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Saturday,  November 2, 2024   8:53 PM
On Location: “Ocean state of mind,” activated - PAX, agents unpack EXPLORA I with Explora Journeys
PAX is sailing the Caribbean Sea this week with Canadian travel advisors on board the EXPLORA I, Explora Journeys' first ship. (Pax Global Media()

When explaining Explora Journeys to people, Patricia Di Benedetto quotes a travel advisor who once summed it up best.

“It’s nothing you’d expect, and it’s everything you’d want,” Di Benedetto says of the brand-new luxury cruise line that MSC Group launched this year during the summer. 

This week and next, Di Benedetto, Explora’s first Canadian employee – who, today, is the brand’s business relationship lead in Eastern Canada – is showing 40 Canadian travel advisors exactly what she means as a host aboard Explora’s first ship, the 461-suite EXPLORA I, which is currently sailing the Windward and ABC islands in the Caribbean Sea.

Poolside on board EXPLORA I. (Pax Global Media)

The upscale voyage from Nov. 27 to Dec. 6, which PAX is covering exclusively, was organized for “Pioneers” – travel advisors who have qualified for Explora’s generous rewards program, where members receive a free cruise (plus guest) for booking at least one journey for their clients during Explora’s inaugural year.

Pioneer status (which agents can still qualify for) unlocks big benefits for clients, such as savings on voyages this year and next, and onboard credits, as well as trade-specific perks, such as exclusive rates and a $300 bonus commission for referring other advisors (which goes to both individuals).

READ MORE: EXPLORA I arrives in Miami for maiden call ahead of Caribbean season

“Advisors have until the end of the year to become a Pioneer,” Di Benedetto told PAX Monday night (Nov. 27) as the chic EXPLORA I departed from Bridgetown, Barbados, and sailed towards Roseau, Dominica, where it docked Tuesday (Nov. 28). “All they need to do is sell one booking to one client, believe in our product, and they will be a Pioneer for life.”

From left: Guest, Joyce Hanney, Direct Travel; Robin Dunn, Direct Travel; Patricia Di Benedetto, Explora Journeys; Jonathan Phillips and Kevin House, Cassis Travel. (Pax Global Media)

Di Benedetto recognizes that selling a new brand like Explora Journeys, which debuted in August, can be challenging for some – “especially if an advisor is used to selling the same products.”

However: “If you're willing to take a chance on Explora, because you believe in what we're saying, then we want to reward you for that,” she said, noting that the Pioneer program will continue to add new benefits.

“Ocean state of mind,” activated

In the world of cruise travel, seeing is believing, and that’s exactly what travel pros, from all corners of Canada, are doing this week on an epic voyage titled “UNESCO Treasures Below and Above the Caribbean Sea.”

In addition to Barbados and Dominica, the EXPLORA I, which arrived in Miami earlier this month, will also stop in Bonaire, Curacao, Martinique, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines – idyllic islands, for smaller ships. 

Sunset by a pool on board EXPLORA I. (Pax Global Media)

As well, from now – and up to two weeks after the cruise ends – agents are able to unlock bonus savings and onboard credits for any clients that are booked on an Explora cruise.

READ MORE: An ocean state of mind”: What travel pros are saying about the new EXPLORA I

Joined by members of Explora’s sales team – including Lisa Willey, the brand’s business relationship lead in Western Canada – participants are also getting full access to EXPLORA I’s high-end amenities, which utilizes lots of natural light and a close connection to the sea.

From left (of Explora Journeys): Lisa Willey, business relationship lead, Western Canada; Patricia Di Benedetto, business relationship lead, Eastern Canada. (Pax Global Media)

The notion of “everything you’d want” in a cruise ship rings true on board the EXPLORA I, which was “built on facts and research,” as Di Benedetto put it.

READ MORE: Explora confirms two hydrogen-powered ships, new chef partnership

Apparently, in the brand’s early stages, some 20,000 potential guests and clients were interviewed to gauge what they wanted in a cruise.

Elegant lobby space on board EXPLORA I. (Pax Global Media)

What “bubbled up to the top,” Di Benedetto said, was a desire for space, choice, new design and opportunities to visit different destinations.

Over the last 48 hours, PAX has joined agents in unpacking those pillars on the EXPLORA I, which uses home-like comfort to ease guests into an “ocean state of mind,” the brand’s philosophy.

Bubbly on arrival on board the EXPLORA I. (Pax Global Media)

First impressions

Yacht-inspired Explora Journeys was born from a long-held vision of its founders, the Aponte Vago family, whose nautical heritage dates back more than 300 years.

Our first impressions of the first ship?  

Sunset on the EXPLORA I. (Pax Global Media)

The contemporary and elegant EXPLORA I takes a nooks-within-nooks approach to design, effectively spacing out furniture, such as couches and sun loungers, to give guests plenty of breathing room.

In the cruising world, space is a luxury, and here, there’s plenty of it. Long line-ups and dense crowding doesn't exist. 

The ship’s maximum occupancy might say 922 on paper, but it rarely hits that number, Di Benedetto revealed.

Lush plants hug the main pool on board EXPLORA I. (Pax Global MEdia)

Why? Because Explora Journeys is popular with solo travellers. The brand’s single supplement starts at a low 15 per cent (whereas on mass market ships, it can often be double the price).

“We will never run at full capacity because of that,” Di Benedetto said.

The low supplement lends itself to unique booking patterns. Friends, for example, will cruise together, but book their own suites, Di Benedetto said.

“We’ve had husband and wife duos who book connecting rooms because one snores, and one doesn't, and they want their own space,” she said.

