Tried & Tested: Explora Journeys
Oliver BroadOliver from RB Collection explains why Explora Journeys is redefining the six-star cruise market for the next generation of luxury travellers.
Explora Journeys represents a bold new chapter in six-star luxury cruising. Positioning themselves as “ocean holidays” rather than traditional cruises, they deliberately avoid the word “cruise” in their marketing, focusing instead on experiences and destinations while breaking free from conventional cruising preconceptions.
A Long-Awaited Market Revolution
While the broader cruise market expanded rapidly and established six-star brands continued launching new ships, the luxury segment hadn’t seen a genuine new brand in decades. The last six-star cruise line launch was Silversea in 1994—nearly 30 years ago. Before that, Regent Seven Seas launched in 1992, Crystal Cruises in 1988, and Seabourn in 1986.
When we learned of Explora Journeys’ launch plans, backed by the family behind the world’s largest shipping company and port operators, the excitement in our office was palpable.
First Impressions: Venice to Athens
After years of anticipation, it was time to experience Explora I firsthand on a taster sailing from Venice down the Adriatic Coast through Croatia and Montenegro, concluding in Athens.
Pre-Cruise Venice
Before embarkation, we spent two nights in Venice, visiting the Biennale and exploring the Gallerie dell’Accademia di Venezia and Palazzo Ducale. We stayed at the traditional Metropole Hotel, perfectly positioned on the lagoon front to showcase the city to my partner, who was visiting for the first time.
Arriving via private water taxi from the airport directly to the hotel created an immediate sense of luxury. Our visit coincided with the Venice Marathon, creating an electric atmosphere. Despite the crowds, we discovered quiet corners to explore, setting the perfect tone for our luxury ocean holiday.
Unlike larger ships now forced to dock at Trieste (an hour from Venice), Explora I’s intimate size meant just a 15-minute journey to embarkation. The view back to Venice from the ship provided another picture-postcard moment.
A New Generation of Luxury at Sea
Stepping aboard, you immediately recognise that Explora Journeys ships evoke luxury yachts and beach clubs rather than traditional cruise vessels. The atmosphere feels refreshingly relaxed for modern travellers.
Carrying only 900 passengers at capacity, the ship delivers an authentic sense of modern luxury. The laid-back atmosphere eschews formal nights while maintaining elegant grace throughout. From opulent décor and spacious suites to diverse dining and bar options, every detail reflects thoughtful design.
Accommodation Excellence
All suites feature private terraces and are approximately 10 square meters larger than comparable accommodations on other six-star lines. The décor strikes a perfect balance—stylish and modern yet homely and comfortable. Books line shelves, comfortable sofas create intimate seating areas, and every detail contributes to a genuine home-away-from-home feeling.
European Elegance
As the only European six-star cruise line, Explora Journeys delivers a distinctive level of quality and attention to detail. There’s an understated luxury that sometimes feels absent from more Americanised lines. This balance of opulence with “quiet luxury” resonates perfectly with next-generation luxury travellers seeking authentic experiences.
Exceptional Design and Amenities – The Conservatory: Our Favourite Space
The ship’s crown jewel is the Conservatory, featuring a large heated pool and jacuzzis beneath a retractable roof. This proved invaluable during our October departure from Venice, creating an indoor spa atmosphere that became our preferred relaxation spot.
Intimate Spaces, Not Open Expanses
The design brilliantly avoids wide, open spaces typically associated with cruise ships. Instead, smaller, intimate areas create a more residential feel. While restaurants may be spacious, partitions create the ambiance of intimate city dining establishments rather than vast dining halls.
Four infinity jacuzzis line the ship’s sides—two indoor, two outdoor—a unique feature at sea. Combined with three additional pools, these spaces create beach club-style environments offering guests diverse experiences and areas to explore, eliminating the need to congregate around a single focal point.
Culinary Excellence
The dining experience exceeded expectations. Without strict booking systems, most restaurants accommodate walk-ins comfortably. The diverse à la carte options include Sakura (Asian), Med Yacht Club (Mediterranean), Fil Rouge (French), and the popular Marble and Co. (European Steakhouse).
