When I started planning our 25th anniversary trip, I knew we wanted to do something special. We wanted to travel somewhere new, but didn’t want to be too rushed. Anyone who knows me knows I’m usually “scheduled” and not the type to just “take it day by day” on vacation. After years of juggling careers, raising kids, travel sports, and always being on the go, my husband and I decided it was time to slow down.
Slow travel is on the rise. It’s all about pausing, relaxing, and experiencing beautiful places without feeling like you have to check every box on a list. We did a modified version of ‘slow travel’ and honestly, it was perfect! Cruising on Explora I let us explore three different countries and discover incredible destinations at our own pace. While we definitely had a few busy, structured days, the overall trip was exactly what we needed.
We flew Delta One from Detroit to Genoa, where our adventure began. After landing, we had a few hours to relax before heading to Portofino for the evening. Luckily, we both got some good sleep on the flight, and after a quick tour of Genoa, we boarded our boat for an evening cruise down the coast. Portofino was everything I imagined and more! It reminded me of the best parts of St. Barths, Monaco, and Capri, but with an intimate charm all its own. We spent the evening shopping, exploring, eating fresh seafood, and enjoying incredible wine with stunning seaside views.
Day one greeted us with thunderstorms. Not just a light sprinkle, but heavy rain and lots of thunder and lightning! Since I had my heart set on finally exploring Cinque Terre, we decided to ignore the forecast and stick to our original plan. We took the regional train to Levanto, then the local service to Vernazza. After taking in the views, we set off on the famous hike toward Monterosso.
The trail is beautiful! We had hoped to complete the hike in 1.5 hours, and with black skies and a storm warning, we practically had the path to ourselves, only passing other hikers as we entered Monterosso. Although strenuous, it was worth every step, and we somehow avoided the storms. The views were majestic, and at one point, we were able to see three of the five Cinque Terre villages at the same time. By the time we arrived, Monterosso was already bustling with activity. We walked the village, had lunch by the sea, and then caught the train back to Genoa. By 2:00 p.m., we were boarding Explora I. I wouldn’t typically recommend such a short trip (on a tight train schedule) so close to departure, but we were fortunate that it all worked out and we absolutely loved our time in Cinque Terre!
From the moment we stepped onboard, I knew this wasn’t your typical cruise. Explora Journeys combines the intimacy of a boutique hotel, the feel of a private yacht, and the relaxation of a luxury resort. Check-in was a breeze (we never waited in a line), and we had a glass of champagne in our hand within 5 minutes of our arrival at the port. We booked an Ocean Terrace Suite, and it was ready upon arrival. The suite was beautiful, with floor-to-ceiling windows leading to a private terrace. Explora offers proper king-sized beds in the majority of their suites (with twin beds upon request), making it the most comfortable sleep we’ve ever had on a cruise ship!
Inside, every detail felt carefully considered: luxurious linens, a spa-like bathroom with a rainfall shower and heated floors, a large balcony with space for lounging, and even a walk-in closet with a Dyson hairdryer. I loved the complimentary touches that made it feel like home at sea, like an espresso machine, curated books, binoculars, and a mini-bar fully stocked with our favorite wine and Buffalo Trace bourbon.
Dining onboard was some of the best we’ve ever had on a cruise ship. We enjoyed perfectly prepared classics like Dover Sole, filet mignon, and lobster, along with crab legs and other fresh seafood. Each restaurant offered its own personality, from elegant fine dining to relaxed al fresco meals, always with incredible presentation and service. No matter where we ate, the quality and variety were outstanding! Anthology is the only restaurant on Explora I with an upcharge, offering a truly elevated dining experience. The Anthology menus are created in collaboration with Michelin-starred guest chefs, making each meal feel like a world-class culinary event at sea.
One of my favorite things about Explora I was the abundance of outdoor space. With four pools, it never felt crowded. The aft infinity pool had incredible ocean views, the adults-only pool was wonderfully quiet, and the glass-roofed indoor pool was perfect on breezy sea days. Our cruise was in August (a popular time for family travel), but the families tended to stick to the indoor pool, leaving the outdoor areas mostly kid-free. Loungers, cabanas, and daybeds were plentiful, giving it the feel of a high-end resort rather than a cruise ship.
