Explora Journeys: Mel’s Personal Experience Sailing Through Spain, Portugal & Morocco
Presented by Travel Niche
There’s a new name making waves in luxury cruising, and after experiencing it firsthand aboard Explora Journeys, I completely understand why so many travellers are rethinking what ocean travel can be.
Our itinerary through Barcelona, Madrid, Lisbon, Tangier and Valencia was the perfect introduction to Explora Journeys’ beautifully refined approach to cruising. What stood out immediately was how different the experience felt from traditional cruising. There were no crowded spaces, rigid schedules or rushed port days, instead, everything felt calm, spacious and intentionally designed for travellers who value comfort, culture and slower, more immersive travel.
A Luxury Hotel at Sea
From the moment I stepped onboard, the ship felt more like an elegant boutique hotel or private yacht than a cruise ship. Every suite features a private terrace and ocean views, creating an immediate sense of space and serenity.
I stayed in an Ocean Terrace Suite, and it quickly became my sanctuary throughout the voyage. The private terrace was my favourite place to unwind after long days exploring vibrant cities and coastal ports, whether sailing away from Malaga at sunset or arriving in Valencia with coffee in hand as the Mediterranean sparkled around us.
The attention to detail throughout the suite was exceptional, from the beautifully designed interiors to the luxurious bedding and pillow selection personally chosen prior to embarkation, along with thoughtful touches such as the personalised wine and spirit collection waiting onboard. Every element felt intentionally curated, creating an atmosphere that felt genuinely residential and effortlessly luxurious rather than simply cruise accommodation.
Dining & Evenings at Sea
One of the biggest surprises onboard was just how exceptional the dining and social atmosphere felt. Explora Journeys has completely moved away from the traditional cruise experience, instead creating spaces that feel intimate, sophisticated and effortlessly relaxed.
Sakura was one of my favourite dining experiences onboard Explora Journeys, combining elegant contemporary design with exceptionally fresh sushi and sashimi that rivalled some of the best Japanese restaurants on land. The refined yet relaxed atmosphere, impeccable service and ocean views made every visit feel special. Fil Rouge offered a beautifully classic European dining experience inspired by French cuisine, where attentive service, thoughtfully presented dishes and long evenings over wine created a sophisticated yet welcoming ambiance. Meanwhile, Med Yacht Club perfectly captured the effortless glamour of Mediterranean living, with fresh coastal-inspired cuisine, vibrant flavours and a lively yet refined atmosphere that made both long lunches and relaxed dinners feel effortlessly luxurious.
After days spent wandering Barcelona’s historic streets, exploring Tangier’s colourful markets or soaking up Lisbon’s atmosphere, returning onboard became part of the experience itself.
Some of my favourite moments onboard were actually in the evenings, sitting at the outdoor bar as the DJ created an energetic, vibrant atmosphere while we slowly sailed away from each destination at sunset. There was something unforgettable about watching the coastline fade into golden light, cocktail in hand, surrounded by the rhythm of upbeat music, laughter and the electric feeling of anticipation for the next destination ahead. It perfectly captured the spirit of Explora Journeys, sophisticated and luxurious, yet alive with energy and emotion.
Juls & Shane’s Personal Review: An Evening at Anthology
We recently enjoyed the 7-course Explora Journeys menu at Anthology Explora Journeys and it turned out to be one of those rare dinners that feels both special and completely effortless at the same time.
From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with a beautiful French champagne, which immediately set the tone for the evening, elegant, relaxed, and just the right amount of indulgent. It felt like a fitting start to what was clearly going to be a well-paced and intimate dining experience.
The whole setting had a very refined, almost “finest Italian cruising” kind of feel to it, polished and luxurious, but still warm and inviting rather than overly formal. The atmosphere was intimate without being quiet or stiff, which made it easy to settle in and really enjoy the night.
Each of the seven courses was beautifully presented, but never in a way that felt overworked. There was a clear sense of balance across the menu, with dishes that shifted between rich, fresh, and delicately composed. Nothing felt repetitive, and the progression of flavours kept the experience interesting right through to the final course.
One of the standout aspects for us was how well they handled food allergies and dietary requirements. The team were incredibly attentive from the start, checking details carefully and adjusting dishes thoughtfully rather than simply removing ingredients. The substitutions felt intentional and well-executed, so nothing about the experience felt compromised, which made it easy to fully relax and enjoy each course.
The wait staff were excellent throughout the evening. Friendly, polished, and genuinely knowledgeable, they created a sense of ease without ever being intrusive. Each course was explained clearly, and the timing between dishes felt natural and unhurried, adding to the overall flow of the night.
We also opted for the wine pairing, which paired beautifully with each course and genuinely enhanced several of the dishes. It felt well curated and generous, and added another layer of enjoyment to the experience.
Overall, it was a memorable evening, intimate, thoughtfully delivered, and clearly run by a team who care deeply about the details. From the champagne on arrival to the final course, everything came together in a way that felt both refined and welcoming, and we left already talking about when we’d return.
Extraordinary Moments Beyond the Ship
One of the things I appreciated most about Explora Journeys was the quality and pace of their shore experiences. Rather than feeling rushed or overly commercialised, each experience felt thoughtfully curated and designed to create a genuine connection with the destination.
A standout moment for me was undertaking El Caminito del Rey with Explora Journeys, an experience that was both exhilarating and incredibly memorable. Walking the dramatic pathway suspended high above the gorge, surrounded by breathtaking Andalusian scenery, felt worlds away from a typical cruise excursion. Everything was seamlessly organised, allowing us to simply immerse ourselves in the experience without worrying about logistics or timing.
What I loved most was returning onboard afterwards to the calm luxury of the ship, a beautiful contrast after such an adventurous day ashore. That balance between exploration and effortless comfort is something Explora Journeys does exceptionally well.
Throughout the itinerary, there was never the feeling of simply “ticking off” destinations. Whether exploring vibrant cities or unforgettable landscapes like El Caminito del Rey, every port felt intentional, immersive and deeply enriching.
Who I Think Explora Journeys Is Perfect For
After sailing with Explora Journeys, I genuinely believe it is perfect for travellers who love luxury hotels, exceptional dining and highly personalised service, but may never have previously considered cruising.
During our voyage, the onboard atmosphere felt sophisticated, relaxed and very adult-focused. While there was one family travelling with children onboard, the overall experience naturally attracted couples, friendship groups and travellers seeking a more refined and immersive style of travel rather than a family-centric cruise environment.
What I loved most was that the journey itself became just as memorable as the destinations. From sunset sailaways with vibrant music and cocktails, to slow mornings on my private terrace and unforgettable shore experiences like El Caminito del Rey, every moment felt intentional and beautifully curated.
For me, this voyage through Spain, Portugal and Morocco felt far less like a traditional cruise and more like an elegant luxury hotel experience at sea; immersive, relaxed and deeply memorable.
At Travel Niche, these are exactly the kinds of transformative travel experiences we love sharing with our clients.
