This winter has been a long one – so in April 2025 I embarked on Explora II for a well-deserved five night retreat along the Mediterranean, exploring 3 of the most beautiful destinations Europe and North Africa have to offer: Italy, Spain and Morocco. 

Explora Journeys is a new luxury lifestyle travel brand with a unique connecting travellers with the ocean, themselves and their environments. And connect us they did. The family-owned business is privately owned and is one of the fastest growing global cruise brands. From the moment I stepped foot on the cruise, I already felt lighter and could not wait for the adventure that awaited me. 

The key throughout was the immense attention to detail. From the binoculars in the room, the Rifai nuts in the boutique, three types of almonds with evening cocktails, Lehmann glassware, matcha, the softest towels at sea, through to thoughtfully curated excursions. The attentrion to detail is brilliant and this is one of the key USPs of the brand.

Sustainability 

Explora Journeys places a strong emphasis on sustainability, with a deep respect for the ocean and a mindful approach to the environment, local communities and destinations.  Their commitment is reflected through various onboard initiatives, such as refillable water stations to reduce plastic waste, energy saving solutions, and waste management efforts. The cruise line also proudly operates without single-use plastic – both onboard and shore!

Their next ship Explora III will run exclusively on LNG, the cleanest marine fuel available at present, that reduces CO2 emissions by up to 25%. Not only did I feel a commitment to sustainability on board, but also at the various destinations we stopped at. Explora II promoted the local talents, the culture and traditions, ensuring that each stop left me with a positive experience of both the people and the destination. As part of the MSC Group, Explora Journeys is committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Explora II

Explora II combines European sophistication with modern luxury, crafting an experience that feels more like a high-end boutique hotel than a traditional cruise. The ship’s design strikes a balance between vibrancy and intimacy, offering an atmosphere that is both stylish and inviting. To achieve its sleek, superyacht-inspired aesthetic, Explora Journeys enlisted a world-class design team, led by renowned British architect Martin Francis, whose expertise in crafting some of the world’s most iconic yachts is evident in every detail. Collaborating with him are SMC Design, AD Associates, and De Jorio Luxury and Yacht Projects—renowned firms with a long-standing relationship with the Aponte Vago family. Their combined efforts ensured that every aspect of the ship reflected a refined sense of style, innovation, and seamless luxury, setting a new standard for modern cruising.

I could have spent days exploring the cruise itself with the amazing deck and pools as well as the carefully designed sitting areas where I sat daydreaming. With 461 ocean front suites, 4 pools, 64 private cabanas and plenty of food and beverage venues, Explora II can be considered a large ship but it never felt like that. There was always plenty of space to relax and recharge. 

Accommodation 

So this is an all-suite ship. My suite exuded exceptional comfort, with ample space and large windows that bathed the room in natural light, creating an inviting and airy ambiance. Including a private terrace and my own mini-bar, not to mention my double bed with the softest mattress and pillows I have ever slept in at sea.

Explora II offers many different accommodation options but our Ocean Terrace Suite was ever so comfortable. The Ocean Terrace Suites and Ocean Grand Terrace Suites rank among the most spacious in their category, starting at 35 sqm (377 sq ft) and 39 sqm (420 sq ft).

The suites feature spacious lounge areas and a private refrigerated mini-bar, restocked based on our choices that Leonel kindly asked about. Amenities include an espresso machine, kettle, and teapot with a complimentary selection of coffee and teas, along with a refillable personal water bottle for each guest. Additionally, suites are equipped with a Dyson Supersonic™ hairdryer and a pair of binoculars for guests to enjoy scenic ocean views throughout their journey.

The bathroom offers ample space, featuring a walk-in shower and heated floors for added comfort. Luxurious bathrobes and premium linens enhance the experience, complemented by Mandala Blue custom bath products, exclusively curated for Explora Journeys. 

For more luxury, there are the Ocean Residences start at 70 sqm (754 sq ft), providing a luxurious home-like retreat at sea. For those seeking the perfect blend of comfort and elegance, the Ocean Residences offer a refined sanctuary at sea. These beautifully designed spaces feature a stylish living area, a serene workspace, and a cozy dining area for four. The separate bedroom boasts stunning sea views, while a spacious walk-in wardrobe with a seated vanity adds a touch of luxury. Furnished with exquisite sofas and chairs by Molteni & C and enhanced by sophisticated Astep lighting, every detail exudes effortless sophistication.

The private sun terrace invites guests to unwind, complete with a whirlpool, dining table, and sun loungers—perfect for savouring the ocean breeze. Each residence is complemented by personalised butler service, a refrigerated mini-bar stocked to guest preferences, and an espresso machine with a curated selection of coffee and teas, ensuring a truly indulgent stay.

