The Journal

Join Lisa Story, our Founder and Director, as she reflects on her recent journey aboard EXPLORA Journey

There are certain travel experiences that quietly reshape your expectations. My recent voyage with EXPLORA Journeys aboard EXPLORA II was one of them.

I anticipated a beautifully designed ship, attentive service and strong dining. What stood out most was the atmosphere. Relaxed, contemporary and confidently understated, EXPLORA feels closer to a modern luxury hotel at sea than a traditional cruise experience. It is thoughtfully designed for travellers who value space, flexibility and a slower, more immersive way of travelling.

Life onboard EXPLORA II

Accommodation aboard EXPLORA II is entirely all-suite, and the sense of space is immediately apparent. Even the entry-level Ocean Terrace suites are generously sized, each with a private terrace, floor-to-ceiling windows, a walk-in wardrobe with seated vanity and a beautifully finished marble bathroom.

Details are well considered rather than showy. Frette linens, underfloor heating, Illy coffee machines and a welcome bottle of Champagne create a calm and welcoming environment from the moment you arrive. Larger Ocean Penthouses and Residences offer even more space and personalised service, but across all categories the experience feels consistent and quietly refined.

The design of EXPLORA II is modern and open, with generous public spaces, elegant lounges and expansive outdoor decks. With multiple pools, whirlpools and private cabanas, there is always somewhere to relax without feeling crowded. The ship’s layout encourages connection to the ocean and a natural flow between indoor and outdoor living.

Dining designed around choice

Dining is one of EXPLORA’s strongest features. Rather than a main dining room, the ship offers nine distinct dining experiences, all included as part of the journey. The approach feels more like a collection of quality restaurants than traditional cruise dining.

Emporium Marketplace offers relaxed indoor and outdoor dining throughout the day, with a wide range of destination-inspired dishes, handmade pasta, fresh crudo and beautifully presented desserts. Fil Rouge brings a French influence with refined evening dining and a standout breakfast service. Marble & Co. Grill celebrates European steakhouse traditions, while Med Yacht Club captures the convivial flavours of the Mediterranean.

Sakura delivers a polished Pan-Asian experience, from wagyu tataki to freshly prepared sushi, paired with curated sakes and spirits. Anthology, the ship’s degustation restaurant created by Head of Culinary Franck Garanger, was exceptional and unlike anything I have previously experienced at sea. It easily rivals high-end land-based dining.

All dining is unhurried and flexible, with no set times or formalities, allowing each day to unfold naturally.

Wellness, movement and space to slow down

Wellbeing is central to the EXPLORA experience. EXPLORA II offers over 700 square metres dedicated to wellness, including a spacious thermal area, treatment rooms, beauty salon and a well-equipped fitness centre that rivals leading hotels.

There are indoor and outdoor fitness spaces, a panoramic running track, group fitness sessions and plenty of deck space for movement or stillness. Access to the thermal spa, fitness facilities and wellbeing programmes is included, encouraging guests to prioritise balance and ease throughout the journey.

A relaxed approach to entertainment

Entertainment onboard follows a lighter, more contemporary style. Rather than large-scale productions, the focus is on intimate performances, live music and curated experiences that suit a well-travelled and independent audience. Evenings tend to flow organically between dining, conversation and music, without pressure or schedule.

Discovering the Mediterranean, one port at a time

Our itinerary offered a thoughtful mix of guided experiences and independent exploration, reflecting EXPLORA’s philosophy of deeper, more meaningful time in each destination.

In Tangier, a private driver introduced us to the city’s history before a traditional Moroccan tea. Highlights included a visit to Villa Mabrouka, once the holiday home of Yves Saint Laurent, followed by time exploring the whitewashed Medina, vibrant bazaars and the historic American Legation.

Lisbon was explored by tuk tuk through its historic neighbourhoods, with stops for coffee and pastéis de nata. Lunch at a local restaurant recommended by the ship’s team delivered a relaxed and authentic taste of Portugal.

In Málaga, we enjoyed a self-guided day wandering cobbled streets, visiting the Alcazaba fortress and sampling tapas, including a stop at El Pimpi. Others in our group chose to explore Ronda or walk the Caminito del Rey, highlighting the flexibility EXPLORA offers at each port.

Valencia was explored on foot through the historic centre and lively markets, filled with jamón, olives and fresh produce, followed by tapas at a small neighbourhood bar.

Our final stop was Barcelona, with time in the Gothic Quarter, visits to the Sagrada Familia and Picasso Museum, and a final tapas lunch at Bar Cañete, a fitting way to end the journey.

Who EXPLORA Journeys is best suited to

EXPLORA Journeys will appeal to travellers who may not have previously considered cruising. It suits independent travellers, first-time cruisers and those who enjoy luxury without rigidity. The onboard atmosphere is relaxed and contemporary, with a noticeably younger and well-travelled demographic.

With generous inclusions such as all dining venues, unlimited beverages including premium wines and spirits, in-suite minibar, high-speed Wi-Fi, gratuities, wellness facilities and shuttle services where required, the experience feels seamless and transparent.

EXPLORA II exceeded expectations not through excess, but through thoughtful design, outstanding dining, genuine hospitality and a pace that allows guests to travel well and return feeling refreshed.