What is EXPLORA II Really Like? A Cruise Expert Review

If you've been researching an Explora Journeys cruise, chances are you've come across the beautiful images, the promise of an 'Ocean State of Mind' and comparisons to the world's finest luxury hotels. But what's it actually like once you're onboard? And does EXPLORA II really live up to the hype?

To find out, we handed the questions over to someone who knows luxury cruising better than most.

Our Cruise Concierge, Georgina, has sailed with many of the world's leading ultra-luxury cruise lines, so she knows exactly what separates a good cruise from a truly exceptional one. Recently, she stepped aboard EXPLORA II with her husband — who, until this trip, firmly considered himself "not a cruise person."

Together they experienced the ship not on a work trip, but exactly as our clients do: long lunches that turned into afternoons by the pool, sunset sailaways with a cocktail in hand, indulgent spa mornings and dinners where choosing between restaurants became the hardest decision of the day. From whether EXPLORA II genuinely feels more like a floating boutique hotel than a traditional cruise ship, to the restaurants she'd return to in a heartbeat, Georgina shares her honest thoughts on what makes an Explora Journeys cruise feel so different.

Having sailed with other ultra-luxury lines like Seabourn, what immediately felt different about EXPLORA I?

I recently sailed with Seabourn and although both are fantastic cruise lines, the amount of space onboard EXPLORA I was what stood out to me immediately. There were so many areas to relax and unwind that, even with the ship close to full capacity, it still felt incredibly spacious and so luxurious.

Was there a particular moment onboard where you thought, “this doesn’t feel like traditional cruising”?

There’s no ‘main dining room’ onboard any of the Explora Journeys ships, so being able to dine in a variety of included à la carte restaurants felt very different from traditional cruising. Whether you fancy Asian cuisine in Sakura, Mediterranean dishes in Med Yacht Club, classic French cuisine in Fil Rouge or steak at Marble & Co, there’s just so much choice. Even the Marketplace, which is Explora Journeys’ take on a buffet, is unlike any other buffet I've experienced at sea. The selection is huge and many dishes are freshly prepared for you there and then. The only restaurant that carries an extra charge is Anthology, which is a fine dining experience where famous guest chefs create tasting menus.

Explora Journeys talks a lot about the “Ocean State of Mind”. Did that translate into the onboard experience for you, and if so, how?

Absolutely, particularly in the spa. You can enjoy complimentary access on port days from 8am to 8pm and the facilities are so relaxing. There’s a hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam room, salt room and heated relaxation beds, and you can tell that everything has been so carefully and cleverly designed to help you unwind. The wellness offerings were also really impressive for a ship, with different fitness classes and meditation sessions and even gong baths under the stars. It genuinely felt like you could create your own wellness retreat onboard.

You travelled with your husband rather than as part of a work-focused trip — how did that change the way you experienced the ship?

Being able to experience the ship as my own holiday was fantastic and allowed me to enjoy everything in a much more authentic way. We could take part in the activities that interested us, dine when and wherever we wanted, and really immerse ourselves in the experience. It was also my husband's first ever cruise, so he has been spoiled by having Explora Journeys as his introduction to cruising!

Do you think EXPLORA I works particularly well for couples? Was there anything that felt especially romantic, relaxed or genuinely grown-up?

Definitely. The majority of guests onboard were couples and the atmosphere felt very adult focused. There is an adults-only pool, although all four pools have plenty of comfortable loungers and day beds, as do many other outdoor spaces around the ship. While there is a kids club onboard, it’s tucked away and doesn't impact the overall atmosphere. One of my favourite moments was sailaway each evening, with the DJ playing as we all enjoyed drinks and watched the sunset. It felt really special and was the perfect way to start to every evening.

Luxury means different things on different ships. Where do you think EXPLORA I really excels in the ultra-luxury space?

As all of Explora Journeys’ ships are new (EXPLORA I, the first in the fleet, launched only a few years ago in August 2023, EXPLORA II in September 2024, EXPLORA III this August 2026, and 3 more on their way in the coming years), the space itself is stunning and visually quite perfect. Everywhere you look is so aesthetically pleasing and beautifully thought out. Every single corner feels luxurious. Beyond that, it's the amount of space onboard that really sets it apart for me. You never feel crowded, you rarely queue for anything, and there's always somewhere peaceful to enjoy. That feeling of exclusivity is true luxury.

The lead-in suites are some of the largest at sea — did the space noticeably change the experience for you?

Absolutely. The lead-in suite completely exceeded my expectations. Having a walk-in wardrobe with a dressing area, double vanity in the bathroom, an incredibly comfortable bed, a separate lounge space and a spacious balcony with a day bed and dining table made it feel much more like a luxury hotel suite than a standard cruise ‘cabin’. I was so impressed.

