30 | EXPLORA I TAKES TO THE SEA
Let Your Tastebuds Explor(e) A New Delight
Robin Nowacki hopped onboard the brand new EXPLORA I as she embarked on her maiden voyage
WITH a stylish gleaming navy blue and white exterior first impressions of Explora 1 is that of an extremely large private luxury yacht, whilst inside the use of dark woods, marble, plush carpets, designer furniture and lighting, gives the vessel the feel of a top Boutique hotel in London, Paris or Rome. This theme continues throughout Explora 1, from the 461 all with balcony staterooms allowing for a maximum 992 guests, to the food and beverage venues including all-inclusive restaurants featuring the world’s favourite cuisines, freshly cooked by professional chefs to order. Explora 1 has 368 Ocean Grand Terrace Suites
(staterooms), there are 70 Ocean Penthouses and 22 Ocean Residences which are multi-generation friendly through connecting rooms, and one Owner’s Residence. All have floor-to-ceiling windows which open on to balconies secluded from fellow passengers With a crew to passenger ratio of 1.25 to 1, the
level of service on board the Explora 1 is impressive. For use of a better word, my “Butler” Sajin
introduced me to my spacious Ocean Grand Terrace Suite which at 35 square metres is industry leading,
Suite with a complimentary bottle of Verve Cliequot Champagne in an ice bucket with two glasses, which Sajin opened and served, before asking what time I would like him to service my Suite that evening as he left. The Ocean Penthouses are between 43 and 68
metres squared with a private dining area for four, whilst the Ocean Residences at between 70 and 149 metres squared offer separate living, dining, and sleeping areas. The lone Owner’s Residence offers all the above and more but covers the full width of Explora 1, with a private terrace with day beds and large whirlpool. So having started my new Champagne lifestyle in my Suite, it was time to explore. The Lobby Bar is the hub of the ship and is a great place to meet friends for a pre-dinner cocktail or another glass of Champagne, which along with top branded spirits is included in the all-inclusive deal. An alternative is the Observation Lounge with fabulous sea views and tables and chairs out onto the terrace.
EXPLORA 1: THE RESTAURANTS Five of the six restaurants on board are all-inclusive
featuring many of the world’s favourite cuisines including many dishes inspired by the destinations visited by Explora 1. The dining experience is enhanced by the fact one has a choice of 19 selected wines to enjoy with your food which are included in the cruise fare. These can also be enjoyed separately in the various bars on board. The Emporium Marketplace offers a wide choice of
freshly cooked to order meals including fried chicken, pizza, and seafood including the recommended fish soup and salmon steak burgers. Roast meats were also available with a wide choice of rice, noodle and potatoes, there was also a “Wok of the Day”. Plus a range of salads and charcuterie cold meats and cheeses, ice creams and crepes. The Med Yacht Club reflects the Mediterranean and
its most famous cuisines. I chose a Grilled Octopus starter followed by a decidedly British and delicious Dove Sole, served at table by a waiter directly from the pan onto my plate. With Champagne of course! The Marble & Co. Grill is a steakhouse which offers a variety of steaks including those cooked in Swedish, German, and French styles, the latter I enjoyed served with the Crushed Fingerling Potatoes. The pan-Asian Sakura Restaurant, reflects
as well as a bedroom there was a lounge area which led to the 11 square metre balcony with a daybed, table and chairs. At the back of the Suite is a walk- in wardrobe area with a vanity unit led to a bright mirrored and tiled bathroom with spacious walk-in shower. Explora Journeys’ guests are welcomed to their
Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese and Malaysian cuisines. Sushi and Champagne all-inclusive perfect! From here guests can take away a Bento Box Sushi assortment to enjoy at the poolside, a waiter will bring the Champagne. The French inspired Fil Rouge was certainly my
most favourite dining experience on board Explora 1. A most pleasant and elegant setting, tables laid out with white table clothes. I recommend the BlueFin Tuna starter, followed by the Lobster as a main, finishing with the fresh berry Soufflé. The sixth restaurant is not included, Anthology by Mauro
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Uliassi, an 8-course tasting menu created by the famous Three Michelin Starred Chef, with special menus from 190 Euros per person and a further 75 Euros with a wine pairing. This has to be booked in advance.
THE POOLS AND SPA I enjoyed the SPA and the hydro-pool, steam
room, and sauna which were included in the fare. Here a range of body and facial treatments can be also enjoyed with a full body massage at around £90. The indoor Conservatory Swimming Pool under a
huge retractable glass roof is a most pleasant place to spend a few hours chilling out sheltered from any unwelcome winds and rain. Be sure to sample the wonderful ice cream served at the Conservatory Gelateria & Creperie. There are two outdoor pools situated at the aft of
the ship. The Astern Pool on Deck 5 is an all day pool with lounge area and day beds featuring a brilliant infinity pool, whilst on Deck 10 is the smaller more intimate Atol Pool and Bar. On Deck 12 at the front of the ship is the Helios
Pool & Bar, an adults-only with panoramic views of the sea by day and the stars by night. The Gym boasts state of the art Technogym equipment,
which
guests staying in the Penthouse Suites can have delivered to them.
ENTERTAINMENT Guest bands and singers appear
live each evening in the Journeys Lounge, and throughout the day there are Luminaries who give fascinating talks. From the four Stainway Pianos on
board Explora 1, music can be heard throughout the day performed live, including in the Lobby Bar. For
nightlife THE CAPTAIN I had the privilege
of meeting Captain Serena Melani from Italy, where the Explora 1 was built, one of only 10 female ships Captains.
the
Astern Lounge has live DJ sets.
Captain
Melanni’s husband is also a Captain of large luxury yachts. Explora 1, which
has a crew of 700, will be joined by five sister ships, with one launched each until 2028.
year
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