{"id":57276,"date":"2025-03-07T11:02:30","date_gmt":"2025-03-07T16:02:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/?p=57276"},"modified":"2026-01-07T13:59:12","modified_gmt":"2026-01-07T18:59:12","slug":"explora-ii-by-explora-journeys-a-truly-luxurious-experience","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/en\/travel\/explora-ii-by-explora-journeys-a-truly-luxurious-experience\/","title":{"rendered":"Explora\u00a0II by Explora Journeys: A truly luxurious experience"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In November 2024, I was fortunate enough to be invited to stay on board the Explora II by Explora Journeys cruise ship during its inaugural season in the Caribbean. Although this was my first cruise, the experience of the next few may well be hard to match, as the service and professionalism of the team were simply flawless.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A brief history of Explora Journeys<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-57291\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"337\" src=\"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explora-II-by-Explora-Journeys-Explora-logo-and-Mandala-on-the-chimney.jpg\" alt=\"The Explora Journeys logo and mandala on the chimney\" class=\"wp-image-57291\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explora-II-by-Explora-Journeys-Explora-logo-and-Mandala-on-the-chimney.jpg 600w, https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explora-II-by-Explora-Journeys-Explora-logo-and-Mandala-on-the-chimney-200x112.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Explora Journeys logo and mandala<br>Photo: Normand Boulanger | Gentologie<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Explora&nbsp;II is a ship belonging to the Swiss-Italian MSC group. The group oversees not only Explora Journeys, but also another cruise company, MSC Cruises. It has to be said that this private company is still family-run (the founder\u2019s daughter, Alexa Aponte Vago, is the MSC group\u2019s chief financial officer and her husband, Pierfrancesco Vago, is the executive chairman of the MSC group\u2019s cruise division), and is not taking its first steps in maritime navigation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The group\u2019s history began in Sorrento, a coastal town in south-west Italy, opposite the Bay of Naples, on the Sorrento Peninsula, when Gianluigi Aponte, a Neapolitan ship captain, and his soul mate, a Swiss woman he met on one of his trips, created MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company) in 1970. This company is now the leader in maritime transport and the largest private cruise company in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The history of the Aponte family goes back to the 17th century. With over 300 years\u2019 experience in the shipping industry, they have a genuine passion and respect for the marine world, as demonstrated by the creation of the MSC Foundation. Now, with Explora Journeys, the family is realizing its dream of offering a refined, modern and unparalleled premium cruise experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In an interview in the Explora Lounge, which we discussed further, Mr.&nbsp;Chris Austin, Explora Journeys\u2019 President of North America since April 2024, told me that it\u2019s not a traditional luxury brand they\u2019ve built, but a luxury cruise brand from the ground up with the family\u2019s vision and passion (Mr.&nbsp;Austin was Director of Sales at Explora Journeys from 2020 to 2024 before being promoted to this new position). It was after researching 20,000 travellers that they established the vision for the brand. \u201cIt all stems from the desire of the family, who own a yacht, to replicate that experience of their Mediterranean holiday to their visitors. That hotel design feel isn\u2019t a coincidence; it\u2019s really intentional,\u201d Austin adds. \u2019We wanted to create the perfect day for each of our guests, because your perfect day is different from my perfect day and every other traveller\u2019s perfect day, so we offer a variety of experiences to delight our guests,\u201ccontinues the president of Explora Journeys\u201d North American division. \u201cYou know, many destinations aren\u2019t accessible by plane or car. We\u2019re thinking of one of our next destinations, like Alaska or certain ports in the Mediterranean. Only the ocean can get you there,\u201d concludes Mr.&nbsp;Austin. <span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp; &nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Explora II, the latest addition to Explora Journeys: a revolutionary ship<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-57295\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"433\" src=\"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explora-II-by-Explora-Journeys-Front-view.jpg\" alt=\"The Explora II from Explora Journeys from the front at Pier\" class=\"wp-image-57295\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explora-II-by-Explora-Journeys-Front-view.jpg 600w, https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explora-II-by-Explora-Journeys-Front-view-200x144.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Explora II from Explora Journeys (Photo retouched to remove people and objects)<br>Photo: Normand Boulanger | Gentologie<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It has to be said that the Explora&nbsp;II by Explora Journeys, built at the Fincantieri shipyard in Sestri Ponente, near Genoa in Italy, is a recent construction. She dropped anchor for the first time on 12 September 2024 and was officially christened, having completed her maiden voyage from Barcelona to the Italian port of Civitavecchia, near the country\u2019s capital, Rome, on 16 September 2024. She began her first winter in the Caribbean after a stay in the Mediterranean and a long Atlantic crossing. It was at the end of November 2024 that I joined the ship in the port of St. John\u2019s, Antigua, for four days. The programme included a stopover in San Juan (Puerto Rico), two days at sea and then disembarkation in Miami.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This really is a magnificent ship. With its 14 floors and 461 suites on the sea side with terraces, which means that, in line with many of its competitors, there is not a single suite that does not have a sea view. Explora&nbsp;II boasts 178,680 square feet (16,600&nbsp;m\u00b2) of total public space, offering unrivalled space and privacy, with one of the highest guest-to-space ratios in the luxury ocean category at 198 square feet (18.4&nbsp;m\u00b2).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The arrival area and lobby: like a hotel<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-57299\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"1069\" src=\"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explora-II-by-Explora-Journeys-Lobby-Bar.jpg\" alt=\"The Lobby bar\" class=\"wp-image-57299\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explora-II-by-Explora-Journeys-Lobby-Bar.jpg 600w, https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explora-II-by-Explora-Journeys-Lobby-Bar-200x356.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Lobby bar<br>Photo: Normand Boulanger | Gentologie<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Upon your arrival, the most striking aspect is the exceptional service quality (I will elaborate later). Upon clearing security, your luggage is promptly delivered to your room, a significant difference from ships with 5,000 or more passengers. Once you check in, if the counters are crowded, you are invited to wait in the plush armchairs or the Lobby Bar, a dual name for the lobby area. The impressive marble wall is undeniable; it resembles that found in the Dom&nbsp;P\u00e9rignon bar in La&nbsp;Cour des&nbsp;Palmiers at the Ritz-Carlton Montr\u00e9al, only bigger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We are greeted with a glass of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.champagnemercier.com\/en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Champagne Mercier<\/a>, a brand of champagne from the Mo\u00ebt Hennessy portfolio, which is the \u201cbase\u201d champagne for Explora Journeys. Alcohol can accompany you throughout the day, but you\u2019ll have to pay extra for fine spirits such as Dom Perignon P2. Then, either at the counter or with a host, you check in and receive your card (which is your key) and head for your suite or the restaurant, whichever you prefer. Note that our schedule was structured for this press trip, but we also had free time to enjoy the facilities and work (as I do these trips to share my experiences with you).