As a keen cruiser, I was delighted to be invited to experience Explora Journeys, Explora I on a short itinerary from Venice though the Adriatic to Athens. Many of my colleagues had experienced this ship earlier in the year and I was keen to see what the fuss was about – surely a cruise is a cruise? Just to give you some background, I have cruised onboard Cunard, Fred Olsen, MSC (including Yacht Club), Star Clippers and Royal Caribbean so what would be different on Explora Journeys?
Pre-cruise
I flew from London Gatwick which was a first for me in several years ( I am a staunch, if I can’t fly from Bristol Airport, I might not go!) so I wanted to ensure that it was as smooth and as trouble free as possible. Due to an early morning flight we stayed in the Hilton (within the South Terminal) with ‘Meet and Greet’ parking, highly recommended, drive into the main short stay car park (Orange) and on level 1 you will find the Maple parking team. After a quick check over the car, and keys handed over we were on our way to the Hilton Hotel – a short distance via the walkway – all very civilized and easy. On our return, we called the car parking team from the baggage hall and our car was waiting for us at the car park – from landing to being on the motorway in less than 40 minutes!
First impressions
On arrival in Venice, we took a taxi to Fusina and the newly opened cruise terminal on the outskirts of Venice. Check in was very quick and extremely smooth; our bags were taken from the taxi, we went through security and straight onto the ship to check in at the lobby bar, all with a lovely cold glass of champagne. This experience was a first for me as previously I have had check in pre-boarding.
We had already downloaded the Explora Journeys app on our phones so had completed all the necessary paperwork formalities, our staff can help you with this prior to travelling if necessary. Our initial impressions left us with thoughts of how modern and elegant this ship is, there was a sedate and relaxing vibe with warm and friendly staff everywhere. We instantly knew we were going to enjoy this experience.
Suites on board Explora I
Our suite was an Ocean Terrace suite on deck 8. Well-appointed with all the modern luxuries that you would expect from this grade of cruise and more! These extras were things that just set them apart from others. For example, on top of each bedside table was a mobile phone charging pad, the same tables had a sensor light under them which activated when you put your foot on the floor – perfect for a night visit to the bathroom!
The bathrooms had underfloor heating, always a nice touch. The terrace had a nice round table and chairs, perfect for breakfast on the balcony (which we enjoyed) and a daybed for relaxing in the sunshine. The lie down safe, which was very cleverly located in a drawer, was large enough to take a laptop and also had a built-in jewelry section for your valuables to be stored securely. The vanity area, situated in a walk in wardrobe is equipped with a Dyson hairdryer.
I also had the opportunity to visit other suite grades including a disabled adapted cabin and the owners residence, now there is a suite! Wrap around terrace right across the back of the ship with own infinity whirlpool! It’s rarely available so if you fancy it you will need to secure it quickly.
A real culinary experience – Warning do not read if hungry.
Firstly, to say that all dining is relaxed, no strict dress codes (except for shorts and T shirts for men in the evening in Fin Rouge and Anthology) this makes for a very casual and relaxing evening experience throughout the ship. Tables for 2 are aplenty and we never had a problem getting straight into any of the restaurants. The only 2 that are recommended to book (due to the small number of covers) are Marble & Co and Sakura, all the others are just turn up.
Dining onboard is a real passion for these folk, and you could really feel it. I make no apologies that this section is one of the longest in this blog as there really it lots to tell you. There are no main large dining rooms onboard, but these are replaced with a selection of 8 dining experiences, and we were lucky enough to be able to sample most of them.
In suite dining is available 24 hours a day and we enjoyed an amazing breakfast on our terrace – always a treat.
The Chefs Kitchen is a culinary experienced for up to 12 guests where you get to create dishes from around the area visited and extends to a shore visit to local markets.
The Emporium Market Place is on deck 11 and very bright and spacious with floor to ceiling views outside. It’s what you would expect as the buffet restaurant, where many dishes are cooked fresh for you as you choose – the choice here is incredible from fresh seafood to salads, sushi, pastas, rotisserie, charcuterie, fromagerie, boulangerie, pizza station and patisserie. My go to were the huge prawns booked to order along with the Salmon.
Med Yacht Club, another firm favorite with guests offers a Mediterranean inspired cuisine with a combination of Spanish Tapas, Greek dishes and Italian. This restaurant is also bright and spacious with light coming through oversized portholes. My recommendation here is the Piedmont hazelnut semifreddo!
Fil Rouge is the French inspired restaurant serving international dishes that are French inspired, we enjoyed a fantastic evening meal and breakfast here. This restaurant is a firm favorite with guests, and you must try the Franks mashed potato and the souffles are amazing!
