Explora Journeys.... Thank you for the most wonderful week.... Explora Journeys really is far more than 'just a cruise'!
I have spent the most wonderful week cruising in the Caribbean, visiting Barbados, Martinique, St Kitts, Samana in the Dominican Republic, the Bahamas and finishing in Miami.
Many know that I love cruising, discovering new destinations, learning the history, and exploring the amazing architecture that surrounds me. My preference recently has been river cruising - why, may you ask? Because every day I get to make a new discovery! Normally, I shy away from Ocean cruises that have days at sea, I'm not very good at relaxing with having lots and lots of people around me, I prefer quiet spaces! I was promised before I got on board Explora 1, that by the end of the week, I would find my 'Ocean State of Mind'. It lived up to that promise!
From the moment I entered my Ocean Terrace Suite, my wonderful Host, Leonal, made sure I had everything I needed and the Suite was made up to my liking. A bottle of Champagne was waiting for me, on ice! My suite had everything I needed, with a wonderful day bed on the Terrace, drinks included in my mini bar, and even a Dyson Supersonic Hairdryer - very handy for my long locks.
Having a little Explore of Explora (see what I did there?!), I was amazed that I had 750 fellow guests. Where were they? The pool areas, lounges, bars, even the restaurants, felt lovely and quiet with only a handful of people around.
My first evening I ate in the Emporium Marketplace, not to be mistaken for a buffet! Everything is cooked to order and plated for you. And the choice, from Asian to Mediterranean.... This could well have been my favourite dining, and without realising, I had been converted from a 'buffet' hater, to a lover. For those wanting an A La Carte dining experience, there was the French, Fil Rouge, and Mediterranean, Med Yacht Club, restaurants, ideal for those that didn't want to plan as you didn't need a reservation. The other two restaurants included, Pan Asian, Sakura, and the Steakhouse, Marble & Co. which you could book either via the app or on board with the wonderful team!
Our Caribbean Island visits included Martinique, St Kitts, Samana in the Dominican Republic, and Bahamas. With every Caribbean Island, you are greeted with turquoise waters and beautiful beaches. On an Explora Journeys cruise, you do get to choose and pay for the experiences you want. This means you are not being put in a box and told what you will be doing that day with a pre-determined excursion, instead you can choose what you prefer to do which I really enjoyed. I chose to do an ATV Adventure Tour in St Kitts (wonderfully fun and daring), and I chose a Kayak Tour in Bahamas.
Remember I said I'm not a fan of sea days? Well, I am now! My first sea day, I tried to keep as active as I could. I booked a group class in the gym, pilates, and an evening class, yoga, as well as a core conditioning class in the early afternoon. The pool areas were quiet, with just the right amount of music for the background that it didn't annoy or distract. There were plenty of loungers, that when I wanted more shade, I could move from my sunny lounger and not feel a panic that I wouldn't find somewhere else to lounge. The Whirlpools are also strategically placed, who wouldn't want to sit and watch the ocean waves go by below?
There really is something for everyone on board. Children (and adults!) are well catered for in the Nautilus Club, the kid's hangout area. With the latest 'gadgets', from VR Consoles and Video Games, iPads and Xboxes to Jukebox and Foosball table, you'll be sure to know that younger ones are looked after.
I cannot wait to Explore more of the world with Explora.....
