Come learn about miles and points on a luxury cruise aboard the brand new Explora I from Explora Journeys.
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What Is Explora Journeys
The scions from shipping and cruise magnates, MSC, have started Explora Journeys a boutique cruise line for the non-cruisers. Its first ship, Explora I made its maiden voyage on August 1st, 2023 from Barcelona. It spent the first few voyages in northern Europe calling on the fjords, England, Iceland, and Greenland before landing in New York a few weeks ago.
Explora bucks all the trends. Ultra-small luxury vessels like the Ritz-Carlton Yacht (and the coming Four Seasons Yacht) are intimate and private but don’t have all the amenities a larger ship can offer. Seabourn has an ultra-luxury expedition fleet with 150 suites onboard for Antarctica and Arctic ships. Explora I comes in larger at 472 suites but a maximum passenger load of 900 (dedication to underselling the ship in favor of service.) Here are some quick details:
- Its size means that it can get into smaller ports but still offer a variety of big ship amenities
- A Two-Star Michelin Chef designed the menu and is joining the sailing for the first two years to ensure execution
- All suites, with balcony access and walk-in closets
- No interior rooms
- (9) restaurants and bars onboard
- Champagne and caviar service
- One-way journeys mean fewer days at sea and more in destinations
- Reasonable prices for true luxury service
(A Very Light) Miles & Points Seminar At Sea
We have put together a program that includes a very light seminar at sea. The cruise is visiting some amazing ports and we don’t want guests stuck on the ship learning about miles and points while they could be exploring the destinations. There will be approximately four formal sessions that cover tips and tricks for maximizing your miles and points, credit card strategies, redemption sweet spots, and insider details from key writers and influencers in the space.
Included with this group trip is access to those sessions, and cocktail evenings where guests can interact with speakers and get specific questions answered for their unique situation. The focus is delivering added value for those looking to travel better for less.
The Details
My travel agency, Scott & Thomas Travel Personalized was able to secure a group rate that holds pricing for a limited number of suites at or below retail. Joining our group will not cost you more than buying directly from the brand, in fact, it may cost less.
Itinerary
February 9th: Depart Bridgetown, Barbados
Port: Bridgetown
Arrival Method: Dock
Departure: 19:00
Embrace the slow Bajan rhythm of this welcoming island. Steeped in fascinating history and British colonial architecture there is much to explore on land and in its balmy azure waters.
February 10th: Castries, St. Lucia
Port: Castries
Arrival Method: Dock
Arrival: 07:00 Departure: 19:00
The majestic, UNESCO-listed Pitons welcome you to this tranquil tropical isle to refresh in its waterfalls and to watch whales while enjoying the fresh catch with a tasty local brew.
February 11th: Deshaies, Guadeloupe
Port: Deshaies
Arrival Method: Tender
Arrival: 07:00
Departure: 19:00
Stroll the bay brimming with Creole homes, cafés and a cosmopolitan crowd. Explore botanical gardens and bird preserves. Visit the Cocoa House for a taste of chocolate’s rich roots.
February 12th: St. John’s, Antigua & Barbuda
Port: St. John’s
Arrival Method: Dock
Arrival: 07:00
Departure: 20:00
St. John’s is a destination for all times from ancient British forts to Eden-like beaches where we sip fine aged rums, swim with stingrays, and zip-line through lush forests.
February 13th: Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands
Port: Spanish Town (Virgin Gorda)
Arrival Method: Dock
Arrival: 07:00
Departure: 17:00
Slip into a slice of sun-drenched heaven: coral reefs, soft beaches dotted with spectacular villas. Switch off and shop, swim, snorkel and sip within the peace of sand, sea and sky.
February 14th: At Sea
(2) one-hour Seminars at Sea
February 15th: At Sea
(2) one-hour Seminars at Sea
February 16th: Miami, Florida, United States of America
Port: Miami
Arrival Method: Dock
Arrival: 07:00
Saunter into the sunny sweep of South Beach for Latin flavour, States-style. Stroll in its dreamy pastel hues for a sampling of spicy glamour swaying to the beat of salsa rhythms.
Ocean Terrace Suite – $3,600/per person
This is the entry-level suite on the ship. Here’s a look first:
This suite includes floor-to-ceiling windows, outdoor terrace, separated sleeping area from the living room with pull-out couch, and dining. A walk-in closet is standard are heated marble floors and a walk-in shower.
Ocean Penthouse – $4,850/per person
With many of the same amenities but with added space, a larger closet with seat, superior champagne, and priority embarkation the Penthouse is a reasonable upgrade.
Ocean Residence – $7,400/per person
For a spacious experience, take a look at the Residences. Separate bidets, closed door bedroom suite, along with all of the amenities above, and a hot tub on the terrace, of course, butler service, Dom Perignon on ice, airport transfers, and a lounge (where available.)
Owner’s Suite – $26,050/per person
The pinnacle of a luxury travel experience. Adding the above plus everything plus just about everything you can think of. Pre and post-trip hotels, a dedicated car service in each port, a dining room, a petite bar in the suite, what doesn’t this have?
Register Today
If you’re interested, submit an email request for registration today. We have a limited number of spots from each category and may not be able to accommodate all requests given the ship’s size. To ensure that the product delivers as it should, I sent an experienced traveler onboard a trans-Atlantic two-week journey a few weeks ago. The product delivers and I will personally inspect it in about four weeks. Look for videos and updates then, but for now, if you’d like to join us for some of the most interesting ports in a luxury suite and learn more about our hobby, we’d love for you to join us.
Will there be any trips to other than the islands??? Someplace different?