Marble & Co is the steakhouse, they have an in-house dry ager and the dining I can compare to Guacho, if you have been. My recommendation here is the Lobster Bisque where they add a dash of single malt whisky, this really lifts the flavour.
Sakura, this was my personal favourite, serving authentic Pan-Asian cuisine. You have a choice of main dinner menu or sushi. The setting is at the back of the ship so a stunning location for stern views, especially during a sail away. Dishes here include Seafood, Meat & Poultry, and a vegetarian selection. My recommendation here has to be the Lobster Pad Thai – although I was really spoilt for choice!
Anthology, they only restaurant what carries a cover charge. This is an experience for big foodies where Italian cuisine is elevated offering a gastronomic adventure. On the menu, created by our esteemed Head of Culinary, Franck Garanger, each dish is a celebration of Italy’s finest regional ingredients and flavours.
Café Crema, for when you did need more than the main restaurants can provide or just feel a bit peckish in between. Situated in the middle of the ship with indoor and outdoor seating, offering a huge array of speciality coffees and teas with a selection of pastries, cakes and dry sweets including madeleine, cannelés, biscotti and navette sandwiches. I loved this area and it’s perfect for mid-afternoon pit stop.
Galateria & Creparie at the Conservatory is not to be overlooked! I can highly recommend the waffles with ice-cream.
The Explorer Lounge also serves traditional afternoon tea but unfortunately, we didn’t manage to fit in but I’m told it is very much worth trying.
Drinks & Bars
A huge range of drinks and cocktails are included in the price, along with a great selection of non-alcoholic drinks to also choose from. With meals, there was a selection of seven white wines, seven reds and a few Rose. There is also a range of rather posh drinks that require you to dip your hand into your pocket but we found the inclusive range was just fine. There were lots of bars to enjoy, we loved The lobby bar with its high ceiling in the middle of the ship and you would find us here for a pre-dinner drink. You also have the Malt Whiskey Bar which is in part of the Explora Lounge for those who enjoy whisky. The Sky Bar on deck 14 if the highest point on the ship and this is where you would find us for most sail-aways – great atmosphere and the cocktails were just perfect.
Lounges and Pools
Explora I offers 5 pools, and all have comfortable and restful surroundings with lots of single and double sunbeds including cabanas – none of them were busy for us, even on a sea day.
Our favourite area was the Astern Pool and bar, on deck 5 with the infinity pool at the back of the ship, it’s only a plunge pool but great for cooling off. We also loved The Conservatory, with the retractable roof and a substantial sized pool that you can actually swim in. This area is great to use in the day and in the evening for cinema nights on the big screen. The Atoll Pool and Bar again, is on the back (deck 10) so higher up and great for a sail-away viewing experience. The Helios bar and pool is on deck 12 so the highest pool, again a plunge pool and this is an adult only area. Infinity Whirlpools, we loved these, situated outside on deck 12 and also undercover on deck 11. They are positioned to look out to sea and this is very different from other ships I have been on – we enjoyed a cocktail or two in these.
Journeys Lounge - The most spacious onboard lounge features mixology specialists, enrichment activities and cabaret-style entertainment daily.
Astern Lounge, which opens up to the Astern Pool, is where they offer low key entertainment such as dancing lessons, quizzes etc. The Explora Lounge is a lovely airy informal area with both inside and outside seating where you can enjoy traditional afternoon tea.
Entertainment
The entertainment on board is refined and low key and very focused on enrichment. There is a small quiet casino on board for guests to enjoy. Explora partner with Steinway & Sons so you can enjoy recitals and there are several grand pianos around the ship. Live music is on around the ship every evening and your daily newsletter will tell you what’s on each day. This isn’t a late-night ship and we found most guests had retired to their cabins before midnight.
Ocean wellness and fitness
There is a well-equipped gym onboard with all the best high tec electronic equipment (from Technogym), they also have rowing and running machines out on deck which was great for that early morning session. They offer a range of Yoga, Pilates and holistic classes that are all included for you to join, they also have a sports court and a running track.
Wellness is a huge part of the offering on Explora Journeys, and they only use amazing, local products from an independent company. They have a fantastic Spa which has a steam room, hydrotherapy pool, Finnish Sauna, Salt cave, Ice wall and heated marble loungers. There is a selection of treatment rooms offering a huge variety of treatments.
In conclusion, this ship would be perfect is you enjoy high quality hotels, casual fine dining, prefer an elegant casual dress code rather than formal nights and want a really relaxing experience. I can highly recommend Explora Journeys and would be happy to have a chat if you are considering a cruise with them. Contact any of our shops and they can put you in touch with me – The only downside for me is… how do I follow that!
Feel free to pop into your local branch who can connect you to me, or feel free to call me directly on 07584 130637, as I would be happy to have a chat over the phone and share my experience with you.
