Ocean Terrace Suite OT2
WAS £8700pp From £8265PP
Ocean Grand Terrace Suite
WAS £9600pp From £9120PP
Deluxe Penthouse
WAS £12525pp From £11898PP
Cove Residence
WAS £16725pp From £15888PP
Ocean Terrace Suite OT2
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Ocean Grand Terrace Suite
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Deluxe Penthouse
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Cove Residence
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Just call our team of cruise specialists to help build your dream cruise holiday today!

call for free on 0808 202 6105
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Prices based on 2 people sharing. Cruise only price does not include flights. Fly-cruise price may vary by chosen UK airport.

(Prices correct as of today’s date, are updated daily, are subject to change and represent genuine availability at time of update).

Cruise only holidays are financially protected by ABTA. Fly cruise holidays are financially protected by Explora Journeys under ATOL number 12363

Please click here to check the essential travel requirements before booking this cruise.

Itinerary

List Timeline

Civitavecchia

Italy's vibrant capital lives in the present, but no other city on earth evokes its past so powerfully. For over 2,500 years, emperors, popes, artists, and common citizens have left their mark here. Archaeological remains from ancient Rome, art-stuffed churches, and the treasures of V... Read More

Day 1
04 January 2027

Civitavecchia

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Day 2
05 January 2027

Naples

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Day 3
06 January 2027

Siracuse, Sicily

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Day 4
07 January 2027

Siracuse, Sicily

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Day 5
08 January 2027

Bari

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Day 6
09 January 2027

At Sea

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Day 7
10 January 2027

Valletta

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Day 8
11 January 2027

Tunis

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Day 9
12 January 2027

Palermo

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Day 10
13 January 2027

At Sea

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Day 11
14 January 2027

Civitavecchia

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Day 12
15 January 2027

Amalfi

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Day 13
16 January 2027

Sardinia

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Day 14
17 January 2027

At Sea

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Day 15
18 January 2027

Cartagena

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Day 16
19 January 2027

Málaga

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Day 17
20 January 2027

Málaga

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Day 18
21 January 2027

Tangier

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Day 19
22 January 2027

At Sea

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Day 20
23 January 2027

Alicante

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Day 21
24 January 2027

Barcelona

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*This holiday is generally suitable for persons with reduced mobility. For customers with reduced mobility or any medical condition that may require special assistance or arrangements to be made, please notify your Cruise Concierge at the time of your enquiry, so that we can provide specific information as to the suitability of the holiday, as well as make suitable arrangements with the Holiday Provider on your behalf.

Whats Included with
Explora Journeys

In-suite welcome bottle of champagne and sweet treats

Bottle of wine and spirit of the guests’ choice upon arrival

Unlimited fine beverages*

9 Culinary Experiences

Thermal Spa Access

Wellbeing and fitness programmes

All on-board gratuities

Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi

Shuttle services from port to city centre**

Authentic, cultured, intuitive service

Guest to crew ratio of 1.25 to 1 - one of the highest in the industry

Explore Explora II

Explora II Cabins & Suites

Owner's Residence

The iconic Owner’s Residence creates the largest living space on-board, with multiple harmonious indoor and outdoor spaces in which to relax, entertain and unwind, including dedicated private butler services by the Residence Manager.

Stand in awe of the panoramic ocean views from your expansive private terrace – extending over the full ship's aft width – with a spacious infinity whirlpool and elegant outdoor dining and lounging areas exquisitely designed by Manutti.

Every aspect of the ambiance of the Owner’s Residence reflects the meticulous curation of all details, conscious at all times of our commitment to sustainability; curated and handpicked decorative elements, sofas and chairs are by Knoll and Molteni & C, and sophisticated lighting solutions designed by Astep.

The Owner's Residence features an expansive stylishly decorated living area, a comfortable dining area for eight guests, a separate spacious bedroom with sea views, including a comfortable working space, an en-suite luxurious marble bathroom sculpted of precious Calacatta marble, with a bathtub a separate shower, a private steam room, and a walk-in wardrobe. The suite also features an additional guest powder room.

Features

  • Dedicated private butler services by the Residence Manager
  • Oversized floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the sea
  • Separate living, dining and sleeping areas
  • Abundant lounge area
  • Dining table for 8 guests
  • Spacious work desk area
  • In-suite welcome bottle of Dom Pérignon
  • Private bar, replenished according to the guests’ preferences
  • Espresso machine, kettle and tea pot with a complimentary selection of coffee and teas
  • Complimentary personal refillable water bottle for each guest
  • Pair of binoculars for guests’ use during their journey
  • Technogym Bench and Technogym Case Kit for an efficient in-suite fitness experience
  • Safe accommodating most tablets and laptops
  • Butler pantry area

Bedroom

  • Bespoke king-sized bed sleep system - size: 200 x 200 cm (79 x 79 in)
  • Down duvets and pillows
  • Fine bed linens
  • Extensive pillow selection
  • Oversized dressing room
Outdoors

  • Panoramic ocean-front terrace covering the full ship’s width, with a private spacious whirlpool, day beds, a dining table, a scenic lounge area, shower

Bathroom

  • Luxurious marble double vanity bathroom
  • Spacious bathtub and separate shower room
  • Private steam room
  • Plush bathrobes and bath linens
  • Mandala Blue custom bath toiletries and amenities for Explora Journeys
  • Dyson SupersonicTM hairdryer and illuminated make-up/shaving mirror

Additional guest powder room

*All images are a combination of photography and artist renderings.