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Suites, for dreamy nights on the ocean<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-57303\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"337\" src=\"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explora-II-by-Explora-Journeys-Suite-8100-Owners-Residence-Room.jpg\" alt=\"The room in the Owner's Residence on Explora II\" class=\"wp-image-57303\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explora-II-by-Explora-Journeys-Suite-8100-Owners-Residence-Room.jpg 600w, https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explora-II-by-Explora-Journeys-Suite-8100-Owners-Residence-Room-200x112.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The room in the Owner&#8217;s Residence on Explora II<br>Photo: Normand Boulanger | Gentologie<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Let\u2019s take a closer look at the rooms. They are not actually named rooms, but rather suites, which the company describes as \u201cHomes at Sea.\u201d And they are designed to ensure your well-being throughout your voyage. The Explora&nbsp;II by Explora Journeys has 461 suites (all on the sea side) to accommodate over 920 guests. The average size of these suites is 452 square feet (42&nbsp;m\u00b2), and they are divided as follows: one Owner\u2019s Residence, 22 Ocean Residences, 67 Ocean Penthouses, 301 Ocean Terrace Suites and 70 Ocean Grand Terrace Suites.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-57285\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"1069\" src=\"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explora-II-by-Explora-Journeys-Chocolates.jpg\" alt=\"Chocolates and truffles on a table with a glass door view. \" class=\"wp-image-57285\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explora-II-by-Explora-Journeys-Chocolates.jpg 600w, https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explora-II-by-Explora-Journeys-Chocolates-200x356.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Magnificent chocolates were waiting for me<br>Photo: Normand Boulanger | Gentologie<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When I arrived at my suite, the host in charge of it offered me a tour of it (funnily enough, she asked me if I\u2019d brought any maple syrup, proving that our reputation for this goes beyond borders [Nos Cabanes, you\u2019d have to be on that ship]). The whole thing starts by showing me all the amenities, whether it\u2019s how the TV works, the lights, the doors, and most importantly, to watch the safety video and then call to confirm that I\u2019ve watched the video. The storage is extensive, and the design is precise for long journeys. Some travellers had left Barcelona six weeks earlier to cross the Atlantic.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-57302\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"1069\" src=\"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explora-II-by-Explora-Journeys-Suite-8100-Owners-Residence-Dining-table.jpg\" alt=\"The dining table for 8 in the Owner\u2019s Residence on Explora\u00a0II\" class=\"wp-image-57302\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explora-II-by-Explora-Journeys-Suite-8100-Owners-Residence-Dining-table.jpg 600w, https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explora-II-by-Explora-Journeys-Suite-8100-Owners-Residence-Dining-table-200x356.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The dining table for 8 in the Owner\u2019s Residence on Explora&nbsp;II<br>Photo: Normand Boulanger | Gentologie<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Interestingly, there is, of course, a dry-cleaning service, but also washers and dryers, which come in very handy on a long cruise, as mentioned in the previous paragraph, and work very well, having tried them myself. However, when it comes to ironing (irons are not available in the suites for safety reasons), space is a little limited, and a larger room would be appreciated. The waiting time for dry-cleaning is 24 hours (at least for my suite, other higher classes have different options), which means you have to plan your outfits carefully during your trip. <span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-57284\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"1069\" src=\"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explora-II-by-Explora-Journeys-Champagne-Mercier-and-Glenmorangie-10-Year-Old.jpg\" alt=\"A bottle of Champagne Mercier and Glenmorangie 10 on an outside table with a view on the ocean\" class=\"wp-image-57284\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explora-II-by-Explora-Journeys-Champagne-Mercier-and-Glenmorangie-10-Year-Old.jpg 600w, https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explora-II-by-Explora-Journeys-Champagne-Mercier-and-Glenmorangie-10-Year-Old-200x356.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Les bouteilles offertes \u00e0 mon arriv\u00e9e<br>Photo: Normand Boulanger | Gentologie<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We were offered a bottle of Champagne Mercier on arrival in the suite, as well as a choice of a bottle of wine and spirits. As I didn\u2019t have time to consume them, I left them with my host as a parting gift. <span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-57290\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"1069\" src=\"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explora-II-by-Explora-Journeys-Dyson-Supersonic-hairdryer.jpg\" alt=\"The Dyson Supersonic dryer in the suite\" class=\"wp-image-57290\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explora-II-by-Explora-Journeys-Dyson-Supersonic-hairdryer.jpg 600w, https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explora-II-by-Explora-Journeys-Dyson-Supersonic-hairdryer-200x356.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Dyson Supersonic hairdryer in the suite<br>Photo: Normand Boulanger | Gentologie<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The suites also feature a <a href=\"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/en\/grooming\/dyson-supersonic-the-ultimate-gentlemen-hair-dryer\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Dyson Supersonic hairdryer<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/en\/fine-dining\/nespresso-the-most-gentleman-of-coffee\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Nespresso<\/a> coffee machine, Frette dressing gowns and sheets, not to mention comfortable mattresses that will lull you to sleep to the sound of their personalized music playlists.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-57304\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"337\" src=\"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explora-II-by-Explora-Journeys-Suite-8100-Owners-Residence-Terrace.jpg\" alt=\"The terrace of the Owner's Residence on Explora II\" class=\"wp-image-57304\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explora-II-by-Explora-Journeys-Suite-8100-Owners-Residence-Terrace.jpg 600w, https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explora-II-by-Explora-Journeys-Suite-8100-Owners-Residence-Terrace-200x112.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The terrace of the Owner&#8217;s Residence on Explora II<br>Photo: Normand Boulanger | Gentologie<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So back to my group, which I was to join for a personalized tour of the different areas of the ship, as well as lunch at the Emporium Marketplace.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The defining feature of the Explora&nbsp;II by Explora Journeys: exceptional service<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-57293\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"965\" src=\"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explora-II-by-Explora-Journeys-Flowers.jpg\" alt=\"Flowers as decoration\" class=\"wp-image-57293\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explora-II-by-Explora-Journeys-Flowers.jpg 600w, https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explora-II-by-Explora-Journeys-Flowers-200x322.