Explora Journeys: Canada New England Sailing

Jen had been telling me about Explora Journeys for weeks before our scheduled trip to New York for a Canada New England cruise, however, we were both so busy it seemed a rush as we made our way to The Manhattan Cruise Terminal for our departure.

The onboarding was comfortable, more than the NCL terminal we passed on the way to Explora’s private section of the terminal.  Our luggage was checked, we were greeted warmly and there was coffee and refreshments available.  The wait was short and soon we were boarding and were immediately allowed into our cabin. We were in a penthouse, and it was the best cabin I have ever had on a cruise ship. There was a hallway that also had a bar that entered the living room with couch, bistro table and tv. The bedroom had doors that closed and separated the bedroom from the living room, it had more than adequate closet space and drawers and to my surprise the bathroom was very nice, with heated floors.

Jen and I toured the ship as we always do and had lunch at the Emporium Marketplace.  Often, the buffet on cruise ships is just called the buffet, but Explora’s Emporium Marketplace is aptly named, as the dining options are numerous that its like going to a high-end Market of restaurants that cater to seemingly every culinary whim and restrictions.  The service was impeccable. 

Sakura was my favorite restaurant and we dined there the most, so much so that we really got to know the wait staff and took pictures with them before we left.   We had friends who were on board with us, and we really had a special time at Sakura.

With 6 restaurants on board, I am just going to mention that we enjoyed them all but Sakura and Anthologie were just amazing.  I have never dined at a Michelin Star restaurant until Anthologie, and it was an experience.  It was detailed, well planned and each dish had a story because it was a piece of art. The in-room dining was very good, for what we had, which was just our morning coffee and one morning we had a full breakfast which was perfect.

Explora was different than any cruise I have even been on.  It was a lightly travelled sailing, only 200 guests and there were no waits. The Crew were a little green, because it was a new ship on a new line.  I visited the spa, got a haircut, shave, had two massages, and really enjoyed the Ocean Wellness experience.  Jen and I are busy, and this was some well needed relaxation and just the place to unwind. I got some basketball in on the courts, scoped out an amazing kids club our daughters will enjoy this March and had several great work outs in the fitness center.

Explora was certainly not traditional. There is no formal dining room which I did not miss but some may prefer formal over the many choices of restaurants.  There were some small issues with maintenance that were being worked on during the sailing but are bugs that will most likely be worked out. The entertainment was different as well, smaller, and more intimate.  The tea in the Explora Lounge was very well done and we enjoyed this every day. We passed by the Malt Whiskey lounge which was very interesting, and I even enjoyed a Cigar from the humidor. 

We have done Canada New England sailing before; however, I had never been to St John’s, New Brunswick. The bay of Fundy is a natural wonder, we did a Photography excursion by Explora, and it was very well done.  There were many days at Sea, so we had ample opportunities to explore most aspects of Explora Journey’s.  We are going again in March and I can’t wait.