Explora Journeys Monocle
Gifts from the sea
Join us aboard the new Explora Journeys ships for an evocative and well-designed exploration of the world from the waves.
Ocean State of Mind
“For whatever we lose (like a you or a me), it’s always ourselves we find in the sea,” wrote poet EE Cummings. Throughout history, the ocean has inspired deep reflection and self-discovery. This vision shapes Explora Journeys, a luxury brand that is redefining ocean travel with its “Ocean State of Mind” ethos – the belief that time on the water has the power to transform and restore. While rooted in the founding Aponte family’s 300 years of maritime heritage and seafaring exploration, Explora Journeys emerged in 2021 with a rewriting of the cruise rule book. Today the brand’s first two ships, EXPLORA I and II, evoke the elegance of private superyachts, allowing guests to relax and make memories in their floating home at sea.
Deeper down
Whether visiting a Mayan village in Mexico or watching a flamenco performance in Malaga, Explora Journeys’ all-inclusive experiences are designed to foster deeper connections with the world. This chimes with the company’s notion of journeys — of the mind and across the oceans — combining elegant, onboard living with destinations both iconic and undiscovered.
Artists of the floating world
Aboard an Explora Journeys ship, thoughtful design meets world-class cuisine and hospitality to create a floating sanctuary that feels like home – but an extraordinary one. Ocean-facing suites, crafted by leading European architects, offer sophistication and serenity, while culinary experiences conceived by celebrated chefs elevate every meal to a work of art. And with serene wellness spaces and curated boutiques, the journey becomes as vital as the destination.
Ship shape
Designed with input from the world’s top superyacht architects and designers, the ships’ spaces marry contemporary European sophistication with home comforts. Expect furnishings from Knoll, Molteni&C and Astep, as well as Calacatta marble bathrooms throughout. The experience is further enriched by a curated collection of art, with pieces by Yinka Shonibare and installations by Emilio Isgrò.
Top tables
Explora Journeys’ culinary offering is led by Franck Garanger, who was awarded French Master Chef in 2008 and is a member of the Académie Culinaire de France. Both EXPLORA I and II feature six restaurants, 12 bars and lounges, as well as a chef’s kitchen. Sommeliers, mixologists and chefs serve menus full of personality and fine ingredients sourced from unique farms and vineyards.
Picture of health
The Explora Journeys fleet offers an array of ocean-inspired wellness experiences. Spa facilities include 11 treatment rooms and a hydrotherapy pool, while the expansive fitness area features Technogym equipment and outdoor training spaces. Sunlit decks abound, with three outdoor pools, an indoor pool with a retractable roof, cabanas and whirlpools, all designed for maximum peace and relaxation.
Sail unique
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Explora Journeys redefines ocean travel with a philosophy centred on the transformative power of the ocean, offering voyages that combine elevated onboard living with destinations far beyond the well-beaten paths.
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With interior designs curated by leading architects and exceptional dining courtesy of renowned chefs, Explora Journeys’ ships provide elegant “homes at sea”, enriched by cultural and culinary excursions.
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The 2026 launch of EXPLORA III, Explora Journeys’ first LNG-powered ship, will highlight the brand’s efforts to decarbonise marine operations and reduce environmental impact through green technologies.
Immersive destinations
Departing from many convenient international ports, EXPLORA I and II sail through the Caribbean, around Central America and across the Mediterranean. Both ships’ itineraries encompass celebrated cities and hidden gems, with each journey lasting a minimum of seven nights. (They also offer extended journeys that combine multiple voyages over two to three weeks – or longer.) Whether discovering coral reefs and Creole delights in the Caribbean or the surreal beauty of Greenland’s icecaps and Icelandic geysers, guests are immersed in moments of wonder and beauty throughout their journey.
Beyond the horizon
Ocean travel offers a rare perspective – it’s an unhurried way to explore the world, as the journey becomes a source of discovery. Every day unfolds in harmony with the sea, inviting reflection and a deeper connection to the destinations. It’s a chance to experience major cities and lesser-known gems, blending adventure with moments of pure tranquillity.
A green future
Respect for the ocean is central to Explora Journeys’ sustainability mission, embodied in the 2026 launch of EXPLORA III, its first ship powered by liquified natural gas (lng). The adoption of lng is part of the brand’s transition to renewable fuels such as drop-in bio-lng and synthetic lng. EXPLORA III will feature shore-power connectivity to reduce emissions while berthed and underwater noise-reduction systems to protect marine life. Three more lng-powered ships will follow, with the fleet designed to adapt to emerging energy-saving technologies.
Looking ahead
Explora Journeys’ 2025 itineraries will span the Mediterranean, combining a little French Riviera glamour with stops in Sardinia, Ibiza, Santorini and Kefalonia. During the Formula 1 Grand Prix de Monaco, EXPLORA II will dock at Port Hercule, offering extraordinary access to this key event in the racing season. Other destination highlights include Spain’s Costa Tropical, Tangier’s vibrant souks and the volcanic landscapes of the Canary Islands.
