion. Several stops on our itinerary were easy to explore independently, which gave us the flexibility to decide how much we wanted to do each day. If you’re sailing during peak summer, comfortable walking shoes, lightweight clothing, and serious sun protection are essential. I would also leave more flexibility in pre- and post-cruise sightseeing plans than you might at another time of year. Our experience in Rome proved that even a carefully planned itinerary may need to change when temperatures climb above 100 degrees.

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