Review: Explora Journeys

Before I start my review of sailing with Explora Journeys on the Explora I, please review this article, which will walk you through the notable features of this world-class luxury cruise ship.

I suppose the first question to ask is whether the world needs another luxury cruise line and, if so, who will pay for the extra berths as Explora Journeys builds six new ships in the coming years.

First, American baby boomers are not the only passengers interested in sailing with Explora Journeys. I’m going to guess that somewhere around 50% of the passengers on our sailing were European. Second, Explora Journeys tells me that the average age of their passengers is 54. So, they appeal to a younger crowd as well as the American baby boomer.

I Predict That Explora Journeys Will Become a Formidable Player in the Luxury Ocean Cruise Space

Our ship docked in Marmaris, Türkiye

However, let’s just pretend that Explora Journeys’ only market is the American luxury baby boomer traveler. According to Federal Reserve data, American baby boomers have become $14 trillion richer since the end of 2019. And even more astounding, American baby boomers, who comprise about 20% of the U.S. population, now own 52% of the country’s net worth, valued at $76 trillion.

This is an astounding amount of wealth, and as I keep saying, our country’s 80,000,000 baby boomers want to do two things: visit their grandchildren and travel.

So, now that we know the market can accommodate another luxury cruise line, the question becomes: Can Explora Journeys take market share?

Explora Journeys has formidable competition in the 5-star luxury cruise space with Silversea, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, and Seabourn. When you add what I call 4.5-star luxury ocean brands like Viking, Oceania, and Crystal Cruises to the mix, Explora Journeys has their work cut out for them.

Having said all that, and now having sailed with them for the second time, I predict that Explora Journeys will become a formidable player in the luxury ocean cruise space.

You’ve Come a Long Way, Baby!

If you recall, while Carol and I enjoyed our first sailing with Explora Journeys about a year ago, we did notice a few hiccups aboard the ship.

Well, let me say that has all changed.

When we sail, it is common for us to encounter a few complainers about this or that. Well, this might be the first time aboard a cruise ship that we haven’t heard a complaint. Nary a peep!

As we interacted with our fellow cruisers, all we heard was praise, awe, and delight.

The cuisine aboard the ship was spectacular. In fact, while we were onboard, Travel Weekly announced that Explora Journeys had just won the Gold Magellan Award for Best Cruise Cuisine.

The service was impeccable. Anil, our butler aboard the ship, was absolutely the best we’ve encountered.

The ship is very comfortable. Sometimes, style and comfort do not go hand in hand. That is not the case here. Our suite was well-designed, beautiful, and, again, comfortable.

The ship has 11 distinct culinary experiences and 12 indoor and outdoor bars and lounges. The spa area is expansive, with 7,500 sq.ft. and a 2,900 sq.ft fitness center.

The main pool area is beautiful and offers a retractable rooftop to keep you warm and dry during inclement weather. We stayed in port quite late in the evenings, and our shore excursions, or destination experiences as Explora calls them, were punctual, informative, and enjoyable.

At the moment, their destinations are the Mediterranean and Western Europe, the Caribbean and Central America, and Grand Journeys. However, as more ships come online, they’ll be able to reach Northern Europe and Asia.

All in all, we were very impressed with our Explora Journeys experience. We give them our highest thumbs up and recommend you book one with us today. We promise you’ll love it and keep coming back for more.

WE ARE THE #1 BOOKING TRAVEL ADVISORS IN VIRTUOSO

How to Book an Ocean Journey with Explora Journeys

Explora Journeys is a part of our Virtuoso Voyages program.

Book with us, and we’ll add a minimum of €300 in shipboard credits to your booking on cruises lasting 7 nights or longer.

This means that when you book any Explora Journeys cruise with Roaming Boomers Travel Services, you will receive exclusive complimentary amenities on all sailings that you wouldn’t get by booking directly with the company.

Additionally, you will also enjoy our hands-on expert service and care for your booking.

And, the price is exactly the same whether you book with us or directly with the company. Therefore, take advantage of our expertise and perks.

For more information or to book a fun Explora Journeys cruise, please call Roaming Boomers Travel Services at (480) 550-1235 or use our convenient online information request (click here), and we’ll reach out to you.

Additional Links:

• • • Best Way to Book an Ocean or River Cruise

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About Virtuoso
Virtuoso® is the leading global network of agencies specializing in luxury and experiential travel, with over 20,000 advisors. We partner with over 1,800 of the world’s best companies such as hotels, cruise lines, tour operators, and more. Our advisors use their personal connections and firsthand expertise to craft bespoke trips for clients, including unique experiences, special values, complimentary perks, VIP treatment, and rare access.