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Flowers as decoration<br>Photo: Normand Boulanger | Gentologie<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The first thing you notice when you set foot on the Explora&nbsp;II by Explora Journeys is the attention and service that go into making your stay perfect. With a passenger-to-guest ratio of 1.25:1, the brand\u2019s culture is one of genuine, warm and intuitive service, delivered by a passionate, multicultural and diverse team. You can feel that people are happy to be on this ship. The hosts, 43% of whom are from the luxury market, including hotels, offer an intuitive service that embodies effortless luxury, where you can truly relax and be yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Just to be called by your first name (\u201cMister&nbsp;Normand\u201d) from day&nbsp;2 is just incredible. I don\u2019t know how they do it, but it\u2019s really appreciated.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can really feel that Explora Journeys recruits differently in order to diversify their workforce. As I said earlier, the staff are diverse; in fact, they come from over 36 nationalities, including India, Brazil, the United Arab Emirates, South Africa, Bali, Italy, etc. They have a ratio of 50% women to men. They have a ratio of 50% men and 50% women on the front line and in management positions. Above all, the employees are always smiling and their professionalism is incredible. It should be pointed out that Explora Journeys has an exclusive partnership with the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ehl.edu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">EHL Hospitality Business School in Lausanne<\/a>, one of the best, if not the best, in the business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I must admit that the service at the restaurant has not met my expectations since my return, which is quite surprising given the exceptional quality of my previous visits. The attention, etiquette, and professionalism are unmatched to what I experienced at Explora&nbsp;II. My glass of water was always full. The tables were always clean. The waiters never spoke too loudly or scream. This level of care for travellers truly sets this cruise apart. <span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Discovering restaurants, bars and lounges<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-57281\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"1069\" src=\"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explora-II-by-Explora-Journeys-Anthology-Risotto-Del-Colle-Del-Veneto.jpg\" alt=\"The Risotto del Colle Del Veneto at Anthology\" class=\"wp-image-57281\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explora-II-by-Explora-Journeys-Anthology-Risotto-Del-Colle-Del-Veneto.jpg 600w, https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explora-II-by-Explora-Journeys-Anthology-Risotto-Del-Colle-Del-Veneto-200x356.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Risotto del Colle Del Veneto at Anthology<br>Photo: Normand Boulanger | Gentologie<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Let\u2019s move on to the restaurants on the Explora&nbsp;II by Explora Journeys II. There are six of them. Whether you like Asian food (Sakura), French cuisine (Fil Rouge), Mediterranean cuisine (Med Yacht Club), meat (Marble &amp; Co. Grill) or choose from a wide variety of dishes of all kinds (Emporium Marketplace), not forgetting the top-of-the-range Italian cuisine restaurant (Anthology), which I\u2019ll talk about in another article, you\u2019ll be well catered for. I didn\u2019t try Sakura and Marble &amp; Co. Grill for lack of time, but the people with me had nothing but good things to say about them.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-57289\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"1069\" src=\"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explora-II-by-Explora-Journeys-Dover-Sole-Preparation.jpg\" alt=\"Preparing of the Dover Sole at the Med Yacht Club\" class=\"wp-image-57289\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explora-II-by-Explora-Journeys-Dover-Sole-Preparation.jpg 600w, https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explora-II-by-Explora-Journeys-Dover-Sole-Preparation-200x356.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Preparing of the Dover Sole at the Med Yacht Club<br>Photo: Normand Boulanger | Gentologie<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-57288\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"1069\" src=\"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explora-II-by-Explora-Journeys-Dover-Sole-Plate.jpg\" alt=\"The Med Yacht Club's Dover sole in the plate\" class=\"wp-image-57288\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explora-II-by-Explora-Journeys-Dover-Sole-Plate.jpg 600w, https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explora-II-by-Explora-Journeys-Dover-Sole-Plate-200x356.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Med Yacht Club&#8217;s Dover sole in the plate<br>Photo: Normand Boulanger | Gentologie<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The restaurants are all upmarket, although the fine cuisine at Anthology is a notch above all the restaurants aboard. I was able to sample an incredible Dover sole prepared in front of me at the Med Yacht Club. This dish is only available in a few restaurants in Quebec, which shows the level of luxury on this ship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The selection of wines is magnificent, from the great French and Italian wines to the more sought-after Eastern European wines, everything is there, not forgetting, once again, the champagne. The great bottles (Tignanello, Dom Perignon, etc.) and refined spirits are at your expense, as I mentioned earlier.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-57294\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"1069\" src=\"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explora-II-by-Explora-Journeys-Fresh-pasta-from-Emporium-Marketplace.jpg\" alt=\"Handmade tagliatelle with pesto sauce, slices of Parmigiano Reggiano and a magnificent view at the Emporium Marketplace\" class=\"wp-image-57294\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explora-II-by-Explora-Journeys-Fresh-pasta-from-Emporium-Marketplace.jpg 600w, https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explora-II-by-Explora-Journeys-Fresh-pasta-from-Emporium-Marketplace-200x356.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Handmade tagliatelle with pesto sauce, slices of Parmigiano Reggiano and a magnificent view at the Emporium Marketplace<br>Photo: Normand Boulanger | Gentologie<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Emporium Marketplace is an incredible place. It\u2019s the food hall (a luxury cafeteria) where lunches, dinners and suppers are served without the need for reservations. What\u2019s impressive about this space is natural light and the variety of distinct service areas offering different culinary specialties throughout the day (and they change). The pure white (marble countertop, I believe) and elegant brown (floors) emphasize sobriety, which helps you find yourself in a relaxing space with European charm. But the luxury of the materials is nothing compared to this exceptional gastronomic proposal based on fresh produce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whether it\u2019s the sushi or fresh seafood that steal the show, the grilled, roasted or slow-cooked meats from the rotisserie, the fresh pasta, made on board and cooked to order, or the pizzas (they have an oven on board and make their own dough; this is a ship owned by an Italian family, after all.), the fresh bread and the homemade sandwiches, your stomach will be filled with joy. The delicatessen, cheese shop, bakery and patisserie complete the experience of discerning palates. Fresh fruit juices, smoothies, Greek yoghurts and acai bowls are also available for lunch. It\u2019s also a great quiet place to work in the early afternoon when people have finished eating, and before dinner.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-57297\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"750\" src=\"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explora-II-by-Explora-Journeys-Gelato-from-Gelateria-Creperie-at-The-Conservatory.jpg\" alt=\"In the mood for gelato?\" class=\"wp-image-57297\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explora-II-by-Explora-Journeys-Gelato-from-Gelateria-Creperie-at-The-Conservatory.jpg 600w, https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explora-II-by-Explora-Journeys-Gelato-from-Gelateria-Creperie-at-The-Conservatory-200x250.