A Journey Through Greece’s Icons to Italy’s Hidden Coastlines
A Journey Through Greece’s Icons to Italy’s Hidden Coastlines
Cruise overview
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About Piraeus
It's no wonder that all roads lead to the fascinating and maddening metropolis of Athens. Lift your eyes 200 feet above the city to the Parthenon, its honey-color marble columns rising from a massive limestone base, and you behold architectural perfection that has not been surpassed in 2,500 years. But, today, this shrine of classical form dominates a 21st-century boomtown. To experience Athens—Athína in Greek—fully is to understand the essence of Greece: ancient monuments surviving in a sea of cement, startling beauty amid the squalor, tradition juxtaposed with modernity. Locals depend on humor and flexibility to deal with the chaos; you should do the same. The rewards are immense. Although Athens covers a huge area, the major landmarks of the ancient Greek, Roman, and Byzantine periods are close to the modern city center. You can easily walk from the Acropolis to many other key sites, taking time to browse in shops and relax in cafés and tavernas along the way. From many quarters of the city you can glimpse "the glory that was Greece" in the form of the Acropolis looming above the horizon, but only by actually climbing that rocky precipice can you feel the impact of the ancient settlement. The Acropolis and Filopappou, two craggy hills sitting side by side; the ancient Agora (marketplace); and Kerameikos, the first cemetery, form the core of ancient and Roman Athens. Along the Unification of Archaeological Sites promenade, you can follow stone-paved, tree-lined walkways from site to site, undisturbed by traffic. Cars have also been banned or reduced in other streets in the historical center. In the National Archaeological Museum, vast numbers of artifacts illustrate the many millennia of Greek civilization; smaller museums such as the Goulandris Museum of Cycladic Art Museum and the Byzantine and Christian Museum illuminate the history of particular regions or periods. Athens may seem like one huge city, but it is really a conglomeration of neighborhoods with distinctive characters. The Eastern influences that prevailed during the 400-year rule of the Ottoman Empire are still evident in Monastiraki, the bazaar area near the foot of the Acropolis. On the northern slope of the Acropolis, stroll through Plaka (if possible by moonlight), an area of tranquil streets lined with renovated mansions, to get the flavor of the 19th-century's gracious lifestyle. The narrow lanes of Anafiotika, a section of Plaka, thread past tiny churches and small, color-washed houses with wooden upper stories, recalling a Cycladic island village. In this maze of winding streets, vestiges of the older city are everywhere: crumbling stairways lined with festive tavernas; dank cellars filled with wine vats; occasionally a court or diminutive garden, enclosed within high walls and filled with magnolia trees and the flaming trumpet-shaped flowers of hibiscus bushes. Formerly run-down old quarters, such as Thission, Gazi and Psirri, popular nightlife areas filled with bars and mezedopoleia (similar to tapas bars), are now in the process of gentrification, although they still retain much of their original charm, as does the colorful produce and meat market on Athinas. The area around Syntagma Square, the tourist hub, and Omonia Square, the commercial heart of the city about 1 km (½ mi) northwest, is distinctly European, having been designed by the court architects of King Otho, a Bavarian, in the 19th century. The chic shops and bistros of ritzy Kolonaki nestle at the foot of Mt. Lycabettus, Athens's highest hill (909 feet). Each of Athens's outlying suburbs has a distinctive character: in the north is wealthy, tree-lined Kifissia, once a summer resort for aristocratic Athenians, and in the south and southeast lie Glyfada, Voula, and Vouliagmeni, with their sandy beaches, seaside bars, and lively summer nightlife. Just beyond the city's southern fringes is Piraeus, a bustling port city of waterside fish tavernas and Saronic Gulf views.
About Ermoupoli, Syra
Syros is an island in the Aegean Sea, 78 miles (125 kilometres) southeast of Athens, and the administrative, commercial, intellectual and cultural centre of the Cyclades. Syros is 32 square miles (82.8 square kilometres) in area. Its largest towns are Ermoupoli, the capital of the island and Cyclades, Ano Syros and Vari. Although Syros belongs to the Cyclades islands, its architecture is more medieval than Cycladic. The beaches of Syros are especially inviting, and surrounded by many tourist facilities and accommodations.
About Mykonos
Although the fishing boats still go out in good weather, Mykonos largely makes its living from tourism these days. The summer crowds have turned one of the poorest islands in Greece into one of the richest. Old Mykonians complain that their young, who have inherited stores where their grandfathers once sold eggs or wine, get so much rent that they have lost ambition, and in summer sit around pool bars at night with their friends, and hang out in Athens in winter when island life is less scintillating. Put firmly on the map by Jackie O in the 1960s, Mykonos town—called Hora by the locals—remains the Saint-Tropez of the Greek islands. The scenery is memorable, with its whitewashed streets, Little Venice, the Kato Myli ridge of windmills, and Kastro, the town's medieval quarter. Its cubical two- or three-story houses and churches, with their red or blue doors and domes and wooden balconies, have been long celebrated as some of the best examples of classic Cycladic architecture. Luckily, the Greek Archaeological Service decided to preserve the town, even when the Mykonians would have preferred to rebuild, and so the Old Town has been impressively preserved. Pink oleander, scarlet hibiscus, and trailing green pepper trees form a contrast amid the dazzling whiteness, whose frequent renewal with whitewash is required by law. Any visitor who has the pleasure of getting lost in its narrow streets (made all the narrower by the many outdoor stone staircases, which maximize housing space in the crowded village) will appreciate how its confusing layout was designed to foil pirates—if it was designed at all. After Mykonos fell under Turkish rule in 1537, the Ottomans allowed the islanders to arm their vessels against pirates, which had a contradictory effect: many of them found that raiding other islands was more profitable than tilling arid land. At the height of Aegean piracy, Mykonos was the principal headquarters of the corsair fleets—the place where pirates met their fellows, found willing women, and filled out their crews. Eventually the illicit activity evolved into a legitimate and thriving trade network. Morning on Mykonos town's main quay is busy with deliveries, visitors for the Delos boats, lazy breakfasters, and street cleaners dealing with the previous night's mess. In late morning the cruise-boat people arrive, and the shops are all open. In early afternoon, shaded outdoor tavernas are full of diners eating salads (Mykonos's produce is mostly imported); music is absent or kept low. In mid- and late afternoon, the town feels sleepy, since so many people are at the beach, on excursions, or sleeping in their air-conditioned rooms; even some tourist shops close for siesta. By sunset, people have come back from the beach, having taken their showers and rested. At night, the atmosphere in Mykonos ramps up. The cruise-boat people are mostly gone, coughing three-wheelers make no deliveries in the narrow streets, and everyone is dressed sexy for summer and starting to shimmy with the scene. Many shops stay open past midnight, the restaurants fill up, and the bars and discos make ice cubes as fast as they can. Ready to dive in? Begin your tour of Mykonos town (Hora) by starting out at its heart: Mando Mavrogenous Square.
