Explora Journeys' newest ship delivers luxury cruising at its best

A luxury voyage from Southampton to Edinburgh gives us the chance to discover why Explora Journeys has been making a big splash since it launched.

I must admit a cruise along the east coast of the UK has never been high on my to-do list. The Mediterranean? Yes, please. The Caribbean? For sure. But cloudy skies and occasional rain across the North Sea are not ideal for kicking back or topping up your tan. Yet stepping aboard EXPLORA I, I became so immersed in its luxury and sophistication that I barely noticed what was going on outside the nearest porthole.

Subtle neutral tones and plush Italian furnishings in the central lobby immediately set the scene for a lavish experience. And a flute of Moët & Chandon on arrival was the perfect way to start an unforgettable journey.

Onboard, guests are invited to discover an ‘ocean state of mind’. That means visiting new destinations while enjoying fine food and wine, upscale shopping, or simply relaxing in the spa or by the pool.

The 248-metre EXPLORA I is the first of six ships to be launched by the MSC Group as part of its new upscale Explora Journeys portfolio. The number of guests is limited to 1000 and the ratio of staff to guest is one of the highest in the world.

Explora I boasts 461 ocean-facing suites.

Built by Italian company Fincantieri, the vessel has been specially designed for the brand and nothing has been left to chance in outfitting the ship and its 461 suites. British designer Martin Francis, De Jorio Design International and other firms have given the vessel’s interior the feel of a superyacht. Rooms range from a 35-square-metre Ocean Terrace suite to the Owner’s Residence, which covers a vast 280 square metres. All boast a private terrace and floor-to-ceiling windows that gave me ample opportunity to gaze at the waves.

All the bathrooms have heated floors and are decorated in black and white marble. Italian furniture from Molteni&C and Manutti speak to the quality of design. Dyson hairdryers, espresso machines and binoculars are among the accessories in each room.

Anthology showcases a series of global chefs and cuisines.

French chef Franck Garanger heads the culinary team, which sources fine meats, fish, fruit and vegetables for the ship’s six restaurants, 12 bars and lounges. At Marble & Co I tasted the restaurant’s mouthwatering signature dish of crushed fingerling potatoes and caviar followed by a perfectly cooked French beef filet aged for 20 days. Complimentary wines include a French chenin blanc, a pinot grigio and an Australian shiraz, which was perfect for my filet.

The Fil Rouge restaurant features a delicate tuna tataki signature dish and a raspberry soufflé from executive pastry chef Christophe Sapy, which was another highlight. For a special occasion there is the Anthology restaurant. It hosts world-class chefs such as Mauro Uliassi, who has a three-Michelin-star restaurant in Italy, and Emma Bengtsson, a two-Michelin-star chef and executive chef at the acclaimed Aquavit restaurant in New York.

Fil Rouge restaurant has a French-inspired menu.

For rest and recreation, the ship’s three heated outdoor pools offer spectacular views of the sea and the indoor pool has a retractable glass roof as well as indoor and outdoor whirlpools. Anxious to get rid of those unwanted kilojoules, I enjoyed early yoga and Pilates at the fitness centre, which also has the latest Technogym machines and attentive personal trainers.

Shoppers will find boutiques including Rolex and Piaget onboard but EXPLORA I also showcases artisanal designers from Italy, France and elsewhere, and sell their clothing, handbags, sunglasses and fragrances at aptly named The Journey.

A massage at the wellness spa was the perfect way to recharge before the ship docked in Edinburgh for a spectacular performance of the Military Tattoo and fireworks above the city’s legendary castle.

The Astern Pool is one of four pools onboard.

The details

EXPLORA I will conduct a number of voyages in North America, the Caribbean and Hawai‘i until May 2024. It will then travel along the Pacific Coast to Vancouver before returning to Europe in summer 2024.

The IT Verdict

Promising an ‘ocean state of mind’, EEXPLORA I certainly delivers. It offers fine food and wine in a plush setting and plenty of opportunities for rest and relaxation onboard.

We loved

A select number of guests on a large ship means there is plenty of space to get away from the crowd and enjoy a soothing and tranquil onboard experience.

We’d change

The garish video screen overlooking the indoor pool promoting onshore experiences felt out of step with the sophisticated setting.

Green credentials

The vessel has installed energy saving heating and ventilation systems, advanced waste water treatment and reduced underwater noise systems, while Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology enables a 90 per cent reduction in the ship’s nitrogen emissions.

Accessibility

Explora Journeys offers Accessible Suites onboard and certain Destination Experiences are wheelchair-accessible.