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">In the mood for gelato?<br>Photo: Normand Boulanger | Gentologie<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Straight after leaving the Emporium, if you\u2019re still hungry, head to the Gelateria &amp; Cr\u00eaperie at The Conservatory. As the name suggests, this place serves exquisite crepes as well as gelati or sorbets, depending on the time of day. It\u2019s hard to resist, especially as it\u2019s just a stone\u2019s throw from the indoor saltwater pool (of which there are four in total, all heated) in the Conservatory area (the roof is retractable in fine weather), which also has a bar, showers and whirlpools. In the evening, the space is transformed into an open-air cinema for all to enjoy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For gourmet gentlemen, the Chef\u2019s Kitchen (extra feature) offers an immersive experience for up to 12 travellers. Guided by the culinary experts on board, discover new ingredients, flavours, textures and cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We shouldn\u2019t forget the Crema Caf\u00e9, a name reminiscent of the <a href=\"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/en\/fine-dining\/krema-cafe-fairmont-the-queen-elizabeth\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Kr\u00e9ma Caf\u00e9 at Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth in Montr\u00e9al<\/a>, where the service is incredible and the coffee is delicious and perfect whether you\u2019re having a cortado, a cappuccino, an espresso or any other specialty coffee. They call you by your name, without it being written on your glass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Malt Whisky Bar, one of the 12 bars on Explora&nbsp;II by Explora Journeys, is certainly the place where <a href=\"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/en\/about\/team\/jean-philippe-charest\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">our columnist Jean-Philippe Charest<\/a>, a lover of this delicious liquid, would constantly find himself. Explore the different regions with exceptional products such as Richard Hennessy or Glenmorangie Signet. There\u2019s also a cigar cellar run by an expert and an outdoor terrace designed for smokers. If, like me, you want to try your first hand-rolled cigar selected by the cigar master, you\u2019ll find yourself in the perfect hushed atmosphere. It was a wonderful evening. Note that there are no cigars and rum from Cuba, as the ship docks in the United States.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In addition to the Lobby Bar I mentioned in the introduction, there is the Explora Lounge. As well as its bar, this place offers afternoon tea in the purest British tradition, thanks to teas from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.palaisdesthes.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Palais des Th\u00e9s<\/a>, as well as several games, including chess and puzzles. You can also take part in painting workshops, or attend a variety of shows, all in an intimate atmosphere with the sound of the piano, a Steinway Spirio by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.steinway.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Steinway &amp; Sons<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-57282\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"1069\" src=\"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explora-II-by-Explora-Journeys-Astern-Pool-Bar.jpg\" alt=\"The infinity pool at Astern Pool &amp; Bar\" class=\"wp-image-57282\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explora-II-by-Explora-Journeys-Astern-Pool-Bar.jpg 600w, https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explora-II-by-Explora-Journeys-Astern-Pool-Bar-200x356.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The infinity pool at Astern Pool &amp; Bar<br>Photo: Normand Boulanger | Gentologie<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you fancy relaxing outside, the Astern Pool &amp; bar is perfect for you. The infinity pool that continues around the outside of the ship is impressive in its views, a perfect place to relax and have a cocktail, which fills up quickly on sunny days. Just inside is the Astern Lounge, which I didn\u2019t visit due to a lack of time, but where conferences and events are held and where you can practise on the pool tables, among other things.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On deck&nbsp;10, you\u2019ll find the Atoll Pool &amp; Bar, where you can enjoy the sun and sea in complete privacy and sample some delicious creations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There is also an adults-only pool. It is important to note that the number of children on board the Explora&nbsp;II is lower than on other cruise ships because of its luxurious feel. The Helios pool, with its lounge located in the sunniest area of the ship, is named after \u201cHelios,\u201d which means \u201csun\u201d in Greek. There is also a panoramic view from the bow on deck&nbsp;12. The Helios Pool and Bar have been adorned with outdoor furniture from Unopi\u00f9, designed by Matteo Nunziati.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-57305\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"1069\" src=\"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explora-II-by-Explora-Journeys-View-from-Sky-Bar.jpg\" alt=\"The view from Sky Bar\" class=\"wp-image-57305\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explora-II-by-Explora-Journeys-View-from-Sky-Bar.jpg 600w, https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explora-II-by-Explora-Journeys-View-from-Sky-Bar-200x356.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The view from Sky Bar<br>Photo: Normand Boulanger | Gentologie<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And last but not least, the Sky Bar. Located at the top of the ship, on deck&nbsp;14, this outdoor space is perfect for relaxing with a delicious cocktail (note that cocktails served outside are in plastic glasses to avoid glass breakage due to the wind) and an incredible view of the ocean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It really is heaven; you won\u2019t want to stop eating and drinking. It\u2019s certainly not for nothing that we\u2019re putting a lot of emphasis on exercise, our next topic.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Well-being and exercise, an essential part of the Explora&nbsp;II experience<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-57287\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"1069\" src=\"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explora-II-by-Explora-Journeys-Deck-and-running-track.jpg\" alt=\"The Explora II running track\" class=\"wp-image-57287\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explora-II-by-Explora-Journeys-Deck-and-running-track.jpg 600w, https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explora-II-by-Explora-Journeys-Deck-and-running-track-200x356.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Explora II running track<br>Photo: Normand Boulanger | Gentologie<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This delicious Italian ship offers an exquisite sensory experience, allowing you to both indulge and pamper your own body. The Explora&nbsp;II offers a variety of sports facilities, including a 250-metre running outdoor track surrounding the ship on the 14th floor. While this can be strenuous in the blazing sun, the experience is nothing short of exhilarating. In addition, there is an outdoor half basketball court, which is also used for tennis and pickleball matches. In addition, \u201cOpen-Air Fitness\u201d is an outdoor workout area with stunning ocean views, equipped with a variety of machines, such as a Technogym Skillrow rower, Group Cycle bikes and a Technogym Case Kit bag, allowing for a multitude of outdoor exercises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Technogym\u2019s indoor gym is impressive, not so much for its size, but for its variety of equipment. From treadmills to Pilates, you\u2019ll be well catered for. Note that there are fees for the various classes and measures in the Technogym system. You can even get a set to exercise in your suite with a Technogym virtual coach.