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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!
🥈Expert
👁️ 10K views📅 5 months ago⏱️ 23:02
What This Creator Said
Creator RecommendsFull Ship Review🥈Expert Creator
Veteran Cruiser

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

Creator's Key Takeaways

Explorer 150% belongs in the luxury, small ship, all-inclusive category of cruising.

Every room on board has a private veranda and every room is at least 377 square ft or higher. There's no one else in the industry you can say that.

The crew is truly fabulous on board. You're not going to pay for anything on board. You're going to have a beautiful room. The food's going to be great.

Creator's Tips & Advice

If you want a casual experience without strict dress codes, Explorer is a good option.
Use the self-service laundry on board to pack light for longer cruises.

🆕New to Cruising? This Creator Addresses:

Concern about the cruise line being new and unknownExplora is backed by MSC, a large corporation, which provides financial stability.
Worries about dress code and formalityExplora has a casual dress code with no strict requirements, even at night.

Questions This Creator Answers

QWhy is Explora Journeys considered a luxury cruise line?
QWhat makes the rooms on Explora II stand out?
QHow does the food and dining experience compare to other luxury lines?

Topics Covered

Ship Condition4½ Happy BaconCrowd Capacity4 Happy BaconDining Buffet3½ Sad BaconValue Pricing4½ Happy BaconService Crew4½ Happy BaconCabin Suite4½ Happy Bacon
How to read the Trip Bacon Score
Happy Bacon — creators loved this aspect
Sad Bacon — creators took issue with this
Meh — no strong opinion either way

Scale: 0–5 strips in half-step increments. 0 = “meh”, 5 = “bacon 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: ✅ The Luxury "Sweet Spot": Why Explora belongs in the ultra-luxury category alongside Regent and Silversea and Seabourn and Crystal. ✅ Industry-Leading Suites: A look at the 377 sq. ft. Ocean Terraces featuring private daybeds and other luxuries. ✅ The "Un-Buffet": Why the Emporium Marketplace is a culinary delight with fresh, made-to-order action stations and zero self-service. ✅ Modern Inclusions: How Explora handles the "tech-savvy" traveler with 3 streaming-speed Wi-Fi logins per person included in your fare. ✅ Casual Elegance: Exploring the relaxed dress code and younger average age that makes this ship feel vibrant and unpretentious. 💡 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 days—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. 📚 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 📌 Want expert help planning your trip? Visit www.shawnpower.com to get personalized advice and luxury perks