Explora Journeys has designed a range of itineraries aboard its first ship, Explora I, to enjoy pleasant climates and landscapes and its "Ocean state of mind."
With the arrival of winter, many seek to escape the cold and routine in search of warmer climates and great experiences. The winter season can offer the same possibilities as a summer cruise, but with notable differences in the experience due to the fewer travelers everywhere.
Article from CruisesNews magazine no. 70 – September 2024
This season, winter itineraries will sail the waters of the Mediterranean, the Adriatic, the Atlantic, and of course the Caribbean.
September – October
The season begins in September, when Explora I embarks on its journey through the Adriatic and Mediterranean, from the ever-vibrant Piraeus, the port of Athens, to Corfu, where Venetian influence blends with stunning landscapes. The voyage is enriched with stops in places like Dubrovnik, the walled jewel of Croatia, and Ancona, a gateway to the Marche region of Italy.
Some itineraries will also stop in Fusina, near Venice, and Split, known for its Roman palace of Diocletian and its lively seaside scene. Montenegro features the majestic Bay of Kotor and its medieval old town, while Heraklion, in Crete, offers the chance to explore the nearby Palace of Knossos.
The journey continues to Valletta in Malta, before heading to Civitavecchia, the port that connects to the eternal city of Rome. Livorno, with its proximity to Florence and Pisa, Monte Carlo, with its luxury and famous casino, and Marseille, with its rich maritime and cultural scene, complete the route before arriving in Barcelona.
From September 6th to October 31st, those who choose to vacation during these dates will be able to choose from various routes to immerse themselves in the beauty and history of these destinations, which appear much more relaxed and temperate.
November.
Starting in November, the Explora I embarks on an exciting journey from Barcelona. On November 10th, it sets sail for the south of the Iberian Peninsula, with a stop in the always captivating Cádiz, renowned for its superb tapas and rich history, culture, and architecture. Gibraltar is one of those places that sparks a certain curiosity among Spaniards and offers a perfect view of the Strait.
The ship will also sail to the Canary Islands, with stops in Lanzarote and Santa Cruz de la Palma. Another destination included in the itinerary is Madeira, the Portuguese island known for its wines and mountain scenery.
On November 20, Explora I will begin its repositioning itinerary towards the Caribbean, a 26-night transatlantic voyage
On another itinerary, also departing from Barcelona, you will visit Spain's Costa Tropical, with a stop in Motril, near the historic city of Granada and the majestic Alhambra. The region also offers the opportunity to discover the charming villages of Las Alpujarras.
The journey continues to Tangier, Morocco, before circling the Iberian Peninsula and arriving in Lisbon. The final stop before returning to Barcelona will be Málaga, thus completing its last European leg.
December – March
On November 20, Explora I will begin its repositioning itinerary towards the Caribbean, a 26-night transatlantic voyage, “A Grand Journey from Catalonia to the Caribbean”, which will take passengers from Barcelona, passing through various destinations previously visited on previous itineraries and arriving in the Caribbean on December 12 within the same trip.
With Miami as the starting and ending point, the tropical experience will include stops in Key West, the southernmost city in the United States, Costa Maya in Mexico, and Belize City, with its rich colonial history and cultural diversity.
Cozumel, with its coral reefs and excellent diving; Progreso, near the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza. Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic, with its splendid colonial history and beaches, will be one of the highlights, while Cayo Levantado in Samaná Bay will offer a perfect spot to relax on a paradisiacal beach.
Explora I will also visit San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico, famous for its mix of cultural influences; Saint John's in Antigua and Barbuda; and Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands, each offering its own tropical paradise.
Finally, Explora I will return to Miami, concluding a journey that will have allowed passengers to experience the rich diversity of cultures and landscapes of the Caribbean and Central America in the middle of winter.
Explora II, the company's new ship, will offer similar destination experiences with the addition of the Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix in May, but that's another season.
Explora Journeys offers a winter season full of surprises and discoveries. Each destination reveals its own unique character and charm, creating a warm and enriching escape for those seeking to leave behind the cold and routine and immerse themselves in a world of wonder and new experiences, transforming the cold season into a dreamlike time at sea.
Elegance, sophistication – Luxury at sea.
Explora I is the highly anticipated first cruise ship from Explora Journeys, which debuted in August 2023. Its 63,900 gross tons make it one of the largest luxury ships, with capacity for 922 guests and 640 crew members, which represents an extremely high passenger-to-crew ratio of 1.25:1.
Fourteen decks provide ample indoor common space while maximizing passenger privacy. The generous outdoor decks boast over 2,500 square meters of ocean views, with 64 private cabanas and five swimming pools in diverse locations, including the spa pool—another distinguishing feature, as it's unusual to find so many pools on a ship of this size.
The winter itineraries will sail the waters of the Mediterranean, the Adriatic, the Atlantic and of course the Caribbean
At Explora I, all suites feature terraces—461 in total—with varying categories and sizes, located on decks 6 through 10. The suites maintain the elegance reflected in the public spaces and have been designed to be lived in and enjoyed. They feature modern, neutral décor, a dressing room, a living and dining area, and unique details such as radiant floor heating in the bathroom that warms you each night, or a chaise lounge instead of a hammock on the terrace.
Nine top-notch dining options. Luxury shops, some unique at sea.
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