An ocean state of mind

Award-winning interiors, designer boutiques and world-class culinary experiences take to the high seas. Stay in a sun-drenched suite

Billed as a “luxury resort at sea”, EXPLORA I, the first ship in Explora Journeys’ fleet, has all the intimacy and service of a five-star establishment while ushering in a new era of ocean travel. The 248-metre vessel hosts 900 guests and blends cutting-edge architecture with green technology that reduces underwater noise and emissions. Having already visited Northern Europe and Iceland, EXPLORA I will now travel through the Caribbean, Hawaii and the Mediterranean, offering five to 52 night voyages.

Designed by acclaimed European firms NenMar and De Jorio, all of the ship’s 461 suites provide a connection to the outdoors through floor-to-ceiling windows and a private sun terrace. The spacious accommodation ranges from 35-square-metre Ocean Terrace Suites – complete with a king-sized bed draped in Italian linen – to the stately 280-square-metre Owner’s Residence. The latter includes a terrace that spans the full width of the aft of the ship, with panoramic ocean views and an infinity whirlpool, as well as dedicated private butler services and an in-suite welcome bottle of Dom Pérignon.

Feast on five-star dining

EXPLORA I serves up nine culinary experiences, including six onboard restaurants. Anthology is the vessel’s flagship eatery, where you can dine on dishes cooked by celebrated guest chefs, such as Mauro Uliassi from the three-Michelin-starred Uliassi Restaurant in Italy. Other highlights include the signature Wagyu beef tataki at Pan-Asian restaurant Sakura, grilled octopus at Med Yacht Club and the aged prime rib at steakhouse Marble & Co. Grill. Feeling inspired? Sharpen your skills in the Chef’s Kitchen, an immersive cooking class for 12 guests.

Relax, rejuvenate or shop at sea

Dive into one of the ship’s three heated outdoor pools (or the indoor pool with retractable glass roof) and stretch out on a Molteni & C sun lounger. Loosen up at The Spa with an aromatherapy massage or work up a sweat with a session at one of the fitness spaces featuring Italian-made Technogym equipment. For a culture fix, listen to jazz in a candlelit bar, peruse the ship’s art gallery or shake things up with a class in mixology. You can also shop for luxury brands, such as Cartier, Rolex, Piaget and Panerai, in their respective onboard boutiques, or for artisan creations at The Journey, ensuring you step off in style at your next port.