The Ocean Penthouses span over 43 sqm (463 sq ft) are designed for both relaxation and functionality, they also include a separate dining table for four. They feature floor-to-ceiling windows, expansive terraces, and elegant dining tables for four. Guests will also enjoy spacious work areas and exclusive services, including complimentary dry cleaning.

On-board offerings 

Explora II offers an extensive selection of relaxing venues to spend your time at. This includes the four heated swimming pools, the indoor and outdoor whirlpools as well as poolside dining. I visited the Art and Photography gallery which was something I very much enjoyed . After having a drink at one of the many bars, I also went to the Astern Lounge – a social hub hosting live DJ sessions as well as quiz nights, karaoke and more.

EXPLORA II elevates luxury ocean travel with exclusive new features, including the first-ever Buccellati jewelry boutique at sea and bespoke collaborations with Borsalino, Kampos, and Massaba, available only at The Journey boutique. The reimagined Ocean Wellness Spa introduces innovative treatment programmes inspired by Ayurvedic principles, while the Helios Pool & Bar has been refreshed with custom Unopiù outdoor furniture, designed by Matteo Nunziati for a refined, elegant ambiance.

Art plays a central role onboard, featuring original works by Emilio Isgró and Marine Encounters, a striking underwater photography exhibition by Prince Hussain Aga Khan. This collection, gifted to the MSC Foundation through its partnership with Focused on Nature, highlights the beauty of marine ecosystems while promoting conservation and sustainability.

A Personal Journey of Wellness at Sea

Sailing through tranquil waters, I embarked on a deeply immersive wellness retreat designed to restore balance to mind, body, and spirit. Each day unfolded as a seamless blend of movement, mindfulness, and renewal, set against the backdrop of the open ocean.

Mornings began with Surya Shakti Yoga and breath work, awakening my senses and grounding me in the present moment. Expert-led seminars provided insights into stress management and the science of sleep, offering practical wisdom to integrate into daily life. Evenings were a transformative experience—Chakra Healing Meditations and Gong Baths beneath the stars left me feeling both invigorated and at peace.

Beyond structured sessions, moments of self-reflection were woven into the journey. Led by wellness expert Carlie Barlow, whose holistic approach blends ancient wisdom with modern practices, the retreat was more than a getaway—it was a transformative journey, leaving me with a deep sense of balance and clarity. There was also a high-tech gym with the latest equipment that offered a proper workout. 

Dining 

The culinary experience aboard Explora II was really superb. A celebration of brilliant ingredients prepared with precision and care. I was able to choose from a selection of 11 different cuisines, celebrating diverse global talents and cultures with a focus on health and locally sourced ingredients. There was even the choice of having afternoon tea every day! 

Every single restaurant stood out in flavour and uniqueness:

Sakura, an immersive, authentic restaurant focusing on Pan-Asian cuisine, was an incredible experience which I had to go back to on my very last day to savour the dishes one last time before disembarkation and returning to reality. Sushi was expertly prepared and the atmosphere was brilliant. With a choice of three included sakes that paired with the food, a standout dish for us was a delicate quail with sushi rice. The black cod is also a must-try. 

The Mediterranean dishes at the Med Yacht Club were great, especially at lunch on a sea day. I ordered the patatas bravas, and some tapas to begin, then I had the grilled halloumi cheese salad with roasted peppers, grilled zucchini, cherry tomatoes, arugula, olives and Greek yoghurt lemon sauce. For my main course, I had the Amarone beef fillet with gorgonzola cheese, spinach, corn and an Amarone wine reduction, paired with a vegetable casserole.

The signature dishes at Marble and Co. Grill, were the Grilled 30-Day Aged Prime Rib with Cherry Tomatoes & Hollandaise – a classic elevated by exceptional provenance and quality. Sourced from a local producer in France’s lush Loire Vallée, the renowned Jersiaise breed delivers unmatched flavour and rich marbling, making it one of the most prized cuts of prime rib. Grilled to perfection, it is simply garnished with cherry tomatoes and a velvety Hollandaise, allowing the superior quality of the meat to shine.

I also had the Crushed Fingerling Potatoes with Bordier Butter, Calvisius Oscietra Caviar & Crème Fraîche. These crushed fingerling potatoes are enriched with Normandy’s famed Bordier butter, topped with sustainably sourced Calvisius Oscietra caviar—prized for its delicate flavour along with crème fraîche and chives.  This dish is a testament to the power of exceptional ingredients and was my favourite by far. 

