Explora Journeys Review: After 62 Cruises, the Only One That Never Handed Us a Bill

After 62 cruises, every single one had ended the same way: with that final onboard bill slipped under the door in the middle of the night. On Explora II, it never came. We walked off in Venice with a $0 onboard balance.

That does not mean Explora Journeys is inexpensive. It absolutely is a premium luxury cruise product with a higher upfront fare. But it is also one of the most inclusive cruise experiences we have ever had, and that makes the actual value conversation very different.

We sailed Explora II from Athens to Venice, calling on Rhodes, Paros, Hvar, Rijeka, and more along the Adriatic. Here is what stood out, what fell a little short, what it costs, and who we think will love this boutique hotel style cruise experience.

Our Explora II Athens to Venice Itinerary

This was an Adriatic sailing that began in Athens and finished in Venice. We visited Greek islands including Rhodes and Paros, followed by Hvar and Rijeka in Croatia before arriving in Venice.

One of the things we appreciated was that the itinerary included ports that do not always appear on more traditional cruise schedules. Paros and Hvar, in particular, offered a more relaxed and interesting contrast to some of the larger, busier Mediterranean ports.

We used a mix of independent touring and ship excursions, which is a strategy we use often to control costs while still keeping the logistics easy where it matters most.

• In Paros and Rhodes, we arranged private guides independently, at a lower cost than similar ship tours.
• In Hvar, we simply explored on foot, walked up to the fort, and spent time in town. It was a nearly free day and did not feel like we missed anything.
• In Corfu and Rijeka, we selected ship excursions because we were traveling farther from the port and wanted the simplicity and reassurance of an organized day.

The key is not assuming you need a ship excursion in every port. Some destinations are perfect for a private guide or a self-guided walk, while others are worth booking through the cruise line for convenience.

Why We Walked Off With a $0 Bill

Explora Journeys is designed around inclusions. That is the heart of the value proposition. The fare is higher, but many of the expenses that pile up quickly on mainstream and premium ships are already covered.

Our final bill was zero because we did not need to spend extra on the things that usually make up a major portion of onboard charges.

• Dining: Multiple restaurants, including specialty-style dining, are included.
• Premium beverages: Cocktails, wines, spirits, specialty coffees, juices, and mocktails are covered.
• Gratuities: These are included in the fare.
• High-speed Wi-Fi: Each of us could connect four devices.
• In-suite dining: This is included and goes well beyond basic room-service food.
• Thermal spa access: The spa’s thermal area is included.
• Fitness and entertainment: These are also part of the experience.

On many ships, Wi-Fi alone can become a major expense. We have spent as much as $1,500 on connectivity during a cruise. Having high-speed Wi-Fi included for four devices per person made a huge difference. We could leave our phones, laptops, and tablets connected without constantly logging in and out.

The Suites: Spacious, Thoughtful, and Well Equipped

Our suite was beautiful, modern, and genuinely spacious. The balcony was deeper than what you find on many ships, with a table, chairs, and a chaise lounge. It felt like usable outdoor space, not just somewhere to stand for a few minutes.

Inside, there was a separate sitting area and a thoughtful valet-style area between the entry hallway and bathroom. That space included a desk or vanity, drawers, and storage for jewelry and personal items.

Storage is one of those details that can make or break a longer cruise, and Explora did it well. There were plenty of outlets too, which is something cruise ships do not always get right.

• Charging pads on the nightstands
• Nespresso coffee machine
• Dyson hairdryer
• Heated bathroom floors
• Generous drawers and storage areas
• Extended balcony with upgraded furniture

The one suite feature we would have liked was double vanities. The bathroom was certainly large enough to accommodate them. Still, that was a small complaint in what was otherwise a very comfortable and carefully designed space.

In-Suite Dining Is a Real Dining Experience

In-suite dining did not feel like the usual cruise room-service menu of burgers, pizza, and chicken tenders. Those types of dishes may be available if that is what you want, but the menu also draws from the ship’s broader dining offerings.

We ordered breakfast in the suite one morning, and it was excellent. More importantly, the menu includes options such as steaks, seafood, poke bowls, and other full meals. It is the kind of room service that makes spending an evening on your balcony feel like a real alternative to going to a restaurant.

Dining Was the Best We Have Had at Sea

We have had outstanding food on many ships, so saying this was our favorite dining experience at sea is not something we say lightly. Across the board, the food on Explora II consistently felt like it was one step above.

