Explora Journeys has been a tremendous success, especially considering it has only been sailing for a little under a year. Before I go any further, I have to state that all – literally every one – of my clients that have experienced Explora Journeys rave about it. Seriously, they all give rave reviews. And most have booked second, third, and even fourth journeys. That is a heck of a start!
And Goldring Travel’s clients are not the only ones raving. Travel + Leisure Magazine named Explora I the Best New Cruise Ship of 2023 and No. 2 on the 2024 Conde Nast Hot List!
Yes, Explora Journeys is that special, but being honest (Did you expect anything else from me?) there is always room for improvement…and that is how one achieves excellence. So, over this past year, there have been improvements and modifications; some expected, some not. So, let’s go over some of them!
Explora II: Explora II has been delayed in her delivery. Apparently, she could have been delivered on time in August, but would have still had workers onboard for a month or so. The owners preferred to delay her Maiden Voyage until mid-September. I am not happy about this; especially since I had my 2024 Goldring Travel Culinary & Cultural Journey on her and had a number of other guests booked shortly thereafter. But in the long run, the owners want the best product, not a rushed one. That said, Explora Journeys has been exceptional in working to re-accommodate my clients on Explora I and on later Explora II sailings…including the sold-out 2024 Goldring Travel Culinary & Cultural Journey now sailing on Explora I from Venice to Athens to Istanbul.
Destination Experiences: To be honest, at the outset, this was a weak point for Explora Journeys. However, a new program has been developed with new suppliers. As it rolls out (this is why you can’t book experiences prior to 90 days from departure) a definite improvement will be seen. (I will be sailing on Explora I on August 9 – 23, 2024, and will be taking a few Destination Experiences to check them out!)
Website Improvements: Explora’s website has made some vast improvements – and yes, it needs more. But now you can truly explore the itineraries, inspect the suites, and see and book Destination Experiences yourself rather than having to call Explora or me. (Restaurant reservations should be an option soon as well.)
Anthology: Originally to be hosted by ever-changing Michelin-star chefs, the concept and superlative quality will remain the same, but due to fewer guests taking advantage of the amazing extra-cost opportunity – culinary genius and head of Explora Journeys’ culinary program – Franck Garanger now oversees Anthology with an incredible Italian menu. (If you have read my prior articles about Chef Franck’s culinary experiences, you know how wonderful it will be!)
Restaurant Reservations: It remains that you may pre-book one evening in Sakura (the Pan-Asian Restaurant) and one evening in Marble & Co. (the steakhouse) prior to boarding the ship, as well as Anthology. Now, once you are onboard, you can make a reservation – though not required – at Mediterranean Yacht Club and Fil Rouge. Walk-ins are still available at all dining venues other than Anthology. The Emporium remains its no reservation amazing 18-station gastronomic adventure.
Champagne: Believe it or not, there is a worldwide champagne shortage. Post-Covid demand has sharply risen while the amount of champagne produced – due to unattended to vineyards, etc. – had dramatically dropped. This has resulted not only in shortages, but skyrocketing prices. As a result, Explora Journeys has changed its champagne program. While still partnering with Moet Hennessy, Mercier champagne is now offered as the complimentary champagne. Dom Perignon will continue to be offered in the Residences.
Entertainment: There is a mix of guests, and because Explora Journeys has the capacity to expand the variety offered, as of July 2024 a more diverse program is being offered, so that those guests who enjoy more shows – as opposed to individual performances – will have their desires met…plus more!
- Digital Activities: Utilizing special QR codes throughout the ship, guests can engage in unique daily activities on their devices, including Explora Journeys Trivia, Crosswords, and Word Searches themed to the journey’s locale, updated daily. Games like Sudoku and Chess can be enjoyed anywhere on the ship. Guests may also make special musical requests directly to the performers by scanning a QR code in the Astern Lounge during late-night entertainment.
- Daytime Activities: Guests can enjoy spontaneous pop-up performances by the pool from musicians, performers, and wellness teams, all harmonizing with the moment. These experiences are complemented by specially paired beverages and snacks, ensuring every desire is met without leaving the perfect spot.
- Hosted Events and Unique Activities: I am not really sure what this involves other than a multi-day secret Murder Mystery game, ensuring no one’s moments of tranquillity – like mine – are disturbed. (I am not a fan of this sort of stuff, but I am glad it is designed so as to not interfere with my totally different set of desires!)
- Evening Entertainment: Explora Journeys will continue its wonderful and unique sophisticated and varied entertainment around the ship. But later in the evenings there will also be the Explora Music Series in the Journeys Lounge. Six new vocalists present a fourteen-night program without repeat performances, supported by phenomenal guest acts and luminaries. As a result, evening choices include main stage performances, intimate lobby bar sessions, lively nights in the Astern Lounge with interactivity and dancing, and late-night wellness events celebrating the night sky.
- A Summer of Special Performances: This summer, there will be a variety of visiting performers, cultured luminaries, and the newest lineup of Steinway Exclusive performers.
