Exploring Calm and Curated Luxury Aboard EXPLORA II

If you’ve ever dreamed of a luxury cruise experience that feels more like an upscale European boutique hotel than a traditional ship, EXPLORA II might be exactly what you’ve been waiting for. The second vessel in the Explora Journeys fleet, EXPLORA II offers a refined, tranquil escape where every moment feels intentionally crafted.

Sailing aboard this ship is not about jam-packed itineraries or over-the-top theatrics. Instead, it’s about slowing down, soaking up the beauty of the sea, and reconnecting with what travel should feel like: calm, curated, and immersive. From the thoughtful design to the personalized service, here’s what it is like to enter your Ocean State of Mind aboard EXPLORA II.

From the moment we arrived at the port, the tone was set. Check-in was seamless and stylish, and the atmosphere felt peaceful and refined. There wasn’t any port chaos. It just felt relaxed and elevated in a way that immediately set the tone for the rest of the trip.

Onboard, the ship exudes a quiet elegance. Natural light floods each space, and every corner is filled with warm woods, soft textiles, and curated artwork. There are no towering atriums or overwhelming crowds. Just intimate lounges, quiet reading nooks, and sleek modern spaces designed for serenity.

What made the ship feel more like a boutique hotel at sea to us was how intentionally everything was designed. The quiet lounges, the curated art, the soft lighting. It was elegant, intimate, and incredibly relaxing.

EXPLORA II’s suites are a masterclass in understated luxury. Spacious and modern, each one includes a private oceanfront terrace, spa-like bathroom, and thoughtful storage solutions that make it feel more like a luxury apartment than a cruise cabin.

Our suite felt instantly luxurious because of how spacious, calm, and well-designed it was. The bed was incredibly comfortable, the bathroom felt modern and spa-like, and having a private terrace to watch the ocean made the whole space feel peaceful and elevated.

The Ocean Suites in particular stood out for their open layout and residential aesthetic. Compared to other luxury lines, it felt less traditional and more contemporary, with cleaner lines, softer tones, and a much more open, airy feel.

Little details elevated the experience, like a welcome note on the TV, a chilled bottle of champagne, and an assortment of wine and pastries waiting in the suite upon arrival.

Dining aboard EXPLORA II is immersive and intentional, with a strong emphasis on fresh ingredients, global influences, and a calm, elevated ambiance in each venue.

The standout for us was Sakura, the ship’s signature Pan-Asian restaurant. The sushi was incredibly fresh, the desserts were unreal, and the wine pairings made the whole experience feel even more elevated.

Other favorites included the all-day Crema Café, where coffee and pastries made every morning feel indulgent, and the elegant afternoon tea service complete with cucumber sandwiches and sweets.

The service and ambiance in every dining venue felt incredibly thoughtful to us. The crew was attentive without being overbearing, and each space had its own vibe.

Even beyond the specialty restaurants, the menus reflected the destinations we visited. Fresh regional ingredients and locally inspired dishes connected the culinary experience to the itinerary in a subtle but meaningful way.

Onboard entertainment reflected the ship’s relaxed spirit. Instead of large-scale productions, evenings centered around live music in intimate venues, quiet conversation over cocktails, and the soft rhythm of the ocean.

We gravitated mostly toward the live music. It added this relaxed, elegant vibe to the evenings and fit the ship’s boutique atmosphere perfectly.

Each night unfolded like a fine-tuned playlist: unhurried, personal, and just the right amount of social. Whether you were tucked into a cabana by the pool or sipping an espresso martini in a quiet bar, it always felt effortlessly elegant.

While there are wellness offerings like yoga, spa treatments, and fitness classes available, EXPLORA II’s deeper wellness philosophy is woven into the very design of the ship.

The ship had a calm, restorative energy, with quiet spaces, ocean views everywhere, and an atmosphere that encouraged slowing down and taking care of yourself.

Even without visiting the spa, the ship encourages you to recharge. From the seamless layout and soft lighting to the abundance of loungers and open-air decks made for reflection, the wellness focus is felt throughout.

The cabanas were the most peaceful spot for us. Relaxing with the ocean right in front of us felt unreal.”

The sailing included stops in Lisbon, Málaga, Valencia, and Barcelona. What stood out most was the way Explora Journeys created space for immersive, meaningful connections to each place visited.

Valencia’s market was such an immersive experience. The colors, the energy, and wandering the streets surrounded by so much local culture made it feel genuinely authentic.

The ship’s culinary offerings and ambiance also subtly mirrored the destinations, allowing us to feel grounded in the regions we were exploring.

In Lisbon, the architecture and intricate tilework were unforgettable, and onboard, design touches reflected that same attention to detail: elegant, creative, and culturally rich.

Luxury aboard EXPLORA II is not about glitz. It’s about space, time, and thoughtfulness. The ship featured a curated art collection, high-end boutique shops, and service that was warm and intuitive.

The level of personalization onboard was incredible. The crew made an effort to remember little details, greet you by name, and anticipate what you might need.

No loud announcements or bustling crowds. Just intuitive design and personalized care that made the experience feel effortless.

It felt more like a boutique, design-forward resort that travels with you.