Most days, we explored ports early and then retreated to the aft infinity pool in the afternoon. We loved having Japanese food for lunch outdoors at nearby Sakura, which is rare on a cruise ship!
One of my favorite perks of the spa on Explora I is the complimentary hydrotherapy area. It’s a quiet, relaxing space where you can enjoy the heated pools, saunas, steam rooms, salt room, and sensory showers at your own pace. It’s the perfect way to unwind before or after a treatment or even just on a sea day when you want to spend time relaxing in total tranquility.
I was especially excited for this itinerary and the chance to explore the beauty of Italy, Montenegro, and Croatia. We opted for private tours in every port, which gave us the flexibility to see things on our schedule and enjoy a more personal experience. The private tours were slightly more expensive than the group excursions, but we were able to avoid the large crowds and tour buses. Our day in Rome began with a private three-hour golf cart tour, allowing us to effortlessly explore the city’s highlights (winding through back alleyways) without the stress of traffic or long walks in the summer heat. We absolutely loved our tour guide’s enthusiasm and really appreciated the way he shared both history and local stories. Afterward, we had a private ‘express’ guided tour of the Colosseum, skipping the long lines and enjoying the stories behind this iconic landmark at our own pace. On a busy Sunday in Rome, both experiences gave us the luxury of avoiding crowds and making the most of our limited time with personalized attention.
In Corfu, we enjoyed a short scenic tour of the island, taking in its lush landscapes and relaxing, beautiful beaches. Our tour ended with a leisurely walk through Corfu’s Old Town, including winding cobblestone streets and charming shops. We were feeling ambitious and decided to hike to the top of the fortress (1,350 steps) in Montenegro, taking in the breathtaking views of the Bay of Kotor and the town below. After the climb, we relaxed over a delicious lunch at a local café and spent the afternoon wandering through the old town’s narrow streets and enjoying its historic charm.
Our private boat charter from Split was the perfect way to experience the Dalmatian coast, with the freedom to explore at our own pace. We stopped in Trogir, a UNESCO World Heritage town, where medieval streets and waterfront cafés set the scene. From there, we cruised to Stomorska for an authentic seafood lunch and stopped at the Blue Lagoon. Along the way, our local captain showed us small seaside villages and took us to secluded coves for swimming and snorkeling. It was an incredible day on the water!
Our last port, Rovinj, felt like stepping back in time, with its winding cobblestone alleys, colorful Venetian-style houses, local truffles, and lively harborfront. Our stroll to the hilltop Church of St. Euphemia offered stunning views of the Adriatic! Each port brought something unique, and returning each afternoon to the comfort of Explora, I made the journey seamless.
Explora Journeys takes a different approach to onboard entertainment. Instead of flashy productions, evenings were filled with live jazz, acoustic guitar, and intimate performances. The singers and dancers were phenomenal and included a Céline Dion tribute and a lively Billy Joel show that had the entire audience singing!
Daytime activities were equally thoughtful, with cooking classes, wellness sessions, and destination-inspired lectures. Nothing ever felt overwhelming, and we thought it was the perfect balance of engagement and relaxation.
Explora I carries just over 900 guests in 461 suites, all with private terraces. The size felt spacious yet intimate, with a nearly 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio that ensured attentive service. Every space onboard was sleek, elegant, and never crowded. We were able to easily find great spaces in the evening to relax and enjoy conversation with new friends we met on board. The average age is between 50 – 65, which is slightly lower than other luxury cruise lines. Our cruise had several multigenerational families on board and groups celebrating milestone birthdays and anniversaries. On Explora Journeys, everything is included, from dining at incredible restaurants to unlimited beverages, gratuities, and Wi-Fi. It makes the entire experience feel effortless, so you can relax and enjoy every moment.
For anyone considering a cruise, I wholeheartedly recommend Explora Journeys. We loved it so much that we’re already booked for next summer. I can’t wait to experience Rome, Monte Carlo, St. Tropez, Mallorca, and Barcelona with our entire family of 14, ages 21 – 81!.
For our 25th anniversary, Explora I gave us our version of a “slow travel” experience, and it was just what we needed. Let me know when you’re ready to experience it for yourself! becky.tanis@luxrallytravel.com