Explora Journeys has launched its largest-ever cruise ship – here is what it’s like on board

Look closely at Explora Journeys’ website or latest advertising campaign and you may notice that the MSC-owned brand doesn’t use the word cruise in its marketing. As I toured its newest ship, Explora III, I could see why.

It felt like I was walking into a luxury boutique hotel, with large glass chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, some as long as six metres. The serene shards lit up an Italian marble staircase leading to a vast atrium surrounded by shops selling Rolex watches and Cartier jewellery. It felt like walking through an upmarket Italian piazza in Milan rather than a sunny day in Southampton.

This is a deliberate approach, according to UK managing director Antonio Paradiso, with the brand hoping to offer what he describes as “a new expression of luxury” at sea, inspired by the world’s best upmarket hotels.

Launched this summer, Explora III is the third ship in the luxury cruise line’s fleet and the largest of the three.

One of the first things I noticed on board was the space. With an increased length of 63 feet compared with its sister ships, Explora III offers larger open-air decks.

Neatly folded soft towels sat in anticipation on sunbeds that looked out onto the Atlantic beside a very tempting infinity pool. This is one of three heated outdoor pools, snd across the ship, guests can also enjoy five indoor and outdoor heated whirlpools.

There is also a pool surrounded by soft sunbeds under a retractable roof, that will help for the unpredictable rainy days the ship may get when sailing around the Med or the tropical storms in the Caribbean. Unlike on the first two ships, Explora III also has a new Shore Club for poolside Mediterranean snacks.

Read more: Behind the scenes as Explora Journeys develops three new cruise ships

There is plenty of room to relax on this 938-capacity ship, with 12 bars and lounges to choose from. The Malt Whisky Bar caught my eye, offering rare whiskies including a 12-year Macallan and a Japanese Yamazaki.

All food and drinks are included in the cruise fare. There is is also new wine bar called The Cellar, where guests can pay for a tasting and explore vintages and varieties inspired by where the ship is sailing.

Beyond the bars and seven restaurants – including sushi at Sakura, fine dining at Anthology and the Emporium Marketplace buffet with freshly-made global dishes – there is a strong focus on wellness on board.

Guests can keep fit on outdoor exercise bikes and rowing machines that overlook the ocean. There is a tennis court, opened by Jannik Sinner in July, which can be used as a basketball court, and one of the first padel courts at sea.

Passengers will also be able to use the spa and gym for free. I recommend the complimentary sound bar session, where you lay on yoga mats with your eyes closed and drift off while soft drums, rattles and chimes are played, enhancing the feeling of being on the ocean. The ship has a new specialty Sava Sound Pod treatment (€95), that I haven’t seen on a cruise ship before, where you essentially lie on a large speaker and musical vibrations massage you.

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Unlike many other luxury cruise lines, Explora Journeys welcomes children onboard. Its bright Nautilus Club for ages six to 17 looks like it will be a great space, with large screens to play games consoles, as well as a pool table and a pinball machine that will make parents jealous.

The luxury continues into the accommodation. Each cabin is a suite that faces the sea, with a regularly stocked minibar and butlers or hosts who can help with everything from unpacking to booking excursions.

There are 313 Ocean Suites, 109 Penthouses and 39 Ocean Residences, featuring expansive floor-to-ceiling windows and private terraces for guests to enjoy ocean views and sunsets.

Explora III has two large Owner’s Residences, with one designed by architect Patricia Urquiola. At 3,391 square feet, it features high-end artworks and furnishings, plus a marble bathroom and private steam room, its own private whirlpool, daybeds, dining and lounging areas.

Read more: The best cruise ships you must travel on in your lifetime

How to do it

Explora III is sailing around Canada and the US this autumn, before heading to the Caribbean in the winter.

Prices for a seven-night Caribbean cruise from Miami to Puerto Rico, departing on 6 December start from £3,110 per person.

Book now