Explora Journeys Announces Destination Experiences In The Caribbean And New European Sailings For Explora I From May To September 2024

Geneva, Switzerland, 25 May 2023 - Explora Journeys announces the Destination Experiences for EXPLORA I’s inaugural Caribbean season, which will take place from November 2023 to March 2024.

The aim is to provide inspirational opportunities for discerning travellers to explore nature, local cultures, and culinary delights from a new perspective. Experiences are tailored to intimate groups of 2–25 guests, with time to experience off-the-beaten-path encounters at a slower pace.

All the while, the highest standards in sustainable and responsible practices are rigorously upheld. This is to ensure minimal impact on the natural environment and on local communities in accordance with the standards of sustainable tourism that Explora Journeys has agreed with tour operators and DMCs at each destination.

Highlights of the destination experiences include:

·       Nature enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Virgin Gorda, from the unique rock formations at The Baths National Park to the panoramic views at Gorda Peak National Park.

·       In Curaçao, guests can participate in a thrilling U-boat submarine experience that explores the fascinating world that lies beneath the waves. This includes coral-crusted shipwrecks and an extraordinary parade of sea life at depths of around 200 meters (600 feet). The U-boat adventure is a truly exceptional opportunity to uncover the secrets of this hidden realm.

·       In Samaná, an ecological adventure in Los Haitises National Park gives guests the chance to explore caves and mangroves. The Authentic Samaná Cigar and Casa Tipica tour offers insights into cigar-making and an opportunity to sample local cuisine.

·       Travelers to Guadeloupe can dive into the Jacques Cousteau Underwater Reserve. Named after the legendary ocean explorer, this marine sanctuary is home to an incredible array of aquatic life. Guests can experience a world of vivid coral reefs, and discover ancient shipwrecks resting on the ocean floor.

Exploring some of Europe’s best-kept secrets

Explora Journeys also announces EXPLORA I’s upcoming sailings in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, taking place from May to September 2024.

EXPLORA I’s summer 2024 season begins on 18 May 2024 with a transatlantic crossing from Miami, USA, to Lisbon, Portugal. The unique collection of journeys will offer a balanced blend of renowned destinations and off-the-beaten-path ports, promising an unforgettable experience for discerning travellers, featuring 8 Mediterranean and 4 Northern European journeys. Highlight destinations include Saint-Tropez (France), Kuşadası (Turkey), Santorini (Greece), Paphos (Cyprus), as well as Svalbard and Honningsvåg (Norway).

With a customer-centric approach at the very heart of everything Explora Journeys does, the decision to introduce the Mediterranean into EXPLORA I’s summer 2024 journeys collection was driven by the art of listening to valued guests and trusted travel advisors, replacing the Alaska season with a Mediterranean adventure defined by the brand’s vibrant and cosmopolitan European flair.

Each journey has its own character that reflects the distinctive spirit of the destinations and has been designed with the emphasis on a slower pace of travel and the opportunity to linger longer at each destination. This includes overnight stays in iconic locations in France, Greece and Turkey, as well as Northern Europe. Guests can also look forward to the unexpected delights of lesser-known ports and secluded destinations. These include hidden Mediterranean gems such as Fiskardo, Katapola (Amorgos) and Agios Nikolaos in Greece, as well as the farthest reaches of Norway, Iceland and Greenland.

Sacha Rougier, Head of Itinerary Planning and Destination Experiences at Explora Journeys comments, "Our June to September 2024 Mediterranean and Northern European sailings are designed to showcase not only the beauty but above all the rich diversity of these regions, providing an unforgettable journey for all who embark on these adventures. Our team has carefully crafted experiences in each destination that will enrich our guests and make each journey truly memorable.”

Having sailed the waters of the Mediterranean and explored the cultural gems along the way, guests will then embark on ‘A Journey to Remote Lands in Europe's Far North’ from 25 August until 10 September. From England's pastoral landscapes to Norway's majestic fjords, they will encounter breath-taking nature, ancient Viking culture, and the remote beauty of the planet’s northernmost outpost, Svalbard.

In keeping with its core philosophy of total commitment to excellence, personalised service, and relaxed and effortless luxury, Explora Journeys’ guests will be immersed in the awe-inspiring landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and culinary delights of the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.

Bookings for EXPLORA I’s summer 2024 journeys and the unique Destination Experiences in the Caribbean are now open. A seamless and efficient booking process is available for guests via their preferred travel advisor, using the digital booking suite: www.explorajourneys.com/traveladvisors, or the Explora Journeys website: www.explorajourneys.com, with a team of multilingual Explora Experience Ambassadors available to assist personally.

An extended Caribbean season October 2024 – April 2025

Following the strong demand for Explora Journey’s Caribbean sailings, the brand has taken the decision to extend the 2024-2025 Caribbean season. EXPLORA I will therefore be in the Caribbean from October 2024 until April 2025. The upcoming Caribbean sailings will offer Explora Journey’s signature mix of cultural immersion, exhilarating adventures, culinary delights, fascinating entertainment, and holistic wellbeing, creating a true ‘Ocean State of Mind’.

EXPLORA I, the first of a fleet of up to six luxury ships of Explora Journeys, will embark on her maiden journey on 17 July 2023 from Southampton, UK, for a 15-night sailing into the Norwegian Fjords and the Arctic Circle, completing her journey in Copenhagen, Denmark.