A Luxury Hotel That Follows You Around: Discovering Explora Journeys
I was delighted to be invited on board EXPLORA III in Greencastle, Co Donegal, on Friday 11 September. Having now had the chance to experience the ship for myself, I can see why this style of cruising is attracting so much attention...
The easiest way I can describe it is as a luxury hotel that happens to move. The ship could accommodate around 2,000 to 3,000 guests, but EXPLORA carries around 900, and that makes a real difference. There is space to relax, quiet areas around the ship and none of the feeling of being crowded that can sometimes come with ocean cruising.
EXPLORA also has one of the youngest fleets at sea, and you can see that in the design. Everything feels fresh and modern, from the cabins and bathrooms to the public areas, restaurants and pool deck. It is luxurious, but in a much more understated way than you might expect. There is no sense of being over the top or formal.
The food was another highlight for me. Even the buffet we sampled felt more like a good quality restaurant than a typical cruise buffet, and there are several dining options on board. The overall approach to food and service feels much more like a high-end hotel.
What really stood out to me, though, was the service. EXPLORA refers to its staff as hosts, and I think that is a good description. The service is attentive without being formal or intrusive. You are looked after, but you never feel that someone is constantly in your space.
I think this could be a particularly good option for people who love hotels but aren't sure about cruising, or for those who perhaps feel that cruise ships can be busy, dated or too formal. If you like the feel of a premium all-inclusive resort such as Ikos, but like the idea of waking up somewhere different without having to pack and unpack, EXPLORA could be a really good fit.
I really think this could be great for celebratory trips such as honeymoons, special anniversaries, milestone birthdays and couples or friends who simply want to travel somewhere special and have plenty of space to relax.
If you would like to find out more or have a chat about whether EXPLORA might suit you, please get in touch. I’d be only delighted of the opportunity to help.
