Our Time Onboard Explora l: A New Standard in Ocean Travel

We were invited to experience an Explora Journeys voyage first-hand and were delighted to share the experience with our two seasoned cruise traveller guests. Here’s the verdict on our first (and certainly not last) journey aboard Explora l, cruising the Mediterranean - from Istanbul to Genoa.

A Different Rhythm at Sea

When a new cruise brand enters the luxury space, it takes something genuinely special to stand out. Having spent many years sailing with established premium lines, we boarded Explora l with a healthy sense of curiosity about how a brand promising “redefined travel at sea” would deliver - and we left genuinely impressed.

From the moment we stepped onboard, it was clear that Explora Journeys is charting a different course. Rather than leaning on the formality and ceremony that have long defined luxury cruising, Explora replaces tradition with a more contemporary, relaxed sophistication - one rooted in mindfulness, lifestyle, a slower pace, and exceptional cuisine.

Their smaller ships allow access to more characterful ports that the larger vessels simply can’t reach, with longer stays in port (including occasional overnight calls), allowing for a less hurried exploration of each destination.

The Ship & Atmosphere

Explora’s space-to-guest ratio is one of the highest at sea, creating an atmosphere that feels calm, contemporary and refreshingly unforced. The design is elegant rather than showy - we loved the natural light, beautiful spaces at every turn, and a sense that we were staying in a high-end hotel rather than a traditional cruise ship.

Communal areas are spacious and never feel crowded, with plenty of quiet corners allowing you to relax, work (yes, there’s Wi-Fi onboard - it’s fast, free and easy-to-use), or simply detox from life’s stresses and watch the world drift by. It was clear that every detail of the ship has been meticulously thought through.

Suites

The suites are are simply beautiful. They all come with refined finishes, excellent storage and exceptionally comfortable beds. The walk-in wardrobe, generous bathroom with walk-in shower, Dyson hairdryer, luxurious toiletries and intuitive lighting all made for a very comfortable stay. Not to forget the fully stocked in-suite mini bar, which is all included in the fare.

We loved the private terrace. It felt like our little sanctuary, perfect for oceanfront lounging in total peace with that morning coffee or sunset champers.

Dining & Culinary Experience

Dining onboard was a true highlight for us. Having sailed with many of the world’s leading luxury cruise lines, expectations were understandably high, yet Explora Journeys not only met them, but quietly exceeded them.

Multiple restaurants are included, each offering a distinct identity and excellent quality. From relaxed daytime dining to refined evening experiences, the standard was consistently high.

Le Fil Rouge (French-inspired cuisine) delivered beautifully executed classics, while the Mediterranean and Asian concepts offered variety without compromise. The standout for us was Anthology; this is the ship’s destination-led fine dining experience, where the tasting menu and wine pairings rivalled some of the best land-based restaurants we’ve visited (that’s no mean feat!).

Service was attentive but never intrusive, and the sommelier team were genuinely knowledgeable, offering premium wines with confidence and warmth.

Lounges, Pools & Wellness

The lounges onboard are superbly designed, particularly the forward-facing spaces with outdoor seating, ideal for sailaways and sunset cocktails. Cocktails were crafted to order, and staff were more than happy to personalise drinks. The vibe was always relaxed and chilled.

The pool areas are calm and spacious, with no sense of competition for loungers. The spa and wellness facilities are particularly impressive, offering thermal experiences, relaxation areas and a strong focus on wellbeing and mindfulness. For guests who enjoy starting the day with a swim or ending it with a quiet spa visit, you won’t be disappointed. Or instead, you can opt for sunrise or sunset yoga, pilates, stretching or meditation - all against the ever-changing backdrop of the sea.

Service & Crew

Perhaps the most impressive element of the journey was the service. Hosts remembered names, preferences and routines with ease, creating a genuinely personalised experience. There is a warmth and professionalism onboard that feels natural rather than rehearsed.

Everything is managed via the Explora app - dining, activities and information - which works seamlessly and allows guests to shape their days exactly as they wish. For those who prefer a more traditional approach, guest services are always available and incredibly helpful.

Destinations & Itinerary

The balance of our Istanbul to Genoa itinerary was spot on. There was a sense of gradual transition, not just geographically, but culturally. Beginning in the energy and history of Istanbul and moving westward through the Mediterranean allowed the voyage to unfold through natural beauty, with Greece providing a particularly memorable chapter. Calls in Athens, Mykonos and Patmos offered classical heritage and island elegance, before the voyage continued towards Italy.

Days at sea became an integral part of the experience, and an opportunity to enjoy the ship’s space, dining and wellness offering. This was our time to properly reset between destinations.

Our Verdict

Explora Journeys delivers a sophisticated, modern and refreshingly relaxed approach to luxury ocean travel. It’s ideal for guests who value exceptional food, understated elegance, thoughtful service and the freedom to travel at their own pace, while remaining genuinely welcoming for families.

Would we sail again? Absolutely! It’s a product we would wholeheartedly recommend to anybody planning their next (or first!) cruise.

If you’re curious about Explora Journeys and whether it’s the right fit for you, we’d love to talk it through and share our first-hand insight.