In August, I was invited by Explora Journeys, a new luxury brand, to join the Explora I, the first ship in their fleet and sail with them from Portsmouth to Copenhagen, the start of her maiden fourteen day voyage to Reykjavik.
What an experience! From the moment you go onboard and given your first glass of champagne you know that you are in for a treat.
The ship looks amazing from the outside and it’s interior is equally stunning with lots of interesting features and nooks and crannies to explore. Guests are accommodated in very comfortable and spacious, ocean facing suites each with floor to ceiling windows and a private terrace.
There is plenty to keep everyone occupied as there is large spaces given to indoor and outdoor wellness and health facilities including nine spar treatment rooms, a big well kitted out fitness room and four heated swimming pools. Three outdoor pools and the fourth is inside but has a retractable glass roof.
Fine dining is very much part of the package. The Explora I has nine restaurants, five of which are “a la Carte” each serving delicious and healthy food made from seasonal, local sources. There is also a choice of twelve indoor and outdoor bars, a good variety of entertainment as well as a casino, an art gallery and some nice shops.
Although children are welcome and there is a kids club, we noticed that Explora I is more geared to adults. With only 461 rooms spread out over it’s fourteen decks it never seemed overcrowded or noisy. As a result the atmosphere is very chilled and relaxed.
The team behind Explora Journeys is on a mission to achieve a sense of responsibility for the planet, its oceans and people. Their ships have been fitted with the latest technology to enable them to operate in a way that is environmentally supportive. For example, hydrogen powered fuel cells allows for zero emissions while sitting in port. They also have installed systems to cope with waste management and for saving energy. Single use plastics are not used onboard and not offered during land based experiences. Instead there are water fountains dotted around the ship and plenty of refill water stations.
Explora Journeys is privately owned by the MSC Group and the CEO, Michael Ungerer is keen that the brand is described as “an ocean journey” rather than a cruise line. The design of the ship has water as it’s focal point and Explora hopes that this will help their guests discover what they like to describe as “an ocean state of mind” during their journey with them.
I am already looking forward to my next journey and if you’d like to find out more about Explora Journeys and their itineraries please get in touch either by email, [email protected], or telephone 0203 441 6848.
