Yoga, spa, local cuisine... that's a day on a luxury cruise in the Mediterranean

Linking early rising with a pleasant vacation might seem paradoxical. But perhaps nothing captures the sensation of sailing on a luxury cruise better than getting up at dawn to go to the upper decks of the ship and intensely feel the beginning of a new day. Every day dawns, but greeting the sun while doing yoga with strangers from various nationalities on the 12th deck of the Explora I transforms a daily occurrence into an exclusive moment.

That's what it's all about. It's about feeling fulfilled, becoming aware of the unrepeatable moment, and recognizing the privilege of living something reserved for a few chosen ones. A vessel like the one from the Explora Journeys cruise line is somewhat like a floating island that sails through the seas loaded with pleasures in the form of delicate flavors, joyful moments, and unique experiences for each guest. It's not so much about ostentation as it is about delight. Savoring every last minute. Even if that means leaving the huge suite drowsily and at the crack of dawn to start the day.

After the spiritual communion with oneself and the surroundings, it's time to indulge in the physical. How about extending your stay on the upper deck of the ship by working out in the gym and hopping on the spinning bikes that invite you to pedal towards the horizon? However, it's also important not to overdo it. Just getting active to build up an appetite, as the first meal of the day is approaching – reportedly the most important one! On board, they share this belief, given the variety available in the largest dining area of the ship: the Emporium Marketplace. Its buffet offers the healthiest options based on fruits, yogurts, and juices, as well as other abundant choices in sweets, carbohydrates, and proteins. Nevertheless, for those aiming to bathe in glamour from the early hours, there's the Fil Rouge restaurant available for breakfast, offering eggs Benedict or a toast with smoked salmon and caviar.

Possibly during the hours between sunrise and breakfast, the ship will dock at a new port. And soon it will open its doors to disembark at the destination. If desired, because it is not mandatory, and there are days when laziness wins and prevents leaving the relaxation offered by the loungers surrounding the different pools on board. And why not indulge in a good massage and a rejuvenating treatment at Ocean Wellness mid-morning? It is the ship's spa where one cannot quite tell if they are entering a Himalayan salt cave or purifying themselves in a Finnish sauna. Once again, here arises that mix of pleasure and healthiness that characterizes the journey on this ship.

On a luxury cruise, shore excursions go beyond the typical guided tour of a city

While it is undeniable that one of the great attractions of cruises is the opportunity to discover different places in a single trip, in the case of a luxury cruise, shore excursions go beyond the typical guided tour of a city. Here, travel experiences are suggested. For example, an intensive course in Moroccan cuisine in Tangier, attending a private mass in a hermitage on the Dalmatian Coast, or kayaking in front of the paradisiacal beaches of Turkey.

The options are many and varied, always with the stamp of exclusivity and including gastronomic proposals that leave the best possible taste before returning to the ship. However, independently, you can also extend your stay by a few hours, as a hallmark of the Explora I is setting sail later than other cruises to be able to enjoy the destinations where it docks even more.

Still, the ship's magnetism is so strong that almost all passengers return soon. Some to make the most of the sunny hours in the pools and jacuzzis, always close to bars where they can refresh themselves with cocktails or tropical fruit juices. And others to nap in the afternoon in their suite, watch a bit of TV in the living room of the room, or enjoy a simple moment like reading a book on the terrace's divan, which all suites have.

The clock hands keep moving, and since the schedule on board follows the European time, it's a good idea to shower, groom, and dress for the evening. No need for grand gestures. Unlike other high-end cruise lines, at Explora Journeys, we embrace a relaxed luxury, free from corsets and strict dress codes that some might call snobbish. All you need is good taste and decorum to fit in. To get a sense of the latest fashion trends, the best move is to head to the lobby for a drink before dinner. As you sit on their sofas with a cocktail, listening to the piano music that fills the air, and engaging in conversation with fellow cruisers you've just met, you'll once again fully grasp the essence of this travel experience infused with hedonism and distinction.

Sensations that linger later at the chosen restaurant for dinner. Especially if you reserve at Anthology, where Chef Franck Garanger, culinary head of the company, has designed his most refined vision of Italian gastronomy for this summer. Although in any of the open restaurants, you can taste sensations of the exclusive. For example, if you were amazed by breakfast at Fil Rouge, you can return in the evening to savor their French-inspired menu. Next to it is the Med Yacht Club, also with a casual tone and the essences of Mediterranean cuisine at its core. On the other hand, if you're looking for something more exotic, you must reserve at Sakura, where the oriental reigns. And how do the most carnivorous feast on the high seas? Very easy, by dining on the top-quality meats at Marble & Co. Grill.

Variety is the spice of life. As a cruise extends over several nights, the ideal thing is to try all the establishments, so you can repeat the most exquisite experiences on the last nights. And possibly, the last nights are also the longest. In reality, the night owls can extend any evening. Whether in such distinguished settings as the Malt Whisky or in more lively ones like the spacious Journeys Lounge, the favorite amphitheater for the musical shows scheduled daily and which are later prolonged with a DJ session for night owls. Of course, those who want to greet the sun the next morning would be better off going to sleep early and letting themselves be rocked by the waves. Another pleasure as simple as it is memorable that a cruise offers!

The routes and ships of Explora Journeys

Within the massive maritime group MSC, the cruise line Explora Journeys represents the most glamorous and elegant option to embark on a cruise. Just a year ago, their first ship, the Explora I, set sail, cruising through the waters of both the Caribbean and the Mediterranean, where it is planned to sail throughout the summer of 2024. In the fall of the same year, the Explora II will be inaugurated, specifically in the port of Barcelona. This won't be the last ship in their fleet, as it will gradually expand in the coming years with the construction of new ships, all meeting the same high standards of quality required by luxury cruises.