A Gateway To The World, And Your New Home At Sea
TRAVEL
One might assume you need to be retired to set sail on the seas. Prepare yourself to break that notion entirely.
21 MINS READ TIME
Photo: Paul Barbera
WORDS BY CALEB CHURCH
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF EXPLORA JOURNEYS & PAUL BARBERA
With fall in full swing, what more appropriate way to savor the colors of the change in seasons than a journey through the New England countryside, from New York to Halifax, Nova Scotia. There’s no better destination suited for fall weather, and with 400 years of history and European influence, you’ll find a cultural buffet ahead of you. Packed and ready, the journey will venture through the Dutch roots of New York City, the wealthy playground of aristocrats in Newport, to the Celtic and African roots along the lighthouse-studded coast of Halifax. While fall might be symbolic of taking a step back to reflect on the year gently coming to a close, to be invited aboard the new Explora I is to be included in a new life within a world all its own. It was time for BOND OFFICIAL to discover what the team behind Explora 1 calls the ocean state of mind.
As each new leaf finds the perfect shade of gold, and the crisp autumn air surrounds, the Explora I comes into view. Its exterior is the epitome of elegance. From the bow of the ship, to details like the life boats that have been gently recessed so as not to invade one's visual space, to the rear of the ship that’s been designed to resemble the most luxurious of yachts – one might think it akin to a Lamborghini of the water.
The deep blue shade of the paint adorning its outer shell dips gracefully into the water as it breaks against it. As your gaze is directed upward, the colors grow lighter with every deck, until the tips of its funnel kiss the sky in silver. Each deck is defined by the soft reflection of glass topped with stained hardwood, and boarding in the evening was truly a treat as it shimmered in the sunlight like a jewel floating on the water. It doesn’t stop there. Few things are as beautiful on the inside as the out. However, the Explora 1’s unique design beckoned this to be true.
Photo: Paul Barbera
Like a gateway, you’re transported from place to place in an ever changing scene that truly feels like home. Currently, upon boarding you’re greeted in a gallery filled with art from where it all began, the ship's construction. The intensity of the hardness of steel somehow captured in a way that’s warm and welcoming through the black and white tones that effortlessly bring it to life. Champagne flows as you’re greeted by the crew. Yes, in the form of a drink to be cherished, but also in the golden hues that warm your spirit from all around. However, coming to find out that the photographer was on board and accessible truly formed the feeling that the vessel is alive.
No detail left unattended, the finishes would have you believe that your favorite hotel had magically whisked you away to become seaborn. Warm tones and a signature scent wrap around you as the curved golden halls in the gallery frame each picture with the elegance they desire. The scent, light and a little sweet, settles in with notes akin to oud. Hardwood floors accented with lush carpets with rounded edges and marble accents create an atmosphere of luxury. Floating a bit further through the corridors you’re welcomed by the Crema Café, the scent of lively espresso, and sweets. Floor to ceiling windows, some tinted a deep chocolate brown, allow the outside in while still granting a feeling of intimacy and privacy.
A little further still, and you’re greeted with an interior vista overlooking the lobby bar where guests come to meet in the mornings, as well as before and after their adventures on land. More marble wraps the pillars supporting the lofty ceiling, as crystal chandeliers drip from above, crafted with bubble accents that remind you of the ocean that surrounds you as light softly filters through. Down below, the bar is framed by soft suede couches, and dotted with a lighter marble for coffee tables as they sprawl across the deep toned parquet floor.
Photo: Courtesy of Explora Journeys
The scene of the crowd onboard was unlike anything you’d expect to set sail, and it’s no wonder upon exploring a bit more. While most voyages are centered around the simple idea of indulgence, life aboard the Explora I centers around relaxation, rejuvenation, and self rediscovery.
Exploring the upper deck as the smell of sea salt wakes up your body, you’re greeted by a running track, pickleball court, and even a basketball court. As you enter each court, high white woven rope screens surround you bringing in a hint of a nautical theme. Just down a flight of stairs, rowing machines, as well as space for weights find their place atop the light wooden deck. While many seaborn ventures might claim to offer options for fitness, there’s no other that allows you a full workout in the sun should you so choose. Of course then, the adults only pool at the Helios lounge and a full bar awaits you just steps away to cool off, along with three outdoor whirlpools dotting the borders of the top decks. Should you want to get away from the bustle of others, cabanas line the sides of deck 12 – their lofted white veils filtering the sunlight above the beds below.