The artist representations and interior decorations, finishes, and furnishings are provided for illustrative purposes only.

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Meet Our Luxury Cruise Concierge

Our luxury cruise concierge have been on board a vast array of the finest ships at sea and are always happy to share their first-hand experiences to help curate your dream ultra-luxury voyage. From advising you on the best cruise lines and ships to helping you select from a variety of phenomenal destinations and itineraries, your dedicated concierge is on hand to ensure booking your next cruise is as seamless, smooth and tailored to you as possible.

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Why visit Barcelona on a luxury cruise
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Why visit Barcelona on a luxury cruise

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Lions, tigers and bears: Meet India’s charismatic wildlife
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Lions, tigers and bears: Meet India’s charismatic wildlife

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Our experience on board Azamara Quest
17April 2025
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Our experience on board Azamara Quest

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10 Hidden Gems of the Mediterranean
03April 2025
03 April 2025

10 Hidden Gems of the Mediterranean

10 Hidden Gems of the Mediterranean When selecting your perfect Mediterranean cruise we understand the decision-making process may not be smooth sailing. From historical capital cities, charming coastal towns and serene sandy beaches, the Mediterranean offers it all. Embarking on one of our Mediterranean sailings, whether it be the East, West or both, you will experience the wonders that each unique port of call has to offer.  We consulted with our specialist Cruise Concierge and hand-picked what we consider to be the ten hidden gems of the Mediterranean, to accompany your chosen itinerary. We have highlighted ten niche excursions off the beaten track that will create an unforgettable and personalised cruising journey.   1.Take a tapas cooking class – Barcelona, Spain  Barcelona is known for its cultural and artistic flair. This port of call has a lot to offer, including the opportunity to take a tapas cooking class, fully immersing yourself within Spanish style cuisine. Using fresh, quality ingredients chosen by you from La Boqueria Market, this creative personalised experience offers a cultural cuisine insight and a new skill to take home.  2. Experience a lavender day tour – Provence, France  Known for its diverse landscapes of alpine regions, coastal areas and winding vineyards, Provence is the perfect day trip if your itinerary allows it when visiting the elegant southern France. If you enjoy being immersed by the power of nature’s colour and beauty, a trip to the Lavender and Sunflower fields are not to be missed. Surrounded by the beautiful aromas of lavender, accompanied by the perfect backdrop to satisfy your picture-taking needs, it is the perfect excursion to experience nature’s creations.  Alternatively, for fine dining fanatics, take a trip to the quaint market town Aups, Provence and visit Maison De La Truffe, the truffle museum. Be part of a guided tour alongside a specialist, whilst an immersive tasting session is also available, where you will discover the perfect truffle for starter, main and dessert.  3. Create your own perfume – Nice, France  If you are seeking a personalised excursion a stop off at the Molinard perfume boutique in Nice is the perfect experimental experience to create your own unique scent. Matching your personal style and fragrance preference to your very own perfume souvenir, whilst learning about the different oils, scents and the history behind the ingredients used is an interesting and valuable excursion to be a part of. 4. Hotel Grande Bretagne – Athens, Greece  If Athens is a port on your itinerary, we recommend visiting Hotel Grande Bretagne a breath-taking luxury hotel with stunning views over the Acropolis valley, original Olympic Stadium and the surrounding precious, history-rich city.   Cruise Concierge Top Tip: 🔎 Dine on the GB Roof Graden Restaurant/ Patio for incredible views of the Acropolis, where former Prime Minister of the UK, Winston Churchill, would sit and relax.   If seeking something simpler the lanes throughout Athens city are worthy of a visit to experience their authentic, cobbled streets and historical features, bringing this ancient city to life.  5. Take a boat trip to Monemvasia – Monemvasia ,Greece  If your itinerary allows it, we recommend taking a short boat trip out to Monemvasia, Greece if you seek a secluded location, walking along unspoilt streets through a quaint medieval city. Take a walk around or up to the castle where you will be mesmerised by gorgeous sea views.   Cruise Concierge Top Tip: 🔎 Monemvasia has a small selection of dining locations available, including roof-top restaurants, offering mesmerising views. Some may say this portrays a Shirley Valentine story ambiance, for those familiar with the romantic comedy-drama film from 1989.   6. Local wine tasting – Santorini, Greece  Known for its stunning sea views and iconic, white-washed buildings, Santorini is a port of call for many of our Mediterranean cruises. During the 16th century the island was ruined by a volcanic eruption, and since then has recovered and blossomed into the stunning destination we visit today. A local wine-tasting experience is a recommended excursion when visiting this port due to Santorini’s grape vines growing within the islands volcanic soil and is said to give the wine a unique volcanic flavour!   7. Explore local farms tasting fresh olive oil – Crete, Greece  If your itinerary allows it visit Greece’s largest island, Crete. Its diverse environment and cultural monuments scattered over the island make it the perfect port to visit within your cruise itinerary. A hidden gem excursion involves exploring one of Crete’s local farms to taste fresh oil, crushed from the fresh olives grown within the orchards and ripened by the beautiful Cretan sun.  8. Experience monasteries in the sky – Meteora, Greece  Cruise Concierge Top Tip: 🔎 Meteora is a special location our concierge insisted must be mentioned when visiting central Greece! The stunning natural beauty of huge cliffs and rock pillars alongside the peaceful, spiritual monasteries are a sight to behold, purposely hidden amongst their surroundings to enforce serenity. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is of extreme importance to Greece and has been known as a holy place since 1995. This unique hidden gem from above is worth the visit.   9. Dive into Alexandria’s Classical Past – Egypt   For those of you who are interested in history beneath the water’s surface, taking a dive in Alexandria’s waters to witness the historic ancient Egyptian artifacts, statues and buildings is a must-do excursion. The sunken City of Cleopatra incorporates the entertainment of diving with an educational journey through sunken historic treasures that have many stories to tell. This excursion offers dives for both beginner and expert levels of diving, making it perfect whatever your abilities.  10. Experience a Solar Eclipse – At Sea  Another stunning display by nature to experience is an extremely rare solar eclipse which can be viewed on-board when at sea on a number of sailings, date dependant. A bucket list experience for many, this natural occurring excursion is one to look out for, whilst being positioned in the best viewing spot for maximum effect. The average cruisers will not experience something as spectacular as this, therefore it is definitely a hidden gem excursion!   This concludes our ten hidden gems of the Mediterranean, however, there are many more hidden gems waiting to be discovered and visited during any of our Mediterranean cruises.   Contact our dedicated Cruise Concierge to book your perfect Mediterranean Cruise. 

