Explora Journeys

Every suite on Explora Journeys faces the ocean, with a private terrace and floor-to-ceiling windows as standard. Interiors are European in style – warm woods, natural fabrics, muted tones – and details like Dyson hairdryers, Illy coffee machines, and a stocked minibar reflect the inclusive approach. From the entry-level Ocean Terrace Suite at 35 square metres to the Owner’s Residence at over 280, space and privacy define the experience.

The Ocean Terrace Suite is the starting point, and it’s generous by any standard – 35 square metres with a private terrace, walk-in wardrobe, and seated vanity area. Ocean Grand Terrace Suites offer additional space and a larger balcony. Both categories include the same amenities and service as higher tiers, making them a smart entry into the Explora experience.

Ocean Penthouses offer a step up in space and positioning, with prime locations on upper decks and enhanced views. The Penthouse layout includes a separate living area, larger terrace, and additional storage. For guests who want extra room without the full residence experience, this category strikes a good balance.

Ocean Residences are designed for guests who want genuine suite living at sea. Significantly larger than Penthouses, they include separate sleeping and living areas, extended terraces, and 24-hour butler service. These are limited in number and tend to book early on popular itineraries.

One per ship. The Owner’s Residence spans over 280 square metres and includes multiple bedrooms, a private terrace with hot tub, and dedicated butler service. It’s designed for families or groups travelling together who want complete privacy and space. Availability is extremely limited – worth enquiring early if this is of interest.

All suites include a private terrace, walk-in wardrobe, Dyson hairdryer, Illy coffee machine, and a minibar restocked daily. Bathrooms feature rain showers and premium toiletries. 24-hour in-suite dining is available across every category, and 82 connecting suites make Explora well-suited to families or groups travelling together.

Explora Journeys offers nine dining venues, all included in the fare except one. There’s no main dining room in the traditional sense – instead, guests move between restaurants as the mood takes them. Mediterranean, Pan-Asian, steakhouse, and global options are all available without reservations or surcharges. Fine wines, premium spirits, and speciality coffees are included throughout.

Fil Rouge is the closest Explora has to a main restaurant – a refined space serving international cuisine with French influences. Open for dinner nightly, it offers a regularly changing menu in an elegant but relaxed setting. No dress code, no fixed seating, no need to book ahead.

Sakura covers Pan-Asian dining, drawing on flavours from Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, and beyond. The menu balances authenticity with accessibility – expect dishes like miso black cod, Thai curries, and sushi alongside more familiar options. It’s one of the more popular venues, so worth arriving early on sea days.

The steakhouse option. Marble & Co. Grill serves prime cuts in a sophisticated but unfussy setting. Steaks are the focus, but seafood and classic sides round out the menu. Like most Explora venues, it’s included in the fare – no surcharge.

Anthology is Explora’s only extra-cost restaurant, offering a tasting menu experience that changes by voyage. Italian influences dominate, with dishes designed to showcase regional ingredients and seasonal produce. Worth booking for a special evening – the quality justifies the supplement.

Beyond the main venues, Emporium Marketplace offers relaxed all-day dining with global options, Med Yacht Club serves Mediterranean dishes poolside, and in-suite dining is available 24 hours. Helios Pool Bar and casual cafés cover lighter bites. With nine venues for 922 guests, tables are rarely hard to find.

Explora’s ships are designed around space and flow. Four pools – including one with a retractable roof – spread guests across multiple decks, while more than ten bars and lounges offer everything from morning coffee to late-night whisky. The atmosphere is social but never crowded, with a crew-to-guest ratio of 1.25 to 1 ensuring service remains personal throughout.

Four swimming pools include the adults-only Helios Pool, the family-friendly Atoll Pool, an infinity pool at the stern, and The Conservatory – an indoor pool beneath a retractable glass roof. Private cabanas are available for guests wanting guaranteed shade and dedicated service. Whirlpools are dotted across the promenade deck.

Explora offers more than ten bars and lounges, each with a distinct character. Malt Whisky Bar hosts tastings and masterclasses. Lobby Bar sits at the heart of the ship for pre-dinner drinks. Astern Lounge is informal and relaxed with cocktails and sea views. Sky Bar on the top deck catches the sunset. Crema Café offers espresso and pastries for a quieter start to the day.

The ship’s signature social space. Explora Lounge spans 270 degrees of windows and serves as the main gathering point for drinks, conversation, and evening entertainment. It’s elegant without being formal – expect live music, cocktails, and a crowd that drifts in and out through the evening. One of the best-designed spaces at sea.

Other amenities on the Explora Journeys fleet include a curated library, art gallery, casino, and boutique shopping featuring exclusive brands. Journeys Lounge hosts lectures, live performances, and DJ sets. The design throughout prioritises natural light, open sightlines, and a sense of calm – closer to a boutique hotel than a traditional cruise ship.

The Ocean Wellness Centre spans a full deck and includes a thermal spa, hydrotherapy pool, steam rooms, and treatment rooms. Treatments range from classic massage and facials to more targeted therapies. Access to the thermal area is included in the fare – one of the genuine differentiators from competitors who charge extra.

The fitness studio offers ocean-view equipment alongside daily classes, including yoga, Pilates, and meditation. Personal training is available for guests wanting a structured approach, and tailored wellness programmes can be arranged in advance. Outdoor fitness equipment on the top deck adds variety for those who prefer to train in the fresh air.

Daytime entertainment leans toward enrichment rather than activity. Expect guest speakers, destination lectures, culinary workshops, and creative classes. Journeys Lounge hosts the main programme, with a schedule that changes daily. The pace is relaxed – nothing is compulsory, and there’s no tannoy announcements pushing you toward the next event.

Evenings centre on live music and intimate performances rather than West End-style production shows. Journeys Lounge hosts musicians, acoustic sets, and occasional DJ nights. Explora Lounge and the bars offer quieter alternatives for conversation and cocktails. There’s a casino for those who want it, but the overall tone stays sophisticated and low-key.