The Maiden of a New Travel Brand: Explora Journeys…and The Maiden Voyage of Explora I – Part I

My time on Explora Journey’s Explora I is much more than the Maiden Voyage of a new ship, but the Maiden of a brand new line. Honestly, it is hard not to use superlatives…lots of them.

In that light, it is hard to believe that – while there have been some expected small glitches – the experience has been superlative (did I use that adjective again…and so soon? Yup!) from service, cuisine, hardware, and overall WOW factors. In fact, it has taken me a few days to wrap my head around this truly exciting, impressive, innovative, beautiful, diverse, and luxurious new ship and company.

So where to begin?  How about the beginning (at least for me)?  Explora Journeys refers to travel on and around its ships as a “journey”; not a “cruise”; and with an “Ocean State of Mind”.  The concept is explained to be an ever-evolving environmentally conscientious, luxury travel experience to be focused on a feeling of a combination of the finest resort and of personal home and space while embracing the world, including the ocean, and its elements.

The desires of the Aponte family – the private owners of MSC Shipping – one of the largest shipping companies in the world – and MSC Cruises, has been to create and own a line that essentially would be their dream superyacht fleet.  (And having spent over 30 years in the superyacht industry, I knew what that would mean!)

Add to that concepts were burning in the soul of Chris Austin to create more of a resort/residence at sea rather than just another cruise line – since his departing his executive role at Starwood Hotels and entrance into the cruise/journey market – but had heretofore been frustrated.

The ship’s (Explora I has a capacity of 900, but I don’t think it will ever carry that many) was based on the need for a certain amount of space to accommodate all of the desired public spaces – which are balanced between grandeur and intimacy. Thus suites were added to fill in the additional space.  This has resulted in a space per guest ratio that is off the charts and the suites (‘er, um, “residences”) are the largest in the industry (the smallest suite is 377 square feet and wider than normal suites and with huge terraces).  Trust me: You will never sense a crowd.

Everything has been designed and built from the ground up. I’m not only talking about nomenclature (“hosts” rather than “staff” and “terraces” rather than “balconies” or “verandas”). Heck, we’ve all dealt with cruise line marketing vs. reality. But Explora Journeys has been dedicated to being more than marketing…much more. NOTE: There is no affiliation with MSC Cruises other than ownership, so just get that out of your head

Structurally, there are six (6) Explora ships scheduled to be built. Each one will be more environmentally advanced than the prior ones. By the time Explora V and VI are built, they will – hopefully – be hydrogen battery-powered. In between, LNG powered…plus many advances in both efficiencies and pollution reduction.

For a bit of deeper dive into Explora Journeys’ backstory, please read: Explora Journey’s Explora I – Delivered!

All that is well and good, but you want to know about the ship.  Hold on to your hats, this is going to be a wild ride.  Not in the sense of chaos, but exactly the opposite: Beauty, Elegance, and an approach that is unique to Explora Journeys.  

In fact, there is so much to discuss that this article will just touch the surface of all that Explora I has to offer.  There will be a series of articles over the next days, each covering a different topic.  (Oh, yes, and then there are my journeys on land during the Explora experience in yet another!)

The initial impression of literally everyone has been that we are in one of the finest resorts; not just at sea, but anywhere.  

The only time there has been a comparison to a cruise ship is when Explora I’s length is noticeable…which only happens if you are moving from far forward to far aft. And only then because you never sense anything but intimate spaces and distances until you take that, ‘er um, journey.

The design and execution of the design in each space is jaw-dropping. The craftsmanship, the lighting, the millwork, etc. is truly at the highest levels.  I will show some of the finer details in another article.

The public areas, including the restaurants, are breathtaking. And it all starts with the Lobby, a wonderful gathering place, bar, and hub for luxury shops including Rolex, Piaget, Cartier, Panerai, and The Journey which carries bespoke artisan items.

Stepping outside for a moment, each of the pool areas is uniquely designed and has its own flair. Whether it be the Conservatory, Astern Pool, Helio (Adults Only) Pool, or one of the other pools, Infiniti whirlpools or private whirlpools on the upper category suite terraces.

While the hardware is amazing, unique, and beautiful, the software is incredibly important.  Yes, there are a number of familiar faces but many fresh ones too.  I know most of the staff is “new to sea”, but not new to service as many have – not surprisingly – come from some of the top hotels from around the world. I am convinced they have been hired based on being “nice” and not just their talents. (It has been noted by many how often they are greeted…with genuine smiles; something that of late has been somewhat lost at sea.)  

Keep in mind these “hosts” have been stir-crazy, waiting for the Maiden Voyage, and were essentially put into a “Zero to 100 Mile per hour” situation and have responded impressively. Honestly, you would never know this was the first sailing of a ship, no less of a new line.  Impressive…and it is only going to get better!

Equally as impressive is the cuisine. I haven’t yet dined in all the venues (yes, there are that many options), but it has been a seriously delicious culinary journey so far. From Sakura (Pan Asian), to Marble & Co. (steakhouse and more), to Anthology (an extraordinary culinary journey that through early October is overseen by three Michelin star chef, Mauro Uliassi – others will follow…but I can’t tell you who!), to the truly unique Emporium (this ain’t know cruise ship buffet!), the rave reviews by literally everyone – including some guests who work for the other luxury lines – keep coming!

And, of course, there are the suites; the largest and, for me, the most comfortable, at sea.  The suite categories start with Ocean Terraces, move up to a variety of Penthouse categories, onto different Residences, and end with the Owner’s Residence. (The complimentary bottle of champagne changes with the category, starting with Moet & Chandon for Ocean Terraces, Veuve Clicquot for Penthouses, and Dom Perignon for Residences.)

I will be detailing most of them in another article, but for now, here is a Cove Residence – which is what I am staying in:

Did I mention a properly served High Tea?  

There is much more to come, so stay tuned!

Up Next: Maiden Voyage of Explora I – Part II