Explora I is the first ship from Explora Journeys, a new take on modern luxury cruising that sits alongside names like Silversea, Regent Seven Seas and Crystal. But from the moment you step onboard, it feels more like a stylish, high-end boutique hotel than a traditional cruise ship. Nowhere is that more apparent than the Lobby Bar, which wouldn’t be out of place in a Mandarin Oriental hotel. There’s a real sense of space throughout, too – the ship was 85% full during my sailing, but you’d never have guessed.
Carrying just over 900 guests, Explora I offers far more than you’d expect from a ship of its size. There are more than a dozen restaurants, bars and lounges, plus four pools and plenty of outdoor space. It’s all cleverly zoned, so each area feels intimate, and even the larger restaurants have a cosy, tucked-away feel.
Explora I in Rovinj
As for the interiors, they’re exactly what you’d hope for. Modern, pared-back, and elegant, with earthy tones, natural materials and low, atmospheric lighting. It’s comfortable and stylish but not over-the-top styling seen on larger ships. And wherever you go onboard, there’s always a quiet corner with an eye-catching view.
Dining on Explora I is an experience in itself, with six signature restaurants that offer both variety and flair. Anthology is the star attraction, where guest chefs create regional tasting menus paired with wine, for a supplement. Fil Rouge leans into a French bistro style menu, complete with a dessert trolley and slick service, while Med Yacht Club serves light Mediterranean dishes including seafood, salads, and grilled meats. Both Fil Rouge and Med Yacht Club can be booked onboard via the app or concierge, and also offer a walk-in service.
Marble & Co on Explora I
Two smaller venues, Marble & Co. Grill and Sakura can be reserved up to 90 days before departure. These aren’t elevated in terms of service, but feel more exclusive simply due to their size. Marble & Co. is the ship’s take on an upmarket steakhouse, with dry-aged cuts, an extensive wine list, and a moody, almost masculine design. Sakura, meanwhile, is the Asian concept with sushi, Thai, Vietnamese and Malaysian dishes served from an open kitchen, complete with a sake sommelier.
If you’re after something relaxed after a day ashore, Emporium Marketplace is a high-end food hall (definitely not a buffet) with everything from sushi and rotisserie meats to pasta, pastries, pizza, and oysters. For something even more exclusive, The Chef’s Kitchen hosts intimate dinners and cooking workshops for just 12 guests – front-row seats to the culinary action.
Explora I – Lobby Bar
When it comes to bars and lounges, there’s no shortage of choice. The Lobby Bar is effortlessly stylish, with a self-playing Steinway providing the soundtrack. Just above it, Crema Café is great for mornings, serving barista coffee, pastries and gelato – I spent a couple of hours there on our sea day heading to Zadar. Explora Lounge feels more like a modern observatory, with wraparound glass and shifting ocean views, often set to jazz, piano, or a traditional afternoon tea. Tucked inside is the Malt Whisky Bar, with a huge global whisky list, walk-in humidor and a terrace for cigars.
Evening entertainment is centred around the Journeys Lounge – low-lit, elegant, and ideal for talks, live music, or post-dinner drinks. It’s as close as the ship gets to a theatre – no stage, no tiered seating – but the armchairs are properly comfortable and you’ll be served at your seat. The Astern Lounge, by contrast, is your all-day hangout – relaxed by day, lively by night, with music, dancing, and a more sociable, casual vibe.
Journeys Lounge
Explora I also makes great use of its outdoor space. There are four distinct pools: Astern Pool, with an infinity edge and lively atmosphere; Atoll Pool, more private and tucked away; Helios Pool, adults-only and forward-facing; and the Conservatory Pool, under a retractable roof which is perfect in all weathers. There’s also a large screen here that shows sporting events and special moments. For sundowners, head to the Sky Bar on Deck 14, it’s the highest bar on the ship, with panoramic views (though a little breezy in port!).
Conservatory Pool – Explora I
Loungers, cabanas and day beds are generously spaced – I’d go as far as to say there may be more loungers than guests. There’s drinks service, live music, and even an outdoor cinema under the stars at the Conservatory Pool. During our ‘journey’, they were showing Wimbledon live, but as they have an association with F1, they also show Grand Prix when they are able to. Note that Explora Journeys was the only cruise company moored in Monte Carlo harbour during the F1 weekend in Monaco. All the others have to tender into the port.
Nautilus Club – Explora I
Although July brought a few families onboard, children were mainly older teens. There’s a Nautilus Club with games and a pool table, plus activities like football and pickleball.. It didn’t feel like a ship geared towards younger families, more so older (and well-mannered children) and teenagers.
Onboard, it’s relaxed and not overly formal. There’s no set dress code as such, and at dinner in the Emporium, I saw everything from sequins ready to go on a night out to shorts and sandals. It’s that sort of ship, stylish but not stuffy.
Grand Ocean Terrace Suite – Explora I
Onto the ‘suites’ (and they are suites, not cabins or staterooms), and they have three different categories, each with its sub-categories. There are Ocean Terraces, Penthouses and Residences. My suite (6005), was the highest grade Ocean Terrace with a larger terrace than standard with a day bed on the terrace, and I would suggest this is worth the little more money you would spend, especially when you are in warmer climes with more sea days. There’s a walk-in wardrobe with plenty of hangers and a large bathroom. Remember, this is the standard, and the Ocean Terraces are the same size, just with a smaller terrace. Some of these are also interconnectable for families, although there are not many, so you would require booking early.
The larger categories have different combinations – so equivalents of Junior Suites and One Bedroom Suites, each with room for a dining table and chairs and a separate seating area. I was extremely happy with my suite (6005), and for most, on a 7-night cruise is more than big enough.
Explora I isn’t trying to be everything to everyone. It’s a boutique hotel at sea for those who appreciate good design, attention to detail, and a bit of breathing space. With a strong focus on destination-led journeys, matched by thoughtful cuisine and effortless service on your own terms.
I travelled on Explora I from Bari to Venice in July 2025 – with stops in Zadar and Rovinj in Croatia.
For more details on Explora Journeys – and the Explora I or II, contact us on:
☎️ 01442 879787
📧 yourdreamholiday@traveltimeworld.co.uk
📍 254 High Street, Berkhamsted, Herts, HP4 1AQ
