Why Explora II is the Mayfair of ocean travel

We were two of about 900 passengers on Explora II sailing around the Med and taking in a couple of Greek and Croatian islands. The first “sail away” on our seven-day journey from Athens to Venice was pretty special – watching a glorious sunset as we set off from the port of Piraeus with spirits as buoyant as the flowing champagne. Everyone was relaxed and happy in anticipation of the week ahead.

We stayed in a Premier Penthouse suite where the champagne was already on ice when we arrived. We were also greeted with a Technogym wellness bag, a gentle reminder that health and fitness is not an afterthought when you travel with Explora – it’s part of the experience.

Our accommodation – more like a private apartment than a cabin – was spacious, with a king-size bed and a separate living room complete with floor-to-ceiling windows, a comfy sofa and chaise longue, a dining table, desk and a balcony with chairs and a day bed overlooking the ocean.

There was a separate walk-in wardrobe and seated vanity area equipped with a Dyson hair dryer and a steamer, while the bathroom featured a walk-in shower, underfloor heating, plush bathrobes and Mandala Blue custom bath toiletries and amenities. We had our own private butler too, who, like most of the staff, was friendly and helpful. With a staff-to-passenger ratio of 1 to 1.25, the service feels very personal.

The ship itself is beautifully designed, with artwork and elegantly crafted furniture throughout. Collaborations with the best private yacht and luxury hotel designers mean the experience is more like being on a superyacht or in a luxury hotel in Mayfair. Never once did we feel the public spaces were overcrowded. In fact, we often found ourselves wondering where everyone else was – especially as the ship was fully booked.

During the day, most people were out on a “destination experience”, which on this itinerary included enjoying the local delicacies and wine of Syros; visiting the villages and vineyards of Paros or a trip to Antiparos; sailing across the turquoise waters of Paleokastritsa Bay in Corfu to see the Blue Eye and Nafsika’s caves or taking a stroll around Corfu Town; and enjoying the spectacular panoramic views across Hvar Island, the Adriatic Sea and the Pakleni Islands in Croatia or exploring the authentic charm and rich history of Stari Grad – one of Europe’s oldest towns. There are plenty of guided tours but you can, of course, go out independently if you want the freedom to do things at your own pace or go off the beaten track.

Back onboard, there is no shortage of things to do. When you’re not lounging by one of the several swimming pools and ocean-facing whirlpools, you can choose from a host of activities ranging from morning yoga, pickleball and basketball to board games, team trivia, cooking classes, art talks, a cognac and cigar experience at the Malt Whisky Bar and wine tasting at the fine-dining Anthology restaurant. There’s something for everyone, which is why it seems to attract a diverse clientele. We met people from all walks of life, ages and nationalities.

Children are well taken care of – there’s a kids’ club which offers activities for all age ranges and a series of off-board experiences specially designed for families. Entertainment includes everything from a pianist or a guitarist to singers performing jazz, pop, Motown and songs from the musicals, as well as karaoke and a resident DJ playing 80s and 90s favourites. But if you want a more chilled evening away from everyone else, there are plenty of spaces to just sit and enjoy a nightcap, both inside and on the outside terraces under the stars.

Food is central to the Explora experience, with a choice of 11 culinary options including the much-in-demand Sakura. This pan-Asian gem, inspired by the ancient tea rooms of Kyoto, offers the likes of Mediterranean bluefin tuna, wagyu tataki and freshly prepared sushi — paired with a menu of sakes, shōchūs and Asian beers.

Other highlights include Med Yacht Club, which focuses on the flavours of Italy, Spain, Greece, France, and north Africa. Another favourite of ours was Lil Rouge, which serves up French-inspired international cuisine. It also offers a table-service breakfast if you don’t want to indulge in the all-you-can-eat Emporium Marketplace, which is the main buffet-style restaurant. At lunchtime and in the evening it offers everything from pizza, fresh pasta, gourmet sandwiches, burgers, roasts and curries to delicious salads, stir fries, grilled fish, sushi and ceviche.

All the food – apart from in the fine-dining Anthology restaurant – is included in the price, as are the drinks, aside from an ultra-rare selection of premium vintage wines, spirits and rare liqueurs. But the house champagne (Mercier if you want to know) and house wines are all top quality.

If you want to burn off some of the substantial amount of calories you will inevitably consume, you’ll be pleased to know there’s a fitness centre and studio with all the latest state-of-the-art equipment. A running track allows guests to train while enjoying the sea breeze and a personal trainer is on hand if you want to work out in the privacy of your own suite.

The spa, which spans more than 700 sq metres, focuses on both physical and spiritual wellness. There are 11 dedicated treatment rooms offering everything from therapies to thermal experiences designed to enhance energy, sleep, relaxation, mindfulness and immunity. After a morning in the spa, I felt completely refreshed and rejuvenated and I truly began to understand what is meant by an ocean state of mind.

With three ships already in service (Explora III launched this summer) and three more ships planned, there are hundreds of destinations to choose from – but it doesn’t really matter, because these ships are destinations in themselves. If you’re looking for a luxury experience at sea, this is it.

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