Photo: Paul Barbera
A full gym is also available on board, and upon entering you’re greeted by an attendant against a backdrop of energetic yellow. The gym overlooks the water below, as mirrors wrap around each column between the windows almost making them disappear. The attendant on duty will be more than happy to walk you through the classes available. One favorite, morning yoga, invites you to awaken with a much needed stretch as the ocean subtly rocks you back and forth.
When you’re done working on your fitness, rejuvenation comes to play. Something truly unique is that two of the pools on board are salt water. One all-season pool in the conservatory, and the other in the spa boasting water cleansed straight from the sea. More on that later. This would not be complete without mentioning the enrichment onboard which goes beyond the physical. At any given moment, one might take a class from the aforementioned photographer on board, listen to an ever changing array of live music, learn to cook from one of the world-class master chef’s du cuisine on board, or even learn to salsa with friends old and new. It’s an experience that’s truly not focused on indulging, but instead on reinvigorating the spirit within you.
Though, should you choose to indulge, this has neither been left out or secondary. While the culinary experiences on board are akin to some of New York’s finest, something hard to achieve at sea, there’s also world class shopping curated for your enjoyment. It’s hard to believe that you might go from all the lobster, lambchops, and steaks you can want at the Emporium up above, to browsing a collection of the finest luxuries at the shops near the lobby bar within the same hour. The shopping experience isn’t strictly onboard, either. With collaborations like theirs with Steinway & Sons, guests have also been whisked away to the Steinway 5th avenue store for a special experience – a true treat for the musically inclined.
Photo: Paul Barbera
Like all good things, a truly enriching journey takes time. Everything about your trip has been thoughtfully planned to provide a leisurely pace that ensures you can enjoy everything there is to try, without feeling rushed; from your arrival times in each port, to late departures, allowing you to take in the full experience of every stop along the way. Something only the Explora I can provide.
Making your way to your suite, you’re welcomed by two lovely friends. First, by a bottle of Veuve Clicquot, and later when your suite host comes to greet you. One may make note of a careful selection of useful items around, like a pair of quality binoculars to take in the vistas as you approach and embark from port. The suite itself is impeccable in its design. Recessed lighting seems to illuminate the tasteful deep brown cabinetry in a way that makes it glow. The layout is spacious, especially for a ship, and you’ll find plenty of space to store your things. Please note, your every wish is to be taken care of, and if you so desire, you may request your favorite liquors to be provided in-suite for your journey with the preference card provided.
Make no mistake, there is no embellishment in saying that your every wish is to be accounted for. Not only was the suite maintained and cleaned twice a day, things beyond words like personal belongings and clothing were cared for without asking. It’s a wonder how anyone can do anything for themselves again after such an experience. A special thanks to the suite host is in order. Thank you, deeply.
And so after settling into a luxurious home away from home at sea, our journey promptly began with dinner. And over the next five days onboard, the privilege of enjoying a few added experiences to the bounty of what’s already included was had.
Photo: Courtesy of Explora Journeys
DAY I
Dinner at the Med Yacht Club
After what can only be described as the experience of boarding such a vessel, it wasn’t soon after that the Med Yacht Club came into the picture. Circular port windows adorn the walls nestled behind luxurious and large booths, and navy suede chairs surround the free standing tables throughout the dining room. Starting with a grilled octopus, the bar was set high as it’s a dish that’s easy to get wrong. However, it was far from fumbled. The meat of the octopus was perfectly cooked, and melted in the mouth. This was accompanied by a new take on falafel fritters, which was equally impressive. The main course was an Amarone beef filet, perfectly cooked. Truly a light and delicious meal in good company before retiring to the suite.
Once in-suite, another subtle but impactful delight awaited. The TV, situated nicely in a cozy seating area, allows you to connect with it directly from a bluetooth device to use it as a speaker. One can only agree that some soft music was in order to enjoy with the bottle of Veuve provided as the night ensues, and dreamland slowly approaches as you sink into a perfectly plush bed that caresses you from head to toe. It was cozy to say the least, and the throw blanket as soft as cashmere only accentuated the feeling. Not long after, we set sail out of port from New York City.
Photo: Courtesy of Explorar Journeys
DAY II
AT Sea, Dinner at Marble & Co
Of course, after a long day of travel to the port of New York, sleeping in was in order. And, with a day of relaxation ahead it was only fitting. Lunch was had at the emporium above, with views of the ocean enveloping you from every angle as everything from fresh sashimi, sushi nigiri, stone fired pizza, and fresh pasta made to order was served. There were as many options to choose from as to where you enjoy your meal in the dining room as there were culinary options to sink your teeth into. In each far end were booths tastefully separated by wood accents that break the space where more deep booths and soft lights surround you.
