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Explora II Review: Why This New Luxury Cruise Line Is Changing the Game

Shawn Power-Your Trusted Cruise&Tauck Tour Expert!
Shawn Power-Your Trusted Cruise&Tauck Tour Expert!
πŸ₯ˆExpert
πŸ‘οΈ 8K viewsπŸ“… 3 months ago⏱️ 23:02
What This Creator Said
Creator RecommendsFull Ship ReviewπŸ₯ˆExpert Creator
Veteran Cruiser

Source: Our analysis of the creator's lived experience, based on what they said in this video.

Creator's Key Takeaways

In my opinion, explore 150% belongs in the luxury, small ship, all-inclusive category of cruising.

Their rooms are literally the best in the business, and I've been on all these ships.

Creator's Tips & Advice

βœ“If you want a more casual dress code while still enjoying luxury amenities, consider Explora Journeys.
βœ“Use the self-service laundry on board if you are on a longer cruise to pack lighter.
βœ“Request the wellness kit for your room if you are in a standard ocean terrace suite.
βœ“Don't pay extra for streaming Wi-Fi elsewhere; Explora includes it for all guests.

πŸ†•New to Cruising? This Creator Addresses:

Explora is owned by MSC, which has a mass-market reputation. β€” View Explora like how Carnival owns Seabourn or Royal Caribbean owns Silver Sea; the parent company provides financial stability.
The ships are too small or lack entertainment. β€” Expect high-quality, intimate entertainment rather than Broadway-style productions, similar to other small-ship luxury lines.
The dress code is too formal. β€” Explora is actually much more casual than competitors; sport coats and dress shorts are acceptable even in the evenings.

Questions This Creator Answers

QIs Explora Journeys a true luxury cruise line?
QHow does Explora Journeys compare to competitors like Regent, Silver Sea, and Seabourn?
QWhat is included in the fare on Explora Journeys?
QWhat is the atmosphere and demographic like on board?
QIs Explora Journeys a safe investment given its connection to MSC?

Topics Covered

Cabin Suite4Β½ Happy BaconService Crew4Β½ Happy BaconValue Pricing4 Happy BaconWifi Connectivity4Β½ Happy BaconShip Condition4 Sad Bacon
How to read the Trip Bacon Score
Happy Bacon β€” creators loved this aspect
Sad Bacon β€” creators took issue with this
Meh β€” no strong opinion either way

Scale: 0–5 strips in half-step increments. 0 = β€œmeh”, 5 = β€œbacon bliss”. Aggregated from creator-review sentiment, weighted by channel expertise.

About our Bacon Score methodology
YouTube Video Description↓

Have you ever wondered if a cruise ship could feel more like a chic, European boutique hotel than a crowded vessel? In this video, your Trusted Cruise, Tauck Tour & Africa Safari Expert, Shawn Power, takes you onboard the stunning Explora II to reveal why this newcomer Cruiseline is quickly becoming the "gold standard" in luxury travel. With almost 100 personal Cruises under his belt and almost 100 countries visited, Shawn is a top-selling travel advisor trusted by thousands, and he’s here to break down exactly where Explora Journeys fits in the world of high-end cruising 🌟 HIGHLIGHTS: βœ… The Luxury "Sweet Spot": Why Explora belongs in the ultra-luxury category alongside Regent and Silversea and Seabourn and Crystal. βœ… Industry-Leading Suites: A look at the 377 sq. ft. Ocean Terraces featuring private daybeds and other luxuries. βœ… The "Un-Buffet": Why the Emporium Marketplace is a culinary delight with fresh, made-to-order action stations and zero self-service. βœ… Modern Inclusions: How Explora handles the "tech-savvy" traveler with 3 streaming-speed Wi-Fi logins per person included in your fare. βœ… Casual Elegance: Exploring the relaxed dress code and younger average age that makes this ship feel vibrant and unpretentious. πŸ’‘ Expert Tips: Thermal Suite Hack: The stunning thermal suite (sauna, salt room, hydro-pool) is complimentary during specific morning and evening hours, or anytime on port daysβ€”no daily fee required! Book Through an Expert: Shawn's clients receive hundreds of dollars in onboard credit or a complimentary shore excursion that you won't get booking directly. Pack Lighter: Take advantage of the free self-service laundry onboard to save suitcase space for souvenirs without paying premium laundry prices. πŸ“š Related Resources: Explora vs Regent & Silversea: https://youtu.be/iGd2qLF4CBw Explora vs Viking Ocean Cruises & Oceania: https://youtu.be/qcxoSsD-974?si=BCmqE7S6_FfTH9fl Want to see the inside of an Explora ship?? If so, here's a "peek" into "Explora II": https://youtu.be/hmGH5ITApBk?si=FqZY--81W9urs0RL "Serenity Residence" onboard Explora: https://youtube.com/shorts/NggQu2biAT8?si=plwI5HG8XvaLgplS "Retreat Residence" onboard Explora: https://youtube.com/shorts/QRNX6S9Vq-I?si=AFm-98FwvzMhaPoV "Cove Residence" onboard Explora II: https://youtu.be/pmeBadovrEo?si=RDWokGsb03TH_vgX "Grand Penthouse" onboard Explora https://youtu.be/8ALFg2wwkO8?si=Vpi78lq5ig8nYCgU "Premier Penthouse" onboard Explora II: https://youtu.be/fvNTID7Ij10?si=T3Ad-EiIkKDt7K0p "Deluxe Penthouse" onboard Explora: https://youtu.be/LE-wk89737I?si=H0GEtjuVgx-8hBws "Ocean Terrace" onboard Explora: https://youtu.be/vaJFP1TL0QA Want to see some of the amazing food you'll enjoy when sailing on Explora... then check this out! :-) https://youtu.be/bfUjXC7hnFM?si=IsAAVTMfiCiejWCs This video https://youtu.be/MESwbE54RUs?si=cYIJFIt6PrNS9qbf gives you a glimpse into one of Explora Journeys top-rated dining experiences onboard Explora II Interested in "Wellness at Sea"? If so, as Shawn talks about here https://youtu.be/N85g_jLKmqw?si=8OthFjPhqC7tQLM2, "Explora" could be the perfect line for you! Speaking of "Wellness at Sea", one of Explora's main highlights in that department is their complimentary "Wellness Area"... check it out: https://youtu.be/-Yc7Va1xtJs?si=mcr0E53SDoj6lKdn πŸ“Œ Want expert help planning your trip? Visit www.shawnpower.com to get personalized advice and luxury perks