One of our travel professionals recently sailed on EXPLORA II, a luxury cruise ship from Explora Journeys. Featuring the world’s finest ships, state-of-the-art amenities and an unmatched list of inclusions, Explora Journeys redefines the notion of luxury at sea. Keep reading for her thoughts on the ship’s elevated design and use of space.
The more I’ve cruised, the more I’ve grown to appreciate the personalities of each cruise line with their different layouts. Each can be so unique through design, energy and overall atmosphere. And let’s be honest: luxury cruising is rarely about a quick three- or four-night escape. More often, you’re signing on to the look and feel of a ship for seven days or longer. So, how the ship’s space makes you feel is incredibly important.
Exquisite decorations abound on EXPLORA II
Sailing aboard EXPLORA II on Explora Journeys, that sense of ease was immediate. While the ship carries more tonnage than many small-ship luxury cruises, it never felt oversized once on board. What becomes apparent instead is choice: multiple lounges, multiple atmospheres and multiple ways to experience the ship while still feeling exclusive to you, which keeps each day feeling varied without ever feeling busy.
The space-to-guest ratio felt right from the start. Moving through the ship never felt rushed, and even during popular times of day, there was a sense of openness that allowed everything to unfold comfortably. Rather than relying on a few oversized venues, the ship is made up of smaller, more intimate spaces. The overall effect is closer to a collection of boutique environments than one large floating venue, and guests loved it.
Explora Journeys makes you feel at home
Explora Journeys makes you feel at home
Materials That Ground the Experience
One of the details I kept noticing was the use of natural materials throughout the ship. Travertine, marble, quartz, sandstone and onyx are layered in a way that feels organic and calm, not decorative for the sake of it. Those materials are balanced by rich textiles, dark leathers and velvet placed exactly where they make sense, adding warmth and softness to the spaces. The result is an environment that feels modern and inviting.
There’s also a quiet consistency in the design. Moving from one area to another never feels abrupt or staged. Everything connects, which makes the ship feel intuitive. Outdoor areas follow the same logic. Decks are open, but with 67 cabanas and smaller sets of lounge chairs pulled together, it offers privacy and expansive ocean views with a front row seat.
Beautiful design aesthetics of EXPLORA II
Design That Supports the Journey
What I appreciated most about EXPLORA II is that it doesn’t reveal everything at once. The ship unfolds as the days go on, a new live performance one evening and an inviting new space on the deck the next afternoon. That pacing makes the experience feel relaxed rather than rushed. There’s always somewhere to go, but no pressure to see or do everything at once.
Ultimately, the design of EXPLORA II feels purposeful, all their own, without calling attention to itself. The spaces support connection, privacy and discovery in equal measure, allowing the journey to take shape at your own pace.
When you are committing to a ship for a week or longer, feel confident that you will be comfortable and free to adapt. EXPLORA II delivers it in a way that feels confident, welcoming and genuinely enjoyable to live in, and that stayed with me long after the voyage.