About Santorini
Undoubtedly the most extraordinary island in the Aegean, crescent-shape Santorini remains a mandatory stop on the Cycladic tourist route—even if it's necessary to enjoy the sensational sunsets from Ia, the fascinating excavations, and the dazzling white towns with a million other travelers. Called Kállisti (the "Loveliest") when first settled, the island has now reverted to its subsequent name of Thira, after the 9th-century-BC Dorian colonizer Thiras. The place is better known, however, these days as Santorini, a name derived from its patroness, St. Irene of Thessaloniki, the Byzantine empress who restored icons to Orthodoxy and died in 802. You can fly conveniently to Santorini, but to enjoy a true Santorini rite of passage, opt instead for the boat trip here, which provides a spectacular introduction. After the boat sails between Sikinos and Ios, your deck-side perch approaches two close islands with a passage between them. The bigger one on the left is Santorini, and the smaller on the right is Thirassia. Passing between them, you see the village of Ia adorning Santorini's northernmost cliff like a white geometric beehive. You are in the caldera (volcanic crater), one of the world's truly breathtaking sights: a demilune of cliffs rising 1,100 feet, with the white clusters of the towns of Fira and Ia perched along the top. The bay, once the high center of the island, is 1,300 feet in some places, so deep that when boats dock in Santorini's shabby little port of Athinios, they do not drop anchor. The encircling cliffs are the ancient rim of a still-active volcano, and you are sailing east across its flooded caldera. On your right are the Burnt isles, the White isle, and other volcanic remnants, all lined up as if some outsize display in a geology museum. Hephaestus's subterranean fires smolder still—the volcano erupted in 198 BC, about 735, and there was an earthquake in 1956. Indeed, Santorini and its four neighboring islets are the fragmentary remains of a larger landmass that exploded about 1600 BC: the volcano's core blew sky high, and the sea rushed into the abyss to create the great bay, which measures 10 km by 7 km (6 mi by 4½ mi) and is 1,292 feet deep. The other pieces of the rim, which broke off in later eruptions, are Thirassia, where a few hundred people live, and deserted little Aspronissi ("White isle"). In the center of the bay, black and uninhabited, two cones, the Burnt Isles of Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni, appeared between 1573 and 1925. There has been too much speculation about the identification of Santorini with the mythical Atlantis, mentioned in Egyptian papyri and by Plato (who says it's in the Atlantic), but myths are hard to pin down. This is not true of old arguments about whether tidal waves from Santorini's cataclysmic explosion destroyed Minoan civilization on Crete, 113 km (70 mi) away. The latest carbon-dating evidence, which points to a few years before 1600 BC for the eruption, clearly indicates that the Minoans outlasted the eruption by a couple of hundred years, but most probably in a weakened state. In fact, the island still endures hardships: since antiquity, Santorini has depended on rain collected in cisterns for drinking and irrigating—the well water is often brackish—and the serious shortage is alleviated by the importation of water. However, the volcanic soil also yields riches: small, intense tomatoes with tough skins used for tomato paste (good restaurants here serve them); the famous Santorini fava beans, which have a light, fresh taste; barley; wheat; and white-skin eggplants.
About Pýlos
About Kotor
Backed by imposing mountains, tiny Kotor lies hidden from the open sea, tucked into the deepest channel of the Bokor Kotorska (Kotor Bay), which is Europe's most southerly fjord. To many, this town is more charming than its sister UNESCO World Heritage Site, Dubrovnik, retaining more authenticity, but with fewer tourists and spared the war damage and subsequent rebuilding which has given Dubrovnik something of a Disney feel.Kotor's medieval Stari Grad (Old Town) is enclosed within well-preserved defensive walls built between the 9th and 18th centuries and is presided over by a proud hilltop fortress. Within the walls, a labyrinth of winding cobbled streets leads through a series of splendid paved piazzas, rimmed by centuries-old stone buildings. The squares are now haunted by strains from buskers but although many now house trendy cafés and chic boutiques, directions are still given medieval-style by reference to the town’s landmark churches.In the Middle Ages, as Serbia's chief port, Kotor was an important economic and cultural center with its own highly regarded schools of stonemasonry and iconography. From 1391 to 1420 it was an independent city-republic and later, it spent periods under Venetian, Austrian, and French rule, though it was undoubtedly the Venetians who left the strongest impression on the city's architecture. Since the breakup of Yugoslavia, some 70% of the stone buildings in the romantic Old Town have been snapped up by foreigners, mostly Brits and Russians. Porto Montenegro, a new marina designed to accommodate some of the world’s largest super yachts, opened in nearby Tivat in 2011, and along the bay are other charming seaside villages, all with better views of the bay than the vista from Kotor itself where the waterside is congested with cruise ships and yachts. Try sleepy Muo or the settlement of Prčanj in one direction around the bay, or Perast and the Roman mosaics of Risan in the other direction.
About Gallipoli
Kalè polis, meaning beautiful city, is the name ancient Greek mariners bestowed on Gallipoli, with good reason. Situated on a mound, the Old Town with its labyrinth of winding lanes, emerges from the Ionian Sea. It is connected to the mainland and modern Gallipoli via a 17th-century bridge. The area lies on the Salentina Peninsula in the extreme southeast end of Italy, commonly referred to as the heel of the boot. The Salento region was inhabited already in prehistoric times; later centuries were marked by Greek, Norman, Byzantine and Baroque cultures. It is a land of farms, castles, works of art, myths and legends. Many heroic battles were fought; fierce resistance was shown by Gallipoli’s citizens against numerous invaders that included Romans, Vandals, Swabians, Venetians, French and lastly the English in 1809. In addition to its tumultuous history and natural beauty, the city’s claim to fame rests in its art treasures, most notably, the Basilica of Sant’Agata with its majestic 17th-century façade. Inside, the church contains a rich and important art collection with numerous works by its great native son, Giovanni Andrea Coppola.
About Hvar Island
The Croatian island of Hvar bills itself as the "sunniest island in the Adriatic." Not only does it have the figures to back up this claim—an annual average of 2,724 hours of sunshine—but it also makes visitors a sporting proposition, offering them a money-back guarantee if there are seven consecutive days of snow (snow has been known to fall here; the last time being February 2012).
About Rijeka
Water is the essence of Kvarner, and the region's largest city expresses this simply. Whether in Croatian or Italian (Fiume) the translation of the name to English is the same: river. Although the history of Croatia's third city goes back to the days of Imperial Rome, modern Rijeka evolved under the rule of Austria-Hungary. The historic core retains vestiges of the old Habsburg monarchy from the time when Rijeka served as the empire's outlet to the Adriatic. During the 1960s, under Yugoslavia, the suburbs expanded rapidly. Rijeka is the country's largest port, with a huge shipyard, massive dry-dock facilities, refineries, and other heavy industries offering large-scale employment. Since the breakup of Yugoslavia, however, Rijeka's role as a shipping town has declined significantly. Much business shifted north to the smaller Slovene ports during the crippling wars of the 1990s, and although some has returned, the volume remains less than half that seen in 1980.
About Fusina
The iconic Owner’s Residence creates the largest living space on-board, with multiple harmonious indoor and outdoor spaces in which to relax, entertain and unwind, including dedicated private butler services by the Residence Manager.
Stand in awe of the panoramic ocean views from your expansive private terrace – extending over the full ship's aft width – with a spacious infinity whirlpool and elegant outdoor dining and lounging areas exquisitely designed by Manutti.
Every aspect of the ambiance of the Owner’s Residence reflects the meticulous curation of all details, conscious at all times of our commitment to sustainability; curated and handpicked decorative elements, sofas and chairs are by Knoll and Molteni & C, and sophisticated lighting solutions designed by Astep.
The Owner's Residence features an expansive stylishly decorated living area, a comfortable dining area for eight guests, a separate spacious bedroom with sea views, including a comfortable working space, an en-suite luxurious marble bathroom sculpted of precious Calacatta marble, with a bathtub a separate shower, a private steam room, and a walk-in wardrobe. The suite also features an additional guest powder room.
