Explora’s motto is “Maybe the best hotel isn’t a hotel…” This cruise is more a luxury resort, less of a cruise. The ships are mid-size, but with only 962 passengers on board. There are currently two Explora vessels sailing, but that will increase to seven by the end of 2027. They are also increasing their destinations and will even offer a world cruise starting 2027.
Our assigned boarding time with Explora was 1p and we sailed out of the port in Old San Juan. The process was super easy - once we entered the cruise terminal we boarded within 10 minutes which included clearing security. Explora does not allow you to have access to your room until all cabins are ready, but there are multiple areas to enjoy lunch while waiting.
Our stateroom was 8076, an Ocean Terrace 3 on Deck 8. Explora has three categories: Ocean Terrace Staterooms, Penthouses and Residences. There are several subgroups within each category. The Ocean Terraces are ample size and quite comfortable. Our room had a king bed, sitting area, walk-in closet, and a well-appointed bathroom with walk in shower. The balcony was also nicely sized.
I was able to see two Penthouse categories as well as two Residences while onboard. The Penthouses were similar to the Ocean Terrace Suites, only larger. If you want a true suite, book a Residence. All of the bathrooms are the same until the top two staterooms on the ship. Please note, some staterooms offer tubs. The tubs are very deep and are tricky to navigate. Please check the deck plan and verify if this would work for the traveler. I don’t think I could have climbed in and out safely!!!
Dining is where Explora really shines. There are six included restaurants, Sakura, Med Yacht, Fil Rouge, Marble and Co, Anthology and Emporium Marketplace. You must have reservations for all but Emporium. Two reservations are allowed to be made preboarding….I recommend pre booking Sakura and Marble and Co as they filled quickly. All are excellent. They are also wonderful with allergies. Emporium is their “buffet” but is more of a food hall concept with many cooked to order stations. Please note, only crew touch utensils and there are hand washing stations at the entry of marketplace. Sakura is open for lunch on port days as well as dinner. Anthology is Explora’s “Michelin type” experience and is an additional cost.
Beverages are included with Explora. There are premium brands for purchase but their standard options included were “top shelf” (vodka choices were Grey Goose, Belvedere, ect…tequila was Patron Silver, ect). The Crema Café included was a full service coffee bar and was always busy. Bars are scattered throughout the ship and service was spot on.
There are four pools on board. Chairs were never an issue except for the covered cabanas at the pools as they are limited. Please note, there is NO drinking allowed in a pool unless it is water.
Explora offers many activities to choose from daily and nightly. As they do not have a large theater, the nightly shows were more Vegas lounge style. There is live music offered in multiple places on board beginning at 6p. It was similar to entertainment on a river cruise, but there was a DJ nightly on the Sky Deck.
Our sailing was San Juan to Miami and included stops in Antigua, Anguilla, Virgin Gorda and St. Thomas. We took a taxi to Shoal Beach in Anguilla which was wonderful. We also taxied to The Baths in Virgin Gorda.
We booked a cooking class with Explora’s Culinary Kitchen for the French Class during a day at sea. The experience is a two-hour lesson with a chef and is $165.00 per person. It must be booked on board and please tell your clients to book early as it does sell out. We loved it. I also enjoyed an afternoon at the spa. The treatments are pricey, but they offer full access to the wellness center.
Explora is a great option for all ages and is looking for an upscale experience.
