EXPLORA I accommodation review: A deep dive into the lavish suites and residences
Explora Journeys is intent on reimagining luxury cruising with a focus on calm, elegant explorations. We reviewed the accommodation on board their first ship EXPLORA I.
There are four accommodation types across 461 suites and residences. As per the rest of the ship, the rooms’ aesthetic is elegant yet understated luxury.
One small object that created such delight for my wife is worth mentioning – the Dyson hairdryer was a hit. So much so we are not the proud owners of a duty-free purchased Dyson hairdryer. If only I had hair to enjoy such a treat.
This is the second instalment of our EXPLORA I review, read the EXPLORA I Overview for general insights.
Ocean Suites
The Ocean Suites are spacious at 35 square metres and 28 square metres not including the balcony. A compartmentalised walk-in robe, seated vanity and marble bathroom with heated flooring and walk-in shower with rain or standard head are an extravagance on a cruise ship, but to be expected at this elevated level of luxury.
The floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding doors onto the balcony bring a lot of natural light and lean into the brand ethos – “Ocean state of mind’. The spacious balcony does have room for the table and chair plus a day bed for lounging.
Elegance meets comfort in every suite.
The room is filled with the same objects, books and boardgames as the public spaces of the ship and accentuates the sense that this is your superyacht from bedroom to pool.
A sofa with a coffee table, separated from the king double by a bookshelf with the aforementioned objects, books and games provides a reading nook and views of the ocean.
Suites and residences are swathed in sophisticated neutral tones.
An underrated highlight is the minibar; alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages refreshed to your liking and included in your rate.
There are two variants to the Ocean Suites, the Grand Terrace has an additional four square metres of balcony area.
Ocean Penthouses
The penthouses come in four tiers; the Ocean Penthouse (43 square metres), the Deluxe Penthouse 48sqm), the Premier Penthouse (52 square metres) and the Grand Penthouse (60 square metres).
The Penthouse class is all about a much wider space with options to host dinner for four, a larger lounge area and enhanced balcony space.
The Penthouse offers spacious dining for four, a large lounge area, and an expansive balcony.
The Premier and Grand are essentially one-bedroom suites with a separate door to the sleeping and bathroom quarters.
Every detail is designed for your ultimate comfort.
Ocean Residences
Again there are four Ocean Residences types; Cove (70 square metres), Retreat (77 square metres), Serenity (113 square metres) and Cocoon (149 square metres).
The Residences are all one-bedroom suites with full lounges, dining tables, walk-in robes and oversized balconies.
Each Residence comes with Butler service and a private plunge/whirlpool on the balcony.
A private plunge whirlpool awaits on the Ocean Residence’s balcony.
We stayed in a Cove Residence and found the space to be almost too inviting. Most days we asked Stanley our butler to set up breakfast in our residence 45 minutes after setting off for the gym. Burn it off and put it all back on with interest became our breakfast habit.
Most mornings, we enjoyed breakfast in our residence, thanks to Stanley, our attentive butler. (Image: Quentin Long)
In one of the most indulgent touches of my cruising career, Stanley would fill the whirlpool every day. One of my favourite memories is sipping champagne in the whirlpool as we farewelled Mykonos. Oh, the indulgence.
Our Cove Residence was superb, and after reviewing the floor plans, I would likely prefer it over the Retreat Residence.
Unwind while you take in the ocean views.
Owner’s residence
Private steam room. That about sums it up. Yes, the Owner’s Residence has its own steam room adjacent to the shower. But you probably will opt to be enveloped in the large oval bathtub. Suffice it to say it really doesn’t get much better.
The Owner’s Residence includes an exclusive steam room.
The private infinity edge pool, extended balcony with magnificent wake views, a private dining room, enormous lounge and oversized walk-in robe.
Unwind in a private, expansive whirlpool as you soak in endless views of the open sea.
I managed to sneak in and shoot a quick video tour of it here.
Cheers to unforgettable moments as the sun sets over the horizon. (Image: Quentin Long)
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