Features
- Dedicated private butler services by the Residence Manager
- Oversized floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the sea
- Separate living, dining and sleeping areas
- Abundant lounge area
- Dining table for 8 guests
- Spacious work desk area
- In-suite welcome bottle of Dom Pérignon
- Private bar, replenished according to the guests’ preferences
- Espresso machine, kettle and tea pot with a complimentary selection of coffee and teas
- Complimentary personal refillable water bottle for each guest
- Pair of binoculars for guests’ use during their journey
- Technogym Bench and Technogym Case Kit for an efficient in-suite fitness experience
- Safe accommodating most tablets and laptops
- Butler pantry area
Bedroom
- Bespoke king-sized bed sleep system - size: 200 x 200 cm (79 x 79 in)
- Down duvets and pillows
- Fine bed linens
- Extensive pillow selection
- Oversized dressing room
- Panoramic ocean-front terrace covering the full ship’s width, with a private spacious whirlpool, day beds, a dining table, a scenic lounge area, shower
Bathroom
- Luxurious marble double vanity bathroom
- Spacious bathtub and separate shower room
- Private steam room
- Plush bathrobes and bath linens
- Mandala Blue custom bath toiletries and amenities for Explora Journeys
- Dyson SupersonicTM hairdryer and illuminated make-up/shaving mirror
Additional guest powder room
*All images are a combination of photography and artist renderings.
The artist representations and interior decorations, finishes, and furnishings are provided for illustrative purposes only.
Our luxurious Retreat Residences offer oversized floor-to-ceiling windows leading onto a spacious sun terrace with a private whirlpool, as well as full spectacular views of the ship's forward part, featuring a privileged view of her navigation to celebrated and off-the-beaten path destinations.
For a true sense of being at home at sea, experience the effortlessly elegant spaces of the Retreat Residences include a stylishly decorated living area, a calm work space, a comfortable dining area for four, as well as a separate spacious bedroom with sea views and a spacious walk-in wardrobe with a seated vanity area. Sofas and chairs are by Molteni & C and the sophisticated lighting solutions are designed by Astep.
Each Retreat Residence includes butler services provided by our Residence Hosts, a private refrigerated mini bar – replenished according to the guests’ preferences, espresso machine, kettle and tea pot with a complimentary selection of coffee and teas.
Features
- Private butler services by our Residence Hosts
- Oversized floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the sea
- Separate living, dining and sleeping areas
- Spacious lounge area
- Dining table for 4 guests
- Spacious work desk area
- In-suite welcome bottle of champagne
- Private refrigerated minibar, replenished according to the guests’ preferences from a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
- Espresso machine, kettle and tea pot with a complimentary selection of coffee and teas
- Complimentary personal refillable water bottle for each guest
- Pair of binoculars for guests’ use during their journey
- Technogym Case Kit with a smart range of fitness gear
- Safe accommodating most tablets and laptops
Outdoor
- Spacious ocean-front terrace with private outdoor whirlpool and a dining table
Bedroom
- Bespoke king-sized bed sleep system - size: 200 x 200 cm (79 x 79 in)
- Double sofa bed
- Down duvets and pillows
- Fine bed linens
- Extensive pillow selection
- Spacious walk-in wardrobe with a seated vanity area
Bathroom
- Luxurious marble bathroom with a bathtub, a separate walk-in shower room and heated floors
- Plush bathrobes and bath linens
- Mandala Blue custom bath toiletries and amenities for Explora Journeys
- Dyson SupersonicTM hairdryer and illuminated make-up/shaving mirror
- Additional guest powder room
*All images are a combination of photography and artist renderings.
The artist representations and interior decorations, finishes, and furnishings are provided for illustrative purposes only.
For a true sense of being at home at sea, experience the effortlessly elegant spaces of the Cove Residences featuring a stylishly decorated living area, a calm work space, a comfortable dining area for four, as well as a separate bedroom with sea views and a spacious walk-in wardrobe with a seated vanity area. Sofas and chairs are by Molteni & C and the sophisticated lighting solutions are designed by Astep. The private sun terrace allows guests to unwind and savour the ocean featuring a private outdoor whirlpool, a dining table and sun loungers.
Each Cove Residence includes butler services provided by our Residence Hosts, a private refrigerated mini bar – replenished according to the guests’ preferences, espresso machine, kettle and tea pot with a complimentary selection of coffee and teas.
Features
- Private butler services by our Residence Hosts
- Oversized floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the sea
- Separate living, dining and sleeping area
- Spacious lounge area
- Dining table for 4 guests
- Spacious work desk area
- In-suite welcome bottle of champagne
- Private refrigerated minibar, replenished according to the guests’ preferences from a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
- Espresso machine, kettle and tea pot with a complimentary selection of coffee and teas
- Complimentary personal refillable water bottle for each guest
- Pair of binoculars for guests’ use during their journey
- Technogym Case Kit with a smart range of fitness gear
- Safe accommodating most tablets and laptops
Outdoor
- Spacious ocean-front terrace with private outdoor whirlpool, a dining table and sun loungers or a daybed
Bedroom
- Bespoke king-sized bed sleep system - size: 180 x 200 cm (71 x 79 in)
- Some suites feature twin beds – size: 2 x 90 x 200 cm (35 x 79 in)
- Double sofa bed
- Down duvets and pillows
- Fine bed linens
- Extensive pillow selection
- Spacious walk-in wardrobe with a seated vanity area
Bathroom
- Spacious bathroom with walk-in shower and heated floors
- Plush bathrobes and bath linens
- Mandala Blue custom bath toiletries and amenities for Explora Journeys
- Dyson SupersonicTM hairdryer and illuminated make-up/shaving mirror
*All images are a combination of photography and artist renderings.
The artist representations and interior decorations, finishes, and furnishings are provided for illustrative purposes only.
Abundant in space and light, the elegant Serenity Residences feature oversized floor-to-ceiling windows leading onto the expansive panoramic terrace on the ship's aft, including magnificent ocean views, a private outdoor whirlpool, a dining table, relaxing sun beds and a comfortable outdoor lounge designed by Molteni & C.
The Serenity Residences feature a large stylishly decorated living area, a comfortable dining area for four, with sofas and chairs by Molteni & C and sophisticated lighting solutions designed by Astep, as well as a comfortable working space. The separate spacious bedroom with sea views includes a walk-in wardrobe with a seated vanity area and an en-suite luxurious marble bathroom sculpted of precious Calacatta marble, with a bathtub and separate shower.
Each Serenity Residence includes butler services provided by our Residence Hosts, a private refrigerated mini bar – replenished according to the guests’ preferences, espresso machine, kettle and tea pot with a complimentary selection of coffee and teas.
Features
- Private butler services by our Residence Hosts
- Oversized floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the sea
- Separate living, dining and sleeping areas
- Spacious lounge area
- Dining table for 4 guests
- Spacious work desk area
- In-suite welcome bottle of champagne
- Private refrigerated minibar, replenished according to the guests’ preferences from a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
- Espresso machine, kettle and tea pot with a complimentary selection of coffee and teas
- Complimentary personal refillable water bottle for each guest
- Pair of binoculars for guests’ use during their journey
- Technogym Case Kit with a smart range of fitness gear
- Safe accommodating most tablets and laptops
Outdoor
- Panoramic ocean-front terrace with private outdoor whirlpool, a dining table, a daybed and sun loungers
Bedroom
- Bespoke king-sized bed sleep system - size: 180 x 200 cm (71 x 79 in)
- Some suites feature twin beds – size: 2 x 90 x 200 cm (35 x 79 in)
- Double sofa bed
- Down duvets and pillows
- Fine bed linens
- Extensive pillow selection
- Spacious walk-in wardrobe with a seated vanity area
Bathroom
- Luxurious marble bathroom with a bathtub, a separate walk-in shower room and heated floors
- Plush bathrobes and bath linens
- Mandala Blue custom bath toiletries and amenities for Explora Journeys
- Dyson SupersonicTM hairdryer and illuminated make-up/shaving mirror
*All images are a combination of photography and artist renderings.
The artist representations and interior decorations, finishes, and furnishings are provided for illustrative purposes only.
