Explora Journeys announced on 06DEC the inaugural itineraries of its second ship, EXPLORA II, launching in summer 2024.
The new itineraries feature locations in the Mediterranean, the Middle East, India, the Indian Ocean and Africa, marking the first time the brand will sail in these regions.
With 25 journeys and 14 extended journeys between AUG 2024 and end of APR 2025, the itineraries will include 82 ports across 26 countries.
The brand features a generally slower pace of travel with the opportunity to spend additional time in each destination with overnight stays while in port.
Michael Ungerer, the Chief Executive Officer, Explora Journeys, commented, “This is a new chapter for the brand, we are extremely proud to unveil EXPLORA II and these new itineraries. Our portfolio of destinations is constantly expanding, and we look forward to welcoming guests on board our ships to enjoy once-in-a-lifetime experiences in incredible countries where they will be able to reconnect with themselves, while connecting with the people they meet, the surroundings and the local communities.”
The Journey
EXPLORA II will first sail in the Mediterranean, reaching ports in Italy, Spain, Greece, Cyprus, Israel and Croatia.
Opportunities to visit cities such as Rome, Sicily, Menorca are part of this itinerary. From there, the journey leads to Eastern Mediterranean with the islands of Mykonos, Santorini, Kalamata and Corfu.
After exploring Israel, EXPLORA II will pass through the Suez Canal into Egypt. The ship will then sail onto the Arabian Peninsula towards Saudi Arabia, cruising the coastline of the Red Sea and visiting the world-heritage sights of Al Ula and Hegra.
Next, the journey moves to the Arabian Gulf to visit cities such as Doha, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, before reaching the coast of India. The forests of the Western Ghats, beaches of Goa and the Keralan hinterland beyond Kochi are visited before moving on to Mumbai.
The voyage will continue to the islands of the Indian Ocean including Seychelles and Maldives, then move on to Africa with stops in Mozambique, Tanzania, Madagascar, Kenya, Mauritius and South Africa.
While in Africa, travellers will be able to partake in eco-tented safaris in a Serengeti savannah. Local crafts markets or a tribal immersion are additional options.
As with EXPLORA I, EXPLORA's accommodations feature large suites the company has dubbed ‘Homes at Sea,’ and guests will also enjoy twelve bars and lounges as well as six restaurants on board. The menus include local ingredients and are inspired by the destinations visited.
Environmental Technologies
Explora Journeys will continue to utilize environmental-supporting technologies. Comparably to the first ship of the fleet, EXPLORA II features selective catalytic reduction technology, enables a 90% reduction in nitrogen emissions, is RINA DOLPHIN certified and has been built with ship to shore power capabilities to avoid CO2 emissions while at berth.
For more information, please visit Explora Journeys
