Bookings for EXPLORA I’s summer 2024 journeys and destination experiences in the Caribbean over winter 2023-2024 are now open.Advisors are encouraged to use the company's digital booking suite: www.explorajourneys.com/traveladvisors, or the Explora Journeys website: www.explorajourneys.com, and the cruise line notes that a team of multilingual Explora Experience Ambassadors available to assist personally.
Inaugural Caribbean Season
Explora Journeys has announced destination experiences for EXPLORA I’s inaugural Caribbean season, which will take place from NOV, 2023 to MAR, 2024.
The experiences allow guests to explore nature, local cultures, and culinary delights from a new perspective. Experiences are tailored to intimate groups of 2–25 guests, with time to experience off-the-beaten-path encounters at a slower pace.
All the while, Explora notes, "the highest standards in sustainable and responsible practices are rigorously upheld." This is to ensure minimal impact on the natural environment and on local communities in accordance with the standards of sustainable tourism that Explora Journeys has agreed with tour operators and DMCs at each destination.
Highlights of the destination experiences include:
- Nature enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Virgin Gorda, from the unique rock formations at The Baths National Park to the panoramic views at Gorda Peak National Park.
- In Curaçao, guests can participate in a thrilling U-boat submarine experience that explores the fascinating world that lies beneath the waves. This includes coral-crusted shipwrecks and an extraordinary parade of sea life at depths of around 200 meters (600 feet). The U-boat adventure is a truly exceptional opportunity to uncover the secrets of this hidden realm.
- In Samaná, an ecological adventure in Los Haitises National Park gives guests the chance to explore caves and mangroves. The Authentic Samaná Cigar and Casa Tipica tour offers insights into cigar-making and an opportunity to sample local cuisine.
- Travelers to Guadeloupe can dive into the Jacques Cousteau Underwater Reserve. Named after the legendary ocean explorer, this marine sanctuary is home to an incredible array of aquatic life. Guests can experience a world of vivid coral reefs, and discover ancient shipwrecks resting on the ocean floor.
New, 2024 Europe Season Destination Experiences
Explora Journeys also announces EXPLORA I’s upcoming sailings in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, taking place from MAY to SEP, 2024.
The cruise line made the decision to introduce the Mediterranean into EXPLORA I’s summer 2024 journeys collection following feedback from guests and trusted travel advisors, replacing the Alaska season with a Mediterranean one.
EXPLORA I’s summer 2024 season begins on 18MAY, 2024 with a transatlantic crossing from Miami, USA, to Lisbon, Portugal. The unique collection of journeys will offer a blend of renowned destinations and off-the-beaten-path ports, promising an unforgettable experience for discerning travelers, featuring 8 Mediterranean and 4 Northern European journeys. Highlight destinations include Saint-Tropez (France), Kuşadası (Turkey), Santorini (Greece), Paphos (Cyprus), as well as Svalbard and Honningsvåg (Norway).
Each journey emphasizes a slower pace of travel and the opportunity to linger longer at each destination. This includes overnight stays in iconic locations in France, Greece and Turkey, as well as Northern Europe. Guests can also look forward to the delights of lesser-known ports and secluded destinations. These include hidden Mediterranean gems such as Fiskardo, Katapola (Amorgos) and Agios Nikolaos in Greece, as well as the farthest reaches of Norway, Iceland and Greenland.
Having sailed the waters of the Mediterranean and explored the cultural gems along the way, guests will then embark on ‘A Journey to Remote Lands in Europe's Far North’ from August 25 until September 10. From England's pastoral landscapes to Norway's majestic fjords, they will encounter breath-taking nature, ancient Viking culture, and the remote beauty of the planet’s northernmost outpost, Svalbard.
In keeping with its core philosophy of total commitment to excellence, personalized service, and relaxed and effortless luxury, Explora Journeys’ guests will be immersed in the awe-inspiring landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and culinary delights of the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.
An extended Caribbean season October 2024 – April 2025
Following the strong demand for Explora Journey’s Caribbean sailings, the brand has taken the decision to extend the 2024-2025 Caribbean season. EXPLORA I will therefore be in the Caribbean from OCT, 2024 until APR, 2025. The upcoming Caribbean sailings will offer Explora Journey’s signature mix of cultural immersion, adventures, culinary delights, fascinating entertainment, and holistic wellbeing, creating the brand's targeted ‘Ocean State of Mind’.
