Explora Journeys‘ maiden ship, EXPLORA I, has earned high kudos from Travel Associates executive team sailing aboard the ultra-luxury ship this week from New York to Quebec City.
The 7-day voyage included port calls in Boston and Halifax, and four days at sea to immerse themselves in all the dining venues and facilities offered on board.
Rachel Kingswell, General Manager, Australia & New Zealand, Travel Associates said Explora Journeys presents an “exciting, new product for the luxury cruise space.”
“The product is exciting for new-to-cruise luxury clients. EXPLORA I feels like a home at sea,” said Kingswell.
“There are plenty of luxury operators in the market, but the level of detail, including the Frette linen, along with the recreational space is fantastic.”
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She was blown away by the variety of food served aboard, including five elegant restaurants – Anthology, Sakura, Marble & Co. Grill, Med Yacht Club and Fil Rouge – all of which were sampled, and the Emporium Marketplace for a non-buffet style of served cuisine.
Kathy Pavlidis, Cruise Manager for Travel Associates said the Explora Journeys product will also be of appeal to the family market. Pavlidis cited a woman with two children onboard who she observed were being well-catered for. Kingswell noted a broad demographic of guests were aboard from younger people to the young at heart.
“People who like the finer things in life, who like their independence, who want to eat well and go off and explore on their own – I think EXPLORA I is the winner,” Pavlidis said.
The luxury travel specialist from Kew, Victoria said Explora Journeys will suit clients who would typically stay at an upmarket hotel, like W Hotels.
“There is an unexpected level of luxury. Amazing service and amazing food. EXPLORA I has taken luxury to another level,” Pavlidis added.
“The staff is amazing. I’ve never seen crew smiling constantly, always greet you – it really feels like coming home.”
“I judge a ship by how they do the basics and I have not had one bad coffee. Top marks for the food, accommodation, crew friendliness”
Anna Burgdorf, Global Brand & Marketing Director – Luxury, the level of attention to detail was impressive, with an abundance of suede and leather across the vessel.
“You can see the quality in the materials and the layering, and you can smell the leather.”
To view photos aboard EXPLORA I, including dining venues, bars and suites, go to LATTE‘s Facebook page here.
Pictured in EXPLORA I’s fabulous French restaurant, Fil Rouge, from left are Travel Associates’ Anna Burgdorf, Global Brand & Marketing Director – Luxury; Kathy Pavlidis, Cruise Manager, Travel Associates; Rachel Kingswell, General Manager, Australia/New Zealand, with Explora Journeys’ Nicole Costantin, Head of Sales APAC and Andrew Schweitzer, Business Relationships Lead, UK/Ireland.
