Aboard Explora I with Explora Journeys
Cruise Overview
Miami is one of the world’s most popular holiday spots.
It has so much to offer; from its countless beach areas, to culture and museums, from spa and shopping days out, to endless cuban restaurants and cafes.
Miami is a multicultural city that has something to offer to everyone.
It's not another Cancún yet, but Cozumel's days as a rustic divers' hangout are history.
Whether arriving by plane or at the island's gleaming ferry terminal, visitors soon realize there's nothing deserted about this island.
That has its advantages.
It's rare to find such stunning natural beauty, glass-clear aquamarine seas, and vast marine life combined with top-flight visitor services and accommodations, and as a result Cozumel's devotees are legion.
Divers sharing stories of lionfish and sharks sit table-to-table with families tanned from a day at the beach club, while Mexican couples spin and step to salsa music in the central plaza.
But the elephant in Cozumel's big and bountiful room are the throngs of cruise-ship passengers who take over the countless crafts and jewelry stores along the seaward boulevard downtown any day there are ships in port—which is to say, just about every day.
But take just a few steps off the beaten path and this little island offers big rewards.
Deserted, windswept beaches, wild and vibrant natural parks, and 600 miles of coral reef are still yours for the discovering.
Just 19 km (12 miles) off the coast, Cozumel is 53 km (33 miles) long and 15 km (9 miles) wide, making it the country's third-largest island.
Plaza Central, or just "la plaza," is the heart of San Miguel, directly across from the docks.
Residents congregate here in the evening, especially on weekends, when free concerts begin at 8 pm.
Heading inland (east) takes you away from the tourist zone and toward residential areas of town.
Most of the island's restaurants, hotels, stores, and dive shops are concentrated downtown and along the two hotel zones that fan out along the leeward coast to the north and south of San Miguel.
The most concentrated commercial district is between Calle 10 Norte and Calle 11 Sur to beyond Avenida Pedro Joaquin Coldwell.
Cozumel's solitude-seeking windward side also has a few restaurants and one hotel.
Unless you want to stick around your hotel or downtown San Miguel for your whole stay, you'll do well to rent a car or a scooter.
Most worthwhile sites, such as the island's Mayan ruins and pristine windward beaches, are only readily accessible with wheels.
Taxi fares are astronomical, and after just a few trips a rental car is clearly a better deal.
Belize City is more of a town than a city—few of the ramshackle buildings here are taller than a palm tree, and the official population within the city limits is barely over 50,000, though the metro population is near 90,000.
Not far beyond the city center, streets give way to two-lane country roads where animals outnumber people.
Any dining room downtown could leave the impression that everybody knows everybody else in this town, and certainly among the elite who can afford to dine out, that's probably true.On a map Belize City appears to be an ideal base for exploring the central part of the country—it's two hours or less by car to San Ignacio, Corozal Town, Dangriga, and even less to Altun Ha, Belmopan, and the Belize Zoo.
However, many old Belize hands will advise you to get out of Belize City as quickly as you can.
They point to the high crime rate and to drugs and gang activity.
They also note the relative lack of attractions in Belize City.
There are no good beaches in or near the city, except for one man-made beach at the Old Belize facility west of town, built to attract cruise-ship visitors.
Although you can sometimes spot manatees and porpoises in the harbor, and birding around the city is surprisingly good, this is not the wild rain forest visitors come to see.All of that is true enough, and certainly any visitor to Belize City should take the usual precautions for travel in an impoverished urban area, which includes always taking a cab at night (and in rough parts of the city anytime), but Belize City does have an energy and excitement to it.
There are good restaurants, including the best Chinese and Indian food in the country, a vibrant arts community, and, outside some of the rougher parts of town on the South Side, nice residential areas and a number of pleasant hotels and B&Bs.
Belize City offers the most varied shopping in the country, and it’s the only place to find sizeable supermarkets, department stores, and the Belizean version of big box stores.
There is always some little treasure to be discovered in a shop with mostly junk.
All in all, it's far more interesting than any modern mall.Belize City also has an easygoing sociability.
People meet on the street, talk, joke, laugh, and debate.
Despite the Belize City streetscape's sometimes sketchy appearance, people in the shops and on the street tend to be friendly, polite, and helpful.If you haven't spent time in Belize City, you simply won't understand Belize.
Belize City is the commercial, social, sports, and cultural hub of the country.
It's even the political hub, despite the fact that the capital, Belmopan, is an hour west.
The current prime minister, Dean Barrow, a lawyer who came to power in 2008, former prime ministers including Said Musa, many of the other ministers, and nearly all of the country's movers and shakers live in or near Belize City.One longtime Belize resident says that despite its problems she enjoys making day trips to the city and always encourages visitors to spend some time there: "Being a landlubber, I enjoy the boats, seabirds, and smell of the salt air, and of course the Swing Bridge, watching the fishermen on fishing boats sell their fish, and seeing what fish and sea creatures are for sale in the market.
