Explora to offer shorter itineraries, subtle differences between first two ships

So said Explora CCO Achille Staiano on board Explora II in Civitavecchia near Rome on September 15 ahead of the ship’s naming. 

Explora I sails the Mediterranean in summer and the Caribbean during winter. Now with a second vessel, ‘We will be operating in the Mediterranean, consolidating our position and offering more alternatives in the East and West Mediterranean, while in winter, we will offer more alternatives in the Caribbean with longer itineraries.’ These, said Staiano, will be a mixture of nine- and 10-day itineraries that can be fused to create one long voyage.  

Shorter seven-day itineraries will also be available, ‘which are basically combinable.’ The CCO explained, ‘We are introducing the shorter segment because we need to open up and give different demographics the possibility of experiencing such a product, rather than being stiff and serving only one specific demographic.’ 

The tendency, Staiano observed, is for operators to design longer trips for older people with more time and money. But ‘why not also offer something to entrepreneurs, working people…  families, couples, singles…’ The intention is for Explora to give these groups the chance of visiting destinations ‘off the beaten path; smaller islands, smaller places full of history and culture’ from easily reachable, key ports. 

Related:A night of celebration as Explora II named in Civitavecchia

Plus, with a third Explora vessel coming in 2026, ‘We are thinking of other destinations; it could be Europe, or it could be other winter destinations. We are working on that.’ 

Explora will soon publish its summer 2026 programme, and is working on its 2026/27 itineraries. ‘And then get ready, because in three years we're going to be introducing other destinations with our six ships on the water,’ announced Staiano. 

Explora III will be the first of four LNG-powered ships in the Explora Journeys fleet, followed by Explora IV and Explora V in 2027 and Explora VI in 2028.

Introducing Anna Nash

Asked by Seatrade Cruise if Explora has plans to launch new on board products appealing to a younger crowd, Anna Nash, Explora’s new president, said that while still in learning mode at Explora, her first priority is to ‘look at… who is our guest? Who are we not reaching? And how can we get to them and turn them from land based guests to those with us on the high seas?’ 

‘I'm very much in the listening stage,’ professed the president. ‘...I spent a lot of time talking to our trade partners on board, really trying to understand what we do that is great, and also what we do that is not so great.

Related:Fincantieri delivers Explora II to Explora Journeys

‘Looking at our average age, at the moment, we sit in the mid 50s, and I definitely think there's room to go up, but also to go down in terms of demographic.’

Describing her ambitions to ‘change the narrative,’ she added, ‘cruising still has a certain stigma attached to it with certain demographics.’ Nash will instead try to promote the hotel experience – a ‘true sense of hospitality’ – emphasising that ‘our hotel moves, and we will take you with ease to the world's greatest destinations.’ 

Forget ‘rinse, wash, repeat’

Despite it being Explora I’s sister ship, Explora II has its ‘own personality’ noted Chris Austin, Explora Journeys’ North America president. 

You’ll find a refreshed colour palette across the Journeys Lounge, spa, casino and Fil Rouge restaurant. 

Different pieces of furniture ‘intentionally, thoughtfully chosen’ can also be found in the Explora Lounge, Atoll Pool and Crema Cafe ‘because they offer a better space plan.’ The best example of this is in the Explora Lounge where couches have been positioned around the Steinway & Sons piano. ‘It's going to make a very social area for listening to either our resident artist or guest artist play the Steinway.’ 

Outdoor Italian furnishing company Unopiù is behind Explora II’s adult-only Helios Pool. It will give the area a ‘very different, elevated feel,’ and the look will be replicated on Explora I in due course.  

The vision for Explora was inspired by personal holidays and surveys from over 20,000 future travellers, highlighting a desire for a yacht-inspired ship with space, choice, design, and a slower pace.

From a North American standpoint, the decision not to make dramatic changes was a simple one. ‘In less than a year, Explora I was recognised by Travel + Leisure magazine as being the best new ship launched in 2023, and Condé Nast put Explora Journeys (and therefore Explora I) on their coveted hot list. Those testimonials by industry partners really solidified that change wasn't required.’ Therefore, while Explora I and Explora II are ‘obviously sisters,’ Austin said, ’it's not rinse, wash, repeat.’ 

Other unique features include being the first ship to house a Buccellati jewellery boutique. Plus, there are ‘new, wonderful’ collections in The Journey, adding to Explora’s retail offering. 

The North America president said Explora II has 10 accessible suites, noting ‘diversity and inclusion is an absolute focus for us as a brand, for our hosts working on the ship, for our guests, for all of our teams working ashore.’