EXPLORA I, the first of a fleet of up to six luxury ships of MSC-owned Explora Journeys, will embark on her maiden voyage on July 17 from Southampton, UK. The line is now detailing its fall-and-winter season in the Caribbean and its May to September 2024 offerings in Europe.
For the Caribbean season, Explora Journeys has released highlights of its excursion choices, with the aim of enabling travellers to explore nature, local cultures, and culinary delights. Experiences are tailored to intimate groups of 2-25 guests, with time to experience off-the-beaten-path encounters at a slower pace.
Highlights of Caribbean 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 U-boat submarine experience that explores the fascinating world that lies beneath the waves.
— In Samaná, in the Dominican Republic, 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.
— Travellers 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.
A 2024 European Summer
EXPLORA I will sail in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe from May to September 2024. That marks a change from previous plans to base the ship in Alaska. The line says the move “was driven by the art of listening to valued guests and trusted travel advisors, replacing the Alaska season with a Mediterranean adventure defined by the brand’s vibrant and cosmopolitan European flair.”
The summer 2024 season begins on May 18 with a transatlantic crossing from Miami to Lisbon. Following that, sailings will offer a balanced blend of renowned destinations and off-the-beaten-path ports, featuring eight Mediterranean and four Northern European journeys.
Highlight destinations include Saint-Tropez (France), Kusadasi (Turkey), Santorini (Greece), Paphos (Cyprus), as well as Svalbard and Honningsvag (Norway).
Explora says each journey has its own character that reflects the distinctive spirit of the destinations and has been designed with the emphasis on 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 lesser-known ports including hidden Mediterranean gems such as Fiskardo, Katapola (Amorgos) and Agios Nikolaos in Greece, as well as the farthest reaches of Norway, Iceland and Greenland.
“Our June to September 2024 Mediterranean and Northern European sailings are designed to showcase not only the beauty but above all the rich diversity of these regions, providing an unforgettable journey for all who embark on these adventures,” said Sacha Rougier, Head of Itinerary Planning and Destination Experiences at Explora Journeys.
Bookings for EXPLORA I’s summer 2024 journeys and the Destination Experiences in the Caribbean are now open.
