With an emphasis on spaces and moments that invite a sense of connection – with one’s self, with the sea, a destination, or one’s travel companions – Explora Journeys is passionate about the value of a transformative holiday. What a powerful way for families to create shared memories: the simultaneous discovery, by each member of the family travelling, of their individual sense of contentment, of wonder, and of joy. Celebrations are woven into the fabric of these experiences, offering special occasions that heighten the sense of togetherness and create unforgettable moments that will be cherished for a lifetime.

The well-known saying, “the family that travels together stays together” holds deep truths. For loved ones to simply spend time together nurtures a sense of belonging. That kind of travel—multi-generational, mixed-generational, skip-generational travel, one-on-one travel, all of it—is especially poignant in an environment that fosters relaxation, discovery, individuality, choice, and transformation.

On EXPLORA I and, very soon, EXPLORA II, ship design features like a private terrace for every suite, three outdoor pools plus one indoor pool with a retractable roof, numerous private cabanas and open sunbed and lounge chair areas, expansive windows in restaurants, bars and lounges (and outdoor options for some of those), bring the sea into nearly every perspective. The constancy of the vast horizon naturally invites feelings of tranquillity and possibility—all part of what Explora Journeys calls the Ocean State of Mind. 

Experiencing an Explora Journeys holiday as a group of beloved family members can be transcendental. 

The opportunities for amplifying one’s own experiences during one of the brand’s unique journeys are endless when layering in the different experiences and perspectives that members of a family can share with one another. Young children can share their wide-eyed awe with older family members. Adult children can get to know one another better. Grandparents may find themselves in a destination they dreamed about or visited when they were young and share those nostalgic moments with their families. 

Explora Journeys welcomes families of all sorts – immediate families, multigenerational families, adult siblings – travelling together, and makes it easy for them to do so. 

With suites that interconnect, families can stay close together whilst also enjoying ample space and privacy. Families can expect space and privacy thanks to EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II each offering 80 multi-generation-friendly connected suites available as Ocean Suites, Ocean Penthouses and Ocean Residences. In fact, this range of suite combinations means we can accommodate a variety of group sizes, ensuring a comfortable, effortless journey for all.

Families with kids and teenagers will love the variety of activities offered by Explora Journeys’ Nautilus Club and its hosts. A favourite of these is ‘Silent Sweet Cinema’: kids’ movie nights by the Conservatory Pool, where children don comfortable headphones to watch the big screen and munch on popcorn. Another favourite is a surprise outing from Nautilus Club for gelato, and whilst kids are delighted by the indulgence, parents are thrilled at enjoying important down time for themselves. 

In Nautilus Club itself, on EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II, certified expert hosts lead fun, enriching activities like art, tech tournaments, sport sessions, sustainability projects and more. Kids and teens ages 6-17 can enjoy foosball and a multi-game table, a pool table crafted in Italy by MBM Biliardi, a modern jukebox tablet connected to online music streaming platforms, a big selection of board games and a digital library with books of different genres, in different languages. 

Consider, too, the many ways in which a family experience can open young minds through new experiences. Even the seemingly simple act of dining can introduce kids to a world of tastes from around the world, like those on offer at Emporium Marketplace for breakfast, lunch and dinner, where every member of the family can select from an abundant, varied lineup of fresh house-made dishes. And, at any time of the day, the culinary team will be delighted to offer a variety of choices to accommodate the wishes of our little guests.

In addition to Emporium Marketplace, five more restaurants that celebrate talents, cultures and passions, and the variety as well as the freedom of dining on your schedule, are ideal for the differences in tastes found across multi-generational groups.

For families who want experiences designed to stimulate the mind and feed the soul, entertainment and enrichment are reimagined on EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II, with an emphasis on finding the right vibe for the right time. A diverse programme of enriching and delectable events designed to connect guests, hosts and luminaries offers guests spontaneous moments of joy, daily rituals or those which are scheduled by the movement of the moon—such as morning or sunset yoga sessions—and the sharing of expertise by our Luminaries, to enrich a sense of discovery and expansion.

And, an adults-only space, Helios Pool & Bar, offers a serene respite in the sunniest spot onboard. ‘Helios’ means sun in Greek, and this panoramically forward-facing venue on deck 12 invites adults to take calm moments of rest with a direct view of the sea, and the convenience of a bar to ensure refreshment is close at hand.

Ocean Wellness, whilst not for children, offers adult members of a family group numerous ways to focus on their well-being, through programmes and experiences inspired by the sea, from spa treatments and the hydrothermal circuit to self-guided, privately guided or group experiences at the Fitness Centre. Relieving stress and restoring balance not only expands one’s openness to finding their Ocean State of Mind, it can also help family members be more present during their time spent together.   

On land, a series of Destination Experiences have been curated to be enjoyed by the whole family, ensuring that you create the most unforgettable moments together. These are immersive experiences that combine fun and discovery, such as a day at a farm, an archaeological exploration or a whale-watching adventure.

Just as Explora Journeys has put a great deal of care into creating spaces and experiences that foster individuals’ sense of discovery and joy, underlining this has been the immense benefit that families receive from experiencing such a holiday together. 

In fact, Explora Journeys offers a number of booking options and programmes that encourage family travel, like group programmes like Journey Together and Journey Together Gatherings, generous third- and fourth-guest supplement fares, and a welcoming Solo Traveller programme (fares for solos start at 125% on select journeys—significantly lower than the 200% solo fares typically found throughout the industry).

At the heart of every Explora Journeys holiday is the truest luxury: feeling free. As the everyday falls away and serenity descends, making way for the excitement of exploration, families are united in the present moment, creating memories that last a lifetime.