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Cruise review: Italianate luxury on Explora II

Explora II

Cartier boutiques, Andy Warhol artworks and Italianate stylings: the new Explora II exudes luxury at every turn, writes Rachel Reilly

It’s hard not to hear Nino Rota’s haunting love theme from The Godfather when lazily exploring the plangent streets of Civitavecchia. The port’s sun-baked mantra radiates with rich culture and heritage.

You can feel the presence of previous generations that have passed through, and also of the iconic ships to have sliced across the skyline – the Andrea Doria, SS Leonardo da Vinci and SS Michelangelo to name only a few. Their shadows feel etched into the harbour walls.

To some, Explora Journeys’ newest vessel, Explora II, looks like the next step in cruise progression, but the ship represents far more than that. After watching the glittering christening ceremony, I was excited to experience it for myself as the ship embarked on its maiden voyage around the western Mediterranean

Sharing DNA with its sister ship Explora I, the new 922-passenger vessel pushes the cruise line into fleet territory – not bad for a family-owned brand. Yet after listening to passenger feedback, the family introduced subtle differences to Explora II – which I soon discovered as I boarded in Civitavecchia.

Cruising in style

Explora Journeys is known for its sophisticated style, and Explora II’s interiors are no exception. Stepping into the foyer feels akin to entering the millionaire’s mansion in F Scott Fitzgerald’s 1925 novel, The Great Gatsby.

Slabs of marble, polished glass, swathes of leather and wooden panelling combine to create an opulent aesthetic, although one that isn’t too overstated, much to the interior designers’ credit.

As I make my way through the guest areas, I remark at Explora II’s chic and luxurious yet comfortable and laidback atmosphere. It really does feel like a home at sea.

Furnishings haven’t come from a formula, but rather from people who actually know a thing or two about fine art

The ship has four types of penthouse: Ocean, Deluxe, Premier and Grand – the latter, at 60sqm, is the largest. I’m in a Deluxe Penthouse, which is 48sqm. Clever use of space, soothing, neutral colours and natural light make it feel larger than the blueprint digits suggest.

Explora Journeys’ owners, the Apontes, still curate all the line’s materials and artwork such as original Andy Warhols, and it shows. Furnishings haven’t come from a formula, but rather from people who actually know a thing or two about fine art.

From large mirrors to a plasma TV, the styling choices enhance the abode, rather than overpower it. Everything feels as though it belongs together, like yin and yang. Floor-to-ceiling windows, clever mood lighting, sculptures and abstract prints are soothing to be around, and there is plenty of storage space.

Explora II
Swathes of leather and wooden panelling combine to create an opulent aesthetic

The Apontes show they care through their attention to detail. As well as a walk-in dressing area, my bathroom features underfloor heating, Dyson hairdryers and a black and grey marble rainfall shower.

A bath – something of a rarity in today’s cruise world – feels particularly decadent and I very much approve as I scan the room, locating the Champagne bucket, glasses and a bottle that’s calling out to be popped.

Browsing my mini library, I curl up with a book and a coffee on a chaise lounge in my room’s dining area. A spacious balcony features its own small dining table and I begin thinking about what to treat myself to from the room service menu knowing in-suite dining is included.

Read next: Explora to host ‘as many agents as possible’ in revamped fam programme

The smaller staterooms – the 35sqm Ocean terrace suites and 11sqm Ocean grand terrace suites – are just as glamorous. Again, the layout feels well calculated, so there’s plenty of space and storage.

All staterooms come equipped with black-out curtains, binoculars, a bottle of Champagne and wireless charging bases. Plug sockets are designed for European and American devices though, so UK guests are advised to pack an adapter. You can’t have everything.

Explora II fast facts

922 guest capacity

461 ocean-facing suites

6 restaurants

5 heated pools

Champagne and fine dining

Champagne is available along with unlimited fine wine and premium spirits, speciality tea and coffee and soft drinks at all times, meaning you can enjoy a glass of bubbly at breakfast (with or without orange juice) if you choose, or pre-dinner aperitivos in the oyster bar while mingling with other guests.

The ship’s 18 restaurants, bars and lounges use local ingredients to create an array of global and native dishes inspired by each port of call. The all-day Emporium Market Place is a highlight, where the intoxicating aroma wafting from the carving station is almost impossible to ignore.

Each dish appears like works of art, especially the sushi, while the charcuterie station’s Italian salami, olives and grapes compete for real estate on my plate with a nearby fromagerie.

But of course, Explora II is proudly Italian, which means the pasta station has eight types varieties – more than I knew existed – and the pizza is served straight from the oven. Staff don’t judge you on your toppings, either.

Explora II
The ship’s 18 restaurants, bars and lounges create an array of global and native dishes inspired by each port of call

Marble & Co. Grill dishes up heavenly plates of meat with a sense of occasion thanks to its marble décor and monochrome images of farmers hard at work during harvest season.

Meanwhile, Asian-fusion Sakura – named after the Japanese for cherry blossom – has a ceiling covered in petals and glowing lanterns which are complemented by folding shoji screens dividing the tables. The whole set-up transports me to Kyoto. Explora II’s premium Italian, Anthology, is the only restaurant not included in the cruise fare.
An eye for detail

The staff on Explora II ensure every moment is thoughtfully catered to with personalised and attentive service that remains unobtrusive – facilitated by a 24-hour concierge, twice-daily housekeeping, shoe shining staff and an evening turndown service.

When it comes to retail therapy, guests can visit the onboard boutique, selling Cartier, Panerai and Piaget jewellery and watches, as well as pieces from famed Italian fashion houses

A ratio of 1.25 crew to every passenger also helps. Staff are trained to anticipate your preferences, and although my attempt to telepathically communicate my hankerings for a Bloody Mary were unsuccessful, the staff’s attention to detail ensures every request is handled with grace and efficiency.

Packages also grant access to the Ocean Wellness Fitness Centre and Spa, which offers a variety of health-focused features like a Finnish sauna and hydrotherapy pool, as well as exercise and mindfulness activities. Both 60- and 90-minute massages take place in one of the 11 treatment rooms, while in-suite treatments can also be booked.

When it comes to retail therapy, guests can visit the onboard boutique, selling Cartier, Panerai and Piaget jewellery and watches, as well as pieces from famed Italian fashion houses – all bearing the connected butterfly mark of assured quality.

High-speed complimentary Wi-Fi can be found throughout the ship, while complimentary shuttles whisk you from ports to your excursions when required.

That’s entertainment

Concerts, theatrical shows and cultural performances take place in the intimate, beautifully designed Journeys Lounge, which can seat up to 210 guests, while the ship’s small yet intimate casino isn’t quite as brash as Explora’s ocean cruise counterparts.

Guests who prefer more low-key forms of entertainment can sink into a chair in the library, browse one of the onboard exhibitions or participate in expert-led lectures and cultural workshops.

Children are catered for, too, and the Nautilus Club is designed to keep them entertained. The kids’ zone is filled with activities and game consoles such as a Playstation 5 and Nintendo Switch.

While Explora II’s all-inclusive ticket cost may be higher than other mainstream cruise lines, the price reflects its high level of service, state‑of-the-art hardware and diverse culinary offering – which in my opinion makes it exceptional value for money.

From spacious, ocean-facing suites with private terraces to exquisite meals prepared by world-class chefs, everything onboard is designed to provide the utmost in comfort and indulgence, all aimed at providing a premium, bespoke voyage.

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