The menus were varied, the presentation was excellent, and the quality did not feel repetitive. The included restaurants were not just places to eat because they were included. They were places we actively wanted to return to.

Emporium Marketplace Is Not a Typical Buffet

The Emporium Marketplace is Explora’s version of a buffet, but calling it a buffet does not really do it justice. It feels more like a curated food hall with individual stations serving fresh food made to order.

The options included:

• The Grill
• The Patisserie
• The Orchard
• Nectar and the Juicery
• Al Dente for fresh pasta and sauces
• Mosaic and its carving selections
• Fruits of the Ocean for seafood
• The Boulangerie
• Pizza selections

We found lobster, oysters on the half shell, shrimp, sushi, fresh pasta, and lobster tails among the choices. There was so much variety that we sometimes had dinner there and never felt as if we had settled for a lesser option instead of going to one of the main restaurants.

Included Specialty Restaurants

Explora offers several specialty-style dining venues that are included in the cruise fare. The menus are also deep enough that returning for a second meal does not feel repetitive.

• Sakura: A Pan-Asian restaurant with sushi, fresh seafood, and a broad range of Asian dishes.
• Marble & Co.: The ship’s steakhouse-style restaurant.
• Med Yacht Club: Mediterranean flavors with Spanish and Italian influences.
• Fil Rouge: A refined, French-influenced fine dining experience.

Med Yacht Club and Fil Rouge can sometimes accommodate walk-ins, though we would still recommend making reservations. We walked up to one restaurant without a booking and were seated, but that will always depend on the sailing.

Sakura and Marble & Co. are particularly popular. Book those at least once before boarding through the app or online. Walk-ins may be possible, but patience may be required.

Marble & Co. Was a Standout Meal

Marble & Co. was one of our favorite meals onboard. This was not a stripped-down cruise steakhouse experience. We had dishes including lobster rolls, salmon, oysters, veal medallions, lobster tail, and a Caesar salad prepared tableside.

Normally, a meal of that caliber at sea could easily come with a high cover charge or a per-person specialty dining fee. Here, it was included.

Sakura, Med Yacht Club, and Fil Rouge

Sakura delivered fresh sushi, seafood, and Asian dishes without an added charge. Med Yacht Club was so good that we dined there twice, enjoying its Mediterranean approach to Spanish and Italian cuisine.

Fil Rouge offered a more formal and refined meal with French influence. The presentation, quality, and overall atmosphere made it feel like a true special-occasion restaurant.

Premium Drinks and the Included In-Suite Bar

The beverage program is another major reason the onboard bill stayed at zero. Explora includes premium wines, cocktails, craft cocktails, spirits, mocktails, juices, specialty coffees, and teas.

Of course, there are likely rare wines and ultra-premium spirits that cost extra. But we never felt that we needed to upgrade. The included selections were more than enough, and there were plenty of bars throughout the ship.

The suite also comes with an included in-suite bar that can be replenished and adjusted to suit your preferences. We even had bottles of wine in the room, although there was so much available around the ship that we never got around to opening them.

Service, Hosts, and an Exceptional Guest-to-Host Ratio

The crew members on Explora are called hosts, and one thing was immediately noticeable: they seemed happy. That matters because it comes through in the service.

We understand that the line takes good care of its hosts, including offering them Wi-Fi access so they can remain in touch with family at home. On many cruise lines, crew members have to pay for their own connectivity. It is a meaningful difference, and the service onboard reflected it.

At full capacity, Explora II carries 922 guests, with approximately 1.25 guests for every host. Our sailing had a little over 700 guests, so the ratio was even better, close to one-to-one.

There was never a shortage of people available to assist, and everyone we encountered seemed genuinely willing to help.

Entertainment Is More Refined Than High Energy

We boarded with modest expectations for entertainment. Explora is not trying to be Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, or Celebrity when it comes to big theatrical productions. We expected a quieter evening program, and we were pleasantly surprised by how much we enjoyed it.

The singers and dancers were talented, with shows featuring pop, rock, standards, and classics. We also had impressive guest entertainers, including a saxophone player and an illusionist.

There are three Steinway pianos onboard, and the lounges are intimate, comfortable spaces. A drink often arrives as soon as you sit down, which fits the polished, low-key atmosphere of the ship.

We honestly enjoyed some of the entertainment more than performances we have experienced on Viking and Oceania. It is not Broadway-style production entertainment, but it does not need to be. It suits the ship.

