Explora Journeys launched its latest ship, Explora III in Italy this week, marking an important milestone in the ‘cruise line’s’ growth plans.
Explora Journeys is a ‘luxury cruise line’ for people who don’t do cruises, essentially. Their ships feel and act more like upmarket hotels rather than a traditional cruise – there are no sail-away parties, no formal evenings, and no multiple-size-table-set dining. Even excursions are not called excursions. Their two current ships, Explora I and II, are essentially identical and can carry around 900 passengers, but bring with that a whole amount of space, so much so that at times you don’t see anyone onboard!
Explora III, which was launched in Genoa last week, is slightly different. As the third of six ships planned for the fleet, it’s the first to be fitted with LNG, and as a result is 19m longer than the two previous ships. Even though it’s slightly bigger, they are retaining the same number of passengers onboard, with expanding premium suite options, expanding outdoor deck space and introducing some new restaurant options – Chef’s Table, The Cellar and Shore Club on 11 (a poolside restaurant).
The wellness area has been expanded, and a new larger gym has been included this time (instead of being isolated at the rear of the ship).
Even if you didn’t think cruising was for you, and I have very much been a sceptic over the years, Explora proved to me that cruising didn’t have to be about tradition, but instead about having the elements of a holiday you know and love – just at sea.
