Page 137 - WINE DINE AND TRAVEL SPRING 2025 GRAND VOYAGE

Resort-Like Suites

Explora Journeys offers spacious ac-
commodations comparable to or larger
than those found on luxury cruise lines like
the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Regent
Seven Seas, Silversea, and Seabourn. The
Ocean Terrace suites are 370 square feet;
the Penthouses, 462 square feet; the Resi-
dences, 753 square feet; and the Owners
Residence is over 3,000 square feet, like a
mid-sized home. Rates range from $450
per person, per night to $730 for all but the
residence. The variables are length of
cruise (7 to 10 nights; 11 to 14; 15 and more).
We smiled when we walked into our
Penthouse Suite and looked straight out to
the water. Features include large floor-to-
ceiling windows, walk-in wardrobes with a
small makeup table and mirror, and luxuri-
ous amenities. One cool little design fea-
ture, similar to something found on yachts,
is a wide slot at the bottom of the
wardrobe for storing shoes out of sight or
in tripping territory. Techies and anyone
working or journaling on the voyage will
appreciate the many plugs in each room,
the built-in phone charging spot on every
nightstand, and the powerful Wi-Fi any-
where on the ship. Each suite has a person-
alized mini bar, which your friendly host
keeps stocked with items you’ve selected
for enjoying during the voyage. We se-
lected red and white wines and bubbly to
enjoy on our terrace.
In creating this new cruise line, MSC felt
that luxury travel should be as much about
rejuvenation as it is about exploration.
Thus, it created Ocean Wellness, a compre-
hensive spa and fitness facility with nine
treatment rooms, a spacious thermal area,
and state-of-the-art fitness equipment. The
fitness staff offers customized exercise and
wellness programs. One of the top decks
has an outdoor running track and a sports
court for racketball and basketball.

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