My husband Robert and I love living at The Grande with a beautiful view of Lake Jeanette. It seems that we are drawn to the water, which is why we enjoy cruising so much.

Last summer, we were invited to a Lux Life gathering hosted by Ginny Maurer. A representative from Explora Journeys gave an intriguing presentation about this new cruise line. It sounded too good to be true—luxury accommodations, outstanding dining options, and interesting itineraries at what we considered reasonable pricing. Within a week, we decided to book a cruise to the western Caribbean, leaving on January 5.

Our journey would include four sea days and five ports—two islands in Colombia and Panama, Colon, Puerto Limon, and George Town. This cruise line boasts of taking you to destinations on and off the beaten track.

In August, we took a cruise to Iceland, where we reconnected with friends, Lance and Lucy, whom we had met on one of our first cruises in 2020, right before the world shut down. They decided to join us on our new adventure on the Explora II. We all like to travel on ships that have fewer than 1,000 passengers, so this was a good fit for us.

The focus of Explora Journeys is somewhat different from others we had taken. They encouraged us to enter an “ocean state of mind,” balancing the discovery of new places with inner and outer well-being. For example, I enjoyed the morning yoga classes, provided with no extra fee, in the fitness center, which was on a different deck than the spa. There was also an open-air fitness center on the upper decks, featuring a walking/running track, cycling, rowing, Technogym equipment, and pickleball courts. I also enjoyed the whirlpools at each of the four pools. There were many spaces throughout the ship dedicated to relaxation and rejuvenation.

The culinary experiences were the best that we have ever had on a cruise. I knew I had reached a pinnacle when I was served caviar on my morning poached egg. We were able to dine in a restaurant each night, choosing from four amazing options. I felt like I was dining in a five-star restaurant every night. The service was exemplary.

Our suite was elegant and spacious. I loved reading on the sunbed on the balcony, which also had a dining area. The Explora II only offers suites, so we opted for the least expensive one, which was perfect for us. I especially enjoyed the walk-in wardrobe with a seated vanity. I felt like I was floating in the lap of luxury.

This ship offered a variety of complimentary amenities, including unlimited beverages of fine wines and premium spirits, and onboard gratuities. One of the few things not included was the excursions. We only signed up for three, with our trip to the rainforest in Costa Rica being our favorite. Our guides on all the excursions were knowledgeable, friendly, and entertaining.

The Explora II provided the perfect getaway during the cold month of January. We felt relaxed, rejuvenated, and pampered. Ginny helped coordinate the details of the trip, making the planning process feel smooth and manageable. When a few small issues came up along the way, she was quick to assist, which we appreciated. It’s a trip we’ll remember for a long time—and one that has us looking forward to wherever we travel next.