Explora III Review: First Impressions of Explora Journeys’ New Ship 

By Francesca, Director of Sales & Operations

When a cruise line launches a new ship, it’s usually the biggest attractions that grab the headlines. A new restaurant, another pool or the latest piece of technology quickly becomes the talking point. But as I started putting together this Explora III review, I realised those weren’t the things I found myself thinking about afterwards.

Instead, what stayed with me was how thoughtfully the whole experience has been put together. Explora Journeys hasn’t tried to reinvent the wheel with its newest ship. It has taken everything guests loved about Explora I and Explora II, listened carefully to their feedback and made subtle improvements that genuinely enhance life onboard.

Some of those changes are obvious, while others only reveal themselves after you’ve spent a little time exploring the ship. Together, they create an experience that feels calm, effortless and, above all, incredibly well considered.

A Different Kind of Luxury

The champagne welcome certainly makes an impression, but once I’d stepped inside, it was the atmosphere that really stood out.

Everything feels calm. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the ship with natural light, there’s almost always a view of the sea and the interiors feel more like a contemporary European hotel than a traditional cruise ship. It’s luxurious without being showy, and I found that surprisingly refreshing.

Although Explora III is 19 metres longer than her predecessors, I never had the feeling I was walking around a huge ship. The extra space has been used to widen corridors and open up public areas, making the ship feel airy rather than overwhelming.

One thing I kept coming back to was the artwork. It never felt like expensive decoration chosen to fill a wall. Every piece seemed to belong exactly where it was, and I loved discovering that some of the collection changes throughout the voyage.

The Small Changes You’ll Actually Notice

The biggest takeaway from my visit was hearing how much guest feedback has shaped Explora III. Take the Lobby Bar. Guests felt it lacked atmosphere on the earlier ships, so Explora Journeys completely redesigned it. The original bar has been replaced with a circular lounge centred around a fire feature, surrounded by lower tables and comfortable seating.

It’s one of those changes that’s difficult to appreciate until you’re standing there. The space now naturally encourages people to stay for another drink instead of simply passing through.

The same thinking appears in Café Crema, where workstations and charging points have been introduced for guests combining work with travel.

Even the children’s club feels carefully considered. It’s exactly what you’d expect, with bright colours and plenty of activities, but the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the sea really caught my attention. Rather than shutting children away from the experience of cruising, the views keep them connected to the ocean and might even inspire the next generation of cruisers. With only around 70 children allowed onboard each sailing, the ship also retains the relaxed atmosphere that makes Explora Journeys feel so different.

Why the Dining Impressed Me Most

Dining deserves a special mention in this Explora III review, particularly because one of my biggest surprises came from somewhere I wasn’t expecting: the buffet. Emporium Marketplace completely changed my opinion of this way of dining. I was offered a glass of champagne before I’d even looked at the food, and from there it only got better. Fresh seafood, handmade pasta and dishes cooked to order made it feel much closer to a collection of speciality restaurants than a buffet.

Sakura offered a completely different experience. We dined outside beneath an incredible orange moon while the chef recommended sushi based on what we’d already ordered. I ended up trying dishes I would never normally choose, and they turned out to be some of my favourites of the trip.

I also liked hearing why the Shore Club beach-club-style restaurant had been added to the ship. Guests wanted a more relaxed daytime dining option, so Explora Journeys created one. It sums up the approach onboard perfectly. Listen, improve and move forward.

Luxury Is in the Details

The Ocean Terrace Suite reminded me that genuine luxury is often about the things you don’t immediately notice.

Of course it’s beautifully designed, but I found myself talking about the practical touches afterwards. Binoculars waiting by the window, a Dyson hairdryer, a clothes steamer and even being able to choose which spirits I’d like before boarding all made the suite feel personal rather than simply expensive.

That same attention to detail carries through into the service. One morning I ordered breakfast to my suite and received a phone call before it arrived to let me know it was on its way. Afterwards, another call checked everything had been to my liking. It only took a few seconds, but it perfectly summed up the service onboard – thoughtful, attentive and never intrusive.

A Ship That Makes It Easy to Switch Off

The thing I’ll remember most about Explora III is how easy it was to lose track of time. Whether I was sitting by the Astern Pool watching the wake disappear into the distance or wandering through the spa, I never felt like I should be rushing off to the next activity.

The wellness facilities naturally add to that feeling. The gym now sits alongside the spa and features gold Technogym equipment, reformer Pilates machines, an outdoor gym and even a padel court. The spa itself is somewhere I could happily spend hours, while the Sava Sound Pod offers a unique combination of gentle vibrations, rainforest sounds and a weighted blanket designed to help you completely unwind.

Even the itineraries reflect the same philosophy. Staying late on Mediterranean cruises in destinations such as Portofino means there’s time to enjoy dinner onboard before heading back ashore to experience the town after dark. It makes every destination feel that little bit more relaxed.

Explora III Review: Who Is This Ship Best For?

If I had to sum up my Explora III review, I’d say this is a ship where the smallest changes often make the biggest difference. This ship isn’t trying to be everything to everyone, and I actually think that’s one of its greatest strengths. If your perfect cruise involves waterslides, Broadway-style shows and a packed programme of activities, you’ll probably find the pace too gentle.

But if you’re looking for exceptional food, intuitive service and beautifully designed surroundings where you can genuinely switch off, Explora III gets an awful lot right. It feels particularly well suited to couples, luxury travellers and anyone who loves the atmosphere of a five-star hotel but also wants the freedom that comes with exploring the world by sea.

Discover Explora III with Bolsover Cruise Club

If you’re considering an Explora Journeys holiday, our Cruise Experts can help you find the perfect Explora III itinerary. Browse our latest Explora Journeys offers or speak to our team to start planning your next luxury escape.