Explora II Review 2026: The Best Ultra-Luxury Cruise I’ve Ever Taken? (Honest, Unpaid Review)
Source: Our analysis of the creator's lived experience, based on what they said in this video.
Creator's Key Takeaways
Now, first spoiler fabulous cruise on a fabulous cruise line.
I am here to tell you first and foremost that anyone that wants to choose an entry-level suite on an Explorer Journeys ship is making a very wise decision.
They found issues that clients told them wasn't necessarily to their liking, they listened and they corrected it in less than a year.
When you leave your suite, everyone is treated the same. There are no classes, and that's really important.
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Explora Journeys Review 2026 | Explora II Honest Onboard Review | Ocean Terrace Suite, Cigar Lounge, Dining & Final Verdict In this video, I share my honest onboard review of Explora Journeys aboard Explora II after completing an 8-day Caribbean voyage in March 2026 with my son, Alex. This was my second Explora Journeys cruise, which gave me a unique opportunity to compare my first experience on Explora I in 2025 with this more recent voyage on Explora II one year later. What impressed me most was not just the luxury, but how clearly the brand listened to guest feedback and improved key parts of the experience in such a short time. In this video, I cover: • The biggest improvements I noticed from my first Explora Journeys cruise to this one • Why I believe Explora Journeys truly belongs in the ultra-luxury cruise conversation • A look inside the Ocean Terrace OT4 suite, which I consider one of the best entry-level suites I have experienced on any cruise line • The outstanding cigar lounge and humidor onboard • Dining strategies, restaurant reservations, spa access, entertainment, pool areas, and service • Why Explora Journeys brought me back to cruising after I had become disappointed with other brands • My final thoughts, including what future cruisers should know before they book I am an unpaid Ultra-Luxury Cruise, Travel, & Travel Related Products Influencer/Collaborator. I do not take money from cruise brands for my reviews. On occasion I may accept a suite upgrade or a product for review, and when I do, I clearly disclose it. My goal is always the same: to provide transparent, experience-based information I wish I had before booking a new brand myself. If you have sailed Explora Journeys, I would truly value your perspective. If you are considering Explora Journeys, please leave your questions in the comments and I will personally respond. Have a Question, Ask Gary: Gary.Tilkin@GaryTilkin.com Gary's Cruise Travel Agent: Ms. Staci Sanford -- STACI@STAYCRUISING.COM Emails for Explora Journeys Telephone Agents: Carlos.Insuasti@explorajourneys.com and jose.trana@explorajourneys.com Briggs & Riley® Travelers Backpack Link: Carry-On Backpack by Baseline | Briggs & Riley Sterling Pacific® Luggage Link: Full Range – Sterling Pacific Tumi® Aluminum 19 Degree Cigar Travel Humidor Link: Cigar Case | Tumi US BagSmart® Compression Packing Bags Link: Compression Packing Cubes | BAGSMART Bang & Olufsen BeoPlay H100 Headphone Link: Beoplay H100 – headphones optimised for Dolby Atmos | B&O Allianz® Travel Insurance Link: Travel Insurance - Affordable Plans Starting at $27 | Allianz Partners Hashtags #ExploraJourneys #ExploraII #LuxuryCruise #UltraLuxuryTravel #CruiseReview #LuxuryTravel #CruiseLife #CruiseTips #OceanTerraceSuite #TravelReview #CruiseInfluencer #HonestReview #GaryTilkinUnbiasReview #CruiseHints #CruiseTips YouTube Video Time Line: 00:00 Welcome from Explora II 00:18 This 8-Day Caribbean Journey with My Son Alex 00:43 Explora I vs Explora II: What Changed in One Year 01:58 Why the Entry-Level Ocean Terrace Suite Is So Impressive 02:49 Embarkation Day: The New MSC Terminal Experience 04:27 Is Explora Journeys Really Ultra-Luxury? 05:41 Improvements Explora Journeys Made in Just One Year 07:30 Entertainment: A Major Step Up 08:43 Why Listening to Guests Matters 09:48 No Class System Onboard: Everyone Is Treated Well 11:05 Dining Without a Main Dining Room 12:10 Reservation Strategy for Med Yacht Club & Fil Rouge 13:57 The Spa Experience and Thermal Area Access 15:25 Final Thoughts from Onboard Explora II 18:21 Ocean Terrace Suite Tour | Suite 10119 20:45 Back Home: My Post-Cruise Thoughts 22:24 Why Explora Journeys Brought Me Back to Cruising 24:30 No Nickel-and-Diming: A Huge Advantage 27:05 A Full Ship Without Crowds 28:32 No “Classes” Onboard Compared to Other Cruise Lines 30:50 Emporium Marketplace: Why I Like It More Than a Buffet 32:44 A Word About Children Onboard 34:40 Pool Deck Reality: Lounge Chairs, Shade, and Sea Days 36:58 Personalized Service on Explora II 39:42 Dining Strategy: Great Food Without a Main Dining Room 43:51 Final Word: Questions, Feedback, and Future Cruises 46:04 My Upcoming Cruises in 2026, 2027, and 2028 47:20 Cruise Well and Enjoy Every Moment Keywords Explora Journeys review, Explora II review 2026, Explora Journeys luxury cruise, ultra luxury cruise review, Explora II Ocean Terrace suite, best luxury cruise suites, honest cruise review no sponsorship, luxury cruise comparison Regent Seven Seas vs Explora Journeys, Crystal Cruises vs Explora Journeys, luxury cruise cigar lounge, cruise suite review Ocean Terrace, high end cruise experience, is Explora Journeys worth it. luxury cruise Caribbean review, cruise influencer honest review, best cruise for luxury travelers, Explora Journeys improvements, new luxury cruise line review