Overview

My voyage on the 922-guest Explora I cruise ship was outstanding. The 7 day sailing from Istanbul to Athens stopped at picture-perfect Greek islands along the way. That said, it was the on board experience that made all the difference.

There is perfection in almost every detail, from exquisite service to the fragrance that whispers through the public spaces. Explora I is exceptionally designed both inside and out, successfully combining elements of luxe yachts and chic hotels; with visual surprises at every turn.

Explora I FAQs

Ship tour video

Getting to know Explora I

Explora I is an Italian-built, all-suite cruise ship that entered service in 2023. It is the first in an entirely new class of vessel designed to combine elements of luxury yachts and deluxe hotels.

The 248 m. / 826 ft. long Explora I has six restaurants, lots of stylish lounges, designer-label boutiques and magnificent open desks with resort-style swimming pools.

Explora I deck plan

The Explora I deck plan is mostly easy to get around.

• Reception: Deck 4
• Main dining room: Deck 4
• Theatre: Deck 4
• Accommodation: Decks 6 to 10
• Observation lounge: Deck 11

Is it the best food at sea?

The food served on Explora I is bursting with epicurean panache. Right now I think it is the best cuisine at sea. There are six diverse restaurants to choose from including Sakura, Marble & Co, Fil Rouge, The Med Yacht Club, The Emporium Marketplace and the best of them all, Anthology.

Anthology embodies the very best of Italian fine dining. Delight in fantastic dishes like Sicilian Coast Red Prawns with Burrata Cream, Tomato Coulis & Lemon Zest or mind-blowing desserts like Euforia Di Cioccolato.

Happily, the other restaurants on Explora I hold their own. In particular the Asian-inspired Sakura which serves oriental delights like Marinated Bay Scallops with Calvisius Oscietra Caviar & Green Peas-edamame Mash. Not to be outdone, Marble & Co. brings new life to the steakhouse concept with succulent beef from France, Sweden and Germany.

There is fine French cuisine in Fil Rouge, not to mention magnificent meals in The Med Yacht Club; a venue I really enjoyed. The Emporium Marketplace has restaurant-quality, made-to-order buffet stations. In addition, there is also a poolside grill and a sweet crêpery.

Entertainment after dark

On Explora I they reimagined cruise ship entertainment. Cliched shows are out, fantastic musicians and singers are in. Add to the mix a collection of chic bars and lounges and each night presents an intoxicating array of entertainment options.

In the theatre there are thrilling performances that showcase the vocal talents of the resident singers. Down the hall in the impressive Lobby Bar a pianist takes requests. Upstairs in the Explora Lounge a sassy singer brings a touch of cool. While the open-air Sky Bar has sail-away parties with an understated beach-club vibe.

For something entirely different you can try the silent cinema with big-screen movies under the stars. Everyone wears noise cancelling headphones; it’s great fun.

Down in the Astern Lounge they have a silent disco too, and later there is live entertainment.

The impressive collection of shops on Explora I also spring to life after dark. The Cartier jeweller has diamonds and other sparkly temptations, while there are timepieces in the official Rolex shop.

Daytime activities

The daytime activities on Explora I are different. The focus is on health and wellbeing; what they call ‘an ocean state of mind’. So you can expect lots of fitness classes and sports tournaments, all of which are very popular.

That said, there are other great activities too. You can play pool on the remarkable self-levelling table. There are cooking classes in the Chef’s Kitchen, as well as team trivia and coffee catch ups with the entertainers. There are also destination lectures presented by enthralling luminaries.

Tell me about the suites

How would I describe the suites on Explora I? In a word: fabulous! With designer finishes and thoughtful touches that make everything perfect.

I stayed in an Ocean Terrace Suite. It was impressive, with a separate sofa area for relaxing, a dressing room and a big bathroom. However, it was the terrace that really blew me away. It even had space for a luxe daybed, not to mention a dining setting.

There are also larger suites like the Penthouse and Owner’s Residence. Some of these suites have private outdoor hot tubs and butler service.

What are the shore excursions like

Anyone who has been on a cruise vacation knows that choosing a shore excursion can be a hit-and-miss affair. The brochures often read better than the lived experience.

Alas, Explora I is no exception to that rule. For instance, I booked a sailing tour around the island of Paros, Greece. It promised an intimate adventure, dropping anchor at secluded sandy beaches with lunch along the way. The reality was a 20 person motor-launch, a swim at a crowded rocky cove and no lunch. That said, you do tend to get what you pay for, so if you seek a unique experience I think it is worth paying extra for one of Explora’s more bespoke tours.

Fitness on Explora I

I was amazed at the shear range of wellness options on Explora I. There are indoor and outdoor fitness studios – imagine doing your workout on the open decks! A jogging track runs right around the top deck and there are sports courts including basketball and pickleball. The main pool is big enough for lap swimming and there are lots of hot tubs for soothing tired muscles.

The spa is so good it is the envy of many deluxe hotels. It boasts a thelasotherapy pool, sauna, steam room and heated relaxation loungers. Not to mention a tempting range of massage and beauty treatments. No wonder it was so popular.

What’s included on Explora I?

Almost everything is included in an Explora I cruise fare. All drinks are included, even champagne and an in-suite bar set up. Meals are also included, with the exception of Anthology where there is a dining supplement. Gratuities are included too. There is even free internet access for everyone. You can use the facilities in the spa free of charge, although treatments do cost extra. There are also two small self-service laundries on board. A shuttle service between the port and downtown is often included as well.

What to wear on Explora I

The guests on Explora I are a stylish crowd. During the day they like chic resort-wear, but after dark they enjoy dressing up.

That said, there is no specified dress code on Explora I, just the suggestion of “elegant resort casual style” attire.

However, it is worth noting that shorts and sleeveless t-shirts are not allowed during dinner in Anthology or Fil Rouge. Also, baseball caps and sportswear are not permitted in any of the table-service restaurants at dinner.

There are no formal nights on Explora I.

What sort of people sail on Explora I?

Explora I attracts a cosmopolitan mix of passengers. On my voyage most of them came from Europe, although there were also people from the USA, UK and Australia on board. The demographic was an interesting mix of well-to-do younger people and seasoned, active globe-trotters. On my voyage most guests were aged from 35 to 70-years old. It goes without saying that Explora I is gay friendly.

Conclusion

Explora I has redefined the art of luxe cruising. It is the perfect choice if you appreciate the finer things in life; outstanding food, exquisite service, sophisticated entertainment and luxurious surroundings. Right now it’s arguably the best ultra-luxury ship afloat.

The author sailed as a guest of Explora Journeys.