A Journey of Iberian Wonders and Moroccan Mystique

Aboard Explora II with Explora Journeys

Departure Date

6 October 2024

Duration

10 Nights

Cruise Only From

£4,200pp

Cruise Reference

ART-3A EX14

Cruise Overview

The infinite variety of street life, the nooks and crannies of the medieval Barri Gòtic, the ceramic tile and stained glass of Art Nouveau facades, the art and music, the throb of street life, the food (ah, the food!)—one way or another, Barcelona will find a way to get your full attention.

The capital of Catalonia is a banquet for the senses, with its beguiling mix of ancient and modern architecture, tempting cafés and markets, and sun-drenched Mediterranean beaches.

A stroll along La Rambla and through waterfront Barceloneta, as well as a tour of Gaudí's majestic Sagrada Famíliaand his other unique creations, are part of a visit to Spain's second-largest city.

Modern art museums and chic shops call for attention, too.

Barcelona's vibe stays lively well into the night, when you can linger over regional wine and cuisine at buzzing tapas bars.
As you sail into Malaga you will notice what an idyllic setting the city enjoys on the famous Costa del Sol.

To the east of this provincial capital, the coast along the region of La Axarqua is scattered with villages, farmland and sleepy fishing hamlets - the epitome of traditional rural Spain.

To the west stretches a continuous city where the razzmatazz and bustle creates a colourful contrast that is easily recognisable as the Costa del Sol.

Surrounding the region, the Penibéetica Mountains provide an attractive backdrop overlooking the lower terraced slopes which yield olives and almonds.

This spectacular mountain chain shelters the province from cold northerly winds, giving it a reputation as a therapeutic and exotic place in which to escape from cold northern climes.

Malaga is also the gateway to many of Andalusia's enchanting historic villages, towns and cities.
Tagged on to the end of Iberia, the intriguing British outpost of Gibraltar is dominated by a sandy peninsula and the stunning 1,400-feet-high limestone Rock.

Although small, Gibraltar has always been seen as having great strategic importance on account of its advantageous position where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean, just 12 miles from the coast of Africa.

Ever popular with British holidaymakers, Gibraltar is very much a home from home, boasting excellent duty-free shopping in many familiar British high street shops.

Please note: Gibraltar’s small size and narrow winding roads mean that excursions are operated by 22-seater mini-buses, accompanied by a driver/guide.

Local health and safety regulations prohibit the carriage of walking aids and collapsible wheelchairs on these vehicles.

If you do wish to bring a mobility aid, we can arrange the Rock Tour by taxi, which has extra space.

If this suits your requirements, please advise the Tours and Travel office when you join the ship, as numbers are limited.

Cruise Itinerary

Aboard Explora II

Launch Year: 2023 Length: 248 Width: Currency: EUR Capacity: Crew Count: Deck Count: 11 Cabin Count: 461

EXPLORA II, the second 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 II Facilities

Explora II 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

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