Cruising on the spectacular EXPLORA I

Imagine one of the chicest lobby bars you’ve ever seen: light-reflecting gold and brass, warm browns, and bartenders crafting signature cocktails while casually chatting with guests. Champagne flows freely—Moët & Chandon is the house pour—and live piano music drifts down from the mezzanine above.

A hotel? No, although it certainly could be a five-star property. This is the heart of EXPLORA I, the first ship in the fleet of Explora Journeys. She set a bold tone for a new era in luxury ocean travel—one that blends elegance and ease, personalization and purpose, all with a deeply European aesthetic. With two ships now sailing alongside her and three more set to join the fleet by 2028, EXPLORA I remains the defining symbol of what modern luxury at sea should be—timeless, immersive, and elegantly understated.

A Yacht-Inspired Experience at Sea

“Sailing with Explora Journeys is like being at your favorite boutique hotel, maybe even better, because you don’t have to pick just one place to visit,” says Mary Jean Tully, who attended the naming ceremony as a VIP guest on behalf of Tully Luxury Travel while EXPLORA I was in port in Manhattan, in October 2023. “They also really prioritize the journey itself, making it the ideal choice for first-time cruisers or anyone seeking a luxurious ocean voyage with a focus on exploration and discovery.”

Chris Austin, Explora Journeys’ Chief Sales Officer, puts it best: “Discerning travelers want a yacht-inspired ship, a ship that has space and choice, and cruise itineraries at a slower pace to allow a greater immersion in the destination.”

And the accommodations reflect that vision. Each of the 461 suites features oceanfront views, private terraces, and walk-in wardrobes—starting at an impressive 35 square meters (377 square feet). The design is sleek, spacious, and supremely comfortable. With every detail thoughtfully included as part of the all-inclusive experience.

The ship is dotted with a dozen bars and lounges, each with its own personality—ranging from the vibrant Sky Bar, ideal for sunset views, to the cozy whisky bar, where seasoned bartenders pour from a collection of rare spirits. At Crema Café, guests enjoy barista-crafted cappuccinos and espresso paired with two-bite pastries, all within an atmosphere that channels a cool, urban coffeehouse. For music lovers, jazz and piano performances await at the sophisticated Explora Lounge, while the Journeys Lounge turns into a lively dance venue after dark.

Unforgettable Culinary and Wellness Experiences

Dining on EXPLORA I is nothing short of exceptional. With six restaurants onboard—five included with every sailing—each meal is an experience in its own right. The Asian-inspired Sakura stuns with nuanced flavors, while the Emporium Marketplace elevates casual dining with fine ingredients and an open-kitchen format.

Anthology, the only restaurant requiring an additional reservation, hosts rotating tasting menus from globally celebrated chefs. Michelin-starred talents like Mauro Uliassi and Emma Bengtsson have already brought their culinary vision to sea—a rare opportunity to dine at this level while sailing between extraordinary destinations.

An Ocean State of Mind, Anchored in Sustainability

Captain Diego Michelozzi sums it up perfectly: “It’s all the light. All the open spaces—it brings you to the ocean state of mind that is our philosophy.” Beyond comfort and beauty, EXPLORA I was also designed with sustainability in mind. Explora Journeys is committed to reducing emissions and embracing cleaner technologies as part of a long-term vision to leave a better planet for future generations.

Where to Next? Caribbean and South America on the Horizon

EXPLORA I continues to voyage across the globe with purpose and poise. Following her sailings in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Nordic Ports, New England and Eastern Canada, she will return to the Caribbean in late 2025, offering immersive, sun-soaked itineraries through early 2027. These journeys balance off-the-beaten-path ports with iconic island favorites, all experienced with Explora’s signature relaxed pace.

Beginning in 2027, EXPLORA I will return to South America to showcase the natural beauty of Brazil's Amazon region. These immersive journeys navigate deep into the rainforest, with calls to remote destinations like Santarém, Boca do Valeria, and Manaus. Sailing the Amazon River offers a rare chance to experience Brazil’s wild heart—where dense jungle and quiet river villages, create an atmosphere of profound connection to nature.

There’s nothing more calming and relaxing than water, says Austin. “The ocean’s our home, we have to protect it and it’s driving that ocean state of mind.”

The Tully Travel Designers are ready to help you get that ocean state of mind with a sailing on this ultimate, all-inclusive luxury ocean journey set in timeless elegance.