8 Nights A Journey through Mayan Marvels, Rich Reefs & Ocean Serenity Cruise

Great Trip-Attention to need for Gluten-Free Meals

What a wonderful cruise! We have been on 5 cruises and this was our favorite. The cabin was spacious with plenty of storage, and the bathroom was on par with any business hotel bath. The ship was beautifully and comfortably appointed. The staff were attentive to the nth degree, and took great pains to ensure that my meals were enjoyable and completely gluten-free. Easiest and most well-organized embarkation and debarkation we have ever experienced. We would absolutely go on another Explora cruise if there is one going where we want to go. Note: Even though we were not able to put ashore at Mykonos, we enjoyed every single day. If you have other clients with special dietary needs, Explora is the cruise line to choose. (Note: I have also had an excellent experience with Uniworld, but they only do river cruises.) We were also very impressed with the measures in place to control any possible outbreak of viral disease: elegant basins IN THE DINING AREA for hand washing before meals, none of the guests can serve themselves – only staff can serve, hand sanitizer stations throughout the ship, staff discretely but frequently cleaning door knobs, elevator buttons and anything that is touched by dozens of hands. We felt very safe and had no concerns about our health while on board.

Not good or great, but EXCEPTIONAL; booked 2 more!

Amazing! Let me start by saying it was my first Explora cruise, and it was so good that I booked TWO more Explora Journeys transatlantics (11/25 & 3/26) within a week of disembarking Explora I. I’m a habitual cruiser and decided to try Explora Journeys after enjoying my first ever MSC Yacht Club cruise in January 2025 on multiple carriers. The MSC World Europa was so pleasant that I decided to try Explora Journeys. If the MSC Yacht Club is what you like, an Explora cruise will blow your mind; it’s so much better (hard to believe, I know) Everything on Explora 1 was exceptional, not great…EXCEPTIONAL.. I booked the starting level room (all suites; no oceanviews or interiors). It was the largest, best equipped, best decorated, best balcony (including impressive outdoor furniture) & best maintained cabin I’ve EVER stayed in; the cabin attendant was unlike any other cabin attendant I’ve had. My room would be made up almost every time I left my room. The cabin was kept in impeccable condition, with sheets changed daily as were their FRETTE (luxurious) towels. Even the shower mat had a no-slip backing; they thought of EVERYTHING. I’m a 25+ year American diplomat so I’ve experienced great service in beautiful locations. I found Explora much better than anything I’ve experiences before. My fear is that Explora is so exceptional (& fairly priced) that once the brand becomes more known, the demand will increase & prices will rise. That’s, in part, why I booked two more 17-day cruises on Explora 1 & 2 and watch for zero solo supplement offeringsuto book a few more. Considering everything is included (either exceptional internet), it’s about the same amount I paid for a regular balcony cabin in 2023 on NCL (Iceland/Greenland). The ship is the perfect size, varied delicious meal options, pleasant entertainment options, impressively kind officers & crew….it was all GREAT. And it starts from the top. GM Maarten Smeets set the right tone on Explora 1. I noticed him within moments of having boarded in Miami for the 17 day transatlantic; leaders stand out. The GM was visible and engaged with guests while on the ship & ship-side at ports. He never appeared hurried or overwhelmed (despite occupying what must be the most stressful job onboard). That in itself is a skill worthy of praise; Maarten’s interpersonal skills are excellent. Maarten is a perfectly-cast Explora brand ambassador: elegant, relaxed, kind, honest, concerned, attentive, friendly, caring, efficient & highly professional & experienced. And along with Maarten were an excellent team of top management; I met & chatted with a few; all equally visible, friendly & engaging. The Explora 1 crew is exceptional: amazing really, like no other. And among the exceptional crew i applaud the crew members that made me feel especially valued & welcomed. In great part because of my experiences with these crew members & Explora 1 senior management, my first Explora cruise turned out to be the best cruise experience I’ve had (and I’ve been on 50+ cruises In multiple cruise lines).

The Best Ship

I am in love with Explora! Embarkation was easy peasy--you are treated to champagne and snacks or could go to the buffet (Emporium) for lunch. I took public transit to the Port of Miami and the Orange Trolley stop is right across from the ship! The suites are absolutely gorgeous--large, and well appointed with fine linens, furniture, etc. The balcony was great. They kept cleaning the glass walls and the exterior of the ship. Everything was perfect. The staff are SOOO friendly and can't do enough for you. The pools are to die for. And the food??? OMG. It was sooooo delicious and plentiful. All the restaurants were great but I preferred Emporium (the buffet). I even tried pickleball--which was fun. I didn't participate in many of the activities and only attended 1 evening show. I kept pinching myself. Was I really on this gorgeous ship?? I highly recommend it. We had 650 people on board. Even without reservations, you could get into the restaurants.