Explora Journeys Specialist | Overland Park, KS
Explora Journeys:
An Advisor's Guide to Luxury Ocean Travel
I'm Cyndi Smith, a certified Explora Journeys travel advisor in Overland Park, Kansas. Explora Journeys is the luxury ocean line I recommend to empty nesters, retirees, and couples who love great hotels but have always said "I'm not a cruise person."
This guide covers what's included, which suite to choose, who it's best for, and what my clients ask before they book.
View my verified profile and certifications on Travel Leaders Network.
My take on Explora Journeys
I need to say this upfront. I have not been a fan of "cruising", never have been. Big ships like floating cities with 5,000 people, just didn't appeal to me personally. So when I tell you Explora Journeys won me over, I mean that as someone who came in already skeptical about the entire thing. And, that skepticism is actually the whole point of Explora Journeys. The brand doesn't call itself a cruise line. It calls what you're doing a journey, and once you understand why, the name starts making sense.
First of all, every cabin is a suite, and every suite has a balcony (no interior cabins). t's built more like a residence that happens to move across the ocean than a traditional ship. The entry level suite category are where this really shows. The Ocean Terrace Suite alone runs around 377 square feet, which makes it one of the largest entry-level suites in the ultra luxury cruise category, not a downgrade room you settle for, but a real starting point.
Who Explora Journeys is best for
A great fit if you:
-
Love luxury hotels and want that same feel at sea
-
Want room to spread out, with a large suite and a private terrace
-
Prefer a relaxed, elegant atmosphere to formal nights and big shows
-
Care about wellness, from the thermal spa to fitness classes
-
Want most things included, including drinks, Wi-Fi, and gratuities
Maybe not the best fit if you:
-
Want nonstop onboard entertainment
-
Want shore excursions included in your fare
-
Prefer traditional, formal cruise luxury
What's Included on Explora Journeys (and what is not)
-
Culinary & Dining: 9 restaurants at no extra cost including specialty venues like Sakura, Marble & Co. Grill, Fil Rouge, Med Yacht Club, and Emporium Marketplace, plus 24/7 in-suite dining.
-
Unlimited fine wines, champagne, premium spirits, craft cocktails, specialty cocktails, teas and soft drinks across all lounges, restaurants and in your suite.
-
In suite Welcome Amenities such as a welcome bottle of champagne, plus a bottle of premium spirits and wine customized to your personal preference, along with a mini bar and snacks refreshed daily.
-
Gratuities: all onboard gratuities for the crew are included.
-
Wellness & fitness: complimentary access to the Ocean Wellness Spa and fitness center
-
Wifi: high speed access throughout the ship
-
Port Shuttles: complimentary shuttles between port docks and city centers
-
Family amenities such as the Nautilus club and youth space including VR and gaming consoles.
What is not included in your cruise fare
-
Anthology Restaurant: The ships signature curated chef's tasting menu and wine pairing
-
Chef's Kitchen Experience: Private, hands on masterclass and chef led tasting
-
Spa Treatments: massages, facials, med spa treatments
-
Destination Experiences: Explora's curated list of shore exursions are booked separately.
-
Ultra premium and rare vintages: premium alcohol is included but very rare, special items are a la carte pricing.
Choosing your suite or residence
Every suite has an ocean view and a private terrace, so there's no "bad" room. The question is how much space and service you want.
-
Ocean Suites are the starting point and already larger than many luxury lines' standard suites. A great choice for most couples.
-
Ocean Penthouses add more space and enhanced services.
-
Ocean Residences feel like a private apartment, with the most space and the highest level of service. Worth it for longer voyages or milestone trips.
-
Owner's Residence is the top suite on each ship.
Tips For Picking the Right Stateroom for Your Journey
Ocean Residences: If you are looking at the top tier experience, maybe for a milestone celebration or extended journey, Explora i & II each have one Owner's Residences at the aft of the ship. Explora III & IV add 2 more to the ship's layout designed by Patricia Urquiola on Deck 7.
Bringing the kids or grandkids, the Grand Penthouse is your best bet. Sized from 645-730 square feet and has a double sleeper sofa accommodates 2 adults and 2 children. The bedroom is partitioned off from the living and dining area so parents can have a separate space from the kids. These also have full bathtubs with walk in showers. Of course you can get expanded space with an Ocean Residence such as the Cove, the Retreat or Serenity) with truly dedicated space.
For families, you can also consider connecting Ocean Suites (OT1-OT4). This set up provides two entry level staterooms, with 2 bathrooms. Note there are limited connecting suites at this category so you will need to plan ahead.
