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EXPLORA I accommodation review: A deep dive into the lavish suites and residences

Quentin Long Quentin Long
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.

The Ocean Suite's walk-in robe, bedroom, and a view of the balcony.
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.

The ocean suites of Explora I
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 living space in the penthouse of Explora I.
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.

A Separate bedroom in the penthouse suites of Explora I.
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.

The bedroom with the view of the ocean and the private plunge whirlpool.
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.

Explora I butler
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.

The balcony in Explora I's Cove Residences.
Unwind while you take in the ocean views.

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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 Explora I lets you enjoy your own private steam room, perfectly situated right next to the shower when you stay in their Owner's Residence.
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.

The infinity pool in the owner's residence of Explora I
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.

Explora I review. Champagne on the balcony
Cheers to unforgettable moments as the sun sets over the horizon. (Image: Quentin Long)

Discover the exquisite restaurants and bars on EXPLORA I

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Quentin Long
Quentin Long is the Co-Founder and Managing Director of Australian Traveller Media. Quentin is a sought-after travel media commentator. He is Australia’s most trusted source for travel news and insights, having held weekly radio segments across the country since 2006, and regularly appearing on Channel 9’s Today and A Current Affair programs from 2010. Don't ask him his favourite travel experience as that's like asking him to choose a favourite child. However he does say that Garma Festival is the one travel experience that changed him the most.
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What the European heatwave means for your summer travel plans

    Rachael Thompson Rachael Thompson
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    Temperatures are soaring this summer, breaking records across Europe and the UK. 

    Euro summer is a feeling like no other. But when a heatwave hits? The dream trip quickly turns into a sweaty mess. Extreme heat is sweeping Europe and the UK this week, with record-high temperatures impacting travel plans across the continent.

    And while Australian summers are typically hotter in absolute temperature, many European cities aren’t equipped for high temperatures, resulting in unbearable weather.

    Why is it so hot in Europe?

    Signs of a hot summer loomed in May, when the mercury hit unprecedented spring highs. Now, extreme high temperature warning alerts have been issued in countries such as Spain, Italy, France, England, the Netherlands and Germany.

    France saw its hottest day on record on Wednesday, with an average temperature of 30°C across the day and night. This surpasses the average temperature for June, which is 15°C to 25°C. Dozens of people have died, including 40 from drowning.

    In Spain, 212 deaths have been linked to the heatwave.

    The UK recorded its hottest June day ever on Wednesday with temperatures soaring to 36.1°C. In an article published by the Met Office – the UK’s national meteorological service – Professor Stephen Belcher CBE, Met Office Chief Scientist, shared his concerns about June’s heat. “To see temperatures like this in the UK in June is sobering. Events like this bring home the implications of climate change, with very high temperatures and humidity bringing significant health implications from heat stress, as well as impacts to a range of sectors such as transport, energy and water supply,” he said.

    Heatwaves are becoming increasingly common in Europe and the UK, neither of which is prepared for such extremes. The World Meteorological Organization reported that in 2025, at least 95% of Europe experienced above-average annual temperatures and that the continent was heating up twice as fast as the global average.

    How travel is impacted

    A pharmacy sign displaying 40 degrees Celcius
    A pharmacy broadcasting local weather data. (Credit: Getty/Dragoncello)

    During a heatwave, power grids, water systems and transport networks can be affected, resulting in disrupted itineraries for travellers. In France, power outages have left thousands without electricity and early closures have been implemented for two of Paris’s biggest attractions, the Eiffel Tower (early afternoon rather than late at night) and the Louvre (two hours early). Eurostar cancelled its London to Paris and Paris to London services from the 22nd to the 25th, and major UK rail companies have been advising travellers to avoid using trains where possible, or to travel during early hours.

    If a heatwave is predicted, being flexible with your itinerary and having fully refundable/changeable tickets is key, as extreme heat can force the cancellation of outdoor activities, impact rail and flight services and change the opening hours of sites and eateries.

    Why does summer in Europe often feel hotter than summer in Australia?

    people swimming in the Canal Saint-Martin in Paris
    People swimming in the Canal Saint-Martin in Paris to cool off. (Credit: Rachael Thompson)

    With some of the highest UV levels in the world, Australians are no strangers to the heat, adapting well to intense weather. But our infrastructure is largely equipped to withstand soaring temperatures with climate-responsive passive design, refrigerated air conditioning or evaporative coolers, as well as swimming spots aplenty.

    Buildings in Northern and Western Europe and the UK, however, are constructed to retain heat and handle frosty winters. The lack of universal air conditioning means it generally feels hotter even though the temperature on your app might not look it. During a heatwave, it can feel like you’re in a sauna as cities act like heat traps.

    How to stay cool and prepare for another heatwave

    Relief is expected across Europe and the UK later this week, but more heatwaves are still possible in the coming months. Summer heat typically peaks in July and August.

    Public transport often doesn’t have air conditioning, and buses in particular can be swelteringly hot. If you’re heading outside or your accommodation has no air conditioning, it’s worth buying a spray bottle and a handheld fan from a pharmacy or tourist stand. Check ahead of time if restaurants and cafes have air conditioning and make a booking in advance. The highest temperatures typically hit between 3pm and 6pm, so aim to head outdoors outside of these hours.

    Rising temperatures invite travellers to enter a more intentional era of seeing the world. Now more than ever is the time to embrace lower-impact “coolcations” and off-season getaways.