Within an hour of a quick check-in, all suites were ready and we were delighted by the Ocean Terrace 4 suite we had been allocated on deck 10.

It was an interconnecting room (which didn’t have any impact on the room at all) located opposite the elevators and gym entrance and below the buffet restaurant. The level of insulation however, meant that there were no noise issues whatsoever.

The Sunset Hideaway: Rooftop Lounge Beats with Resident DJ at the Sky Bar was the perfect chilled vibe as we sailed away from San Juan.

With five pools to choose from, we had to try them all! My favourite was the Astern infinity pool on deck 5. The conservatory pool with a retractable roof and large screen is great when there is bad weather while the area doubles-up as a cinema in the evening.

The Spa was visited by us on more than one occasion – the aromatherapy showers were magnificent!

At mealtimes we were spoilt for choice and that’s just with the buffet restaurant. There was so much to choose from and it was handed to us rather than helping yourself. Don’t miss Fil Rouge for breakfast, Med Yacht Club for a special lunch and dinner at Sakura or Marble & Co. The food was impeccable and by far the best I’ve ever had, and not just at sea.

With all the wonderful food we were eating, we decided to burn some calories by trying the sports conditioning class situated at the outside exercise area with sports court, spinning bikes and rowers. With only the two of us attending, we felt like we had a personal training session. The early morning stretch and yoga classes were also delightful in the studio: watching the sunrise and ocean through the fabulous floor to ceiling windows.

With so many bars and lounges to choose from, some with live music from top-class musicians, there was always somewhere to go. The live shows were musical and varied with a different theme each night with plenty of opportunities to dance.

The ship was at 90% capacity, but you would never have guessed. Not one place ever felt overcrowded in any area and there was always a seat for us wherever we wanted.

We had to force ourselves off the ship when in port, and couldn’t wait to get back on again – it felt like home.

Explora II has been designed to feel like your own private yacht and for you to embrace the unique energy of the sea on your personal journey to the Ocean State Of Mind – it did exactly this for us.