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-57298\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"1069\" src=\"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explora-II-by-Explora-Journeys-Group-Cycle-bike-by-Technogym.jpg\" alt=\"The Technogym Group Cycle bike on the outside deck\" class=\"wp-image-57298\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explora-II-by-Explora-Journeys-Group-Cycle-bike-by-Technogym.jpg 600w, https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explora-II-by-Explora-Journeys-Group-Cycle-bike-by-Technogym-200x356.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Technogym Group Cycle bike on the outside deck<br>Photo: Normand Boulanger | Gentologie<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These different workouts will undoubtedly help you to lose a few of the calories you have stored up in the sumptuous restaurants. But you can also relax at the spa and practise yoga.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-57301\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"1069\" src=\"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explora-II-by-Explora-Journeys-Spa-Entrance.jpg\" alt=\"The interior of the Explora II Spa\" class=\"wp-image-57301\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explora-II-by-Explora-Journeys-Spa-Entrance.jpg 600w, https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explora-II-by-Explora-Journeys-Spa-Entrance-200x356.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The interior of the Explora II Spa<br>Photo: Normand Boulanger | Gentologie<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Spa, winner of \u201cWorld\u2019s Best Cruise Spa\u201d in 2024 by the World Spa Awards as well as several other awards, is a relaxing space ready to get you back on your feet with its various treatments. Whether you\u2019re talking about massages, saunas, sensory showers, hydrotherapy pools, Finnish saunas, facials and body treatments, or Medi Luxe treatments by Dr.&nbsp;Levy Switzerland, you\u2019ll be well catered for.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There\u2019s also an intimate deck where you can relax. This secret place is almost like a speakeasy. <span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The beauty area offers a wide range of treatments, including manicures, pedicures and even haircuts, for you gentlemen and ladies.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-57300\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"1069\" src=\"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explora-II-by-Explora-Journeys-Mandala-Blue-products.jpg\" alt=\"Mandala Blue by Explora Journeys products are present in the suite\" class=\"wp-image-57300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explora-II-by-Explora-Journeys-Mandala-Blue-products.jpg 600w, https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explora-II-by-Explora-Journeys-Mandala-Blue-products-200x356.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Mandala Blue by Explora Journeys products are present in the suite<br>Photo: Normand Boulanger | Gentologie<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What\u2019s more, \u201cMandala Blue by Explora Journeys\u201d was created by the famous nose behind iconic fragrances such as \u201cCalvin Klein CK One,\u201d \u201cGiorgio Armani Acqua di&nbsp;Gi\u00f2\u201d and \u201cMarc Jacobs Daisy\u201d. The designer is the talented Spanish-born Alberto Morillas. It\u2019s an intense fragrance that relaxes, reconnects, awakens the senses and transforms. Mandala Blue is also the brand of bath, shower and body products featured in each of the suites.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That\u2019s just a taste because, from sleep to nutrition, Explora Journeys\u2019 selection of wellness initiatives on the Explora&nbsp;II has been carefully crafted to ensure you feel perfectly relaxed during your journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Journeys Lounge, Explora II&#8217;s entertainment venue<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-57292\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"1069\" src=\"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explora-II-by-Explora-Journeys-Explora-Lounge.jpg\" alt=\"The Journeys Lounge and its Steinway &amp; Sons piano\" class=\"wp-image-57292\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explora-II-by-Explora-Journeys-Explora-Lounge.jpg 600w, https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explora-II-by-Explora-Journeys-Explora-Lounge-200x356.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Journeys Lounge and its Steinway &amp; Sons piano<br>Photo: Normand Boulanger | Gentologie<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Journeys Lounge is dedicated to entertainment. This is where music, comedy and other shows are held every evening. During the day, there are various round tables, such as the one I attended featuring the ship\u2019s captains. It\u2019s an interesting space that you\u2019ll want to visit. The transformation of this lounge during the day is impressive. There is, of course, a bar where the service is always up to scratch. The programme is less intense than on many cruise ships, but note that they are still in their infancy. What\u2019s more, the relaxation aspect influences the different artists who may be present.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The boutiques of Explora&nbsp;II by Explora Journeys: for lovers of luxury and watches<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-57283\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explora-II-by-Explora-Journeys-Cartier-Watches.jpg\" alt=\"A sample of the watches in the Explora II Cartier boutique\" class=\"wp-image-57283\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explora-II-by-Explora-Journeys-Cartier-Watches.jpg 600w, https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explora-II-by-Explora-Journeys-Cartier-Watches-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explora-II-by-Explora-Journeys-Cartier-Watches-114x114.jpg 114w, https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explora-II-by-Explora-Journeys-Cartier-Watches-200x200.jpg 200w, https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explora-II-by-Explora-Journeys-Cartier-Watches-100x100.jpg 100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A sample of the watches in the Explora II Cartier boutique<br>Photo: Normand Boulanger | Gentologie<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On Explora&nbsp;II, even if time is the last thing on your mind, you\u2019ll find exceptional watchmaking boutiques such as Cartier, <a href=\"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/en\/style\/haute-horlogerie-calculating-time-differently\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Panerai<\/a>, Piaget and Buccellati. The Journeys boutique also features a wide range of exclusive products selected by the brand. The Rolex boutique is exclusive to Explora I. If you want to shop, you\u2019ll have to do so while the ship is at sea, as the various boutiques are closed when the ship is moored. <span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Design, the cornerstone of Explora Journeys<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-57306\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"1069\" src=\"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explora-II-by-Explora-Journeys-View-from-the-bow.jpg\" alt=\"The bow of the Explora II\" class=\"wp-image-57306\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explora-II-by-Explora-Journeys-View-from-the-bow.jpg 600w, https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explora-II-by-Explora-Journeys-View-from-the-bow-200x356.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The bow of the Explora II<br>Photo: Normand Boulanger | Gentologie<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The family\u2019s European roots and sense of style give them an intuitive appreciation of the design and luxury that ships like Explora II by Explora Journeys embody with their modern, cosmopolitan boutique hotel ambience that is both vibrant and intimate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Explora Journeys enlisted the help of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.francisdesign.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Mr. Martin Francis<\/a>, an accomplished British designer and architect who has worked on some of the world\u2019s most iconic yachts for decades, to ensure that the exterior profile of Explora Journeys\u2019 ships is closer to that of a superyacht than a traditional cruise ship.