Explora III: 5 Things I Loved About the New Ship

I’ve spent plenty of time—20-plus years, to be exact—exploring the towns of the French Riviera by train, car, and on foot, but this summer I tried a different vantage point: from the deck of a ship.

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For six nights, I sailed aboard Explora III, the newest ship from Explora Journeys, as it made its way along the coasts of France and Italy.

We started in Genoa, docked in Marseille, Saint-Tropez (my stomping ground), Villefranche-sur-Mer, Livorno, and disembarked in Civitavecchia (Rome).

With room for more than 900 passengers, it was considerably larger than the river and expedition ships I’d been on before. I had visions of jockeying for pool chairs and lining up for a buffet dinner at 6 p.m. sharp.

My experience was the opposite.

I took solitary laps around the running track, enjoyed early Padel sessions with just a few of the passengers and the coach, each night before dinner I ordered a glass of Champagne somewhere new on the ship, and each morning I had coffee and a sunrise on my private terrace, just me and the sea.

And the food? As good as any restaurant on land, for sure.

Best of all, the French Riviera (j’adore) scenery and the presence of Jannik Sinner (the brand’s global ambassador) were the icing on an exceptional cruising ‘cake.’

It will be hard to rival on future cruises…unless, of course, it’s another Explora journey.

Here are five things I loved about sailing Explora III, a swanky sanctuary at sea.

Space When I Needed It

quite corner of explora lounge with modern decor and sky views

seating on deck of explora III with view

What I expected was typical ‘cruise ship’ drama.—you know the kind that unfurls when you’re circling for a prime poolside chaise, and someone has left their book on theirs for 1/ 2 the day.

Instead, when I wanted a shady spot under an umbrella, a quiet corner on deck, or a whirlpool with nothing between me and the French coastline, I never had to compete or throw an elbow.

The cabins were not confining either. In fact, mine was considered on the smaller side of the Explora III accommodations at around 300 square feet. Other options included sprawling penthouses and Owner’s Residences measuring more than 3,000 square feet. Wowza!

All suites onboard face the ocean, and my not-so-humble cabin felt like a floating apartment, with a king-sized bed, walk-in closet, ginormous shower, a seating area and workspace, and a private terrace with a sun bed. Hello afternoon naps!

Explora III was intentionally designed, and whether I was in a restaurant, at the spa, by the pool, in a lounge, or on deck, I found the ship imbued with a sense of sophistication and calm, and solitude when I wanted it.

It Felt Like a Luxury Boutique Hotel

With original art, warm wood, soothing colors, contemporary yet comfortable seating, intimate lounges, and bookshelves stacked with hefty sculptures and travel tomes, Explora III felt more like a well-appointed boutique hotel or superyacht rather than a generic 879-foot cruise ship.

I’d heard that many of the art pieces were chosen by or came directly from the Aponte family’s collection. They’re the founders of the global shipping giant MSC Group, which owns and operates Explora Journeys, and I could feel that personal touch through the ship.

Nothing aboard felt oversized or impersonal, and the ship’s amenities matched the vibe.

The spa has 11 treatment rooms, a hair salon, sauna and hammam, and a hydrotherapy pool. And speaking of pools, there are five scattered around Explora III. Most of them are small but with tons of lounging space. I preferred the adults-only Helios pool and bar at the bow, which came with amazing views and poolside food & drink service.

There were other elegant places to gather, too, including a cigar lounge, whiskey bar, and the Lobby Bar, which became one of my favorite spots for a pre-dinner glass of Champagne and people-watching.

The Restaurants Were Fantastic

Sakura restaurant aboard Explora Journeys — Pan-Asian Sakura was a favorite dining spot aboard Explora III (photo from ExploraJourneys.com)

One thing that set Explora III apart from other ships I’ve sailed was the absence of a traditional main dining room.

Instead, the Emporium Marketplace has plenty of window-side tables and food stations preparing dishes to order, from sushi and wood-fired pizza to grilled fish and chicken, fresh pasta and stir fry, salads and burgers, and desserts. Oh, so many desserts.

The standalone restaurants were remarkable, too, especially French-leaning Fil Rouge, where I had foie gras and sole meunière as good as any I’ve eaten on land.

Sakura’s Pan-Asian menu packed plenty of color, spice, and flavor into dishes designed for sharing, making it especially fun with a group.

Café Crema became my stop for strong coffee. Really GOOD strong coffee. The new Shore Club on Deck 11 was an easy place to grab something casual (or a side of fries before dinner) when hunger struck between meals.

Wellness Was Easy to Work Into Every Day

Wellness is woven into the Explora III experience, but thankfully, nobody expects you to spend your holiday drinking green juice or trying to break a 5-minute mile on the track.

I played Padel most mornings with the onboard coach and a few other eager passengers, logged a few turns around the outdoor running track, and ordered healthy breakfasts each morning, delivered to my cabin.

There were plenty of mind-body slow downs, too. Yoga, Pilates, meditation and sound bath sessions were scheduled throughout the sailing, while the Ocean Wellness spa had 11 treatment rooms, a sauna, a steam room, and a hydrotherapy pool.

The Conservatory Pool on Deck 11 has a retractable roof for inclement weather

The Conservatory Pool, the largest of the swimming holes on board, is available for a dip rain or shine, thanks to its retractable roof, and many people started their days with some easy breaststrokes before breakfast.

I like to work out when I travel, even if it’s just to do my own routine in a corner. Sadly, the windowless gym was the one place I was constantly reminded that 900-plus other passengers were sailing with me. Apparently, they all hit the gym at 8 a.m. too.

Equipment and floor space were hard to come by, so I took it as a sign from the universe to skip the weight training and enjoy the fresh sea air instead—and another coffee!

Exlpora III Felt Like a Vacation

woman and statue in eze village french riviera

Like on any cruise or at any resort, you can keep busy from morning until night if that’s your vacation jam. For me, downtime is essential. I truly loathe a frantic schedule.

Explora III gave me the freedom to find my own rhythm and change my mind on a whim. That’s the ultimate vacation luxury, right?

I sat on my private terrace with a coffee and e-mail each morning, read my book on deck, lingered by pools, went ashore to lunch in Saint-Tropez and Eze Village, tried my hand at trivia with a group of lovely strangers, and took naps when I felt like it… guilt-free.

Bonus: Jannik Sinner

This one was pure luck and a total thrill for me. #FanGirl

Italian tennis star, reigning Wimbledon title holder, world #1, and Explora Journeys Global Brand Ambassador Jannik Sinner was onboard for two of the six nights during my sailing.

Swoon!

I had the chance to listen to him speak to a group and to meet him in a more private setting. He also inaugurated Explora III’s Padel court.

He was kind and modest as I hoped he would be.

Champion.

It was an unexpected perk of the trip, but sadly not one I can reproduce the next time I sail on an Explora ship. And there will definitely be a next time..

Until then, I wish you fair winds and following seas, Explora III.