The Marketplace Emporium features various casual food stations, all made-to-order. This became our breakfast and lunch destination, thanks to a beautiful, quiet outdoor seating area at the ship’s stern.
The wine selection impressed throughout, with the onboard sommelier adapting lists to complement each restaurant. Sakura emerged as our favourite restaurant, while the Lobby Bar became our preferred meeting spot, where fellow passengers gathered before dinner to share daily adventures.
The ship also offers a Chef’s Kitchen experience, which, based on feedback from other guests, provides engaging culinary entertainment for all skill levels.
Port Experiences: Culture and Connection – Split, Croatia
Our first port offered immediate access—just a five-minute walk to the city harbourfront. We spent hours wandering historic back streets and exploring the harbour area, including a reconnaissance visit to Hotel Ambassador for a client’s upcoming summer trip. The hotel’s excellent location, rooftop pool, and proximity to restaurants and attractions confirmed its appeal.
The ship remained in port all day, allowing ample time for excursions. Explora emphasises comprehensive land programes focused on rich local history and culture. From Split, options included visits to ancient Trogir with its Renaissance, Baroque, and Romanesque architecture, Split’s own Diocletian’s Palace and Meštrović Gallery, speedboat trips to the Blue Cave and Vis Island, olive oil tasting in Vodice, and exploration of Krka National Park.
Kotor, Montenegro
Montenegro’s small town of Kotor provided our next adventure. The ship docked directly opposite the old town gates, allowing easy exploration of ancient city walls offering spectacular bay views.
This being my first Montenegro visit, I arranged a private boat excursion for two. The water’s mirror-like reflection created breathtaking scenery as we cruised through the bay with our captain providing local commentary. The ship’s early arrival and sunset departure allowed a full day of independent exploration.
Any Kotor Bay visit must include a small boat excursion—it’s the optimal way to appreciate the bay’s grandeur and waterfront villages. We passed the Island of Saint George while learning about the area’s shipping and maritime history, then continued to Port Montenegro to inspect the Regent Porto Montenegro Hotel (pictures below), a popular five-star property we frequently recommend.
Regent Porto Montenegro
The Regent sits within a purpose-built luxury marina development, appealing to clients preferring flat terrain for their holidays. After our inspection, a short taxi ride returned us to Kotor for re-embarkation.
Explora’s Kotor excursions included Boka Bay kayaking, trips to Budva and Perast, Kotor Cable Car experiences, and e-biking in Lovćen National Park.
Update note; Nathan has since visited Montenegro and stayed at the One&Only Portonovi and highly recommends it.
Farewell and Reflection
Sailing away at sunset with champagne in hand provided the perfect Montenegro farewell, both of us already planning our return.
After a scenic day at sea viewing the Greek Adriatic coast and islands, we reached Athens for our final disembarkation and airport transfer.
Memorable Moments and Future Prospects
Oliver & husband Robbie in their private water-taxi transfer on departure from Venice.
Driving along Athens’ coastline, we reflected on our favourite Explora Journeys moments. We had been thoroughly spoiled, and unlike some cruise experiences, our land adventures aligned seamlessly with onboard memories.
Highlights ranged from meeting ship “Luminaries” like Leo Rossi (Fleetwood Mac’s tour manager) to champagne sunsets departing Kotor Bay, effortless exploration stepping directly from ship to Split’s old town, and our James Bond-style Venice arrival. These magical days created unforgettable memories.
Explora Journeys’ future looks promising. Six ships should be operational by 2028, with the third vessel (launching 2026) being entirely LNG-powered. We’ve begun sending more RB Family clients on these luxury ocean holidays as they seek fresh experiences. Client feedback has been consistently excellent.
If you’re uncertain whether cruising suits you, remember: this isn’t a cruise—it’s an ocean holiday. We are on hand to discuss the options and answer your queries to help ensure you invest wisely in your next luxury holiday with us.
Pricing: Explora Journeys sailings start from approximately £3,199 per person for one week, based on two sharing. Limited shorter four-night cruises begin around £1,799 per person.
To book your luxury cruise and learn more about Explora Journeys, contact us on 01543 258631. Visit our luxury travel lounge by appointment in Boley Park, Lichfield.
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