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-57296\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"1069\" src=\"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explora-II-by-Explora-Journeys-Galleria-dArte-ceiling.jpg\" alt=\"The Galleria d'Arte ceiling\" class=\"wp-image-57296\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explora-II-by-Explora-Journeys-Galleria-dArte-ceiling.jpg 600w, https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explora-II-by-Explora-Journeys-Galleria-dArte-ceiling-200x356.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Galleria d&#8217;Arte ceiling<br>Photo: Normand Boulanger | Gentologie<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The other designers are SMC Design, AD Associates and De&nbsp;Jorio Luxury and Yacht Projects, who have worked with the Aponte Vago family for many years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Explora Journeys and the environment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The environmental friendliness of ships is often questioned. The parent company, MSC, seems to be well aware of the challenges, since the sea and water are at the heart of their activities, both in terms of containers and cruises. To demonstrate their commitment to this (in addition to the MSC Foundation), environmental support technologies and emissions control systems will be used throughout the ship, including:<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Battery storage to enable future hybrid power generation<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>USCD-approved ballast water treatment system<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Intelligent heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Trim optimization software<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>LED lighting, high-efficiency fixtures<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>RINA Dolphin certificate to reduce underwater noise<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology for a 90 per cent reduction in nitrogen emissions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In addition, the MSC Group is committed to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from its maritime cruise activities to zero by 2050.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A small downside<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The only thing that disappointed me a little, apart from the fact that I didn\u2019t stay longer on the Explora&nbsp;II, was the dichotomy between the excursions and the experience at sea. The one I did in Puerto Rico was an existing excursion for any cruise line whose name was changed to the Explora Journeys excursion. The level of professionalism and luxury that one would expect with the Explora&nbsp;II trip is nowhere near the experience received. The members of Explora Journeys should work with the excursion companies on site to adjust the level of excellence to suit their guests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Explora Journeys\u2019 future ships<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Explora Journey is planning a total of six ships. After Explora I and Explora&nbsp;II, the next will be EXPLORA&nbsp;III, scheduled for delivery in 2026. It will be the first of four ships in the fleet to run on liquefied natural gas, followed by EXPLORA&nbsp;IV and EXPLORA V in 2027 and EXPLORA&nbsp;VI in 2028.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the summer of 2025, Explora&nbsp;II will sail to the western Mediterranean, visiting ports such as Barcelona in Spain, Saint-Tropez in France, Monte Carlo for the TAG Heuer Formula&nbsp;1 Monaco Grand Prix and Porto Cervo in Italy.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Prices start at around $2,500 per person for 4 nights\/5 days. Prices fluctuate enormously depending on the destination, the time of year, the length of the trip and the many offers available. Embarkation for <a href=\"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/en\/travel\/48-hours-in-new-york-city\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">New York<\/a> from <a href=\"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/en\/travel\/quebec-city\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Qu\u00e9bec City<\/a> on the Explora III is scheduled for September 2026. <a href=\"https:\/\/explorajourneys.com\/ca\/en\/ships\/explora-III?ship=el\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Book your journey now<\/a>!<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Find out more about the partnership between Explora Journeys and the America\u2019s Cup <a href=\"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/en\/sports\/37th-americas-cup\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">in this article<\/a>.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"product-callout\">\n    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explora-II-by-Explora-Journeys-Cover.jpg\" alt=\"EXPLORA II\">\n    <h2>JOIN THE EXPLORA CLUB TODAY<\/h2>\n    <a href=\"https:\/\/explorajourneys.com\/ca\/en\/access-center\/referral-registration.html?referralCode=R10087278577142127724\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow sponsored noopener noreferrer\">JOIN NOW<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n<style>\n.product-callout {\n    display: flex !important;\n    flex-direction: row !important;\n    align-items: center !important;\n    gap: 20px !important;\n    padding: 20px !important;\n    margin: 20px 0 !important;\n    border-top: 2px solid #004d28 !important;\n    border-bottom: 2px solid #004d28 !important;\n    border-left: none !important;\n    border-right: none !important;\n    border-radius: 0 !important;\n}\n\n.product-callout img {\n    width: 100px !important;\n    height: auto !important;\n    flex-shrink: 0 !important;\n    margin: 0 !important;\n    display: block !important;\n}\n\n.product-callout h2 {\n    flex: 1 !important;\n    margin: 0 !important;\n    font-size: 1em !important;\n    font-weight: 800 !important;\n    color: #004d28 !important;\n    display: block !important;\n}\n\n.product-callout a {\n    display: inline-block !important;\n    padding: 10px 20px !important;\n    background-color: #004d28 !important;\n    color: #fff5e6 !important;\n    text-decoration: none !important;\n    border-radius: 4px !important;\n    transition: background-color 0.3s !important;\n    text-transform: uppercase !important;\n    font-size: 1em !important;\n    white-space: nowrap !important;\n    flex-shrink: 0 !important;\n    margin: 0 !important;\n    font-weight: bold;\n}\n\n.product-callout a:hover {\n    background-color: #006837 !important;\n}\n\n@media (max-width: 768px) {\n    .product-callout {\n        flex-direction: column !important;\n        text-align: center !important;\n    }\n    .product-callout img {\n        width: 100px !important;\n    }\n}\n<\/style>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Discover our visit aboard the Explora II by Explora Journeys, a brand new luxury cruise ship.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":57286,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"apple_news_api_created_at":"","apple_news_api_id":"","apple_news_api_modified_at":"","apple_news_api_revision":"","apple_news_api_share_url":"","apple_news_cover_media_provider":"","apple_news_coverimage":0,"apple_news_coverimage_caption":"","apple_news_cover_video_id":0,"apple_news_cover_video_url":"","apple_news_cover_embedwebvideo_url":"","apple_news_is_hidden":"","apple_news_is_paid":"","apple_news_is_preview":"","apple_news_is_sponsored":"","apple_news_maturity_rating":"","apple_news_metadata":"\"\"","apple_news_pullquote":"","apple_news_pullquote_position":"middle","apple_news_slug":"","apple_news_sections":["https:\/\/news-api.apple.com\/sections\/f8fa0cd9-384d-4da5-ac33-6dba082ff809"],"apple_news_suppress_video_url":false,"apple_news_use_image_component":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[11329,6048,1529],"tags":[10833,10530],"coauthors":[5548],"class_list":["post-57276","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-amerique-centrale-et-caraibes","category-cruises","category-travel","tag-explora-ii","tag-explora-journeys"],"apple_news_notices":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Explora\u00a0II by Explora Journeys: A truly luxurious experience | Gentologie<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Discover our visit aboard the magnificent Explora II by Explora Journeys, a brand new luxury cruise ship.