For effortless all-day dining, I would head over to Emporium Marketplace. Bathed in natural bright light, several separate cooking stations evolve throughout the day. White marble and minimalist design take centre stage, allowing the freshest ingredients to make the food the true hero of this elegant, relaxed space.

I enjoyed the handmade tortellini filled with ricotta cheese, spinach, and drizzled with tomato-sage butter. Pastas change on a daily basis. For breakfast, the savoury spinach-studded waffles with poached eggs were a highlight as well as the hand cut gravadlax. Lunch and dinner featured a wide range of dishes from freshly grilled fish through to a freshly made Caesar salad. 

Fil Rouge was my favourite restaurant -French-inspired cuisine. Their signature dish, which was recommended to me was the Tuna tataki paired with a crispy tomato-olive tart, fresh vegetables, and a touch of vanilla white pepper. This wasn’t any tuna. It was Mediterranean bluefin tuna, sustainably raised and caught near Cartagena Bay, known as one of the finest sashimi grades available worldwide. My favourite dish – a fish soup. A beautiful thick, flavour-filled fish soup accompanied with some croutons, rouille and of course grated Gruyère cheese. Also available every day was Maine Lobster or some gorgeous Canadian lobster thermidor. Stunning. There is also a daily soufflé to enjoy at Fil Rouge, which is an experience in itself. There aren’t many cruise lines that offer soufflé let alone one that changes every day. This was a proper French restaurant from the Beurre D’Isigny through to the snails in garlic. 

Restaurant Anthology was somewhere we didn’t visit but heard good things from the truffle-infused delicacies of Piedmont in the North to the iconic specialties of Italy’s South, the tasting menu is a tribute to the finest local ingredients and traditional culinary craftsmanship. This is an additional paid experience which was very popular. 

On a free afternoon, I immersed myself in The Chef’s Kitchen—an exclusive, oceanfront culinary class designed for just 12 guests. Culinary experts guided us through a journey of exploring new ingredients, flavours, textures, and cultural influences, all regardless of our cooking skill level. The program evolved with the regions visited by the ship, even extending ashore with trips to local markets and visits to hand-picked producers. Later, the adjoining private dining room provided a perfect setting to celebrate our newfound skills, savour the incredible dishes we created, and enjoy superb wines selected by expert sommeliers.

What about the drinks? 

As an all-inclusive experience, the drinks very much matched the food. The Lobby Bar serves as a central hub for socialising, offering a vibrant atmosphere for guests to gather. Refreshments are available throughout the day and evening. I enjoyed a great many cocktails such as a classic mojito with fresh mint and Vesper martinis. 

Located at the ship’s highest point, Sky Bar on 14 offers a panoramic outdoor lounge with endless, breathtaking views. 

Malt Whiskey Bar, nestled within the elegant Explora Lounge, offers an exceptional selection of some super whiskies. This experience took me on a refined journey through global whiskey regions. The experience is enhanced by a walk-in humidor, a dedicated cigar expert, and an outdoor terrace designed for cigar aficionados to enjoy hand-rolled selections. With a menu focused on rich, dark spirits, Malt also features exclusive whiskey-based cocktails crafted specifically for Explora II. Set against the backdrop of smooth jazz, this sophisticated retreat is the ideal setting for enjoying fine whiskey and cigars in ultimate refinement.

Our Excursions 

This high-end luxury wellness cruise was an unforgettable experience from start to finish. 

With 22 carefully planned experiences, from Valencia’s ceramics, history, and art to La Ciudad de las Artes y las Cièncias, scenic morning walks, incredible dining, and a visit to a unique family-owned orange farm to taste fresh, zesty oranges.

After Spain, Explora II took us to beautiful Morocco, where we visited one of the most famous mosques, followed by an out-of-this-world Hammam experience and incredible Moroccan food. Of course, visiting Morocco also means visiting a Souk – a market selling everything from spices and fruits to clothes and jewelry. There, I was able to immerse myself in the past, seeing a tiny glimpse of what Casablanca was like years ago. Having been to Morocco for the first time with Explora II, I was happy to visit all the sights and see the beautiful architecture the country has to offer. 

Overall

My journey aboard Explora II was nothing short of brilliant —a blend of luxury, culture, wellness, and sustainability. From the thoughtfully curated destinations to the impeccable service, exquisite cuisine, and enriching experiences at sea, every moment felt intentional and deeply rewarding. Whether it was discovering new corners of the Mediterranean or reconnecting with myself through wellness and reflection, this retreat was truly a transformative escape. Explora Journeys has redefined what it means to travel by ocean, creating not just a voyage, but a meaningful experience.

To discover more visit: explorajourneys.com

 

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