Our Cocoon Residences are amongst the most spacious of our Ocean Residences, featuring oversized floor-to-ceiling windows leading onto the expansive panoramic terrace on the ship's coveted aft deck. Here, guests can drink in the spectacular views from their private whirlpool, relax in sun beds or the comfortable outdoor lounge designed by Molteni & C, or enjoy dinner overlooking the ocean.
The Cocoon Residences feature a large stylishly decorated living area, a comfortable dining area for four, with sofas and chairs by Molteni & C and sophisticated lighting solutions designed by Astep, as well as a comfortable working space. The separate spacious bedroom with sea views includes a walk-in wardrobe with a seated vanity area and an en-suite luxurious marble bathroom sculpted of precious Calacatta marble, with a bathtub and separate shower. The suite also features an additional guest powder room.
Each Cocoon Residence includes butler services provided by our Residence Hosts, a private refrigerated mini bar – replenished according to the guests’ preferences, espresso machine, kettle and tea pot with a complimentary selection of coffee and teas.
Features
- Private butler services by our Residence Hosts
- Oversized floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the sea
- Separate living, dining and sleeping areas
- Spacious work desk area
- Dining table for 4 guests
- In-suite welcome bottle of champagne
- Private refrigerated minibar, replenished according to the guests’ preferences from a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
- Espresso machine, kettle and tea pot with a complimentary selection of coffee and teas
- Complimentary personal refillable water bottle for each guest
- Pair of binoculars for guests’ use during their journey
- Technogym Bench and Technogym Case Kit for an efficient in-suite fitness experience
- Safe accommodating most tablets and laptops
Outdoor
- Panoramic ocean-front terrace, with private outdoor whirlpool, a dining table, a scenic lounge area and sun loungers
Bedroom
- Bespoke king-sized bed sleep system - size: 200 x 200 cm (79 x 79 in)
- Double sofa bed
- Down duvets and pillows
- Fine bed linens
- Extensive pillow selection
- Spacious walk-in wardrobe with a seated vanity area
Bathroom
- Luxurious marble bathroom with a bathtub, a separate walk-in shower room and heated floors
- Plush bathrobes and bath linens
- Mandala Blue custom bath toiletries and amenities for Explora Journeys
- Dyson SupersonicTM hairdryer and illuminated make-up/shaving mirror
- Additional guest powder room
*All images are a combination of photography and artist renderings.
The artist representations and interior decorations, finishes, and furnishings are provided for illustrative purposes only.
The most spacious of our Ocean Penthouses, the Grand Penthouses offer elegant spaces with a separate stylish living area, a comfortable work space, a dining area for four, as well as a separate bedroom with sea views and a spacious walk-in wardrobe with a seated vanity area. The private sun terrace allows guests to unwind and savour the ocean, in the company of friends or one another, featuring a dining table and a daybed.
All Grand Penthouses include elegant lounge areas, private refrigerated mini bar – replenished according to the guests’ preferences, espresso machine, kettle and tea pot with a complimentary selection of coffee and teas.
Features
- Oversized floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the sea
- Separate living, dining and sleeping areas
- Spacious lounge area
- Dining table for 4 guests
- Spacious work desk area
- In-suite welcome bottle of champagne
- Private refrigerated minibar, replenished according to the guests’ preferences from a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
- Espresso machine, kettle and tea pot with a complimentary selection of coffee and teas
- Complimentary personal refillable water bottle for each guest
- Pair of binoculars for guests’ use during their journey
- Technogym Case Kit with a smart range of fitness gear
- Safe accommodating most tablets and laptops
Outdoor
- Spacious ocean-front terrace with a dining area
- Comfortable daybed for relaxation
Bedroom
- Bespoke king-sized bed sleep system - size: 180 x 200 cm (71 x 79 in)
- Some suites feature twin beds – size: 2 x 90 x 200 cm (35 x 79 in)
- Double sofa bed
- Down duvets and pillows
- Fine bed linens
- Extensive pillow selection
- Spacious walk-in wardrobe with a seated vanity area
Bathroom
- Spacious bathroom with a walk-in shower and heated floors
- Plush bathrobes and bath linens
- Mandala Blue custom bath toiletries and amenities for Explora Journeys
- Dyson SupersonicTM hairdryer and illuminated make-up/shaving mirror
*All images are a combination of photography and artist renderings.
The artist representations and interior decorations, finishes, and furnishings are provided for illustrative purposes only.
The light-filled, luxurious Premier Penthouses are designed for withdrawing in style or entertaining other guests – at a dining table laid for four, in the stylish living area and on the private sun terrace featuring a dining table area and a daybed overlooking the ocean.
All Premier Penthouses include elegant lounge areas, a separate bedroom with spacious walk-in wardrobe and a seated vanity area, private refrigerated mini bar – replenished according to the guests’ preferences, espresso machine, kettle and tea pot with a complimentary selection of coffee and teas.
Features
- Oversized floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the sea
- Separate living, dining and sleeping areas
- Spacious lounge area
- Dining table for 4 guests
- In-suite welcome bottle of champagne
- Private refrigerated minibar, replenished according to the guests’ preferences from a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
- Espresso machine, kettle and tea pot with a complimentary selection of coffee and teas
- Complimentary personal refillable water bottle for each guest
- Pair of binoculars for guests’ use during their journey
- Technogym Case Kit with a smart range of fitness gear
- Safe accommodating most tablets and laptops
Outdoor
- Spacious ocean-front terrace with a dining area
- Comfortable daybed for relaxation
Bedroom
- Bespoke king-sized bed sleep system - size: 180 x 200 cm (71 x 79 in)
- Some suites feature twin beds – size: 2 x 90 x 200 cm (35 x 79 in)
- Some suites feature a sofa bed
- Down duvets and pillows
- Fine bed linens
- Extensive pillow selection
- Spacious walk-in wardrobe with a seated vanity area
Bathroom
- Spacious bathroom with a walk-in shower and heated floors
- Plush bathrobes and bath linens
- Mandala Blue custom bath toiletries and amenities for Explora Journeys
- Dyson SupersonicTM hairdryer and illuminated make-up/shaving mirror
*All images are a combination of photography and artist renderings.
The artist representations and interior decorations, finishes, and furnishings are provided for illustrative purposes only.
Flooded with light from the floor-to-ceiling oversized windows, the Deluxe Penthouses offer elegant accommodation and a stylish living area, a separate dining area for four, as well as a work space. The private sun terrace with a dining table and a daybed allows guests to feel closer to the ocean as it carries them on their journey.
All Deluxe Penthouses include elegant lounge areas, private refrigerated mini bar – replenished according to the guests’ preferences, espresso machine, kettle and tea pot with a complimentary selection of coffee and teas, and feature spacious walk-in wardrobes with a seated vanity area.
Features
- Oversized floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the sea
- Spacious lounge area
- Dining table for 4 guests
- Some suites feature a spacious work desk area
- In-suite welcome bottle of champagne
- Private refrigerated minibar, replenished according to the guests’ preferences from a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
- Espresso machine, kettle and tea pot with a complimentary selection of coffee and teas
- Complimentary personal refillable water bottle for each guest
- Pair of binoculars for guests’ use during their journey
- Technogym Case Kit with a smart range of fitness gear
- Safe accommodating most tablets and laptops
Outdoor
- Spacious ocean-front terrace with a dining area
- Comfortable daybed or lounge chairs for relaxation
Bedroom
- Bespoke king-sized bed sleep system - size: 180 x 200 cm (71 x 79 in)
- Some suites feature twin beds – size: 2 x 90 x 200 cm (35 x 79 in)
- Down duvets and pillows
- Fine bed linens
- Extensive pillow selection
- Spacious walk-in wardrobe with a seated vanity area
Bathroom
- Spacious bathroom with a walk-in shower and heated floors
- Plush bathrobes and bath linens
- Mandala Blue custom bath toiletries and amenities for Explora Journeys
- Dyson SupersonicTM hairdryer and illuminated make-up/shaving mirror
- Some suites feature bathtubs
*All images are a combination of photography and artist renderings.
