At first glance, Explora Journeys cruises might look a little pricey. But, once you see what’s actually included, it starts to make a lot more sense. With these ultra-luxury cruises you actually get a LOT for your money.
From unlimited fine dining and drinks to spa access and city transfers, there’s an awful lot included in the fare. Which means that your bill at the end will be much smaller than usual.
I was recently invited to take an Explora Journeys cruise and I was blown away by all the inclusions that usually cost extra on other ships. Let’s take a closer look at exactly what you get.
1. Stylish Suites with Thoughtful Extras
Explora Journeys doesn’t have cabins — it has suites. All of them come with a super kingsize bed, a private balcony with a daybed and dining table and sleek, calming décor. But, it’s the thoughtful extras that really sets the accommodation apart.
On arrival, you’ll find a chilled bottle of Champagne waiting for you, along with a bottle of wine or spirit of your choice, plus a fully stocked minibar with no extra charge.
There are bottles of still and sparkling water too, and these are replenished twice daily by your suite host. There’s a coffee machine as well as a kettle and teapot. And each guest also gets a metal water bottle, which is yours to keep.
The bathroom has a huge walk-in shower and heated floor. It’s stocked with luxury toiletries so there’s no need to bring your own shampoo, conditioner, body wash or lotion. They smell absolutely gorgeous, but if you prefer an unscented version, you can specify that on your pre-cruise questionnaire.
Of course, you’ll get fluffy white robes and slippers too. In the drawer of the dressing table there’s a £400 Dyson hairdryer. And the room also features a selection of books as well as some binoculars should you spot something exciting on the horizon.
2. Nine Dining Venues — All Included
On a cruise, speciality dining usually comes at an upcharge. But Explora Journeys does things differently with nine included culinary experiences to choose from, and just one venue that costs extra.
The different restaurants offer a a wide range of cuisines, from steak and sushi to Mediterranean and French-inspired dishes. There’s no ‘main dining room’, instead you can choose a different venue each night based on what you fancy.
The included dining options are:
- Emporium Marketplace – Buffet-style casual dining
- Sakura – Pan-Asian cuisine
- Marble & Co. Grill – Steakhouse
- Med Yacht Club – Mediterranean favourites
- Fil Rouge – French-inspired international cuisine
- Explora Lounge – Light bites with ocean views
- Crema Café – Coffee and pastries
- Gelateria & Crêperie – Poolside sweet treats
- In-suite dining – Available 24/7
The in-suite dining is definitely worth a mention of it’s own. Much more than just room service, you can have a table set up on your balcony and enjoy a private dining experience with a unique sea view.
For something even more special, there’s Anthology — a fine dining venue with menus curated by world-renowned guest chefs. This is the only restaurant with an extra charge, but it’s designed to be a special occasion experience.
If you fancy upping your own culinary skills, there’s also The Chef’s Kitchen, an intimate, hands-on culinary class for up to 12 guests, available at an additional cost.
3. Drinks Are On the House
All the usual drinks are included: cocktails, fine wines, premium spirits, specialty coffees, teas and soft drinks. No need to keep signing bar tabs or even getting out your cruise card – it’s all taken care of.
If you’re into high-end vintages or rare whiskies, there’s an extra-cost drinks list. But most guests will be more than happy with the included options.
When it comes to included drinks, there’s a huge choice available. The drinks menus are huge, but if there’s a cocktail you fancy that’s not on the list, then of course, the bar sraff will make it for you. In fact, some of the best cocktails I had were off-menu concoctions that came from letting the batender make me their own favourite drink.
4. Spa Access and Wellness Programmes
Explora Journeys cruises have a focus on wellness, so you’ll end your cruise feeling relaxed and recharged.
Access to the thermal spa is included, which is a real treat it has a sauna, steam room, salt room, hydrotherapy pool and indoor and outdoor loungers. There are also group fitness classes and wellbeing activities, like yoga, meditation and guided breathwork sessions.
Guests staying in the highest-level suites even get a complimentary spa treatment and priority access to wellness facilities.
5. The Wi-Fi Is Free And Super Fast
Explora offers complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the ship. The Wi-Fi is so good that no matter where I was on the ship, it was as fast as it is at home.
This is great for anyone who has a business to run while at sea – there’s zero frustration when it comes to the internet and no need to log in or out of anything – it just works.
6. Gratuities Are Included
Most cruise lines charge extra for gratuities – usually in the region of $20 per person, per day for suite guests. However, this is not the case with Explora Journeys.
All onboard gratuities are included in your fare and extra tips are not expected. However, if you really want to tip cash to recognise outstanding service, then of course, you are welcome to do so.
7. Complimentary Shuttle Buses
In each port of call you’ll find a shuttle bus that takes you from the ship to the city centre. There’s no need to book to buy a ticket, just walk off the ship and it will be there waiting for you.
This makes exploring ashore so easy. Of course, excursions are also available to purchase if you wish, but there’s always the option to just take the free bus to the centre and explore on foot.
8. Incredible Service
Explora Journeys has partnered with the prestigious EHL Hospitality Business School to train its crew. The result? Genuinely warm, intuitive service that feels high-end without being stuffy.
Most of the crew members have prior experience on other luxury cruise ships, on private yachts or in high-end hotels and restaurants.
From taking the time to chat, to anticipating what you need before you even ask, the service is consistently impressive – and refreshingly relaxed.
Even More Perks in Higher-Tier Suites
Explora Journey’s suites are divided into five main categories:
- Ocean Terrace Suites
- Ocean Grand Terrace Suites
- Ocean Penthouses
- Ocean Residences
- Owner’s Residence
The higher you go, the more is included.
If you book the Ocean Grand Terrace Suite, as well as more space, you’ll also benefit from priority dinner reservations, complimentary clothes pressing when you arrive and a bag of laundry done for you before you leave.
Guests in Ocean Penthouses and above also get priority boarding and extra bottles of wine or spirits.
Those staying in the Ocean Residences get all of that plus a private butler to take care of your every need.
These special rooms come with enhanced in-suite dining menus, a full in-suite bar, priority reservations for excursions, unlimited laundry and pressing. Before the cruise, you’ll also get complimentary transfers from the airport or your hotel, as well as access to a VIP lounge at the terminal.
AIf you book the top-tier Owner’s Residence, you get all of these benefits and more besides. You’ll be treated to a bottle of Dom Pérignon on arrival and enjoy priority access to the thermal area of the spa along with a complimentary spa treatment.
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The Verdict
I’m blown away by how much is included on an Explora Journeys cruise. From unlimited drinks and gourmet dining to spa access, transfers, and top-tier service — it’s one of the most inclusive luxury cruise lines ever.
These certainly aren’t the cheapest cruise out there – but that’s the whole point. When you factor in everything that’s included, it suddenly starts to look like a very good deal.
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- Explora Journeys Review
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