Inside Explora Journeys with Team Tully

Explora Journeys made a striking entrance at launch, what was it about the brand that captured your attention and inspired you to experience them for yourself?

When Explora Journeys came along, it really felt like an entirely new concept in the cruise world. Instead of talking about ships and itineraries, they positioned themselves as a five‑star floating hotel, and now even describe the experience as a “hotel without an address.” They’ve very intentionally-stepped away from all the usual cruise stereotypes, and are really inviting people to rethink what ocean travel can be.
 
The way they talk about the product is all about slow, immersive journeys: longer stays in port, a calmer, design‑driven atmosphere, and none of the casinos, big production shows, or neon‑lit pool decks that can put some non‑cruisers off. You see that same idea in their visuals too. They avoid the classic cruise imager; no waterslides, buffets, or crowds—in favour of cinematic, fashion‑inspired branding that feels more like a high‑end hotel or lifestyle brand.
 
At the heart of it is this idea of an “Ocean State of Mind.” The sea isn’t just the bit you cross to get somewhere; it’s presented as a place for restoration, reflection, and enrichment. The ships themselves are state‑of‑the‑art, modern, sophisticated, and very much carry a European sensibility. As soon as I saw how they were positioning themselves, I immediately wanted to experience it for myself.

Walk us through what it felt like to step onboard. What ship have you sailed on, and what were your first impressions? 

On Explora I, it honestly feels less like you’re on a ship and more like you’ve walked into a really beautiful, modern European boutique hotel. The overall atmosphere is calm and quietly luxurious, without ever feeling stiff or formal. You notice it as soon as you step into the public spaces: they’re open and airy, full of natural light, soft, muted colours and lots of different seating areas, so you never feel like you’re in a crowd and it’s always easy to tuck yourself away with a drink or a book.

One of the first things that hits you is this subtle, bespoke signature scent called Mandala Blue, crafted exclusively for Explora Journeys by master perfumer Alberto Morillas. It drifts gently from diffusers in the suites and throughout key areas, blending bright citrus notes like bergamot, mandarin, and petitgrain with delicate white florals; jasmine and orange blossom, then settling into warm base notes of sea amber, guaiac wood, and musk. It’s designed to conjure the feeling of sun-warmed teak decks and a fresh Mediterranean breeze, adding this sensory layer that makes the whole ship feel even more inviting right from the start.

The energy on board is relaxed and very unstuffy. Guests tend to be curious, well‑traveled individuals who enjoy talking about where they’ve been and where they’re going next, but the mood is more “chic city lounge” than big, glitzy resort. You don’t get that frantic, activity‑driven buzz; it’s more about lingering over a coffee, enjoying live music in the evening, or just watching the sea roll by.
 
What really ties it all together is the service style. The crew are called Hosts, which tells you a lot about the philosophy. The way they look after you is warm, intuitive, and genuinely personal; remembering your preferences, checking in at just the right moment, yet it never feels intrusive or over the top. That balance sets the emotional tone of the whole journey: you feel looked after, but also completely free to relax and make the space your own.

Their approach to dining is notably all-inclusive and elevated. Can you speak to the culinary experience and how it compares to what clients are used to on other lines?

One thing that blew me away about Explora Journeys is their approach to dining; it’s such a fresh twist that sets them miles apart from other luxury lines. Forget the traditional main dining room you see on so many ships, where everyone funnels in at the same time for a set menu. Explora said no to that entirely. Instead, they’ve created this wonderful collection of distinct restaurants, each one with its own vibe, decor, and personality; like Anthology with its multi-course Italian gastronomy tasting menu, or the beautifully designed Emporium Marketplace that feels more like a stylish European food hall than a buffet.

It’s honestly like dining out in a vibrant city, hopping from one spot to the next based on your mood: maybe fresh Mediterranean seafood one night, global fusion the next, or something super indulgent from their Anthology kitchen. The food quality? Oh, it’s a total standout; consistently ranking at the very top of luxury cruising in reviews, with an emphasis on vibrant, globally inspired flavors but a real heart in Mediterranean cuisine that’s light, seasonal, and beautifully executed.

What type of traveler do you think is the ideal fit for Explora Journeys?

I’d say it’s those independent-minded luxury lovers who are drawn to boutique hotels on land; the ones who crave that intimate, design-forward elegance but with the magic of waking up to a new horizon every day. These are folks who find traditional cruising a bit too regimented, with its fixed dining times and packed activity schedules.

Explora gives them exactly what they want: total flexibility to explore at their own pace, deeper immersion in ports with those long stays and overnights, and a focus on quality over spectacle; no blaring shows or waterslide races, just sophisticated lounges, world-class food, and that serene “Ocean State of Mind” vibe.

I’ve had clients surprise me in the best way; like this couple in their late 30s who swore they’d never cruise because it felt too structured and crowded. They were total boutique hotel devotees, always chasing hidden gems in Europe. After one voyage on Explora I, they called me beaming, saying it was like their favorite Milan design hotel had set sail. Another was a solo design consultant who ditched big-ship loyalty for Explora’s calm spaces and intuitive Hosts; she’s now hooked and planning her third trip!