One of our favorite evening touches was the sailaway party at the Sky Bar. Rather than a big, loud pool-deck party, it felt sophisticated, refined, and fun.

There is also a small casino, live music around the ship, and plenty of bars. The overall vibe is simply more relaxed than a high-energy mega-ship.

Fitness, Pickleball, and the Included Thermal Spa

The gym on Explora II is modern, well-equipped, and one of the better fitness facilities we have found on a ship. There is also an outdoor gym toward the back of the ship with rowers and cardio equipment.

For sports, there is a pickleball court and a basketball court. The pickleball program was especially impressive because it was hosted by a pro who organized the sessions. There were good players onboard, but the atmosphere was social and welcoming.

Future ships may add further changes based on feedback, including the possibility of two pickleball courts and perhaps padel tennis on Explora III and Explora IV.

Our biggest miss was not making enough time for the thermal spa. We were busy in port and never used it, but everyone we spoke with said it was excellent.

The thermal area includes features such as:

• Steam rooms
• Salt rooms
• Hydrotherapy facilities
• Saunas

On many ships, thermal spa access can cost $100 or $200 for a pass. Here, it is included, which is another substantial value point.

What We Did Not Love

Explora II is a very modern, sleek, and beautifully designed ship. But that streamlined design can also feel a bit impersonal in certain areas.

There is not much art around the ship compared with some other luxury cruise lines that put significant effort into curated collections. The contemporary look is clean and sophisticated, but it does not always have a lot of personality.

We also noticed artificial plants, which felt like an odd decision on a luxury ship with this level of design and fare. It did not ruin the experience, but it stood out.

Families should also know that children are allowed onboard. There were not many children on our sailing, and they did not impact our experience, but Explora is not adults-only. If having no one under 18 onboard is important to you, Viking, Oceania, or Virgin Voyages may be a better fit.

The One Optional Restaurant We Skipped

Anthology is the optional tasting-menu restaurant onboard, and it comes with an additional charge. On our sailing, the tasting menu was around 165 euros per person, before a wine pairing.

For two people, that could quickly become a $500 to $750 evening. We are sure it may be excellent, but with so much outstanding dining already included, we did not see the value in paying extra for it.

How Much Does Explora Journeys Cost?

Explora Journeys is not a budget cruise line. It costs more than a standard balcony cabin on Celebrity, Holland America, Princess, and similar premium cruise lines.

For the sailings we reviewed, the average cost was approximately:

• About $1,400 per day for two people
• About $884 per day for a solo traveler

Some 2027 itineraries appeared to be closer to $1,300 per day for two, likely because additional ships are entering the fleet and increasing inventory. Deals can sometimes bring the cost closer to $1,000 per day for two people.

That is still expensive. But it needs to be compared to a premium five-star hotel experience, where rates of $1,000 to $1,500 per night have become increasingly common. On Explora, that daily rate includes your suite, transportation between ports, food, many drinks, entertainment, Wi-Fi, gratuities, and more.

How Explora Compares With Other Luxury Cruise Experiences

The best way to evaluate Explora is not against a standard balcony cabin. Compare it with other suite-based or luxury cruise products.

• MSC Yacht Club: Approximately $1,100 to $1,200 per day for two.
• Celebrity Retreat: Approximately $1,200 to $1,300 per day for two.
• NCL Haven: Often close to $1,300 per day for two.
• Silversea: Often comparable to Explora’s pricing.

Explora may cost a little more than MSC Yacht Club or Celebrity Retreat, but the experience is fundamentally different. On those ships, you have a premium suite enclave inside a much larger ship packed with other passengers.

On Explora, the entire ship is a suite-based experience. You are not restricted to a small private zone while the rest of the ship feels like a separate product. The whole ship is designed around the same elevated, spacious, boutique-luxury feel.

The Haven is a good example. It may be near Explora’s price point, but specialty restaurants and Wi-Fi are often additional expenses, and the ship outside the Haven can be much more crowded. When you add those extras, Explora starts to look more competitive than the initial fare suggests.

The Growing Explora Fleet

Explora I launched in 2023, and Explora II entered service in 2024. Explora III was scheduled to arrive in the summer, with Explora IV, Explora V, and Explora VI following over the coming years.

The newer ships are expected to be slightly larger, with additional suites and another restaurant. The important point is that the passenger count is not increasing in the typical cruise-industry way. More space and amenities are being added without packing significantly more people onboard.

That is the opposite of what often happens when cruise ships get bigger. Instead of adding capacity as aggressively as possible, Explora is focused on preserving space and the guest experience.