When I first came here I was amazed at the fish and meat stalls, at how they were out in the open, and weren't refrigerated like back home.
I think it's good for tourists to see that there are other ways of living than what they are used to.
Isn't that the point of traveling?"Still—and we can’t overemphasize this—you do have to be careful, as crime is not limited just to certain areas: When you’re in Belize City, bring your street smarts and exercise caution at all times.
It has so much to offer; from its countless beach areas, to culture and museums, from spa and shopping days out, to endless cuban restaurants and cafes.
Miami is a multicultural city that has something to offer to everyone.
It's not another Cancún yet, but Cozumel's days as a rustic divers' hangout are history.
Whether arriving by plane or at the island's gleaming ferry terminal, visitors soon realize there's nothing deserted about this island.
That has its advantages.
It's rare to find such stunning natural beauty, glass-clear aquamarine seas, and vast marine life combined with top-flight visitor services and accommodations, and as a result Cozumel's devotees are legion.
Divers sharing stories of lionfish and sharks sit table-to-table with families tanned from a day at the beach club, while Mexican couples spin and step to salsa music in the central plaza.
But the elephant in Cozumel's big and bountiful room are the throngs of cruise-ship passengers who take over the countless crafts and jewelry stores along the seaward boulevard downtown any day there are ships in port—which is to say, just about every day.
But take just a few steps off the beaten path and this little island offers big rewards.
Deserted, windswept beaches, wild and vibrant natural parks, and 600 miles of coral reef are still yours for the discovering.
Just 19 km (12 miles) off the coast, Cozumel is 53 km (33 miles) long and 15 km (9 miles) wide, making it the country's third-largest island.
Plaza Central, or just "la plaza," is the heart of San Miguel, directly across from the docks.
Residents congregate here in the evening, especially on weekends, when free concerts begin at 8 pm.
Heading inland (east) takes you away from the tourist zone and toward residential areas of town.
Most of the island's restaurants, hotels, stores, and dive shops are concentrated downtown and along the two hotel zones that fan out along the leeward coast to the north and south of San Miguel.
The most concentrated commercial district is between Calle 10 Norte and Calle 11 Sur to beyond Avenida Pedro Joaquin Coldwell.
Cozumel's solitude-seeking windward side also has a few restaurants and one hotel.
Unless you want to stick around your hotel or downtown San Miguel for your whole stay, you'll do well to rent a car or a scooter.
Most worthwhile sites, such as the island's Mayan ruins and pristine windward beaches, are only readily accessible with wheels.
Taxi fares are astronomical, and after just a few trips a rental car is clearly a better deal.
Belize City is more of a town than a city—few of the ramshackle buildings here are taller than a palm tree, and the official population within the city limits is barely over 50,000, though the metro population is near 90,000.
Not far beyond the city center, streets give way to two-lane country roads where animals outnumber people.
Any dining room downtown could leave the impression that everybody knows everybody else in this town, and certainly among the elite who can afford to dine out, that's probably true.On a map Belize City appears to be an ideal base for exploring the central part of the country—it's two hours or less by car to San Ignacio, Corozal Town, Dangriga, and even less to Altun Ha, Belmopan, and the Belize Zoo.
However, many old Belize hands will advise you to get out of Belize City as quickly as you can.
They point to the high crime rate and to drugs and gang activity.
They also note the relative lack of attractions in Belize City.
There are no good beaches in or near the city, except for one man-made beach at the Old Belize facility west of town, built to attract cruise-ship visitors.
Although you can sometimes spot manatees and porpoises in the harbor, and birding around the city is surprisingly good, this is not the wild rain forest visitors come to see.All of that is true enough, and certainly any visitor to Belize City should take the usual precautions for travel in an impoverished urban area, which includes always taking a cab at night (and in rough parts of the city anytime), but Belize City does have an energy and excitement to it.
There are good restaurants, including the best Chinese and Indian food in the country, a vibrant arts community, and, outside some of the rougher parts of town on the South Side, nice residential areas and a number of pleasant hotels and B&Bs.
Belize City offers the most varied shopping in the country, and it’s the only place to find sizeable supermarkets, department stores, and the Belizean version of big box stores.
There is always some little treasure to be discovered in a shop with mostly junk.
All in all, it's far more interesting than any modern mall.Belize City also has an easygoing sociability.
People meet on the street, talk, joke, laugh, and debate.
Despite the Belize City streetscape's sometimes sketchy appearance, people in the shops and on the street tend to be friendly, polite, and helpful.If you haven't spent time in Belize City, you simply won't understand Belize.
Belize City is the commercial, social, sports, and cultural hub of the country.
