Come aboard Explora Journeys with our Head of Cruise

Exploring Luxury at Sea: An Interview with Lauren Wood

Being Head of Cruise has its perks, and it includes testing the world’s most luxurious ships. Lauren Wood has sipped champagne on more teak decks than most of us have had hot dinners, but even she admits that EXPLORA I still manages to surprise her. Having sailed with Explora Journeys before, this time she checked in to something rather special - the Grand Penthouse Suite - with her lovely mum in tow, to see what life looks like at the very top tier of modern ocean luxury.

1. Where and when did you sail with Explora Journeys, and how long was your voyage?

I sailed on EXPLORA I for 11 nights in September, exploring the beautiful Greek Islands. It was the perfect length to really soak in the destinations without feeling rushed.

2. Which moment or destination stood out to you the most during your journey?

Skiathos was so special. The weather was gorgeous, and we docked just outside the town centre, which meant a short tender boat ride to reach the heart of the island. But on a sunny day in such a beautiful port, it's such a lovely experience. We had the chance to enjoy a meal at a quaint Greek taverna and even practice a little of my Greek — it felt so authentic and charming, and the exactly type of destination we were hoping to visit. Summer in a bottle.

3. Explora Journeys is known for redefining luxury at sea — what do you think makes the experience so unique?

It really comes down to the design of the ship. Every single space - whether that's your suite or a bar or the pool - feels intentional and thoughtfully curated, so nothing ever feels crowded or busy. It’s luxury that’s understated yet highly functional, and they've made sure every detail enhances the experience.

4. Can you tell us a bit about life onboard — from the dining to the suites and overall atmosphere?

We stayed in a Grand Penthouse Suite this time around, and I've previously experienced an Ocean Terrace Suite. If you’re travelling with more than two people, the larger suite is absolutely worth it, though the Ocean Terrace alone feels incredibly spacious. It's one of the largest lead in suites at sea. Life onboard is always elegant but relaxed no matter which suite you stay in — the vibe is always refined without ever feeling stuffy. My mum had the most amazing experience and gave a glowing review!

5. Were there any other highlights or experiences onboard that stood out to you?

I really enjoyed the pickleball sessions, it's great to have so many options for keeping active even while you're at sea. Coach Zach was incredibly patient and made sure everyone was paired with someone at their skill level. And I have to mention that the entertainment team were excellent, with nightly shows and even daily trivia (though I didn’t win!). As with any luxury cruise, the dining was a real standout — Sakura, in particular, was exceptional. I also met another couple and shared a memorable meal with them which really added to the entire experience. And what I loved most? It's incredibly hard to say, but my favourite takeaway was the fact that even the pool was never crowded, thanks to the abundance of space onboard.

5. Would you recommend Explora Journeys to our customers looking for their next cruise?

Without a doubt. It ticks every box for luxury travel: incredible food, plenty of space to relax and unwind, and thoughtfully designed experiences that make every moment feel special.

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