As the luxury cruise market continues to evolve, new players like Explora Journeys are making waves with their high-end offerings. This review covers a third voyage with Explora Journeys since the brand’s launch. While the experience offered some notable highlights, it also revealed areas where the brand still has room for improvement.
For full disclosure, this cruise was entirely self-funded, with no perks or benefits provided by Explora Journeys or MSC. Although younger than the typical demographic on board, there’s a wealth of cruising experience to draw from, having completed eight MSC Yacht Club cruises last year and with seven more planned for this year. Additionally, previous travels have included luxury experiences with Regent, Viking, Virgin Voyages, and Royal Caribbean, as well as numerous land-based holidays.
Pre-Cruise Stay in Vancouver
The journey began with a three-day stay in Vancouver, included as part of the Explora Journeys package. The Fairmont Waterfront hotel, chosen for its proximity to the cruise terminal, proved to be a solid choice. While the decor was somewhat dated, the one-bedroom suite offered stunning water and mountain views through large picture windows. The service at the hotel was impeccable, from the reception to breakfast, and the quality of the linen, water pressure, and Le Labo toiletries was excellent. Although not the trendiest spot, the hotel provided a reliable and comfortable base for exploring Vancouver before the cruise. The convenience of walking to the terminal was another bonus.
Embarkation: A Less-Than-Luxurious Start
Embarkation with Explora Journeys turned out to be one of the weaker aspects of the experience. Upon arrival at the dock, a bracelet was provided, along with instructions to walk back to the security entrance, all while managing carry-on luggage. The process felt more akin to an airport check-in than the start of a luxury cruise. After navigating security and waiting in temporary seating, the cruise card was finally presented in a branded envelope.
Despite the stunning lobby area and a welcome glass of champagne upon boarding, the overall embarkation experience lacked the personal touch and luxury one might expect. Unlike MSC’s Yacht Club, there was no assistance with luggage, no guidance to the suite, and no representative to explain the ship’s amenities. This self-service approach felt more akin to Royal Caribbean and Viking, rather than the higher-end experience promised by Explora Journeys.
The Suite: Elegance with Some Shortcomings
The suite on Deck 7 was found to be conveniently located near the lift lobby but tucked behind a door, ensuring a quiet environment. Elegantly designed, the suite had a premium feel that exceeded expectations in many ways. The dressing area, complete with a Dyson hairdryer, and the large, well-furnished balcony were standout features. The bed was comfortable, though the pillows—synthetic and unsupportive—were a significant letdown.
While the suite’s overall ambiance was luxurious, some shortcomings were noted. The light grey carpet showed more stains than one would expect, and the carpentry had some visible damage. Despite these issues, the art, objects, and amenities contributed to the suite’s premium feel. The cabin steward was efficient and polite, though it was evident that the scripted service required felt forced and unnatural.
The bathroom, while well-appointed, suffered from inconsistent water pressure and temperature. After three days of lukewarm showers, a move to an Ocean Penthouse was arranged, which offered better water pressure and more space. However, the housekeeping service in the new suite was less meticulous, and the suite’s host was never seen, though it was serviced twice daily.
Dining: A Mixed Culinary Experience
Dining on Explora Journeys presented a significant contrast in quality. On the positive side, Sakura restaurant stood out as outstanding. Dining there three times during the six-night cruise proved delightful, with sushi and Asian-inspired dishes being particularly excellent. The staff delivered warm, attentive service, and the restaurant’s decor and location, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the stern infinity pool, created a truly special dining experience.
Marble & Co also delivered a high-quality experience, with excellent cuts of beef and a knowledgeable sommelier. However, the ambiance was less personal, with multiple staff members handling different parts of the service, leading to a slightly fragmented experience. The premium wine selections were also priced at a premium, though the sommelier made every effort to provide suitable alternatives when first choices were unavailable.
Unfortunately, the other dining options on board did not live up to expectations. Both Fil Rouge and Med Yacht Club were disappointing, with fragmented service, limited menus, and food quality that was average at best. The experience at Fil Rouge was particularly underwhelming; after waiting nearly an hour for breakfast on the first morning, it was necessary to leave without being served. Despite an attempt by the manager to make amends with a dinner invitation, the service was slow, and the food quality did not improve.
As a result, the buffet became the go-to for most meals. While it was one of the best buffets encountered on a cruise ship, it still lacked the elegance of a served meal in a luxury setting. Room service, however, was a pleasant surprise, with hot, well-prepared dishes delivered promptly—meeting the level of service one would expect from Explora Journeys.
Public Areas and Entertainment: Highs and Lows
The public areas on board Explora Journeys were generally impressive, particularly the outdoor spaces. The tiered pool areas at the stern were beautifully designed, offering plenty of shaded spots and stunning views. Relaxing in the hot tubs while watching whales and dolphins was one of the cruise’s most memorable moments. The infinity pool, with views of San Francisco’s sea lions, was another highlight, enhanced by attentive poolside service.
However, the entertainment offerings on board were less successful. Preference was given to quiet bars with background music over the typical Broadway-style shows offered on many cruises. Unfortunately, Explora Journeys’ entertainment didn’t align with these preferences. One morning, a choir practice in the forward lounge drove away nearly all the guests who had been peacefully enjoying the sea views—a jarring and outdated choice for a luxury cruise.
On the plus side, the onboard shopping was excellent, with a range of high-end merchandise and alternative brands. The staff in the shops were helpful without being intrusive, and the pricing was reasonable for the quality offered. Treating oneself to an Explora North Sails jacket, using up some onboard credit, was a particular highlight.
Disembarkation: A Smooth Conclusion
Disembarkation was efficiently handled, though the early 8 am checkout time felt a bit rushed. Virgin Voyages, for instance, offers a more relaxed 10 am checkout, which makes for a more leisurely last day. Despite this, the process of leaving the ship and collecting luggage in the terminal was smooth and stress-free, with no further immigration formalities thanks to pre-clearance in Canada.
Final Thoughts: A High-Quality Cruise with Room for Improvement
In summary, Explora Journeys offers a high-quality cruise experience with beautifully designed public spaces, well-appointed suites, and some exceptional dining options. However, there are areas that require improvement, particularly in terms of service consistency and the overall luxury experience during embarkation and dining.
While another voyage with Explora Journeys has been booked for next year, it is approached with mixed feelings. The brand has the potential to become a leader in the luxury cruise market, but it is clear that further refinement is needed to fully realise this potential. Hopefully, this review provides useful insights for those considering Explora Journeys for their next luxury cruise.