That said, it’s not for everyone, and that’s okay; Explora Journeys isn’t the right fit if you love high-energy entertainment, massive production shows, kids’ clubs, or that buzz of a bigger resort ship. If volume and variety of activities (think casinos, go-karts, or family-friendly spectacles) are your jam, lines like Celebrity or Norwegian might suit you better. Explora shines for those who want quiet luxury, personal space, and meaningful connections over constant action. It’s like matchmaking a voyage to your soul!

Explora Journeys is expanding quickly. Are there any upcoming itineraries that are personally on your clients’ radar?

Explora III is a standout for me; launching into Alaska next summer, she’ll be weaving through those breathtaking glaciers, fjords, and wildlife hotspots with that signature long-port-stay magic, giving you time to really soak in places like Juneau or Sitka without the rush. It’s perfect for nature lovers who want luxury without sacrificing adventure.

Asia's getting a huge spotlight too; the 2026-2027 season dives deep into Japan, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific with itineraries that hit Kyoto's temples, Bali’s beaches, and Tokyo's energy, also on Explora III. Clients are snapping those up for the cultural immersion and overnights in iconic cities. 

And don’t get me started on the 128-day World Journey in 2029, circling the globe from Europe through the Americas, Asia, and beyond, with Explora I. It’s that dream bucket-list trip for the truly curious traveler, blending Explora’s serene onboard life with world-spanning ports. Plus, their 2026 partnership with tennis champ Jannik Sinner is adding cool wellness and enrichment events; imagine courtside vibes at sea! Honestly, these are the ones my clients keep circling back to.

If you could take one Explora itinerary tomorrow, purely for yourself, no clients, no agenda - which one would it be and why?

Oh, Explora III in Asia? That's absolutely top of my dream list; I'd jump at the chance to sail her through Japan and Southeast Asia, and let me tell you why it feels like the perfect adventure for me. She's one of the newest in the fleet, launching fresh into those waters for the 2026-2027 season, so everything would be pristine: those state-of-the-art suites with balconies begging for sunrise views, the latest in that serene European design, and all the Explora magic like Mandala Blue scent and intuitive Hosts dialed up to eleven. A brand-new ship just feels like pure possibility, you know?

Asia's the real pull, though; imagine gliding into Tokyo's electric buzz or Kyoto's timeless temples for an overnight stay, giving you time to wander the backstreets at dusk, savor kaiseki dinners, or catch cherry blossoms if you time it for spring. Then hopping down to Southeast Asia: overnights in Hanoi’s old quarter with its lantern-lit chaos, Halong Bay at dawn with mist rising off the karsts, or Bali's Ubud rice terraces where you can lose yourself in yoga and spa days without rushing back to the ship. Their itineraries like the 14-night "Japan Intensive" from Yokohama or the "Southeast Asia Discovery" weaving Singapore-Bangkok-Phuket-Bali hit all the cultural depths I crave; slow-paced with those signature long port stays that let you breathe in the place, not just snap a photo.

It's that whole feeling I'm chasing: the Explora calm wrapping around Asia's vibrant soul. Picture sipping matcha in a quiet Kyoto garden by day, then returning to Explora III's chic lounges for sunset jazz and Mediterranean bites as you sail into the next horizon. The season's mild; think balmy 20s°C, fewer crowds than peak Europe, and it's that blend of profound immersion and onboard serenity that has me hooked. I'd book it in a heartbeat; it's like the ocean whispering, "Come explore your next chapter.”

How does working with Tully Luxury Travel enhance the Explora Journeys experience for your clients, from planning through to their time on board?

As a Travel Designer, enhancing the Explora Journeys experience for my clients is my absolute passion; it's not just about booking a sailing; it's about crafting a journey that feels like it was made just for them, from the first "yes" all the way through to their glowing post-trip recap. 

I start by really listening to their travel style, past adventures, and what they're dreaming of; maybe they're boutique hotel lovers craving that "Ocean State of Mind" serenity, or foodies eyeing Asia's immersive ports on Explora III. I match them to the perfect itinerary, like a slow-paced Japan intensive with overnights in Kyoto, ensuring it aligns with their love for depth over spectacle.

My strong relationships with the Explora team are a game-changer; I can often secure those dreamy preferred suites with balconies primed for sunrise views, add special touches like priority spa bookings or a bottle of their signature Mandala Blue fragrance waiting in the room, or nudge requests like a quiet table at Anthology. It's all about those little elevations that make it feel personal.

Then there's the seamless, end-to-end magic I handle: pairing the voyage with pre-cruise stays in a design-forward Tokyo ryokan or post-cruise beach bliss in Bali, sorting flawless flights and private transfers so there's zero stress. Everything flows cohesively with personalized welcome notes, onboard check-ins if needed, even a debrief call afterward to relive highlights and plan the next one. Clients tell me it turns a great trip into an effortless, unforgettable story they can't stop sharing. It's why they keep coming back; want me to start sketching your Explora dream?