Explora Journeys has invested in every aspect of its onboard activities to create innovative offerings, ensuring their originality and differentiation from other options. From performances by resident and guest artists to the participation of experts visiting the ship, the program will continually evolve throughout the voyage, offering an authentic reflection of the regions and destinations featured in each itinerary.
Drew Gowland, Senior Lead Entertainment, Experience & Enrichment at Explora Journeys, summarized this concept as follows: “We have adopted a new approach: cultural enrichment and experiences at sea. The discerning luxury traveler, seeking something authentically aligned with both their mood and the journey itself, will find a subtle, personalized, intimate, yet exciting and fun option aboard our ships.”
At any point during the cruise, passengers will have access to seven onboard venues offering a wide variety of entertainment options simultaneously. There are no restrictive start times, allowing guests to enjoy themselves at their own pace, in the right atmosphere, at the right time. The ship's lounges and venues, equipped with the latest sound, lighting, and video technology, will provide a vast array of possibilities.
Guests can enjoy chill-out music before and after dinner by the pool in the Astern Lounge, or the most evocative contemporary pop in Scott Bradley's Post-Modern Jukebox in the Explora Lounge. In the Journeys Lounge, they can enjoy a relaxed, candlelit evening with music inspired by the ship's route. And in the Lobby Bar, there will always be music to accompany a coffee or a drink.
Each of our resident artists has been carefully selected and possesses a wide range of skills, allowing them to seamlessly perform classical music, rock 'n' roll, disco, and jazz. On each tour, the music will vary according to changes in style or genre, geographical locations, or simply the preferences of our guests. The resident artists will be joined by renowned guest artists.
Offers to achieve “State of Mind”
Activities to enjoy while learning new skills. They are organized by the Entertainment Hosts in collaboration with professionals who have accredited technical expertise in the subject matter. Some examples include:
- Ombré Sunsets: This activity will consist of perfecting photographic skills.
- The Spirit of Whiskey: a masterclass offered by bartenders at the Malt Whiskey Bar, to learn how to make signature cocktails.
- Melodic Master Class: the artists on board will share their talent and knowledge of songwriting, improvisation, and composition with the guests.
Events
- Captain's Log… Secrets of the Sail: visit to the deck, guided by the captain or the bridge officers.
- Bal Mythos: At the stroke of midnight, cruise passengers will be invited to put on handcrafted masks of local gods and goddesses, while dancing to the rhythm of the Bacchus Band and the singers on board.
- Midnight Wayfinder: With guitar music and storytelling under the open sky or around the Conservatory Pool, guests will discover how sailors have long relied on the sea, wind, and stars to reach their destination safely.
- Inferno: Inspired by the glamour of Manhattan's Studio 54 club and European nightclubs of the 70s, this event will invite travelers to enjoy cocktails from that era and dance all night long.
Experiences
- An Evening by Candlelight: an evening in which the guest musicians and singers will perform dimly lit by candlelight.
- Decadence: live music, immersive performances, and an air of ostentation and strong allusions to luxury.
- Le Jazz: Cruise passengers who enjoy trips with stops in France can indulge in this Parisian jazz club experience, accompanied by French martinis and canapés.
- Let the Good Times Roll: The New Orleans jazz cabaret will be an essential part of the Caribbean itinerary, with a French Creole menu, absinthe cocktails and dazzling music.
Rituals
They will take place on the same day, at the same time and in the same location, across the company's entire fleet of ships.
- Ocean State of Mind: guided meditations will be held every morning with the sky and ocean as a backdrop.
- Sundial Salutation: a wellness ritual based on movement, which will take place twice a day: in the morning to start the day and at sunset.
- Midday Melodies: Every day on board EXPLORA I, marking the moment when morning gives way to afternoon, the Atrium will come alive with acoustic music.
- Sunset Aperitivo: in the bars and lounges, drinks and canapés characteristic of the different ports where the cruise stops will be served, each with its own soundscape.
- Moonrise: Every 28 days, travelers, dressed in silver and ivory tones, will gather for a magical evening to honor the full moon, drink signature cocktails and dance under a starry sky with live music.
Enrichment
Guests will also have the opportunity to participate in themed cultural immersions based on the cruise destinations in the form of lectures, courses, and informal talks.
- The Book Club: on each cruise a specific book related to the region the ship is sailing through will be proposed, culminating in a reading discussion with the author.
- Single Origin: Under the guidance of a top-notch barista, guests will become familiar with local coffee cultures by doing tastings related to the countries they are visiting.
- Artisanal: a local expert will teach themed courses on crafts related to the destination and representative of the local heritage, from textiles and tapestries to basketry and chocolate making.
- Dance the Day Away: On select voyages, cruisers can enjoy an afternoon learning regional dances, accompanied by local dance music and an LED backdrop that evokes the local geography. The sessions will be led by local experts, resident artists, and the International Host.
- The Creative's Journey: Guests will discover behind-the-scenes stories, writers, and iconic moments in theatre and film through talks by resident and guest artists, accompanied by other artists.
Finally, the Soda Club will offer support and entertainment to travelers who enjoy an alcohol-free lifestyle. Prism to celebrate the diversity of Explora Journeys guests. And the Solivagant Society will bring together solo travelers to enjoy a wide variety of activities, events, and experiences throughout their trip.
