EXPLORA I

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Explora Journeys
EXPLORA I

SHIP OVERVIEW

Designed in partnership with the world’s foremost superyacht and luxury hospitality designers, the innovative Explora I will seamlessly blend elegant Swiss precision with modern European craftsmanship. With 461 oceanfront suites and residences, guests will enjoy striking views at sea and in port from their floor to ceiling windows and personal private terrace. Suites will start at 35 square metres which is among the most spacious for the category in the industry.
Fourteen decks will provide ample indoor public space, maximising guest choice and seclusion. Generous outdoor decks will boast more than 2,500 square metres overlooking the sea, with 64 private cabanas across 3 outdoor pools. A fourth pool, with a retractable glass roof, will allow swimming and poolside relaxation in any weather. Combined with various indoor and outdoor whirlpool baths on the ship’s promenade deck, the ship was designed with water as a focal point to put guests in an ocean state of mind.

  • CRUISES
  • STATISTICS

STATISTICS

  • Year Built

  • Year Refurbished

  • Year Entered Present Fleet

  • Country of Registry

  • Tonnage (GRT)

  • PAX (basis 2)

  • Max Pax (inc. Uppers)

  • Passenger Decks

  • Number of Crew

  • Officers' Nationality

  • Cruise/Hotel Staff Nationality

STATEROOMS

  • Suites

  • Balcony

  • Oceanview

  • Oceanview No Balcony

  • Oceanview With Balcony

  • Balconies

  • Interior

  • Accessible

    20
  • Total Number of Accommodations

    1000
  • SUITE
  • BALCONY
  • OCEANVIEW
  • INSIDE

Deck Plans

SHIP REVIEWS

OVERALL RATING

5

Star Star Star Star Star
Based on 3 reviews

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Cruise reviews reflect the opinions of travel editors and cruisers/ readers and may not represent those of our company.

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Explora 1 - Barbados - Panama City

APRIL

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

Dining was superb, crew were extremely accommodating and friendly, lecture series was impressive, Entertainment director was very engaging.

CONS

Slippery deck near pool area, more activities onboard needed.

RECOMMENDED

No

The cabins were very well appointed and housekeeping was exceptional. The bedding was very comfortable with Frette linens and well-appointed comforts of home. I thought the entertainment to be unique onboard and varied and different from some of the other cruise lines that have more of a Las Vegas type of entertainment with singing and dancing. The shore excursions were well organized and a good value and gave a good overview of the destinations.

SCORECARD

  • Staff

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Dining

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Entertainment

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Activities

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Cabins/Staterooms

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Itinerary/Ports

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Value

    Star Star Star Star Star

MARCH

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

The ship is well appointed, beautifully decorated in every corner of the ship and the service, entertainment and food were top drawer

CONS

Although the shore excursions were wonderful, they were pricey and there could have been more variety, i.e. simple, shorter city tours.

RECOMMENDED

No

Explora I, MSC's new luxury ocean cruise line and first of six, has an elegant, modern decor throughout and with the 5 restaurants, excellent servers and first-rate performers, eight days aboard this ship went way too quickly! All restaurants were amazing, but Sakura was my favorite as I am still dreaming about the miso-glazed black cod and kiwi pavlova. We also enjoyed the luxury brand stores, but the staff at Cartier created a unique afternoon pairing wine and watches. We loved it so much we bought a Tank watch after the presentation by their dream team Cartier reps Rupesh & Scott and Jay, the sommelier. This was a really fun memory. Explora's tour guides are professional, knowledgeable and fun. In particular, we loved Cartagena, but the guide matched the destination with his vibrant and colorful personality. We were luck to have him for both of our days in Cartagena (2 days in each port was great for immersion). Each night, the entertainment blew us away. The level of talent is very impressive and we couldn't wait until the nest performance. Overall, Explora's new cruise line is a cut above the rest and we are so fortunate to have such wonderful memories while exploring Colombia and Panama.

SCORECARD

  • Staff

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Dining

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Entertainment

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Activities

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Cabins/Staterooms

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Itinerary/Ports

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Value

    Star Star Star Star Star

Magnificent Inaugural Caribbean Sailing

NOVEMBER

Star Star Star Star Star

PROS

like sailing on a large yacht, 4 beautiful pool areas -3 with eternity pools, outstanding food & service

CONS

need more shade area in pool areas, wines/liquors included were limited in selection, Shipboard credits should be applied to cost of excursions when booked in advance, more info in advance about excursions, bathrooms need to be larger, especially in the upper category cabins.

RECOMMENDED

No

<div>Think elegant european sleek contemporary: you see the Italian influence everywhere-lots of marble, unique/eclectic flooring, lighting, furniture &amp; furnishings. Crew were there to serve in a friendly &amp; professional manner- excellent! Many were comfortable to interact with us and get to know us. First time on a lux mid-size ship that didn&#39;t have a main dining room. I wondered how that would be? We were extremely delighted with the fine dining options and food quality in them all. There are 5 speciality dining venues all seating 150 with no additional fees, two take advance reservations. The buffet/marketplace Emporium serves B/L/D, and is beyond any buffet I&#39;ve ever experienced. Fresh oysters, lobster, shimp, handmade pastas &amp; sauces, it appeared to be endless with something for everyone. Anthology was an additional charge, which we didn&#39;t try. Our cabin/suite was entry level (ocean terrace) which was elegant with a small balcony &amp; adequate bathroom with walk-in shower, very comfortable walk-in closet. with vanity area. Included Illy coffee maker, kettle for hot tea, always refreshed still water, small fridge which they would stock as you wish including soft drinks &amp; 2 bottles of liquor. Bottle of good champagne to welcome guests and a few nice gifts sprinkled in during turndown over the week. Unlike most cruise lines, Explora has decided to omit the evening &#39;show&#39; for more of a nightclub entertainment focus in a beautiful large lounge -with a few excellent lead singers &amp; accomplished 6 piece orchestra- along with the privilege of listening to pianist on a STEINWAY. Our cruise was not full-50-60% occupancy-so not sure how that will accomodate when the ship is full. They also brought on a superb speaker &amp; world renowned violinist who we really enjoyed. Other lounges also featured light musical performers. There were a few daytime activities that seemed interesting-not nearly as many as on many cruise lines. Explora Journeys stressed a focus on wellness/well being aboard in their marketing. They did feature several stretching, meditation, workouts, as well as a fitness area with super equipment. There were steam, sauna, cold therapy to use in the spa during limited times on sea days, but more open on port days. As this cruise line is so new and itinerary is a work in progress, I believe the port &#39;experiences&#39; can be improved upon. Advance details of what is needed, how long bus ride, time at destination, meal, etc. were not detailed which left some grumbling at times. Experiences/excursions are not included in pricing and they are priced a bit high, so expectation is also high. Seems Explora is priced right now to encourage travelers to book &amp; experience their &#39;Brand&#39; Value is in my mind remarkable.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Very cool to hear Andrea Bocelli&#39;s &quot;Time to Say Good-bye&quot; played throughout the ship when pulling out of each port... a beautiful Italian touch!&nbsp;</div>

SCORECARD

  • Staff

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Dining

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Entertainment

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Activities

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Cabins/Staterooms

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Itinerary/Ports

    Star Star Star Star Star
  • Value

    Star Star Star Star Star

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