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/en\/travel\/explora-ii-by-explora-journeys-a-truly-luxurious-experience\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Explora\u00a0II by Explora Journeys: A truly luxurious experience | Gentologie\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Discover our visit aboard the Explora II by Explora Journeys, a brand new luxury cruise ship.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/en\/travel\/explora-ii-by-explora-journeys-a-truly-luxurious-experience\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Gentologie\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"http:\/\/facebook.com\/gentologie\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:author\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/normand.boulanger\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2025-03-07T16:02:30+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-01-07T18:59:12+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explora-II-by-Explora-Journeys-Cover.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1200\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"630\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Normand Boulanger\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:title\" content=\"Explora\u00a0II by Explora Journeys: A truly luxurious experience | Gentologie\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:description\" content=\"Discover our visit aboard the Explora II by Explora Journeys, a brand new luxury cruise ship.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Normand Boulanger\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"27 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gentologie.com\\\/en\\\/travel\\\/explora-ii-by-explora-journeys-a-truly-luxurious-experience\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gentologie.com\\\/en\\\/travel\\\/explora-ii-by-explora-journeys-a-truly-luxurious-experience\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Normand Boulanger\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gentologie.com\\\/en\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/74244f26bc228c35c71cdb3a0765ca16\"},\"headline\":\"Explora\u00a0II by Explora Journeys: A truly luxurious experience\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-03-07T16:02:30+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-01-07T18:59:12+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gentologie.com\\\/en\\\/travel\\\/explora-ii-by-explora-journeys-a-truly-luxurious-experience\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":4243,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gentologie.com\\\/en\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gentologie.com\\\/en\\\/travel\\\/explora-ii-by-explora-journeys-a-truly-luxurious-experience\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gentologie.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Explora-II-by-Explora-Journeys-Cover.jpg\",\"keywords\":[\"Explora II\",\"Explora Journeys\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Am\u00e9rique Centrale et Cara\u00efbes\",\"Cruises\",\"Travel\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gentologie.com\\\/en\\\/travel\\\/explora-ii-by-explora-journeys-a-truly-luxurious-experience\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gentologie.com\\\/en\\\/travel\\\/explora-ii-by-explora-journeys-a-truly-luxurious-experience\\\/\",\"name\":\"Explora\u00a0II by Explora Journeys: A truly luxurious experience | Gentologie\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gentologie.com\\\/en\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gentologie.com\\\/en\\\/travel\\\/explora-ii-by-explora-journeys-a-truly-luxurious-experience\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gentologie.com\\\/en\\\/travel\\\/explora-ii-by-explora-journeys-a-truly-luxurious-experience\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gentologie.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Explora-II-by-Explora-Journeys-Cover.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-03-07T16:02:30+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-01-07T18:59:12+00:00\",\"description\":\"Discover our visit aboard the magnificent Explora II by Explora Journeys, a brand new luxury cruise ship.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gentologie.com\\\/en\\\/travel\\\/explora-ii-by-explora-journeys-a-truly-luxurious-experience\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/gentologie.com\\\/en\\\/travel\\\/explora-ii-by-explora-journeys-a-truly-luxurious-experience\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gentologie.com\\\/en\\\/travel\\\/explora-ii-by-explora-journeys-a-truly-luxurious-experience\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gentologie.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Explora-II-by-Explora-Journeys-Cover.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gentologie.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Explora-II-by-Explora-Journeys-Cover.jpg\",\"width\":1200,\"height\":630,\"caption\":\"The Explora II by Explora Journeys\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gentologie.com\\\/en\\\/travel\\\/explora-ii-by-explora-journeys-a-truly-luxurious-experience\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gentologie.com\\\/en\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Travel\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gentologie.com\\\/en\\\/category\\\/travel\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"Destinations\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gentologie.com\\\/en\\\/category\\\/travel\\\/destinations\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":4,\"name\":\"Central America and Caribbean\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gentologie.com\\\/en\\\/category\\\/travel\\\/destinations\\\/central-america-and-caribbean\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":5,\"name\":\"Explora\u00a0II by Explora Journeys: A truly luxurious experience\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gentologie.com\\\/en\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gentologie.com\\\/en\\\/\",\"name\":\"Gentologie\",\"description\":\"Style de Vie pour Gentleman | Lifestyle for Gentleman\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gentologie.com\\\/en\\\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gentologie.com\\\/en\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gentologie.com\\\/en\\\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Gentologie\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gentologie.com\\\/en\\\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gentologie.com\\\/en\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gentologie.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/02\\\/Gentologie-Logo-Site-IMG.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gentologie.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/02\\\/Gentologie-Logo-Site-IMG.jpg\",\"width\":696,\"height\":696,\"caption\":\"Gentologie\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gentologie.com\\\/en\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"http:\\\/\\\/facebook.com\\\/gentologie\",\"http:\\\/\\\/instagram.com\\\/gentologie\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.linkedin.com\\\/company\\\/gentologie\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.pinterest.com\\\/gentologie\\\/\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.youtube.com\\\/@gentologie\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.threads.com\\\/@gentologie\"]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gentologie.com\\\/en\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/74244f26bc228c35c71cdb3a0765ca16\",\"name\":\"Normand Boulanger\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gentologie.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/Normand-Boulanger-Gentologie-100x100.jpg1ee1c9b4d4ebe810aaaca8cca30db7f0\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gentologie.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/Normand-Boulanger-Gentologie-100x100.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gentologie.