After a lovely meal, a bit of exercise was due on the top deck running track promptly followed by a trip to the conservatory, where a full bar was waiting to serve any drink poolside. Jacuzzis lined each side of the room with the pool in the center slowly rocking with the mild seas that day. The arrangement of greenery gives the impression of being somewhere warm and almost tropical as you unwind, and a winding staircase overlooking the center of the room gives a grand feeling. Martinis were enjoyed before falling asleep in the sun atop a beachy chaise wrapped on a fuzzy navy towel.
Notably, the waves in the center pool provided the perfect backdrop to fall asleep to, and the fact that there’s a 1.25 to 1 guest to staff ratio meant that the entire journey felt private, almost as if the space was completely yours. On this particular voyage, there were only about 300 guests, accentuating that private feel. The Explora I has gone above and beyond to ensure that this is always the feeling on board, as even at max capacity, you’ll never see more than about 900 passengers on board, and all the extra space has been built into your suite and amenities to enjoy.
Later in the day came time for dinner, one of the favorites from the trip, Marble & Co. On entering, the deep espresso tones set the scene for a fine steakhouse. Crème and coffee toned furniture fills the space as the crystal glasses atop the tables sparkle. First, were the roast beets, perfectly tender in red and yellow dressed in the lightest goat cheese Saint-Maure, and Alps apricot balsamic. They sit upon the plate like little gifts as the balsamic surrounds them in dainty lacings. Promptly following was the jumbo lump crab salad in pomelo, avocado, roasted peanuts, coconut, and miang sauce wrapped in a crispy blanket that adds an elegant crunch. Both were the perfect portion. The slow cooked pork belly afterward provided the perfect sense of savory feelings paired perfectly with baby carrots. Then, the main course of terre et mar with grilled veal medallions, Maine lobster tail, & truffle mash potatoes paired perfectly with the lobster bisque on the side. While the main courses were fantastic, there’s no forgetting the numerous side dishes that cannot be missed. If you ever find yourself on board, do try them.
After dinner, a relaxing steamy shower was a gift of divinity in what one can only call oversized before venturing back upstairs into the conservatory area. Stepping into the conservatory after dark to watch the water reflect off the glass above creates a new feeling of not just gazing at the stars, but being a part of them. The espresso martinis to accompany it only mimic what it must be like to sip the chocolate sky that surrounds you. One can only imagine the experience on a warmer journey when the glass canopy above retracts to fully let the sky in.
Photo: Courtesy of Explora Journeys
DAY III
Boston, Dinner at Anthology
Waking up early this morning was a great opportunity to watch the port of the first stop in our New England journey draw near. And, as the distant coast drew closer, the day began with more tunes playing from the bluetooth speakers in suite, and a latte ordered with in-suite dining.
As the docks transformed from distant art on the horizon to friendly sights outside the suite balcony, it was time to meet our group for the land born adventure ahead of us – a private tour of Wilson Farm in Boston, Massachusetts. Upon meeting the group, we were taken away in a private transport with not one, but two of the master chef’s on board to the location where it all began. The scene was quaint, with an indoor/outdoor market decorated with all the trappings of fall. Pumpkins lined every view, some even painted with characters we all recognize that evoke a feeling of nostalgia.
The tour began with all that they offer, from fresh produce cleaned, set out and arranged every day, to fresh baked bread, it’s so much more than just a farm, but a culinary paradise where only the best is on display. Quite literally, any produce older than three days is removed from the shelves. Following the tour, we were taken to a class where a lovely squash bisque was taught to us by the master chef of the establishment, Raymond Ost. The chef’s personality was as lively as the soup prepared, and many laughs were had. We sat directly inside the chef’s private kitchen on site, surrounded by all the shining metal objects that allow him his craft.
Returning to the yacht later in the day, the beauty of New England was on full display. While the downtown of Boston is great, getting to see the unique homes found only in this part of the countryside makes one wonder how long ago they were built, and how such capturing architecture has lasted the ages untouched. Their roofs, some with cedar shingles seemed timeless as their swooping curves set them apart.
Arriving back at the Explora, the rotating menu of Anthology was top of mind. After donning the fanciest attire of the trip, our taste buds were ready to be entertained again. This time, curved archways welcome you as you enter and the kitchen was on full display as we dined. Linen tablecloths gracefully outline each setting, while the cooks all moved to and fro from behind glass as their creations came to life before your very eyes. The menu is always changing as each new chef comes in to claim the kitchen and restaurant as their own. This time, we were privileged to catch inspiration from Scandinavia offered to us by Emma Bengtsson of Aquavit. Notes of dill and citrus carried through every dish, and it was marked by not one, but a pre and post dessert. Though every course from the evening is hard to capture in words, the second course of caviar atop a light creme fraiche was a favorite.
