[ON LOCATION] LAUREL HERMAN
EXPLORA I, Explora Journeys’ new 461-suite all-terraced, yacht-style vessel, seamlessly combines a relaxed home-away-from-home vibe and an ultra-luxe experience that’s perfect for incentive groups.
During a recent sailing, we found the ship to be stunning, elegant, modern and warm, inviting passengers to kick-back and relax. The attentive, friendly and well-trained international crew (referred to as “hosts”) is complemented by top-notch culinary and entertainment offerings.
“EXPLORA I is unlike any other cruise ship today,” says Chris Austin, Explora Journeys’ chief sales officer. “She’s inspired by yachts, ultra-luxury resorts and boutique hotels and our guests can feel that difference as soon as they step into the lobby. Our guests appreciate the host-to-guest ratio of 1.25:1, one of the highest in the industry.”
Prevue found every venue on the ship to be refined, featuring neutral tones and sophisticated textures—suedes, wood, marble and onyx, to name a few. The high-end and very comfy furniture and unique lighting fixtures are art pieces in themselves.
Speaking of art, throughout the ship passengers will find sculptures, paintings and photography that play an integral role in the ship’s exquisite sense of place aesthetics. The cruise line’s “ocean state of mind” branding is felt throughout many outdoor spaces, such as The Conservatory, as well as public spaces like Explora Lounge, which features large windows that allow the ocean views and daylight in.
The Ocean Terrace Suite category we called home (one of 301 in this category) is quite spacious with 377 sf including the terrace. Just like in the public areas, the suite features neutral tones of greys and taupe complemented by books, artwork and modern lighting. The large-screen multimedia TV swivels so passengers can enjoy it in the sitting area or in bed. The terrace features two chairs and a table for alfresco dining as well as a couch for relaxing. We loved the dressing/closet and bathroom area separated from the bedroom and luxuriated in the marble heated bathroom floors, large shower with bench and the extra-large Frette bath towels and comfy Frette robes as well as the high-end Dyson hair dryer with multiple attachments. The room’s fridge is stocked with custom-ordered waters, sodas and beers plus preferred wine, spirits and welcome champagne. My suite host never let me down and kept my accommodations impeccable. The ship also features 70 Grand Ocean Terrace Suites, 67 Ocean Penthouses, 22 Ocean Residences and 1 Owners Suite.
The ship is all-inclusive, with all nine culinary experiences (except Anthology) as well as an array of bars and lounges serving a wide variety of wines and spirits included at no up-charge. Incentive group attendees won’t have to be pulling out their suite key to record every drink or meal they consume. The all-inclusive pricing also extends to WiFi, taxes, gratuities and wellness activities.
When it comes to the ship’s culinary experiences, attendees will thoroughly appreciate the freshness, quality and creativity that EXPLORA I’s varied venues offer. Every restaurant has meat, fish and vegetarian offerings as does the in-suite menu. No matter where we ate, the food and service were exceptional. For example, at Sakura, the pan-Asian restaurant open for lunch and dinner, I enjoyed bluefin tuna o-toro sashimi, lobster pad Thai and black sesame ice cream. At the European steakhouse, Marble & Co. Grill (dinner only), we enjoyed a fabulous steak one night and then halibut another evening. At Med Yacht Club (lunch/dinner), which serves Med-inspired dishes, we enjoyed a vegetarian dish, while at Fil Rouge, the ship’s French-inspired restaurant (breakfast/dinner), we swooned over the foie gras as well as a 72-hour slow-braised black Angus beef short rib.
Emporium Marketplace offers just about anything you can imagine, including a sushi bar and pasta and salad stations (available for lunch/dinner). For breakfast, head to Nectar Juicery, serving an array of fresh juices, smoothies and energy bowls.
In-suite dining, available 24/7, is a hit too, offering such fantastic choices as tuna tataki poke bowl, burgers and salmon. Crema Cafe, too, is very popular offering guests all kinds of coffee options as well as breakfast pastries, cookies and afternoon snacks. This area is a great place to meet up with fellow attendees or just enjoy some quiet time on one’s own.
The cherry on top is Anthology, where groups feast on a divine 7-course tasting menu that rotates based on the guest chef. During our sailing, my dinner included a caviar creation, hamachi crudo, lobster, mushroom barlotto and an artfully created dessert, the Arctic bird’s nest, made with blueberry sorbet, goat cheese parfait and chocolate twigs. All the courses are presented exquisitely and paired with amazing champagne and wines.
On EXPLORA I, the cruise line’s “ocean state of mind” mantra is certainly validated via its wellness offerings. For example, the fitness center offers everything from complimentary yoga, bootcamp and Pilates classes to Technogym equipment, lectures, personal training and individual assessment. There are also outdoor fitness activities such as a pickleball court, aqua yoga at the sky pool and a fitness track. The Spa offers all kinds of treatments, and although they come at an extra charge, the wet area is complimentary and includes a steam room, a whirlpool, a salt room and heated loungers.
The ship offers 12 bars and lounges (four outdoors), with many offering daily entertainment in the form of music as well as talks by guest luminaries. Of note in the music arena is Explora Journeys’ exclusive and ongoing partnership with Steinway & Sons Pianos. There are a trio of baby grands on board played by guest artists. Says Austin, “EXPLORA I features a variety of intimate spaces that appeal to incentive groups seeking more personalized gatherings. Gatherings feel personal with meals prepared a la minute, smaller tables inspire meaningful conversations, and cozy lounges create space for productive business events and receptions with elegant ambiance. Our Journeys Lounge has a maximum capacity of 220 and is ideal for private cocktails, presentations and entertainment. Another venue is the Explora Lounge accommodating 187 indoors and outdoors and offering a less-structured central meeting space with spectacular 270-degree views of the ocean, creating the ultimate calming backdrop to unwind and connect with others. We also offer groups the opportunity to dine in any of our six restaurants where they’ll enjoy a personalized experience.”
When in port, the ship offers a myriad of experiences. “We’ve carefully curated every journey and destination experience to create the perfect balance of celebrated destinations as well as lesser-traveled places,” explains Austin. “Incentive travel planners can leverage our immersive and enriching experiences to curate a truly memorable and rewarding experience.”
EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II (coming this summer) are accepting charter inquiries for fall 2024-2025. Says Austin, “A ship charter allows groups to have a full Explora Journeys guest experience but with exclusivity and customization opportunities including input on the final itinerary, the ability for groups to bring their own entertainers on board and the opportunity to create specific events on board as well as corporate branding elements.” Planners that don’t want to charter the entire ship can book groups ranging from five to 75 suites. “Ideal for incentive travel, our luxurious suites can accommodate guests in identical accommodations as well as offer upgraded Penthouse Terraces or Ocean Residences for VIPs or executives,” explains Austin.
“We have a highly professional and experienced team that supports our Journey Together group guests,” says Austin, “ensuring that all needs are met from start to end. Planners should contact our Charter and Journey Together lead, Cindi Occhuizzo, an industry veteran of over 30 years.”
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