Penthouse connected to a Ocean suite: This option is great if you want a larger common entertaining space. Parents gain more space with the kids nearby.
Explora Journeys is well suited for a solo traveler. This is mostly because of the more intimate feel so it's both easy to socialize or enjoy peaceful solitude. Unless the mass market cruise lines that charge 100% single supplement, Explora offers reduced rates typically only 25% over the per person double occupancy fare but that can be reduced to zero on select routes during their promotional periods. Ocean Terrace Suites (OT1-OT4) are great choices for solo travelers offering space and comfort! Learn more about Explora's solo offers here.
Which Explora ship should you choose?
Explora Journeys maintains a consistent, high standard of their "Ocean State of Mind" across all their ships, you will get the same culinary experience, residential feel, and high crew to guest ratio on all ships. Today, there are three ships, soon to be four, with another three more planned for 2027 & 2028.
EXPLORA I and II are sister ships with nearly identical layouts. They are deployed across the Mediterranean, Caribbean and Arabian Peninsula. Choose these for a more boutique feel on the classic routes.
EXPLORA III and soon to be EXPLORA IV is a little longer (about 19 meters) and adds new dining, including a Chef's Table experience, plus a refreshed Owner's Residence. Despite the increased size of the ship they still carry the same number of suites (463 oceanfront suites) so that means more space for guests. Their LNG powered propulsion also makes them compliant with the strictest environmental zones such as Norway's zero emission fjords. These ships also have expanded space for kids with separate space for younger kids and teens.
I recommend choosing the itinerary first and the ship second (they are all amazing!) Although these ships are big, they still feel intimate.
I love to help skeptics fall in love with boutique cruising! Learn more about small ship ocean cruising.
Explora Journeys That I Recommend
Mediterranean. The best first Explora voyage. Longer port stays, late departures, and some of the most beautiful coastlines in the world.
Northern Europe and the Norwegian fjords. Royal capitals and quiet fjord mornings. A favorite for honeymoons and anniversaries.
Caribbean in winter. A calm, resort-style escape when Kansas City is cold.
Alaska, starting in 2027. EXPLORA III launches the line's first Alaska season.
Greece & the Med
Norway & Scandinavia
Alaska
Iceland & British Isles
Why book your Explora Journey through me
-
I'm Explora Journeys certified and the know the ships, cabins, and itineraries firsthand
-
You pay me the same cruise fare as booking direct, and I watch for promotions and exclusive perks
-
I build the entire trip: flights, pre and post hotels, private tours and transfers
-
I'm based in Overland Park,KS and work with clients nationwide
From the blog:
I love small ship sailing because it’s the perfect mix of exploring new places and never having to repack your suitcase. If you’re curious what makes it so special, I wrote more about it on the blog!
Explora Journeys Spotlight
The Small Ship for the Anti-Cruiser. Read more.
The Windstar Difference
So What Is a "Boutique Cruise"?
The opposite of the Mega Ship..(Read More)
Destination Immersion with Azamara
Explora Journeys FAQs
Is Explora Journeys all-inclusive?
Mostly. Dining, unlimited beverages, Wi-Fi, gratuities, and access to the thermal spa are included. Shore excursions, the Anthology tasting menu, spa treatments, and airfare are extra.
Are drinks included on Explora Journeys?
Yes. Fine wines, spirits, cocktails, and specialty coffees are included throughout the ship and in your suite minibar. Only a short list of ultra-premium labels costs extra.
Are gratuities included on Explora Journeys?
Yes. All onboard gratuities are included in your fare.
Does Explora Journeys have formal nights?
No. The dress code is elegant resort casual every night.
Is Explora Journeys good for older travelers?
Yes. The ships are spacious and calm, suites are large, and the pace is unhurried. Tell me about any mobility needs so I can choose the right suite location and port experiences.
Is Explora Journeys good for first-time cruisers?
Yes. It's one of the best lines for people who swore they'd never cruise, because it feels more like a luxury hotel than a typical cruise ship.
Can children sail on Explora Journeys?
Yes, children are welcome. Although the atmosphere is adult-focused, they offer the Nautilus Club which offers space for both younger kids and teens. The number of kids per sailing is limited to approximately 100 so if you are sailing over school breaks, book earlier grab your space.
What is the newest Explora Journeys ship?
EXPLORA III began sailing in summer 2026. Three more ships are planned for 2027 and 2028. Explora IV will sail Northern European itineraries starting in April 2027.
How far in advance should I book Explora Journeys?
About 9 to 18 months ahead for the best suite choice, especially for Mediterranean summer sailings and Residences. If you need specific space or connecting rooms, the earlier the better to ensure availability.