It's even the political hub, despite the fact that the capital, Belmopan, is an hour west.
The current prime minister, Dean Barrow, a lawyer who came to power in 2008, former prime ministers including Said Musa, many of the other ministers, and nearly all of the country's movers and shakers live in or near Belize City.One longtime Belize resident says that despite its problems she enjoys making day trips to the city and always encourages visitors to spend some time there: "Being a landlubber, I enjoy the boats, seabirds, and smell of the salt air, and of course the Swing Bridge, watching the fishermen on fishing boats sell their fish, and seeing what fish and sea creatures are for sale in the market.
When I first came here I was amazed at the fish and meat stalls, at how they were out in the open, and weren't refrigerated like back home.
I think it's good for tourists to see that there are other ways of living than what they are used to.
Isn't that the point of traveling?"Still—and we can’t overemphasize this—you do have to be careful, as crime is not limited just to certain areas: When you’re in Belize City, bring your street smarts and exercise caution at all times.
Cruise Itinerary
Aboard Explora I
Launch Year: 2023 Length: 248 Width: 32 Currency: EUR Capacity: Crew Count: Deck Count: 11 Cabin Count: 461
EXPLORA I, the first of six luxury best-in-class ships, will set sail in 2023, with the remaining ships ready to set sail in 2024, 2026, 2027 and 2028.
Immerse yourself in all of the detail behind the Explora Journeys ships, from design and architecture, to safety and technology features.
Exquisitely designed with the guest and relaxed, home-like comfort in mind - and in partnership with the world’s foremost superyacht and luxury hospitality designers - the innovative ship will seamlessly blend elegant Swiss precision with modern European craftsmanship and vibrant design.
Water as a focal point
Fourteen decks will provide ample indoor public space, maximising guest choice and create areas of quiet seclusion and privacy. Generous outdoor decks will boast more than 2,500 sqm (26,909 sq ft) delivering stunning views of the sea, with 64 private cabanas across 3 outdoor pools.
A fourth pool, with a retractable glass roof, will allow swimming and poolside relaxation in any weather.
Combined with various indoor and outdoor whirlpool baths on the ship’s promenade deck, the ship has been designed with water as a real focal point of the onboard experience - helping our guests discover their ocean state of mind.
Homes at sea
With 461 oceanfront suites and residences, guests will enjoy feeling closer to the sea and in port thanks to their floor-to-ceiling windows and personal private terrace. Suites will start at 35 sqm (377 sq ft) which makes them among the most spacious for the luxury cruise category.
Explora I Facilities
Explora I Includes
Cabin Details
Each of our 461 ocean-front suites, penthouses and residences - all designed with a refined, European elegance - are created to get you closer to the ocean itself, with floor-to-ceiling windows and private sun terraces.
With unrivalled space and privacy, and service that means everything is taken care of, our guests can relax into their comfortable homes at sea with their luggage delivered and a chilled bottle of champagne waiting as they undertake their Ocean Journey. Our suites start at 35 sqm (377 sq ft), among the most spacious for the category.
HOMES AT SEA
Luxurious, serene, and spacious, each of our 461 ocean-front suites, penthouses and residences have been created with refined European elegance, comfort and simplicity as the focus to offer a real ‘Home at Sea’ to our guests.
Exquisitely designed to stimulate the senses and enhance the connection with the ocean, each of our suites comes with its own spacious terrace with daybeds and an alfresco dining area, boasts floor-to-ceiling windows to maximise natural light and the infinite ocean views.
Our suites range from 35 sqm (377 sq ft), in the Ocean Terrace Suites category, up to 280 sqm (3,014 sq ft) for the Owner's Residence, with an average size of 42 sqm (453 sq ft), making them among the most spacious in the industry.
With unrivalled space and privacy – and 24-hour service that means everything is taken care of – our guests can relax into their comfortable ‘Homes at Sea’ with their luggage delivered and a chilled bottle of champagne waiting as they undertake their Ocean Journey.
IN-SUITE TECHNOLOGY
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Infotainment system with Smart TV and easy connectivity to personal devices
- Smartphone app for access to all services
- Telephones with voicemail
- On-demand TV options
- Wireless charging base on bedside tables
- Individual climate control in each suite
SERVICES
- 24-hour butler service*
- 24-hour concierge service
- 24-hour in-suite dining
- 24-hour laundry, dry-cleaning and ironing services**
- Twice-daily housekeeping services, including evening turndown service
- Shoeshine service
BUTLERS SERVICES*
- Packing and unpacking to personal preference
- Laundering and pressing assistance
- Private in-suite dining
- Personal communication through our app and on messenger platforms
- Itinerary and transport planning
- Celebrations planning
- Onboard and ashore reservations assistance
* Available for Ocean Residences
** Additional charges may apply
