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Honeymoon & Travel

Europe

Explora Journeys: Ultimate Luxury Cruise Review and Experience

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Written by Angela Desveaux, Founder & Creative Director of WedLuxe

As the founder and creative director of WedLuxe, a luxury wedding media brand, I’ve been fortunate to experience some of the world’s most breathtaking destinations and finest travel offerings. Those who know me often tease that I set the bar high when it comes to five-star travel and am nothing less than candid in my assessments! My husband, Bruce Patterson, who serves as CEO and Director of Sales for our company, and I have traveled extensively with our 13-year-old son, exploring the globe through countless luxury vacations, including several cruises. Yet, nothing could have prepared us for the extraordinary journey aboard EXPLORA I. Without hesitation, we unanimously agreed—this was the best vacation we’ve ever had and the most exceptional cruise line we’ve experienced to date.

Explora Journeys redefines luxury cruising. As the luxury lifestyle brand of the MSC Group, Explora Journeys was conceived to redefine ocean travel by creating a unique category within the cruise industry.

Positioning itself as a “category of one,”and still relatively new on the cruiseline scene, Explora Journeys distinguishes itself through a blend of modern design, intimate ambiance, and personalized service. The brand emphasizes a relaxed yet luxurious atmosphere, offering non-conventional arrival and departure times, overnight stays, and access to lesser-traveled ports, allowing guests to explore destinations at their own pace. All-inclusive pricing covers accommodations, dining, beverages, gratuities, and Wi-Fi. Unlike many other cruise lines, there are no hidden fees or surprises. This transparency, combined with the exceptional level of personalized service and attention to detail, makes EXPLORA I an extraordinary value for a premium experience.

From the moment we boarded in Athens, it was clear that Explora Journeys redefines luxury cruising. The experience felt more like stepping onto a private yacht than a traditional cruise ship.

The boarding experience itself was the most seamless we’ve ever had. From the moment we arrived at the Port of Piraeus to stepping aboard EXPLORA I, the process took less than five minutes. There were no long lines, no stress—just effortless efficiency. We were welcomed with warm smiles, and in no time, we were exploring the ship and settling into our luxurious suite.

 

Unparalleled Luxury in the Premier Penthouse Suite

Our accommodation, the Premier Penthouse Suite, was nothing short of spectacular. Spanning approximately 452 square feet, with an additional 108-square-foot private terrace, the suite offered a spacious retreat that felt more like a luxury floating hotel than a traditional cruise cabin. Floor-to-ceiling windows flooded the space with natural light, providing uninterrupted ocean views that became the backdrop to our journey.

Our suite featured separate living, dining, and sleeping areas. A dining table for four provided the perfect setting for intimate in-suite meals, while the lounge area was ideal for unwinding after a day of exploration. The private terrace, equipped with a dining area and daybed, became our sanctuary for morning coffees and sunset reflections.

Frette linens and a selection of down pillows, ensured restful nights. There was nothing cramped about our suite. I REALLY loved the spacious walk-in wardrobe with a seated vanity area! For a party of three, we had lots of room to organize our clothes and shoes. The inclusion of a Dyson Supersonic™ hairdryer and illuminated make-up mirror showcased the attention to detail in providing top-tier amenities. Heated bathroom floors, plush bathrobes, and custom toiletries amped up the luxe level at sea.

Additional thoughtful touches included a private refrigerated mini-bar, replenished according to our preferences, an espresso machine with a selection of coffees and teas, and a Technogym Case Kit for in-suite wellness. The provision of a pair of binoculars allowed us to fully appreciate the passing landscapes from the comfort of our suite.

This level of accommodation surpassed anything we had experienced on previous voyages.

 

Culinary Excellence at Sea

Dining aboard EXPLORA I was also next-level. With six unique restaurants to choose from, every meal felt like a new culinary adventure. Each restaurant was amazing, but the unexpected standout was the Emporium Marketplace, which redefined the concept of “buffet” restaurant dining at sea. This was not a typical buffet by any stretch—there were no plastic plates or glasses in sight. Instead, the dining experience was elevated by the use of fine china, proper silverware, and the attentive service of waitstaff who were always on hand. It felt more like dining in an upscale European food hall than on a cruise ship. For seasoned cruisers, this level of service is extraordinary. “If you know, you know”—this is the way to cruise. Featuring live cooking stations and freshly prepared dishes, the offerings rivaled those of high-end restaurants. Highlights included a fresh sushi station, an extensive raw bar, and made-to-order pasta where every dish was crafted to perfection.

 

Our Itinerary

We set sail on the July 5th sailing of EXPLORA I’s Mediterranean itinerary, which offered a mix of vibrant destinations and peaceful days at sea.

 

Unforgettable Moments

Throughout the journey, there were moments that truly stood out for Bruce and me. (Sidenote: The timing of this trip perfectly coincided with our 21st wedding anniversary). Soaking in the infinity pool at the aft of the ship as we sailed away from the Greek and Croatian coastlines was an experience I’ll never forget. The serenity of the ocean, the quiet intimacy of the pool, and the breathtaking views made us feel like we were on a private yacht.

 


Final Thoughts

As seasoned travelers who have experienced some of the world’s most luxurious destinations and cruise lines, our family unanimously agrees that Explora Journeys stands in a league of their own. The combination of impeccable service, curated itineraries, extraordinary dining, and luxurious accommodations sets a new standard for luxury cruising. Every detail, from the attentive crew to the thoughtfully designed spaces, reflects Explora Journeys’ innovative approach to luxury travel. Whether lounging by the infinity pool or savoring a quiet moment on our private terrace, we often felt as though we had the entire ship—and its incredible staff—completely to ourselves.

For honeymooners, romance travelers, or families seeking an unforgettable journey, Explora Journeys offers an experience that is as intimate as it is extraordinary. It’s a journey that my family and I will treasure forever, and we can’t wait to sail with Explora Journeys again!



Disclosure: Explora Journeys is a valued client of WedLuxe, but this review is entirely based on our personal experience during the journey. All thoughts and opinions expressed are the author’s own and reflect genuine impressions of the trip.

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