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/Normand-Boulanger-Gentologie-100x100.jpg\",\"caption\":\"Normand Boulanger\"},\"description\":\"Founder &amp; Editor In Chief of Gentologie\",\"sameAs\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/normand.boulanger\",\"https:\\\/\\\/instagram.com\\\/normboulanger\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.linkedin.com\\\/in\\\/normboulanger\\\/\"],\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gentologie.com\\\/en\\\/author\\\/normboulanger\\\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Explora\u00a0II by Explora Journeys: A truly luxurious experience | Gentologie","description":"Discover our visit aboard the magnificent Explora II by Explora Journeys, a brand new luxury cruise ship.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/en\/travel\/explora-ii-by-explora-journeys-a-truly-luxurious-experience\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Explora\u00a0II by Explora Journeys: A truly luxurious experience | Gentologie","og_description":"Discover our visit aboard the Explora II by Explora Journeys, a brand new luxury cruise ship.","og_url":"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/en\/travel\/explora-ii-by-explora-journeys-a-truly-luxurious-experience\/","og_site_name":"Gentologie","article_publisher":"http:\/\/facebook.com\/gentologie","article_author":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/normand.boulanger","article_published_time":"2025-03-07T16:02:30+00:00","article_modified_time":"2026-01-07T18:59:12+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1200,"height":630,"url":"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explora-II-by-Explora-Journeys-Cover.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Normand Boulanger","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_title":"Explora\u00a0II by Explora Journeys: A truly luxurious experience | Gentologie","twitter_description":"Discover our visit aboard the Explora II by Explora Journeys, a brand new luxury cruise ship.","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Normand Boulanger","Est. reading time":"27 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/en\/travel\/explora-ii-by-explora-journeys-a-truly-luxurious-experience\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/en\/travel\/explora-ii-by-explora-journeys-a-truly-luxurious-experience\/"},"author":{"name":"Normand Boulanger","@id":"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/en\/#\/schema\/person\/74244f26bc228c35c71cdb3a0765ca16"},"headline":"Explora\u00a0II by Explora Journeys: A truly luxurious experience","datePublished":"2025-03-07T16:02:30+00:00","dateModified":"2026-01-07T18:59:12+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/en\/travel\/explora-ii-by-explora-journeys-a-truly-luxurious-experience\/"},"wordCount":4243,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/en\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/en\/travel\/explora-ii-by-explora-journeys-a-truly-luxurious-experience\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explora-II-by-Explora-Journeys-Cover.jpg","keywords":["Explora II","Explora Journeys"],"articleSection":["Am\u00e9rique Centrale et Cara\u00efbes","Cruises","Travel"],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/en\/travel\/explora-ii-by-explora-journeys-a-truly-luxurious-experience\/","url":"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/en\/travel\/explora-ii-by-explora-journeys-a-truly-luxurious-experience\/","name":"Explora\u00a0II by Explora Journeys: A truly luxurious experience | Gentologie","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/en\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/en\/travel\/explora-ii-by-explora-journeys-a-truly-luxurious-experience\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/en\/travel\/explora-ii-by-explora-journeys-a-truly-luxurious-experience\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explora-II-by-Explora-Journeys-Cover.jpg","datePublished":"2025-03-07T16:02:30+00:00","dateModified":"2026-01-07T18:59:12+00:00","description":"Discover our visit aboard the magnificent Explora II by Explora Journeys, a brand new luxury cruise ship.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/en\/travel\/explora-ii-by-explora-journeys-a-truly-luxurious-experience\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/gentologie.com\/en\/travel\/explora-ii-by-explora-journeys-a-truly-luxurious-experience\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/en\/travel\/explora-ii-by-explora-journeys-a-truly-luxurious-experience\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explora-II-by-Explora-Journeys-Cover.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explora-II-by-Explora-Journeys-Cover.jpg","width":1200,"height":630,"caption":"The Explora II by Explora Journeys"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/en\/travel\/explora-ii-by-explora-journeys-a-truly-luxurious-experience\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/en\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Travel","item":"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/en\/category\/travel\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Destinations","item":"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/en\/category\/travel\/destinations\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":4,"name":"Central America and Caribbean","item":"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/en\/category\/travel\/destinations\/central-america-and-caribbean\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":5,"name":"Explora\u00a0II by Explora Journeys: A truly luxurious experience"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/en\/#website","url":"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/en\/","name":"Gentologie","description":"Style de Vie pour Gentleman | Lifestyle for Gentleman","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/en\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/en\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/en\/#organization","name":"Gentologie","url":"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/en\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/en\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Gentologie-Logo-Site-IMG.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Gentologie-Logo-Site-IMG.jpg","width":696,"height":696,"caption":"Gentologie"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/en\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["http:\/\/facebook.com\/gentologie","http:\/\/instagram.com\/gentologie","https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/gentologie","https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/gentologie\/","https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@gentologie","https:\/\/www.threads.com\/@gentologie"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/en\/#\/schema\/person\/74244f26bc228c35c71cdb3a0765ca16","name":"Normand Boulanger","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Normand-Boulanger-Gentologie-100x100.jpg1ee1c9b4d4ebe810aaaca8cca30db7f0","url":"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Normand-Boulanger-Gentologie-100x100.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Normand-Boulanger-Gentologie-100x100.jpg","caption":"Normand Boulanger"},"description":"Founder &amp; Editor In Chief of Gentologie","sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/normand.boulanger","https:\/\/instagram.com\/normboulanger","https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/normboulanger\/"],"url":"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/en\/author\/normboulanger\/"}]}},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explora-II-by-Explora-Journeys-Cover.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/57276","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=57276"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/57276\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":63008,"href":"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/57276\/revisions\/63008"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/57286"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=57276"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=57276"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=57276"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=57276"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}