Ocean-facing cabanas on board EXPLORA I. (Pax Global Media)

As for the abundance of choice, the ship has 18 different culinary menus, always-new entertainment (the Billy Joel tribute show is a hit), and dozens and dozens of “destination experiences” (shore excursions), catering to myriad interests, that make destinations the star. (These cost extra).

The excursion booklet is a novel, and if anything, the benefit of having so many options is that if, for whatever reason, a day trip is cancelled, there are plan Bs and Cs.

Homes at Sea

EXPLORA I’s suites (all of which have ocean-facing balconies) are referred to as “Homes at Sea,” ranging from 377 sq. ft. in the Ocean Terrace category to up to 3,014 sq. ft. in the eye-popping Owners Residence.

Homes at Sea indeed – the super-spacious accommodations, which have been the talk of the cruise, have walk-in closets, book shelves, cashmere blankets, a glam vanity area and heated floors in marble bathrooms, which have walk-in showers.

Ocean Terrace Suite Premier Penthouse. (Pax Global Media)

Suites come with walk-in closets. (Pax Global Media)

They also come equipped with binoculars, a personal mini bar an espresso machine with biodegradable pods, a kettle and teapot, and refillable water bottles.

And, oh, there's even a fabulously-powerful Dyson Supersonic hairdryer, which is packed away like a secret weapon in a custom-fit vanity drawer.

I never thought I’d write a love letter to a hairdryer, but here we are.

Chic design on board the EXPLORA I.  (Pax Global Media)

Adding to this, beyond the complimentary bottle of Moët, is an opulent lobby, illuminating as if it was bolted together by crystals, and several windows in the hallways, even in retail shops, which brings the outdoor ocean, indoors.

There’s a small casino, but it’s not a centrepiece – it’s subtly tucked away to the side, giving sculptures and whimsical knick-knacks an opportunity to shine.

The EXPLORA I's modern and contemporary lobby staircase. (Pax Global Media)

EXPLORA I has a spa, four swimming pools (the infinity-style whirlpools are rectangular and face the ocean), poolside dining and lounging, a spa, as well as fitness options, such as an outdoor running track and a modern gym.

Some wellness equipment, like rowing machines and weights, are placed outdoors on a deck.

Technogym fitness kits are also included in suites for guests who prefer working out in their own space. 

Infinity-style whirlpools face the ocean. (Pax Global Media)

Outdoor fitness equipment on board EXPLORA I. (Pax Global Media)

Not an MSC cruise

Explora Journeys may be owned by MSC Group, but it’s nothing like a traditional MSC cruise.

The brand, a separate company, makes its own kind of music.

The EXPLORA I – which welcomes families, but is definitely geared towards adults – has 11 culinary experiences across six restaurants (plus in-suite dining), as well as 12 bars and lounges (eight indoor and four outdoor) and a Chef's kitchen.

Fresh sushi served at Sakura on board EXPLORA I. (Pax Global Media)

The Crema cafe on board EXPLORA I. (Pax Global Media)

It’s also an all-inclusive voyage, without complex food and beverage packages.

Premium alcohol (like Grey Goose), dining, gratuities and Wi-Fi (high-speed Starlink) are all included in the fare (with some exceptions).

The one restaurant that isn’t all-inclusive is Anthologya culinary journey that’s curated by leading chefs from around the world.

Anthology offers an elevated culinary journey. (Pax Global Media)

Every three to four months, Explora reveals a new partnership, and the latest is with Chef Emma Bengtsson of Aquavit restaurant in New York City. She has two Michelin stars to her name.

Chef Bengtsson currently brings her Nordic-style dishes to classy Anthology, which PAX experienced Tuesday evening in the form of a seven-course tasting menu.

From caviar topped with potato crumble to a rich lobster bisque to jersiaise beef with rosehip puree to an “Arctic Birds Nest” goat cheese parfait and blueberry sorbet dessert, the meal was nothing short of divine.

Jersiaise beef with rosehip puree at Anthology. (Pax Global Media)

Anthology costs $190 Euros (about $283 CAD) per person, or $265 Euros (about $395 CAD) per person if you include a wine pairing option. Bottles of wine can also be purchased (wine is not sold by the glass). 

With so many included restaurants and beverages on board, the pricing may not appeal to everyone. 

But are there luxury-minded clients out there who'll want this elevated and special dining experience? Absolutely. 

“Arctic Birds Nest” dessert at Anthology. (Pax Global Media)

The friendly and approachable staff on board the EXPLORA I tie everything together, in a genuine way.

From knowledgeable sommeliers to attentive waiters to helpful desk staff, the entire Explora team appears be on the same page, often three steps ahead of the passengers.

Japanese-style dining at Sakura. (Pax Global Media)

The service is fast and you never feel rushed. 

One night, while dining outdoors on lobster rolls at Sakura (a must-try Japanese restaurant with cherry blossom tree ceiling decor), a sommelier from Belarus, over the course of ten flavourful minutes, eased us into a universe of white wine from France’s Loire Valley.

The onboard experience, at times, feels like a stylish boutique hotel, as opposed to a cruise ship.

Just the beginning

Explora Journeys has accomplished a lot, but it’s just getting started.

The EXPLORA II is set to launch in summer 2024, while EXPLORA III and EXPLORA IV, powered by liquefied natural gas, will debut in 2026 and 2027 respectively.

Pools and ocean views on the EXPLORA I. (Pax Global Media)

EXPLORA V and EXPLORA VI, both hydrogen-powered, will bring the fleet to six by 2028, representing a total investment of $5 billion CAD.

“We’re really transforming what the ocean experience could be in the luxury space,” Di Benedetto said.

Stay tuned for more of PAX’s on-location coverage from the EXPLORA I with Explora Journeys!


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