Focusing on guests who have never been on a cruise before and are ‘cruise curious’, Explora’s small ships are designed to be more like spacious luxury hotels at sea. With active on-shore experiences designed to get under the skin of the destination.
Launching in Summer 2024, the beautifully crafted EXLORA II is a mirror image of its sister ship the EXPLORA I. Both vessels have been designed to offer guests a luxurious lifestyle at sea. The EXPLORA II features sophisticated all-suite, penthouse and residence accommodation, high-end all-inclusive dining at six dining venues, and a choice of 12 indoor and outdoor bars and lounges. Guests also benefit from a comprehensive wellness centre with spa and high-quality entertainment and enrichment programmes.
All accommodation is spacious, with floor-to-ceiling doors leading to a private furnished sun terrace, including comfortable daybed. The neutral palette and tasteful understated styling create a sense of calm and tranquillity. Amenities include bespoke beds with Frette linens, comfortable seating area, walk-in wardrobe with vanity area, minibar stocked with guests’ preferred drinks, welcome champagne, safety deposit box, as well as a modern bathroom with underfloor heating, and Dyson hairdryer.
Guests booking an Ocean Penthouse enjoy a private dining area for four with enhanced in-suite dining menu, along with priority check-in and embarkation. For added luxe, book an Ocean Residence, which includes a panoramic terrace with private whirlpool tub, discreet butler service and priority reservations for Destination Experiences.
The onboard dining is superb with a choice of venues serving a range of international cuisines including Pan-Asian, steakhouse, French-inspired, and Mediterranean, alongside menus inspired by Explora II’s destinations. A highlight is the Anthology Restaurant, where a series of celebrated guest chefs showcase their skills, alongside the support of an expert sommelier. In-suite dining, private dining and cookery classes are also available.
Onboard, there is a wide variety of bars and lounges to explore for coffee, cocktails, and everything in between, including a Malt Whisky Bar and cigar lounge. The ship also boasts three outdoor pools and one indoor pool with retractable roof. Wellness is taken seriously here with a spa, fitness centre, yoga, daily meditation, and health boosting workshops to rejuvenate mind, body, and soul. There are also engaging enrichment and entertainment programmes, a casino, retail opportunities, jazz evenings, and full moon soirées to enjoy.
Protecting and sustaining the environment is paramount to Explora Journeys and EXPLORA II has cutting edge catalytic reduction technology, is primed to use alternative energy solutions as they become available and has a no single use plastic policy onboard or on land-based excursions. Explora II offers a range of worldwide itineraries, which include cruising the Mediterranean & Western Europe, and the Caribbean & Central America. Destination experiences focus on immersive excursions including snorkelling shipwrecks in the Bahamas and salsa lessons in Cartagena.