Even before it's officially launched, we already know a lot about Explora Journeys and its first ship, Explora I, which will be inaugurated next summer. The company clearly has a passion for the destination, as can be seen by taking a look at the initial itineraries.
Article from CruisesNews magazine no. 63 – December 2022
Explora I, the first of a series of six sister ships, will be a 63,900 gross tonnage vessel with a capacity for 900 passengers served by a crew of 640. Its maiden voyage will be a cruise from Southampton, UK, on July 17, 2023. It will begin with a season in Northern Europe, the Norwegian Fjords, Iceland, and the British Isles.
In September, it will cross the Atlantic to New York, where it will offer several cruises before moving to Miami to sail the Caribbean during the fall of 2023. In 2024, it will begin the year with cruises in Brazil before crossing the Panama Canal and sailing along the Pacific coast. Between April and May, it will cruise Hawaii before settling in Vancouver for the summer of 2024 in Alaska.
Explora Journeys' investment in its fleet of six ships will amount to 3.5 billion euros.
Explora II will begin operating in the summer of 2024 and its inaugural trips have already been presented, a “mix” of nearby routes and more exotic countries.
The itineraries consist of 25 voyages between August 2024 and the end of April 2025, calling at 82 ports in 26 countries. At each port of call, there will be an opportunity to discover the local nature and culture through a wide range of activities, exploring exotic and idyllic destinations. The cruise line has placed great emphasis on the special characteristics of its excursions, with less conventional schedules, a relaxed pace, and extended stays or overnight stays in each destination to ensure a complete experience.
Explora II will first sail the Mediterranean, calling at ports in Italy, Spain, Greece, Cyprus, Israel, and Croatia. The Mediterranean is always a popular destination thanks to its history, gastronomy, and spectacular and diverse architecture.
9, 11, 19 or 22 day itineraries through the western, eastern or both Mediterranean, visiting some of the most beautiful cities and islands in the Mediterranean, such as Rome, Sicily or Menorca, proclaimed European Region of Gastronomy 2022, before reaching the Eastern Mediterranean visiting the islands of Mykonos, Santorini, Kalamata and Corfu, all lands of ancient gods, unique architecture, unique flavors and classical culture.
The itineraries consist of 25 voyages between August 2024 and the end of April 2025, which will touch 82 ports in 26 countries.
After exploring the magnificence of Israel, Explora II will transit the Suez Canal, allowing guests to experience the beauty of Egypt, the land of the pharaohs, with its rich heritage, time-honored traditions, vast deserts, and luminous oases. The ship will then sail into the Arabian Peninsula, heading towards Saudi Arabia, to explore the Red Sea coast and visit the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Al-Ula and Hegra.
The Persian Gulf is their next destination to visit thriving cities like Doha, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, known for their towering skyscrapers that contrast with ancient palaces and beautiful mosques.
Explora II will then reach the coast of India, where cruise passengers can venture into the evergreen forests of the Western Ghats. This mountain range is a veritable lost world of waterfalls and tea plantations that rise from the beaches of Goa through the interior of Kerala, past Kochi, and all the way to Mumbai. In this land, tradition and modernity merge in a vibrant array of colors, while natural and man-made environments coexist in harmony, sparking the imagination.
The journey of discovery continues to the islands of the Indian Ocean, including the Seychelles and the Maldives, before reaching the natural sanctuaries of Africa with stops in Mozambique, Tanzania, Madagascar, Kenya, Mauritius, and South Africa. Relaxing white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters give way to the Serengeti savanna, where guests can enjoy an eco-tent safari to see elephants and leopards. Sailing along the Southern Equatorial Current, cruisers can immerse themselves in the sounds of nature, experience exceptional wildlife up close, and enjoy local craft markets or a tribal immersion that will satisfy even the most discerning traveler.
As with Explora I, Explora II travelers will stay in "Homes at Sea," suites carefully designed for discerning travelers—elegant, modern, spacious, tranquil, and luxurious. The culinary offerings, designed under the direction of Chef Franck Garanger, will include dishes inspired by the cuisine of the destinations visited, as well as a wide variety of healthy options to suit all tastes.
Explora Journeys will soon be sharing more details about its fleet. The booming luxury segment has much to offer in the coming years, and Explora is positioning itself strongly in the market.
Sustainability:
Like the first ship in the fleet, Explora II features state-of-the-art selective catalytic reduction technology to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by up to 90%. In addition, the vessel has RINA DOLPHIN certification for underwater noise reduction and is equipped with shore power to avoid CO2 emissions while docked.
Explora II will first sail the Mediterranean, calling at ports in Italy, Spain, Greece, Cyprus, Israel, and Croatia. The Mediterranean is always a popular destination thanks to its history, gastronomy, and spectacular and diverse architecture.
Explora Journeys is adapting to alternative energy solutions as they become available. With the goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, the brand recently announced that Explora III and Explora IV will be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) engines, while Explora V and Explora VI will not only feature LNG engines but also hydrogen propulsion with industry-leading capabilities. The ships will incorporate next-generation technologies onboard and effectively address methane slippage issues. This includes a containment system for liquid hydrogen, enabling them to utilize this promising low-carbon fuel. The hydrogen will power a six-megawatt fuel cell that will generate zero-emission energy for hotel operations and allow the ships to operate with zero emissions while in port. Taking these innovations into account, Explora Journeys' investment in its six-ship fleet will total €3.5 billion.