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South Africa’s Whale Watching Festival
03April 2025
03 April 2025

South Africa’s Whale Watching Festival

Hermanus is a beautiful seaside town that accommodates breath-taking scenery situated on the Southern coast of Western Cape, South Africa. The area was once a small fishing town, however, has slowly become one of South Africa’s most recognised tourist locations.   What is the Hermanus Whale Watching Festival? Around 100,000 locals and tourists attend the Hermanus Whale Watching Festival each year, to witness the migration of Southern Right Whales. The festival is a celebration of this species’ beauty, with talks on how to protect our oceans and the habitat of these creatures as well as events, and more. Why do whales come to Hermanus? Due to being migratory, the Southern Right Whales are known to relocate to Southern Africa during the summer months, to breed and raise their young in the open warmer waters. When is the best time to see whales in Hermanus? The Southern Right Whales migrate to Hermanus from July through to November, therefore, will be visible to tourists during these months, within the day, alongside other species of whales such as the Humpback whale. The species is very inquisitive and will often investigate whale spotting tour boats which are available experiences from Hermanus, therefore allowing a closer look at this beautiful animal. There is also the opportunity to view the Hermanus whales by walking along the promenade which lines the cliffs of Walker Bay, South Africa! What is so special about the Southern Right Whale? Southern Right Whales have distinct features such as lacking a dorsal fin, possessing callosities covering their head, and large black bodies, often with a white stomach. Behaviours often found in this species of whale include tail sailing, where the whale’s tail remains in the same position outside the water for a few minutes at a time, jumping or partially jumping out of the water, and slapping the water surface with its fins or tail. With this in mind, spectators of the annual Whale Watching Festival are often thrilled with the performance the whales naturally produce! The Southern Right Whale is listed as endangered under the endangered species act, as a result of the whaling industry. When taking part in the Whale Watching Hermanus Festival a percentage of the money generated is contributed to valuable facilities and protection of these magnificent creatures by specialist charities. What does the festival entail? It has been said that Hermanus is the best destination to witness marine mammals, such as species of whales and dolphins, worldwide. Therefore, it is no surprise that during this three-day period local restaurants and bars, accommodation, and other establishments are prepared to cater for the thousands of spectators, as well as activities and entertainment being held on land, providing entertainment for all. Between the wonderful displays by the whales in the ocean, and the festivities onshore, this incredible whale-watching festival is certainly not one to miss if dates align with your cruise to Africa!

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