Review: Explora II

Location: The second ship in Explora Journeys’ fleet, Explora II began its maiden season in Rome in September. The vessel will reposition to the Caribbean for winter before sailing in the western Mediterranean for summer 2025.

First impressions: Staff were friendly and attentive, offering a glass of champagne as I arrived. Big enough to offer a variety of dining, drinking and entertainment venues, Explora II is also small enough to feel intimate – and I got my bearings quickly. The atmosphere was relaxed, with stylish decor in shades of taupe, cinnamon, cream and silvery grey. My plush Ocean Terrace Suite featured elegant ornaments, a Nespresso Zenius coffee machine, a daybed on the balcony and gadgets such as a Dyson hairdryer, motion-activated night lights and wireless bedside device-charging stations.

The facts: Explora II has 461 oceanfront suites, all of which have private terraces, floor-to-ceiling windows, and walk-in wardrobes and vanity areas. There are six restaurants and 12 indoor and outdoor lounge and bar areas. Anthology is the only restaurant with a cover charge (€140) for its seven-course Grand Tasting Menu. We ate at pan-Asian restaurant Sakura and the Med Yacht Club, offering Mediterranean food. Other options include European steakhouse Marble & Co, Fil Rouge for French cuisine, and Emporium Marketplace, an all-day buffet venue. In between meals, passengers can enjoy afternoon tea in the Explora Lounge and sweet treats at the Gelateria & Creperie. To work off all those calories, there are outdoor facilities such as Technogym bikes and a basketball court. There’s a pool in the spa, which also boasts a Himalayan salt cave, steam room and 11 treatment rooms. There are four other pools, plus five indoor and outdoor whirlpools, and 64 cabanas. More shady areas have been added following customer feedback on Explora I. Other facilities include the Nautilus Club for kids, the Journeys Lounge, a small casino and a malt whisky bar.