The artist representations and interior decorations, finishes, and furnishings are provided for illustrative purposes only.
Each of our Penthouses offers a spacious living area and a separate dining area for four, allowing guests to entertain others or retreat in style as they see fit. Floor-to ceiling doors lead onto an expansive private sun terrace with a dining table and a daybed for ultimate relaxation at sea.
All Penthouses include elegant lounge areas, private refrigerated mini bar – replenished according to the guests’ preferences, espresso machine, kettle and tea pot with a complimentary selection of coffee and teas, and feature spacious walk-in wardrobes with a seated vanity area.
Features
- Oversized floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the sea
- Spacious lounge area
- Dining table for 4 guests
- In-suite welcome bottle of champagne
- Private refrigerated minibar, replenished according to the guests’ preferences from a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
- Espresso machine, kettle and tea pot with a complimentary selection of coffee and teas
- Complimentary personal refillable water bottle for each guest
- Pair of binoculars for guests’ use during their journey
- Technogym Case Kit with a smart range of fitness gear
- Safe accommodating most tablets and laptops
Outdoor
- Spacious ocean-front terrace with a dining area
- Comfortable daybed for relaxation
Bedroom
- Bespoke king-sized bed sleep system - size: 180 x 200 cm (71 x 79 in)
- Some suites feature twin beds – size: 2 x 90 x 200 cm (35 x 79 in)
- Down duvets and pillows
- Fine bed linens
- Extensive pillow selection
- Spacious walk-in wardrobe with a seated vanity area
Bathroom
- Spacious bathroom with a walk-in shower and heated floors
- Plush bathrobes and bath linens
- Mandala Blue custom bath toiletries and amenities for Explora Journeys
- Dyson SupersonicTM hairdryer and illuminated make-up/shaving mirror
*All images are a combination of photography and artist renderings.
The artist representations and interior decorations, finishes, and furnishings are provided for illustrative purposes only.
Our Ocean Grand Terrace Suites are situated on decks 6 and 7, offering a more spacious private sun terrace featuring a dining table and a daybed, allowing guests to savour the ocean from the comfort of their daybed.
All Ocean Grand Terrace Suites include elegant lounge areas, private refrigerated mini bar – replenished according to the guests’ preferences, espresso machine, kettle and tea pot with a complimentary selection of coffee and teas, and feature spacious walk-in wardrobes with a seated vanity area.
Features
- Oversized floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the sea
- Lounge area with coffee/dining table
- In-suite welcome bottle of champagne
- Private refrigerated minibar, replenished according to the guests’ preferences from a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
- Espresso machine, kettle and tea pot with a complimentary selection of coffee and teas
- Complimentary personal refillable water bottle for each guest
- Pair of binoculars for guests’ use during their journey
- Safe accommodating most tablets and laptops
Outdoor
- Spacious ocean-front terrace with a dining area
- Comfortable daybed for relaxation
Bedroom
- Bespoke king-sized bed sleep system - size: 180 x 200 cm (71 x 79 in)
- Some suites feature twin beds – size: 2 x 90 x 200 cm (35 x 79 in)
- Down duvets and pillows
- Fine bed linens
- Extensive pillow selection
- Spacious walk-in wardrobe with a seated vanity area
Bathroom
- Spacious bathroom with a walk-in shower and heated floors
- Plush bathrobes and bath linens
- Mandala Blue custom bath toiletries and amenities for Explora Journeys
- Dyson SupersonicTM hairdryer and illuminated make-up/shaving mirror
- Some suites feature a bathtub
*All images are a combination of photography and artist renderings.
The artist representations and interior decorations, finishes, and furnishings are provided for illustrative purposes only.
Our Ocean Terrace Suites are amongst the largest entry-level suites in the industry. Each one has floor-to-ceiling windows, and a private sun terrace featuring a dining table and a daybed, allowing guests to feel closer to the ocean as it carries them on their journey.
All Ocean Terrace Suites include elegant lounge areas, private refrigerated mini bar – replenished according to the guests’ preferences, espresso machine, kettle and tea pot with a complimentary selection of coffee and teas, and feature spacious walk-in wardrobes with a seated vanity area.
Features
- Oversized floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the sea
- Lounge area with coffee/dining table
- In-suite welcome bottle of champagne
- Private refrigerated minibar, replenished according to the guests’ preferences from a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
- Espresso machine, kettle and tea pot with a complimentary selection of coffee and teas
- Complimentary personal refillable water bottle for each guest
- Pair of binoculars for guests’ use during their journey
- Safe accommodating most tablets and laptops
Outdoors
- Spacious oceanfront terrace with a dining area
- Comfortable daybed for relaxation
- Terrace Area: 7 sqm
Outdoor
- Spacious oceanfront terrace with a dining area
- Comfortable daybed for relaxation
- Terrace Area: 7 sqm
Bedroom
- Bespoke king-sized bed sleep system - size: 180 x 200 cm (71 x 79 in)
- Some suites feature twin beds – size: 2 x 90 x 200 cm (35 x 79 in)
- Down duvets and pillows
- Fine bed linens
- Extensive pillow selection
- Spacious walk-in wardrobe with a seated vanity area
Bathroom
- Spacious bathroom with a walk-in shower and heated floors
- Plush bathrobes and bath linens
- Mandala Blue custom bath toiletries and amenities for Explora Journeys
- Dyson SupersonicTM hairdryer and illuminated make-up/shaving mirror
- Some suites feature a bathtub
*All images are a combination of photography and artist renderings.
The artist representations and interior decorations, finishes, and furnishings are provided for illustrative purposes only.
EXPLORA II
Discover EXPLORA II, a beautifully crafted haven, the epitome of vibrant, cosmopolitan European elegance – a floating home-away-from-home
Ship Facts
| Launch Year | 2023 | ||||||
| Refit Year | |||||||
| Language | en | ||||||
| Gross Tonnage | 63900 | ||||||
| Length | 248 | ||||||
| Width | 32 | ||||||
| Currency | EUR | ||||||
| Speed | 18 | ||||||
| Capacity | 1473 | ||||||
| Crew Count | 640 | ||||||
| Deck Count | 11 | ||||||
| Cabin Count | 461 | ||||||
| Large Cabin Count | N/A | ||||||
| Wheelchair Cabin Count | N/A | ||||||
| Electrical Plugs |
|
Deck 14
- Sports Court
- Whirlpool
- Ocean Wellness Open Air Fitness
- Sky Bar On 14
Deck 12
- Helios Pool & Lounge (Adults Only)
- Running Track
- Whirlpools
- Staircase
- Lift
Deck 11
- Explora Lounge
- Private Dining Room
- Malt Whiskey Bar
- Chef's Kitchen
Nautilus Club
- The Conservatory Pool & Bar
- Indoor Whirlpool
- Gelateria & Creperie
- Emporium Marketplace Restaurant
- Emporium Marketplace Restaurant Outdoor Seating
- Staircase
- Lift
Deck 10
- Bridge
- Ocean Wellness Fitness Centre
- Atoll Pool & Bar
- Grand Penthouse
- Deluxe Penthouse
- Cove Residence
- Premier Penthouse
- Ocean Terrace Suite
- Bridge
- Staircase
- Lift
Deck 9
- Retreat Residence
- Ocean Terrace Suite
- Cove Residence
- Grand Penthouse
- Premier Penthouse
- Deluxe Penthouse
- Penthouse
- Serenity Residence
- Guest Laundry
- Staircase
- Lift
Deck 8
- Owner's Residence
- Retreat Residence
- Ocean Terrace Suite
- Penthouse
- Premier Penthouse
- Grand Penthouse
- Cove Residence
- Staircase
- Lift
Deck 7
- Retreat Residence
- Ocean Grand Terrace Suite
- Ocean Terrace Suite
- Grand Penthouse
- Cove Residence
- Deluxe Penthouse
- Penthouse
- Serenity Residence
- Staircase
- Lift
Deck 6
- Cocoon Residence
- Penthouse
- Deluxe Penthouse
- Ocean Grand Terrace Suite
- Ocean Terrace Suite
- Grand Penthouse
- Cove Residence
- Staircase
- Lift
Deck 5
- Ocean Wellness The Spa
- Future Journeys Ambassadors
- Anthology Restaurant
- Crema Café
- Marble & Co. Grill Restaurant
- Galleria D'Arte
- MSC Foundation
- Astern Lounge
- Sakura Restaurant
- Astern Pool & Bar
- Staircase
- Lift
Deck 4
- Journeys Lounge
- The Casino
- Guest Services
- Destination Experiences
- Lobby & Lobby Bar
- Piaget
- Buccellati
- The Journey
- Cartier
- Panerai
- Med Yacht Club Restaurant
- Fil Rouge Restaurant
- Staircase
- Lift
Deck 3
- Medical Centre
- Staircase
- Lift
A Diversity of Culinary Riches through Nine Distinct Dining Experiences
Worldly, sophisticated, and well-travelled, our food and beverage experts bring an abundance of experience and artistry to the curation of our immersive, onboard dining experiences. Seasonal and soulful, each dish and drinks tells a story, elevating our culinary offering to an unforgettable experience at sea.
