Explora Journeys Wellness & Entertainment

The spa on Explora I and Explora II is one of the most impressive wellness spaces at sea for ships of this size. The thermal area includes a thermal pool, sauna, steam room, and a Himalayan salt room. Multiple treatment rooms offer everything from massages and facials to more specialist therapies.

The thermal facilities are available to all guests and are included in the cruise fare. Treatment room bookings carry an additional charge, and popular treatments do fill up quickly, particularly on sea days. Booking ahead is strongly recommended, either before departure through the Explora Journeys app or on embarkation day.

Our Voyage Consultant Jess, who has sailed with Explora Journeys, describes the spa as genuinely impressive. The Himalayan salt room in particular is a standout. For full details of what to expect across the ship, read our Explora Journeys expert guide.

Explora I and Explora II each have three outdoor swimming pools and multiple hot tubs, positioned to face the sea rather than arranged in the traditional circular formation. This is a small but significant design decision. Sitting in a hot tub looking out at the open ocean is a very different experience to sitting opposite strangers in a ring.

The Helios Pool and Bar on Deck 12 is one to know about. It is adults-only, quieter than the main pool, and positioned to catch the sun throughout the day. Jess, who has sailed on Explora I, describes it as her favourite spot on the ship. The Sky Bar on Deck 14 is another highlight, particularly for a pre-dinner drink while watching the sun set over the aft of the ship.

The outdoor deck space on Explora ships is notably generous for vessels of this size. Double and single loungers, shaded areas, and nearby bar service make the pool deck a place you can genuinely spend a full sea day without it feeling crowded or rushed.

The fitness centre on Explora Journeys ships is well-equipped with cardiovascular machines, free weights, and a studio for group classes. Morning yoga and stretching sessions are offered on deck when conditions allow, and these tend to be a popular way to start a sea day.

Beyond the gym, Explora Journeys offers destination experience programmes that bring an active element ashore. Guided hikes, cultural walks, and immersive local experiences are available as optional extras alongside the standard excursion programme.

The Conservatory on Explora I is one of the most beautiful spaces on any ship currently sailing. A glass-enclosed, spa-inspired indoor pool area that combines natural light with the kind of calm that most ships rarely achieve. It is the place for a quiet morning swim, a restorative afternoon, or simply somewhere to sit and read while the world outside is grey.

The Explora Lounge at the front of the ship is flooded with natural light through floor-to-ceiling windows and works equally well as a daytime retreat or a pre-dinner gathering space. The Crema Cafe serves speciality coffees, pastries, and light bites throughout the day and has a genuinely warm, European café feel that is easy to lose an hour in.