Explora Journeys’ Explora I has been delivered!

I do have to say that it has been quite a…er’ um…”journey”, but this gorgeous ship has finally been turned over from Fincantieri Shipyards to her owners.
I am looking forward to boarding her on August 1, 2023 in Copenhagen, Denmark for her Maiden Voyage (and a trimmed down 2023 Goldring Travel Culinary & Cultural Journey due to the last minute cancelation of the July 17, 2023 sailing due to no fault of Explora or the shipyard). NOTE: Goldring Travel’s 2024 Culinary & Cultural Journey (August 12, 2024 -Barcelona to Athens) on Explora II’s Maiden Voyage is almost sold out and space is getting limited on Goldring Travel’s 2025 Culinary & Cultural Journey (February 15, 2025 – South Africa and Mozambique) also on Explora II.

It is frustrating that Explora’s owners won’t release photographs of this ship to the public…yet. If you could see what I have seen – and, of course, I could see what I haven’t seen – I believe there would be even more excitement about this first of six ships. But with a little patience – and me onboard – photos will be flowing in less than two weeks!

I have written a lot about this amazing ship, so I thought this would be a good time to set out some of my prior articles:
- Explora Journeys: A New Luxury Cruise Line With a New (Resort) Approach!
Explora Journeys – A True Culinary Experience! (Explains the Restaurants)
Goldring Travel’s 2023 Culinary & Cultural Journey on Explora I – The First Culinary Highlight (Explains the Culinary Vision)
Now is the Time! Book Your Explora Journeys Inaugural Voyage. There are Eight of Them and Goldring Travel Has Some of the Best Suites Reserved Just for You!! (Explains the Different Suites)
Explora Journeys – Exciting Updates and News About Goldring Travel’s 2023 Culinary & Cultural Journey

My journey, from concept to reality, and reality to actually being onboard, has been a long, enthusiastic one made all the more so by Explora Journeys soul not being the ship, but some of the nicest, most qualified, and most travel-centric individuals all focused on reaching for perfection while never waning from the ethos of doing the right thing…and doing it with transparency.
It will only be a few days until I will be on Explora I with so many industry friends and colleagues, staff I have known for many years, and, yes, a few of my clients.