All Journeys Include:
In-suite bottle of champagne and spirit of guests’ choice on arrival
Authentic, cultured and intuitive service from our team of hospitality experts
Nine distinct culinary experiences, including in-suite dining: Emporium Marketplace, Sakura, Marble & Co. Grill, Med Yacht Club, Fil Rouge, Crema Café, Gelateria & Creperie at The Conservatory, Explora Lounge.
For fine wine and spirits connoisseurs or those wishing to elevate their experience, an ultra-exquisite selection of wines, spirits, and liqueurs, is also available to purchase.
Anthology
A Gastronomic Discovery
Taking guests on a unique culinary journey through Italy.
Refined Italian Cuisine
As our signature fine-dining experience, Anthology elevates Italian cuisine, offering an unparalleled gastronomic adventure.
From the renowned flavours of Piedmont’s truffle-rich countryside in the North, to the famed specialities of Italy’s South, each plate celebrates the local produce and time-honoured techniques of every region in Italy.
The menu is an ingenious display of creativity – a vibrant tapestry of regional flavours and authentic ingredients which invites guests to immerse themselves in the different styles and tastes of Italy’s universally loved cuisine.
Contemporary, Refined Elegance
With the opportunity to dine outdoors, Anthology offers an intimate yet elevated dining atmosphere with flawless, attentive service.
- Indoor seating: 48
- Outdoor seating: 22
- Open for dinner
- Reservations recommended
- An Exclusive Experience Fee Applies
- Located on Deck 5
Sakura
Named after the cherry blossom - the national flower of Japan - and symbolic of renewal and optimism, Sakura offers Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese, and Malaysian flavours for a taste of Pan-Asian cuisine that is both authentic and energising.
The space takes inspiration from Japan’s rich cultural heritage blended with distinct Japanese design cues, to create an intimate and welcoming environment. The ancient tea rooms of Kyoto provide the inspiration for Sakura's aesthetic, where dark wood frames lead your eye to the ceiling, adorned with a blossom tree canopy which envelops diners in a warm atmosphere of festoon lights.
Authenticity extends to the kitchen, where chefs follow traditional techniques – using only the very best carefully sourced ingredients.
Expansive ocean views, a Sake sommelier, Asian-influenced beverages - including a curated selection of sakes and shōchū - combined with seamless further enhance the experience.
Signature Dishes at Sakura
Wagyu beef tataki, wakame salad, smoked Madagascan pepper
Our sustainably sourced prime grade five Japanese wagyu beef is delicately torched by our chefs: an authentic method of cooking that ensures that the cut's best qualities are preserved.
Makrut lime pavlova, mango brunoise, passion fruit, mango sorbet
A fusion of east and west, this unique interpretation of pavlova is a perfect representation of the passionate, creative expertise and multicultural diversity of our talented pastry team .
Kale salad
Another example of our chefs’ ingenuity, a humble kale salad is transformed into culinary art for our guests to enjoy. This superfood salad represents a fusion of clean living with the flavours of Asia.
- Indoor seating: 92
- Outdoor seating: 26
- Open for lunch and dinner
- Reservations recommended
- The Sushi Bar is open-seating on a first come first served basis.
- Located on Deck 5
Marble & Co. Grill
Inspired by the marbling found in only the finest beef, Marble & Co. Grill serves exceptional cuts, personally sourced and sustainably farmed.
The menu has been designed to take guests on a journey of discovery, with sumptuous, rare meats sourced for their flavour and distinctive provenance. More than a steakhouse, Marble & Co is the realisation of a vision where careful attention to ingredients and passion for cooking come together to create a truly special dining experience.
This redefined European steakhouse experience is reflected through the modern, understated yet sophisticated design with soft lighting and relaxed, attentive service. The experience is augmented by an in-house dry ager and a cellar boasting a superb selection of fine wines.
Signature Dishes at Marble & Co. Grill
Grilled prime rib, aged 30-days, cherry tomatoes, Hollandaise sauce
Provenance and quality take centre stage, to create the finest version of a steakhouse classic. From a local producer in Deux Sévres region of the lush Loire Valleé, it’s clear why the famous Jersiaise breed, renowned for its sensational flavour and intense marbling, is one of the most sought-after cuts or prime rib. To truly appreciate this beautiful cut, it is topped simply with cherry tomatoes and a sumptuous Hollandaise sauce.
Crushed fingerling potatoes, Le Beurre Bordier butter from Normandy, Calvisius Oscietra caviar, crème fraîche, chives
A simple dish executed with the finest ingredients. The crushed fingerling potatoes are made with Bordier butter, arguably, the finest butter in the world, served only in the finest establishments. Potatoes are topped with Calvisius Oscietra caviar, known the world over for being some of the best quality caviar available; the caviar is sustainably produced in Italy, in an area rich with fresh spring water, contributing to its high quality and low-salt flavour.
- Indoor seating: 80
- Outdoor seating: 10
- Open for dinner
- Reservations recommended
- Located on Deck 5
Med Yacht Club
A relaxed celebration of the flavours, ambience and la dolce vita of the Mediterranean.
Inspired by sailings across crystal clear waters, the Med Yacht Club is influenced by sophisticated, beachside Mediterranean restaurants, embracing the varied cuisines of the region.
Effortlessly refined in its design, space creates a relaxed, convivial atmosphere, where bright sunshine streams through large portholes and Med-influenced music transports guests on a culinary journey inspired by the sea.
Infusing the tastes and textures of Italy, Spain, Greece, France, and North Africa – while incorporating plant-based, vegetarian and wholesome ingredients – the menu serves sharing plates for guests to enjoy with friends and family alike.
Wines too showcase the rich vineyards of the Mediterranean, with fresh juices and cocktails honouring regional produce.
Signature Dishes at Med Yacht Club
Grilled octopus, San Marzano tomato sauce, Taggiasca olives, green beans, parsley
If ever there were a singular dish to represent the importance provenance plays in the ingredients used onboard Explora Journeys, then this is surely it. Sharp sundried Taggiasca olives compliment the sweet San Marzano tomatoes, creating a perfectly balanced bed for the expertly grilled, sustainably sourced octopus.
