The lead in the category Ocean Terrace Suites and the 39 sqm (420 sq ft) Ocean Grand Terrace Suites are some of the largest in the industry and feature their private terrace, between 7-11 sqm (75-118 sq ft), creating an extension to the living space complete with daybeds and an alfresco dining area, bringing guests closer to the ocean.
The innovative ship will seamlessly blend elegant Swiss precision with modern European craftsmanship and vibrant design to create luxurious, serene, and spacious ‘Homes at Sea’ ranging from 35 sqm (377 sq ft) in the Ocean Terrace category up to 280 sqm (3014 sq ft) for the Owners Residence.
Elevating the suites to a luxurious home, each ‘Home at Sea’ comprises a walk-in wardrobe with a seated vanity area and features a Dyson Supersonic hairdryer, heated floors in the bathrooms, personal binoculars, wireless bed-side charging, a personal mini-bar replenished according to the guests’ preferences, an espresso machine with bio-degradable pods, a kettle and teapot, and a complimentary personal refillable water bottle for each guest.
With the family’s nautical heritage of over 300 years and innate understanding of luxury, the family have carefully curated the design of the suites, penthouses & residences to create a luxurious home at sea. The design of each suite has been developed in collaboration with De Jorio Luxury & Yachts projects and London-based architectural and interior design studio NenMar, to deliver considered and innovative interior design and meaningful decoration solutions.
The European family roots and refined sense of style inform an intuitive appreciation of design and luxury, which Explora Journeys embodies through its vibrant yet chic and intimate contemporary, cosmopolitan, boutique hotel vibe. Every 461 ocean-front suites, penthouses and residences comes with its spacious private terrace, boasts floor-to-ceiling windows to maximise natural light, a neutral colour palette and a suite layout designed to indulge in the marine environment.
Exquisitely designed to stimulate the senses and enhance the connection with the ocean, the Aponte Vago family has worked meticulously in collaboration with some of the world’s foremost superyacht, cruise and luxury hospitality designers and architects.
Conscious luxury is reflected in the choice of materials. Explora Journeys’ commitment to sustainability is demonstrated in their dedication to responsible sourcing of materials and eco-friendly details such as refillable bathroom amenities and no single-use plastic on board. Linear lights integrated with the suite’s furnishings offer an equally functional and design-led element, mirroring the linear flow from the entrance to the suite’s window to give a clear perspective of the well-equilibrated spaces.
Each suite has been created with simplicity and comfort as the focus and presents unrivalled space and privacy to offer a real ‘Home at Sea’. Marrying the family`s impeccable taste and innate understanding of luxury, inspired by their travels and style, the interiors of EXPLORA I have been designed with their enduring dedication and an incredible eye for detail, along with their vision for the future, weaving a thread of their passion throughout each touchpoint. We aspire to elevate the ocean experience and luxury travel to new heights, respecting the ocean, environment, and the destinations and cultures we discover to ensure we leave a positive legacy for future generations.”
Explora Journeys today unveiled the design of their Ocean Terrace Suites on its first ship, EXPLORA I, ahead of her maiden journey in May 2023. Suites will be furnished with some of the best Italian and European design furniture, such as Molteni&C, part of the Molteni Group, the leading independent industrial group in the high-end furniture sector with 100% Italian production. The design reflects the brand’s philosophy of creating the Ocean State of Mind, thanks to light, colour, space, privacy, and connection with the sea.
Sales are now open for the Inaugural Journeys Collection for EXPLORA I from May 2023. In its first year, the ship will visit 132 ports in 40 different countries, including two destinations, Kastellorizo, Greece and Saint Pierre, Martinique, that have rarely been visited by cruise ships before. It is a truly exciting and profound moment for us to be able to welcome future guests to the carefully curated suites, penthouses and residences. The identity of Molteni&C lives in all the Explora suites through high-quality products and iconic pieces by Gio Ponti, all marked by the core values of Molteni: tradition, quality, durability and reliability, supported by research and innovation.
Michael Ungerer, Chief Executive Officer of Explora Journeys, said, “The Homes at Sea have been a long-held vision of the Aponte Vago family. The lighting throughout the suites has been styled to create an intimate lighting concept. Explora Journeys was born from a long-held vision of the founders, the Aponte Vago family. Fusing a plethora of Italian interior details, each suite depicts true elegance and sophistication. 24-hour guest services also ensure every desire or request is provided.
A seamless and efficient booking process is available for guests by their preferred professional travel advisor.
Written by: Jill Walsh
