Why I Loved Cruising with Explora Journeys

Me on Explora II.

As a luxury travel advisor, I don't usually promote particular cruise lines, hotels or destinations because I customize every trip for each specific traveler.

There isn't a "best" river cruise line or a "best" city in Italy or a "best" hotel in Dubrovnik. I like get to know my clients and what they want, and I tailor each trip to their preferences. If you tell me what you like and what type of experience you want, I can match you with the right cruise for you.

That being said, some experiences really rise above all others. I recently sailed with Explora Journeys, the most lovely ocean cruise I've ever experienced. I adored this cruise so much I had to share the details with you. Here are my favorite things about it, in no particular order (because I can’t choose the best!):

• Destinations visited (ports). We primarily docked in small ports where no other ships were docked. So there were a notable lack of tourists on shore. It was so refreshing to explore villages without the crowds. Wandering off the ship directly into villages was a mellow experience nothing like what you would normally expect on a cruise. We were instantly immersed in local culture in little towns like Basse-Terre, Guadeloupe and Roseau, Dominica.

  
  

  At the same time, the cruise ended in San Juan, Puerto Rico, which was a great choice too because not only is it a fabulous city, it is easy to fly home from San Juan.

  
  

• Service. The service was just incredible. The staff were warm and friendly and genuinely wanted to help. I got the feeling I could ask for the moon and they would say “Of course ma’am; let me look into that.” They also got to know us quickly and remembered our names.

• Food. I am a foodie and I am really spoiled from all of the excellent food in the San Francisco Bay Area. My husband and I are very good cooks and so are our friends. So I was really surprised I loved the food on board! There was a lot of variety, but what really impressed me was the quality. There is an Italian head chef who oversees all of the menus for all of the restaurants on board. I enjoyed delicious meals at all of the venues. In fact, the gelato was so good we made a point of eating it every day!

  
  

• Drinks. All drinks including champagne, wine, cocktails and specialty coffees are included in your cruise fare and they were delicious. I'm picky about coffee, but I especially loved the cappuccinos (have to have my cappuccino every morning) made with Illy coffee. I also really enjoyed the house cocktails, which were creative without being over-the-top.

  
  

• Staterooms. Not only did I cruise on Explora II, I also got a behind-the-scenes travel advisor tour of their other ship (Explora I) so I was able to enter all of the different types of cabins. Even the “smallest” staterooms are spacious, beautiful and well-appointed with large bathrooms, walk-in closets, complimentary minibars, sitting areas, big balconies, robes, slippers and more. Not your typical stateroom.

• Ship. The ship is subtly and tastefully designed with lots of lovely spaces. It exudes quiet elegance. There are no rollercoasters, go carts, waterslides or broadway shows. There are pretty bars, beautiful decks, and gorgeous pools. One of my absolute favorites things on the ship are the infinity hot tubs that you can soak in while enjoying spectacular ocean views.

• Authentic experiences. Although this was a Caribbean cruise, shore excursions went beyond the typical water sports and ATV tours. I hiked to a waterfall in a national park and met a local herbalist who played the drums for our group and explained the significance of the drums in his culture.

• Wellness offerings. I adore wellness of all kinds and was impressed with the variety here. Explora offers sleep classes, sound healing sessions, yoga, a huge variety of sports and fitness classes, a spa, a large gym and more. My travel companion and I even took an educational session about how to flatten your tummy.

• Variety of onboard experiences. There are an extensive number of activities on board for such a small ship (900 passengers) at all times of day, including cooking classes, dance classes, photography workshops, trivia, a variety of live music, movie nights and more.

Although I don't normally endorse particular cruise lines (and am not getting any kickbacks for this article!), as an expert I can tell you that Explora is a superior experience. At the same time, if there is anything about this cruise line that doesn't appeal to you, all you have to do is tell me! I'll match you to the best cruise for you!

Even if you have been on a bunch of cruises, using me is better than reserving on your own because I am a cruise concierge. I specialize in luxury cruises. I’m an expert with deep knowledge of all of the finest cruise lines and I save you time. I give you personal advice. I get you a better value including perks (like onboard credits, upgrades, complimentary hotel nights, exclusive receptions, etc.). I have clout and connections. I customize your trip, and I’m a real human who delivers exceptional service and takes care of you before, during, and after your journey.

Contact me for more information and to book your next cruise.

—Daria Dimitroff, May 2025

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Contact me to customize your next trip. My specialities are bespoke luxury vacations, group trips, and exclusive cruise experiences.

You can reach me at daria@journeysofalifetime.biz or 415-939-5773 or schedule a call here.