Photo: Courtesy of Explora Journeys
Day IV
Spa Day & Dinner at Sakura
Again, sleeping in a bit from the adventures the day before, breakfast was had at the emporium. Notable was the benedict prepared fresh in front of you to order. In fact, everything is made fresh to order where possible, and you could hardly call it a buffet since nothing is left to be served to yourself. While breakfast was kept light, you may sample and enjoy as many things as you like. After the late breakfast was a trip to the spa. On arriving, the attendant at the front desk was attentive, but also informative. With a new routine customized to the amenities on board, a journey of relaxation ensued complete with a relaxation area lit with warmly glowing honey onyx walls.
The routine starts with 15 minutes in the steam room as soft blue lighting drifts from the ceiling, promptly followed by a visit to the fresh crushed ice which is advised to be applied from your outer extremities, beginning with the hands and feet, then working inwards finishing with a fresheshing douse to the head and face. The ice is always fresh as it falls from the dispenser creating a very welcoming site after the heat of the steam room. Then again, it’s time to return to the heat, with 15 minutes in the sauna surrounded by cedar planks that scent the air. After icing once more, you’re able to refresh with a tall glass of crystal infused water to rehydrate before stepping into the saltwater pool, complete with shoulder massaging jets. Submerged reclining seating lines the inner walls of the pool for you to relax weightlessly in the water. Here is where you’ll spend as much time as you please as the jets work their magic on your shoulders and back, and a feeling of being directly in the ocean surrounds you.
From there, it was time to fall asleep as many do in the salt room while a private treatment was awaited. Salt bricks stacked all the way to the ceiling allow you to feel totally encapsulated as more lighting behind illuminates their stony texture. As a person always on the go, the Brain Hacker treatment seemed all too enticing, focused on relaxing and resetting the central nervous system.
After being guided into a private room, and allowed to settle in with a backdrop of soothing music and the smell of eucalyptus in the air, we began with guided breathing. The masseuse then sets in with a massage to the shoulders and back, before melting years of tension from your neck and base of your head. Upon flipping over, the most magical cheek and facial massage was given. As a light pressure is applied to the temporal areas you can feel the stress of decades leave you. The masseuse was beyond talented, and with gentle guidance, was able to expand tension away from the upper spine as you rock slowly with the wave and the ship, feeling at one with everything around you.
Later that day, came time to experience the pan-asian cuisines of Sakura. Accents to the windows mimic Japanese architecture framing the views outside, while inside cherry blossoms hang from above around white painted bamboo cage pendant lights. Given that Sakura translates to cherry blossom or cherry tree, nothing less could be expected. The table is set well, and even the linen napkins were fittingly folded to resemble a kimono – how cute!
The room, accented with white and red, takes you to yet another new world where you’re ready to enjoy what’s to come. With everything from soft shell crab tempura, crispy duck leg confit, to bluefin tuna tartar nothing was left to be desired. While the main menu from dinner was astounding, a true highlight of the experience is the sushi menu, which featured some of the freshest fish you may taste; perhaps excluding only the highest quality restaurants on land. To finish the meal, a very unique and enjoyable tonka bean mousse cake. While not like a coffee flavor, it features a similar deepness and richness.
Photo: Courtesy of Explora Journeys
DAY V
Halifax
Sailing into Halifax is an experience all its own. Not only do the many little islands you pass coming to port seem to wave a graceful welcome at you, the tree lined shores are quite unique. Downtown is quite close by, and perhaps even walkable from the port, and features everything from local restaurants, to a brewery that’s locally famous. The way that the city is built into the rolling cliffs directly on the seaside is a sight all its own, and surely worth a visit. With flights promptly awaiting, not much time was able to be spent here. However, a trip to such a city in Canada would not have been complete without trying a bit of lobster poutine which did not disappoint.
It’s true that the team at Explora Journeys has outdone themselves taking into account all aspects of living well, and spoiling you to your every heart’s desire. Every crew member was eager to not only serve, but get to know you – a personable approach that left quite an impression. So as the seasons change, and every leaf turns to find the dazzling colors they’ve been hiding all year, it’s an experience one might only be able to call opulent luxury, and you’re left feeling anew and more in touch with what’s inside of you. Although, never forget you’ve found your new home at sea.
Every journey with Explora is unique, and it’s rare that a single experience will ever be repeated in its entirety making them truly special. So if you find one that looks enticing, book immediately. In the coming months, the Explora will be sailing in US waters again, but this time, on the pacific coast to Hawaii and Central America.
Find your journey.