Was there anything about the suite that surprised you?

Nothing necessarily surprised me, but some of the details really stood out. The underfloor heating in the bathroom was a lovely touch and having a Dyson hairdryer provided was definitely a nice bonus. These are the little things that turn a great cruise into a really special one.

Food is always a big talking point in luxury cruising — which restaurants genuinely impressed you, and why?

Marble & Co was probably the standout restaurant for us onboard EXPLORA II. We love a good steakhouse, and my husband ordered the porterhouse steak. The fact that a steak of that quality and size was included without any supplement was really impressive – he couldn’t quite believe it. The restaurant had a wonderful atmosphere and if we'd been onboard longer, we definitely would’ve dined there multiple times.

Some luxury ships can feel quite formal or traditional. How would you describe the atmosphere onboard EXPLORA I?

Luxurious without being pretentious. It was actually much more relaxed than I expected, but in the best possible way. There was never any pressure to do anything or join in with activities, but the option was always there. I feel like you could really tailor a cruise with Explora Journeys to suit your individual holiday style.

Did the ship feel busy at all, or was there always somewhere quiet to disappear to?

There was always somewhere quiet to go. Whether it was one of the pools (we loved the Conservatory Pool – the TV showed the football!), the Jacuzzis overlooking the sea, the spa or one of the many lounge spaces around the ship, there was never any shortage of places to relax, and none of them ever felt crowded.

Were there any little details or touches onboard that you think people wouldn’t expect from a cruise line?

The Wi-Fi. It sounds small and simple, but it was genuinely excellent. It's probably the best Wi-Fi I've experienced at sea.

If someone normally stays in luxury hotels and says they’re “not cruise people”, would EXPLORA I change their mind?

Yes, because that was exactly the stance of my husband before we set sail. He'd never cruised before and had never really understood the appeal – even based on great stories from my previous sailings! But once onboard he was completely won over. He was genuinely blown away by the experience and particularly by what Explora Journeys offer as they are trying to be more of a floating hotel rather than a ship. It's really effective, as it’s a completely different style of cruising and feels very special.

What type of traveller do you think EXPLORA appeals to most?

Explora Journeys really suits travellers looking for luxury without formality. Their itineraries and ships work particularly well for adults who appreciate great food, beautiful surroundings and a relaxed atmosphere. They’re also ideal for people who may need to stay connected while travelling, as the Wi-Fi is fantastic. Because the ships are smaller, they can visit more boutique ports and lesser-known destinations, too, which I think many travellers will appreciate. More and more I find clients asking to see more unique destinations that the bigger ships just can’t reach.

What’s the thing you miss most now you’re back on land?

I miss so much! Waking up somewhere new every day, the dining and drink options, having everything taken care of for you. But I think what I miss most is the level of service… it spoils you very quickly!

Finally, can you give us 10 things that make EXPLORA II different to other cruise ships?

Of course! Here goes:

1. It feels more like a luxury hotel than a cruise ship, with contemporary interiors, curated art and beautifully designed social spaces.
2. Having just 922 guests onboard creates a calm, spacious atmosphere with attentive, personalised service.
3. There are no inside cabins – every guest stays in an oceanfront suite with a private terrace.
4. Ocean Terrace Suites start at 35m² (377 sq. ft.), making them among the largest entry-level suites at sea.
5. There's no main dining room or fixed dining times – instead, enjoy six included restaurants whenever the mood takes you. You can also dine at another 3 venues across the ship: Cream Café, Explora Lounge, and your suite with in-suite dining.
6. Explora Journeys ships have one of the highest space-to-guest ratios in luxury cruising, meaning no crowds, no queues and plenty of peaceful corners.
7. EXPLORA II has four swimming pools, including an adults-only pool, plus numerous whirlpools and expansive outdoor decks.
8. Complimentary unlimited Wi-Fi, gratuities, dining and premium beverages are all included as standard.
9. Explora Journeys take a wellness-first approach, with a thermal spa, yoga, meditation and fitness experiences inspired by their 'Ocean State of Mind'.
10. Every sailing is one of relaxed, understated luxury, with no formal nights or rigid schedules — just beautifully designed spaces and the freedom to enjoy them your own way.

EXPLORA II strips away the expected rituals and replaces them with space, choice and an almost hotel-like ease at sea. For Georgina, experiencing an Explora Journeys cruise alongside a first-time cruiser only reinforced that shift; this is a brand that resonates just as strongly with seasoned luxury travellers as it does with those who never thought cruising was for them. Whether it’s the generous suites, the dining freedom or the sense of calm that runs through every deck, EXPLORA II delivers a version of ultra-luxury that feels considered, contemporary and a refreshingly different to the ships we already know so well.