Sweet caprese with cherry tomatoes, strawberries, burrata, pesto
A true representation of the creativity and skill of our chefs, this sweet interpretation of an Italian classic will surprise and delight in equal measure. The finest cherry tomatoes and strawberries create an intriguing base, upon which our burrata sits adorned with even more sweet tomatoes and strawberries with a drizzle of pesto from Sicilian Bronte pistachios.
- Indoor seating: 136 (34 at the bar)
- Open for lunch and dinner
- Located on Deck 4
Emporium Marketplace
Energetic all-day dining, celebrating the finest flavours from across the globe.
Drawn from the Greek word emporion (ἐμπόριον), an Emporium is defined as a place offering many different things.
Onboard Explora Journeys, the Emporium Marketplace draws on this origin, providing an effortless all-day dining space, bringing global culinary talent and produce to the fore. Offering diverse cuisines with a focus on quality, Emporium Marketplace allows guests total flexibility in what they choose to eat, and when.
Bathed in natural light, several separate cooking stations evolve throughout the day with white marble and minimalist design accents, allowing the freshest ingredients to take centre stage.
Dishes include sushi, fresh seafood and a daily rotisserie offering grilled, roasted, and slow-cooked meats. Pasta is cooked to order, and freshly baked pizzas and bread are on offer as are home-made sandwiches. Charcuterie, fromagerie, boulangerie and patisserie stations add even more choice.
A selection of wines, champagne and beverages are also available to complement meals throughout the day.
Signature Dishes at Emporium Marketplace
Handmade tortelloni, ricotta cheese, spinach, tomato-sage butter
It’s often the simplest dishes that take great skill. Our tortelloni are made onboard from scratch every day in the authentic Italian way. Carefully selected flour is used to make dough that has the correct degree of elasticity; this is essential to giving the tortelloni their mouth-watering light and silky texture.
Plant based chia yoghurt
Our chia yoghurt is daily made from homemade cashew milk, creating a fusion of delicious creamy flavours for guests to enjoy each morning.
- Indoor seating: 271
- Outdoor seating: 70
- Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Located on Deck 11
Fil Rouge
A global tasting tour to French-inspired international cuisine.
A common red thread that unites international flavours with a French influence. Fil Rouge is a sophisticated and intimate restaurant, offering a global tasting tour of French-inspired international cuisine, where guests are encouraged to take their time to appreciate both the cuisine and the intimate ambience.
A universal, timeless dining experience, Fil Rouge is a visual articulation of the fundamentals of elegance. Intricate hexagons representing the simplest expression of perfection contrast with clean white walls adorned with inspiring works of art.
An elegant dessert cart tempts with the freshest creations served tableside, and a superb wine selection showcases the best of both the Old and New World vineyards.
Signature Dish at Fil Rouge
Tuna tataki, crispy tomato-olive tart, vegetables, vanilla white pepper
Sustainably raised and caught in the open Mediterranean Sea close to the Cartagena Bay, the Mediterranean Bluefin tuna sourced by our chefs is some of the best grade to be found anywhere in the world.
- Indoor seating: 222
- Open for breakfast and dinner
- Located on Deck 4
Chef's Kitchen
Offering an enriching, hands-on culinary experience set within an intimate, ocean-front private kitchen.
The Chef’s Kitchen offers a range of enriching, hands-on culinary experience set within an intimate, ocean-front private kitchen.
Guided by our team of world-class chefs, immersive and interactive cooking classes invite guests of all skill levels to embrace the art of creating exquisite dishes – step by step, side by side with culinary masters and fellow travellers.
With intuitive guidance and a dash of playfulness, guests explore new techniques, uncover inspired flavour pairings, and work with beautifully curated ingredients that reflect the spirit of the sea and the lands we sail through. More than a cooking class, it’s a social and sensory celebration – where learning is joyful, conversation flows freely, and food is savoured in good company.
Each experience culminates in the nearby private dining room, where the class – guests and chefs alike – gathers to enjoy the dishes they’ve prepared together.
- Indoor seating: 12
- An exclusive experience fee applies
Gelateria & Creperie at The Conservatory
Authentic French and Italian indulgences served poolside.
Set in the relaxed, weather-protected poolside Conservatory, this is the place to treat yourself to authentic French and Italian indulgencies.
- Open during the day
In-Suite Dining
Refined dining in the comfort of your suite or private terrace.
Our guests can enjoy an array of cuisines at any time, day or night, in the comfort of their suite or private terrace. Available 24 hours, the menu offers guests a taste of each of our unique dining destinations.
- Available 24 hours
An elegant, cosmopolitan atmosphere in which to discover, enjoy and appreciate diverse flavours and talents from around the world
Our Bars & Lounges offer the perfect blend of vibrancy and privacy across more than 12 indoor and outdoor settings.
Reimagining Entertainment & Enrichment at Sea
Curated entertainment designed to stimulate the mind. Every aspect of the programme onboard Explora Journeys is thoughtfully curated to meet the needs of the curious, discerning traveller.
The ultimate luxury shopping experience at sea
Immerse yourself in opulence, exploring our exclusive boutiques featuring Rolex, Cartier, Panerai, Piaget and Buccellati. Icons of craftsmanship that reflect Explora Journeys' European heritage and commitment to excellence.
Journeys Lounge
Mixology, enrichment and entertainment continuously evolving throughout the day.
The most spacious onboard lounge features mixology specialists, enrichment activities and cabaret-style entertainment daily. This venue is designed to continuously evolve and transform throughout the day along with the ocean journey.
- Indoor seating: 210
- Located on Deck 4
Explora Lounge
A luminous lounge offering spectacular 270-degree views of the ocean, a spectacular backdrop to informal drinking and dining.
Explora Lounge is a central meeting place bathed in natural bright light, where guests can watch the world sail by as they enjoy light meals, snacks, and traditional afternoon tea. Perfect for a quiet moment to read, work or sip a coffee, or simply admire the beautiful sea-facing views which instantly ease the mind into a calming space.
Cool and soothing background music during the day is transformed into a jazz and piano bar at night. This is the perfect soundtrack to your journey paired with a sunset aperitivo in hand.
Guests can enjoy light meals, snacks, traditional afternoon tea, along with inventive modern cocktails barista-made coffees, loose leaf teas, smoothies, and fresh pressed juices.
- Indoor seating: 149
- Outdoor seating: 38
- Located on Deck 11
Astern Pool & Bar
An all-day pool and outdoor lounge at the water's edge.
An all-day lounge next to the infinity pool, ideal for a waterfront escape offering chilled beach club vibes, with low background music by day and acoustic musicians and DJs as the sun sets, continuing throughout the evening.
Outdoor dining is available from nearby restaurant, Sakura in the form of nutritious bento boxes, conveniently served seated at a table, a lounger or a poolside sunbed.
- Outdoor seating: 122 (Includes sunbeds, lounge chairs and bar seating)
- Located on Deck 5
Astern Lounge
An all-day lounge and oceanfront escape opening onto the Astern Pool.
The Astern Lounge is the social hub of any journey, with a collection of daily events and happenings suited to every taste.
Effortlessly transitioning throughout the day, Astern Lounge hosts live music, DJ sessions and enrichment insights with a collection of handpicked tastemakers. Coming to life at sundown, the lounge perfects the aperitivo through a nightly ritual celebrating golden hour, complemented by live entertainment.
- Indoor seating: 70
- Located on Deck 5
The Conservatory Pool & Bar
An all-day poolside lounge protected from the elements.
The Conservatory is a weather-protected poolside lounge by day. By night, it turns into a cinema experience under the stars. A relaxed, calming venue to unwind and enjoy cocktails, with light, lively background music playing throughout the day.
