My Diary Aboard EXPLORA JOURNEYS: Finding my Ocean State of Mind

There’s something quietly powerful about slowing down. In a world that rushes, EXPLORA JOURNEYS dares to sail differently; gracefully, thoughtful, and always with purpose. My recent Adriatic voyage aboard EXPLORA I was more recalibration than cruise. A luxury journey that moved both the ship and the soul. 

Day One: A Taste of Tranquillity

Embarking at 1pm on a sun-drenched Wednesday in Bari, we were greeted in the ship’s serene lobby with a glass of champagne as our luggage was effortlessly whisked to our suite. First impressions? Impeccable service, and interiors that blended understated elegance with purposeful design. 

Lunch in the Emporium Marketplace soon followed: an open, bright culinary hub offering global cuisine. I indulged in fresh pasta bolognese whilst my partner had sushi and prawns (the ‘best prawns’ he’s ever eaten - I might add!). After easing our way into the journey with a leisurely start and a delightful lunch, we headed to our suite, where we were amazed by the thoughtful design and use of space within the Grand Ocean Terrace Suite. We unpacked, explored, and began to find our bearings on board.

From boutique shopping to the wellness sanctuary equipped with reformer Pilates machines, every corner of the ship has been designed with intention. Whilst scrolling through the Explora Journeys app, we were also pleasantly surprised to see events scheduled in for solo travellers, non-alcoholic drinkers, and LGBTQ+ meetups, all reinforcing Explora’s belief in inclusive and meaningful travel. 

As golden hour set in, we headed to Deck 14 aft for pre-dinner drinks. The sun slipped below the horizon as the ship prepared to leave Bari. Dinner at Fil Rouge was a highlight for us, French elegance done with warmth and flair. Elaine, our exceptional waiter, guided us through the menu with an eye for detail and care. We lingered over French onion soup, rotisserie chicken, and a hazelnut praline choux pastry (that I still think about daily!).

We concluded our evening with a nightcap in the Explora Lounge, located on deck 11, accompanied by the gentle melodies of a live pianist. Luxury at its most relaxed.

Day Two: Blue Hues & Zadar Views

We ordered in-suite breakfast the night before, and at 8:45am it arrived - perfectly timed and elegantly served. Fuelled and refreshed, we spent our morning at sea at the Astern Pool, lounging in one of the 16 private cabanas. Picture navy tones, rope-latticed ceilings, an infinity pool that gracefully melts into the sea, all shades of blue as far as the eye can see. Nautical serenity, perfected. 

Lunch brought us back to the Emporium Marketplace before we headed ashore. Once docked, a seamless coach transfer took us into the heart of Zadar, where we wandered for a few hours through cobbled streets and Roman ruins, immersed in real Croatian charm. 

Although we were exploring somewhere new for us, the thought of heading back to the ship and being enveloped by the beautiful interiors and world-class service was so enticing that we cut our time on land short, just to make the most of every moment onboard EXPLORA I. 

Crema Bar welcomed us with expertly mixed cocktails and bite-sized afternoon pastries, and that evening we dined at the Med Yacht Club, where Sandeep elevated the experience with rich storytelling around the menu’s Mediterranean inspirations. Every bite felt personal, every flavour carefully crafted and wholeheartedly savoured. 

Day Three: Discovery & Delight

There’s nothing quite like opening the curtains to a new day, a new sunrise, and a brand new destination. We’d sailed from Zadar to Rovinj overnight, blissfully unaware of any movements whilst deep in slumber, cocooned in 100% cotton bed linens. I’ve always wished I had the superpower to travel anywhere in an instant, but honestly, this felt even better. 

By mid-morning we had anchored in Rovinj, a picture-perfect Croatian town, where guests were tendered to and from shore in an effortless rotation. After spending most of the day exploring the town, experiencing the local markets, and immersing ourselves in the history and architecture, we headed back to our private tender spot, covered and seated with refreshing drinks provided by the Explora team, before we sailed back to the ship.

After slightly overindulging at the Emporium Marketplace, we made our way up to the Sky Deck on deck 14. With a glass of something cold in hand, we soaked in the incredible Adriatic views, Rovinj framing the horizon with its historical beauty. It was the kind of moment you wish you could bottle forever.

Our final night was unforgettable; pre-dinner oysters and champagne, followed by a return to Fil Rouge for our farewell dinner. Luxury, consistency, and care at every course. 

Day Four: The Journey Continues

On our final morning we watched the local fishers cast their nets as the ship cruised gently into Fusina, Venice. Breakfast was bittersweet and served by Nicole, whose warmth made us feel right at home.

Before disembarking, we made a final stop at Crema Café, where Judy brought us our usual morning coffees without needing to ask - the definition of impeccable service - and dreamed about where we’d sail on our next cruise. From the Arctic Circle to the South Pacific, EXPLORA JOURNEYS' itineraries are as vast and considered as their onboard experience. 

Why EXPLORA JOURNEYS is Different:

Sailing with EXPLORA JOURNEYS is more a philosophy than just travel, and it's rooted in slow luxury and sustainability. Their commitment to sustainability shows in every single detail - from their sailing speed of just 16.5 knots, prioritising fuel efficiency, to their ambition to reach net zero by 2050.

They’ve created space for everyone, whether you’re a solo traveller, a non-alcoholic drinker, or part of the LGBTQ+ community, with dedicated gatherings and subtle signals to make sure you never feel alone at sea. 

Final Thoughts: 

Onboard an EXPLORA JOURNEYS ship, you have the opportunity to reconnect with what matters: nature, people, stillness. If you’re searching for an ocean experience that combines luxury, purpose, and presence - this is it. 

And if you ever find yourself staring out across an infinity pool where the sea and sky become one, don’t forget to breathe it all in. 

The Details:

EXPLORA I | 9th - 12th July 2025

Route: Bari - Zadar - Rovinj - Fusina, Venice

Suite: Grand Ocean Terrace Suite

Words by Macauley Zarrentino - Design & Brand Manager 

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