As the fleet expands, itineraries will broaden across Europe, the Americas, Asia, the Middle East, and beyond.

Who Explora Journeys Is Right For

We think Explora is a great fit for travelers who want a luxury cruise where the experience is calm, contemporary, and highly inclusive.

• Travelers who care deeply about excellent food
• People who want premium drinks included without constantly checking prices
• Guests who enjoy spacious suites and a boutique-hotel atmosphere
• Those who value exceptional service and a low guest-to-host ratio
• Travelers who prefer modern, contemporary design
• Couples planning a milestone anniversary, birthday, or special celebration
• Solo travelers looking for more manageable single supplements

It is a fantastic splurge cruise for an important occasion. The experience feels closer to stepping into a Four Seasons or Ritz-Carlton style environment than boarding a traditional mass-market cruise ship.

Who May Prefer Another Cruise Line

Explora will not be the perfect choice for everyone, and that is completely fine.

• Adults-only travelers: Children are permitted onboard, even though there were few on our sailing.
• Travelers wanting included shore excursions: Explora does not include them. Viking includes one excursion per day, while Regent Seven Seas is another luxury option known for included excursions.
• Fans of Broadway-scale entertainment: Explora’s entertainment is good, but it is refined and intimate rather than large-production and high energy.
• Travelers focused only on the lowest advertised fare: The upfront price can feel high until you calculate Wi-Fi, gratuities, drinks, specialty dining, and other common onboard costs.

Do the math before ruling it out. The fare is undeniably higher, but the difference may be much smaller once you compare the total cost of a more traditional cruise vacation.

Ways to Save Money on Explora Journeys

There are several ways to make an Explora cruise more manageable without cutting back on the experience.

• Do not over-upgrade: The entry-level Ocean Terrace suite categories are already excellent, at nearly 400 square feet for many accommodations.
• Book early: Early booking discounts are often available, especially for future sailings.
• Look into a status match: A status match may offer a discount before booking.
• Use a cruise specialist: Promotions, perks, and bonuses can sometimes be combined in ways that are not obvious when booking alone.
• Mix independent touring with ship excursions: Save in easy walkable ports, and use ship excursions when distance or logistics make them worthwhile.

If you would like help comparing ships, itineraries, promotions, and possible perks for Explora or another ocean or river cruise, you can request a personalized cruise quote.

Our Honest Verdict: Is Explora Journeys Worth It?

For us, yes. We would absolutely sail Explora Journeys again, and we are already looking at another sailing next year.

The combination of incredible dining, included premium beverages, suite-level accommodations, fast Wi-Fi, excellent service, gratuities, and thermal spa access created one of the most genuinely inclusive cruise experiences we have had.

It is expensive, but it does not feel overpriced once you understand what is built into the fare. We walked off with a $0 bill without feeling like we had denied ourselves anything. On many other cruise lines, achieving that would mean saying no to specialty dining, drinks, Wi-Fi, spa access, and other extras.

With Explora, the experience is already there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Explora Journeys truly all-inclusive?

Explora Journeys includes a great deal: dining, many premium drinks, gratuities, high-speed Wi-Fi for up to four devices per person, in-suite dining, thermal spa access, fitness facilities, and entertainment. Certain ultra-premium wines, spirits, shore excursions, and the optional Anthology restaurant can cost extra.

How much does an Explora Journeys cruise cost?

Pricing varies by itinerary and date, but the sailings reviewed averaged around $1,400 per day for two people and about $884 per day for solo travelers. Some future itineraries were closer to $1,300 per day for two, with occasional deals around $1,000 per day.

Are specialty restaurants included on Explora II?

Yes. Restaurants such as Sakura, Marble & Co., Med Yacht Club, and Fil Rouge are included. Anthology is the notable optional restaurant with an additional tasting-menu charge.

Is Explora Journeys adults-only?

No. Children are permitted onboard. There were not many children on our sailing, but travelers seeking a strictly adults-only ship may prefer options such as Viking, Oceania, or Virgin Voyages.

Does Explora Journeys include shore excursions?

No, shore excursions are generally additional. A smart approach is to combine independently arranged touring in simple ports with ship excursions in destinations where transportation distance and logistics make the convenience worthwhile.

What is the best way to save on an Explora Journeys cruise?

Book early, consider a status match, avoid upgrading beyond the suite space you genuinely need, and work with a cruise specialist who can help identify current promotions and available perks.