- Indoor seating: 52
- Located on Deck 11
Lobby Bar
A centrally-located social bar and lounge.
A central gathering social bar and lounge, amongst high-end boutiques, provides the ideal spot to enjoy refreshments throughout the day and night.
- Indoor seating: 40
- Located on Deck 4
Malt Whisky Bar
A refined tour across the globe’s most celebrated whiskey regions.
Set within the Explora Lounge, Malt offers a refined tour of the global whisky regions, including some of the rarest whiskies, complete with a walk-in humidor, cigar expert and a dedicated outdoor cigar-smoking terrace.
Alongside its drinks menu with an emphasis on dark brown spirits the bar also features an outdoor smoking area for guests to enjoy their hand-rolled cigars*, selected with the guidance of our cigar expert. A range of signature whiskey-based cocktails are also available, curated exclusively for Explora Journeys and served accompanied by the smooth sounds of jazz.
- Indoor seating: 20
- Located on Deck 11
Crema Café
Bustling European all-day café culture on the world’s oceans.
A luxurious layer of crema nods to the freshness of an espresso and aptly lends authenticity and sophistication to a café at the centre of life on board.
Inspired by modern European café culture, Crema Café has softy stylish interiors with comfortable lounge seating, with access to a choice of reading materials and all set against uninterrupted views of the sea. A place to meet, discuss, unwind, taste and indulge, where like-minded guests gather to mingle and converse.
Coffee is chosen by selected connoisseurs who have travelled the world exploring fair-trade coffee origin, character, and strength. Discover the refined methods of brewing coffee from skilled baristas, taste high-quality loose-leaf teas with an on-hand tea expert, or enjoy refreshing cold-pressed juices. A glass display showcases pastries, cakes, desserts and sweets including madeleines, cannelés, biscotti, navette sandwiches as well as gelato throughout the day.
- Indoor seating: 62
- Outdoor seating: 16
- Located on Deck 5
Atoll Pool & Bar
An intimate pool with a chilled vibe throughout the day.
Here, guests can enjoy the sun, sea and serenity along with sunny, sparkling and colourful drinks.
- Outdoor seating: 138 (Includes sunbeds, lounge chairs and bar seating)
- Located on Deck 10
Helios Pool & Bar
A panoramic adults-only pool and lounge experience.
Inspired by the Ancient Greek god of the sun, and also literally meaning “sun” in Greek, this adults-only area is indeed the sunniest venue onboard, panoramically facing forward on deck 12. Enjoy lying by the pool or lounging throughout the day as you watch the ship sail through the sea.
- Outdoor seating: 100 (Includes sunbeds, lounge chairs and bar seating)
- Located on Deck 12
Sky Bar On 14
Refreshing cocktails and infinite views in a sophisticated outdoor setting.
Set on the ship’s highest point, on deck 14, this panoramic outdoor lounge setting is ideal for soothing cocktails and infinite views.
- Located on Deck 14
Events
Explora Journeys offers a diverse programme of enriching and delectable events. Designed to connect guests, hosts and luminaries.
Captain’s Log Secrets of the Sail
Guests will walk the Ship alongside the Captain or Bridge Officers. Discover how ancient seafaring methods have paved the way to the mind-boggling technology of today. Get to know the team who sail us safely around the globe.
Bal Mythos
At the stroke of midnight, guests will don handcrafted masks of local gods and goddesses. Now is the time to revel in a fully immersive club vibe as they dance to resident artists and singers.
Midnight Wayfinder
With dreamy guitar music and storytelling under the stars, guests learn how sailors have long relied on the sea, wind and sky to bring them safely to shore.
Inferno
An unforgettable nod to the glamour of Manhattan’s Studio 54, Soul Train, and Europe’s 1970s discos, where guests can let their hair down, enjoy cocktails from the era, and dance the night away.
Experiences
Unique, curated, immersive and captivating, experiences provide unforgettable moments to be savoured.
Decadence
The themes of this fabulously indulgent experience switch from lounge to lounge, with live music, immersive performances and an air of lavishness that make The Great Gatsby look second-rate.
An Evening by Candlelight
An intimate and cosy part of every Journey, guest artists, musicians and vocalists perform in the main lounges softly lit by candlelight. Experiences range from classical to movie soundtracks.
Le Jazz
Guests enjoying journeys that take in France can let go in a Parisian jazz club experience, accompanied by French martinis and canapés.
Let the Good Times Roll
Jiving to New Orleans jazz cabaret is an essential part of a Caribbean journey, with a Creole menu, absinthe cocktails and dazzling musicianship
Casino
Explore the intimate, elegant space of The Casino and its diverse gaming offerings: from thrilling poker and blackjack tables to the excitement of American roulette, baccarat elegance, and the chance to hit it big with progressive slot machines.
The Journey
Inspired by the Ocean State of Mind and influenced by the destinations we visit, The Journey is more than just a place to browse.
Shop fragrance, skincare, apparel, homeware, accessories and fine foods.
Our Inspiration
Every item available is a celebration of creativity, passion, and the power of discovery, each with its own magical story to tell.
Discovery
We champion small, luxury, locally-influenced brands with unique stories to tell, inviting our guests on a journey of discovery into the diverse cultures, flavours, and skills of the visionaries in the destinations we visit.
Consciousness
We are dedicated to partnering with brands that prioritise sustainability, using regenerative, recycled, and natural materials at the heart of the production process; supporting slow fashion and waste reduction, and reducing our environmental impact.
Provenance and Craftmanship
Our products are a celebration of the artisan: skilled craftspeople, artists, smaller suppliers, and designers who pour their passion and creativity into every detail, with a focus on quality materials and finishing.
Collections
More than just a place to buy, our retail experience is a journey of discovery, consciousness, and craftsmanship with provenance. Explore our unique collection of over 30 of the finest artisanal brands that share a commitment to caring for people and planet.
Sensorial Fragrances & Skincare
Regionally inspired, our carefully selected collection of niche fragrance brands showcases the rarest and most precious natural ingredients, for a memorable sensory experience.
Effortless Ready-to-Wear
Unparalleled comfort and style, a curated collectionfor men and women, designed to envelop the wearer in effortless confidence and ease.
Homeware & Gifting
Distinct pieces, beautifully designed for aesthetics and ergonomics. The perfect tokens to take home with you or gift to a loved one following your journey.
Timeless Accessories
Crafted to perfection and designed to last a lifetime, our timeless collection spans scarves, lather goods, eyewear and lifestyle accessories.
Fine Food & Drink
Savour the essence of your travels through the finest food and beverages, carefully selected to showcase small producers, unforgettable flavours and unique stories.
ENCORE
By Explora Journeys
Pre-loved luxury, sustainably yours. Timeless icons, given new life.
Some treasures are too precious for just one story. ENCORE offers a curated collection of authenticated, pre-loved luxury bags and accessories, each with a past as unique as its future.
From rare finds to timeless icons, every piece has been lovingly restored and meticulously verified for quality and authenticity.
Our Bespoke Fragrance
Introducing Mandala Blue by Explora Journeys, the scent of the ship, curated with master perfumer Alberto Morillas.
A fragrance that relaxes, connects, awakens the senses and ultimately transforms.
Cue notes that echo the ocean with enchanting freshness, layered alongside dominant woody and spicy signatures.
Available to purchase from The Journey.
Brand Selection
We’re committed to partnering with brands who reflect our own commitment to sustainable practices and environmental consciousness. It is why we are the first retail experience on the water to seek out partners with relevant certifications, ensuring a positive approach to their production practices.
B-Corp Certified Partners
Ensuring the highest standards in social and environmental performance.
Positive Luxury – Brands to Trust
The Butterfly Mark certification is an independent, globally respected trust mark awarded to luxury brands, retailers and suppliers that meet the highest standards of verified ESG+ performance