Review: Explora II

Explora Journeys has managed to master the delivery of decadence – repeatedly. 

The line’s newest ship, Explora II, is just as excellent as Explora I, and my family wholeheartedly agrees. 

You see, I was so taken by the first in the luxury fleet that I was inspired to share it with both my wife and my parents once the second launched last fall. And if anything, Explora II only improves on what I experienced onboard Explora I.

At first glance, the second in the series appears nearly identical to the first, but there have been a few subtle, but significant, changes, even to the sleek dark-hulled exterior. For a relatively small ship — only carrying 922 guests across 63,900 tons  — it’s seriously impressive that it offers five pools.

Terraced across two decks are a pair of pools at the stern with plenty of daybeds, only a handful of which were covered on Explora I. On II, each has a welcome structure to partially or entirely block the sun. (Elsewhere, the interior stretch of Galleria d’Arte and an MSC Foundation display has been opened up for more space.) There are also five extra whirlpools placed at the ship sides for scenic views, the magrodome-enclosed Conservatory Pool, thalassotherapy at the spa, and the adults-only Helios Pool that has been divided in two to prevent excessive sloshing during swells.

The latter just happened to be my favorite onboard retreat. My wife and I loved how its daybeds were surrounded by wading waters to dip our toes in while enjoying a complimentary Aperol spritz (all drinks, save for the most top-shelf varieties, are free on the all-inclusive vessel) and reading our books before and after fully submerging in the refreshing waters.

It should be pointed out that, other than the Helios Pool, Explora Journeys is kid friendly. The Nautilus Club is a small but game-filled facility, and the few kids we encountered on the ship were all very well-behaved.

Luxurious Accommodations

Speaking of multiple generations, my parents too immediately fell in love with the new luxury brand and its abundant comforts, from their Ocean Terrace Suite to fine cuisine throughout. My mom proudly admits to having visited the Gelateria & Creperie every day for a sweet scoop or two, and the adjacent Emporium Marketplace impressed my folks as an elevated buffet with a wide array of freshly prepared selections.

While available accommodations measure all the way to the 3,014-square-foot Owner's Residence, our own entry-level Ocean Terrace Suite still felt spacious at 377 square feet. My wife was especially fond of the plush bedding, not to mention the provided high-power Dyson hairdryer, which happens to be her choice at home.

And I appreciated the offering of USB-A and USB-C ports, induction charging and traditional outlets at both nightstands and the vanity desk. Versus Explora I, there is no USB charging port in the bathroom as it has been replaced by a more useful nightlight, but a walk-in shower and the toilet and sink compartment remain well-spaced. Heated floors here are also nice, but mirrors are still not heated and fog up quickly.

The longer-than-average room layout further extends to a separate living area handsomely delineated by a stocked pass-through bookshelf and a balcony, complete with an inviting padded lounger, a table and two chairs, which made for an ideal place to enjoy room service. (Tip: Order the delicious pesto pasta and creme brulee.)

Onboard Dining

Of course, dining was undoubtedly a highlight across the board, thanks to five additional specialty restaurants (no main dining rooms here), only one of which costs extra, plus the interactive Chef’s Kitchen and attached private dining room.

Reservations can be made at either Fil Rouge for French cuisine, Med Yacht Club for broader Mediterranean, Sakura for pan-Asian or Marble & Co. Grill for steaks. All are standouts for their respective flavors, but Sakura was the most pleasing to our group. Don’t miss out on the succulent lobster pad Thai and mouthwatering den miso roasted black cod fillet.

RELATED: Review: Explora I

Of the four, the steakhouse is the one my wife and I opted to return to for its exceptional crushed fingerling potatoes and Normandy butter (topped with caviar, no less), table side-prepared classic Caesar salad and prime cuts accompanied by a creamy roquefort sauce.

But it was when I was on Explora I that I discovered the paid Anthology to be one of my all-time favorite dining venues at sea. Since then, its concept has changed, from featuring a Michelin-starred chef on rotation to in-house head of culinary Franck Garanger and his expert Italian tasting menu. While I would give a slight edge to the original format, Garanger’s is no less masterful in its preparation of seven courses and an optional wine pairing (at an upcharge). The Risotto del Colle del Veneto and La Montagna of A5 Wagyu beef were outstanding, and the grappa granita palate cleanser containing amusing popping candy was particularly playful.

Not only that, even the already-attentive service on Explora I was just that much more friendly on Explora II as we discovered crew members who were recruited from luxury shoreside properties as far as Dubai, rather than from seagoing competitors. Save for the upscale shops, though, we were never really blasted by any branding (but I must give a shoutout to Explora’s own delightful sea-scented Mandala Blue toiletries onboard).

It was on our last day that we decided to try our hand at the aforementioned Chef’s Kitchen for a cooking class with a view. For a nominal fee, a limited number of guests can gather in the galley positioned just off from the equally scenic Explora Lounge. We signed up for a stuffed pasta-making session led by a fun and engaging instructor, all before enjoying the fruits of our labor at said private dining room. 

It was a perfect sendoff on a perfect cruise.

Admittedly, we skipped the casino, fitness center and sports court this time around, but we did utilize the running track for a stroll in the fresh air (though those averse to secondhand fumes will want to avoid several outdoor smoking sections found at other deck areas) and enjoy the cool self-leveling pool table in the Astern Lounge.

Now we’re only wishing we were back in the sublime Ocean Wellness spa — where I enjoyed one of the best massages ever — cycling through its therapy pool, steam and salt rooms, dry sauna and heated tile loungers.

Or, enjoying a show of live music from the talented vocalists and instrumentalists in the cabaret-like Journeys Lounge, or the just-as-enjoyable DJ set of relaxed but upbeat tunes at the al fresco Sky Bar. I’d picture us washing it all down with a nightcap from the Malt Whisky Bar, followed by a pick-me-up from the Crema Cafe, before starting it all over again the next morning.