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Explora Journeys prides itself on being “ultra-luxury, all-inclusive”, but if you’re researching your first sailing, it can be surprisingly hard to find a clear, practical breakdown of what’s actually included in the fare. After spending six nights aboard Explora I on a Turkey–Greece itinerary in September, we were able to see exactly what is and isn’t included — and how it compares to more traditional cruise lines.

The short version?

Much more is included than you might expect — especially compared to premium or mainstream lines — but not everything is included.
The focus is on a quiet, hotel-style experience with exceptionally good food, a relaxed atmosphere and very few “constant extras”.

This guide breaks down exactly what your fare covers so you can plan properly and know what to expect onboard.

Suite Accommodation with a Private Terrace (Every Guest Gets a Balcony)

One of the biggest differences between Explora Journeys and traditional cruise lines is that every single suite has a private ocean terrace. There are no inside cabins, no oceanview rooms, and no obstructed portholes. Everyone enjoys a full balcony–style outdoor space with furniture, mood lighting and room to properly relax.

Inside the suite, the included amenities feel more like a boutique hotel than a ship. Expect:

A spacious bedroom-lounge layout (35–40m² in the entry category)
A walk-in wardrobe
Marble bathroom with large rainfall shower
Dyson hairdryer
Personal minibar replenished daily
Welcome bottle of champagne
High-quality bedding and linens
A choice of pillows
USB-C and standard charging ports
Unlimited bottled water (still)
In-suite dining at no extra cost

We sailed on a six-night journey from Turkey to Greece with seven ports, and the suite was genuinely one of the most comfortable we’ve had at sea — peaceful, quiet, and with enough space for two people to unpack and settle in properly. You can check out our tips for getting the best ocean suite on board here.

Anthology restaurant Explora Journeys Food10

Dining in Multiple Included Restaurants (No Main Dining Room Concept)

Unlike traditional cruise lines, Explora doesn’t have a single “main dining room”. Instead, every guest can dine in all included restaurants without extra charges, and each one feels like a proper land-based venue with its own look, menu and style.

On most sailings, the included restaurants are:

Sakura – Pan-Asian Inspired

Sushi, sashimi, teppan-style dishes and Japanese-influenced flavours.
Fresh, light and beautifully presented.

Fil Rouge – Elegant French-European

Fine-dining style plating with European sauces, seafood and classics.

Med Yacht Club – Mediterranean Coastal Dining

Greek, Italian, Turkish, Levantine and Spanish flavours in a relaxed setting.

Emporium Marketplace – Upscale Buffet Without the Crowd

A surprisingly refined, spacious buffet with:

seafood stations
fresh pasta
salads
desserts
made-to-order grill items

No trays, no chaos — just relaxed, high-quality buffet dining.

Marble & Co. Grill – Contemporary Steakhouse (Included)

This one surprises people. On most cruise lines, the steakhouse is a pricey specialty restaurant — but on Explora, it’s included.
Think:

premium cuts
elegant plating
modern grill dishes
warm, club-style atmosphere

It’s easily one of the most popular restaurants onboard.

Crema Café (Included Light Bites, Pastries & Coffee)

Great for snacks between meals, with cakes, sandwiches and excellent espresso.

None of these restaurants cost extra, and you can dine in them as often as you like. The only paid restaurant is Anthology, the guest-chef tasting venue. We have an article covering if Anthology is worth the extra fee here on the site. ( it wasn’t to us but our palate is far from refined!)

Anthology restaurant Explora Journeys Food

Unlimited Drinks, Cocktails, Champagne & Speciality Coffee (All Included)

Explora Journeys is one of the few cruise lines where the drinks package genuinely feels all-inclusive. You don’t have to worry about signing slips, hidden surcharges, or upsells every time you order a drink.

Here’s what’s included for every guest:

✔ Premium Wines by the Glass

Throughout the restaurants and bars you’ll find a rotating selection of high-quality wines, including:

European reds and whites
Rosé and sparkling wines
A selection of included champagnes

Staff will happily recommend pairings and will offer alternatives if a particular label isn’t to your taste.

✔ Classic & Premium Cocktails

Everything from negronis, martinis and margaritas to more creative signature cocktails. There’s no separate “cocktail list with surcharges” — it’s simply included.

✔ Spirits & Liqueurs

A wide range of included spirits such as:

Gin, vodka, rum, tequila
Single-malt whiskies
Aperitifs and digestifs
Cognacs and brandies
Sake and port

Only the ultra-premium labels cost extra, and these are clearly marked on menus (usually with an €).

✔ Fresh Juices, Smoothies & Mocktails

✔ Barista Coffee & Speciality Teas

Cappuccinos, flat whites, iced lattes, loose-leaf teas, matcha — all included.

There’s no need to upgrade for “specialty coffee”; it’s simply included across the ship.

✔ Still Water Everywhere

Water is included and replenished generously.

Drinks are delivered throughout lounges, pool decks, restaurants and even your suite — included without restriction.

In-Suite Minibar, Daily Replenishment & Included Room Amenities

Explora Journeys treats the suite experience as if you were staying in a luxury hotel. That means thoughtful inclusions and no “mini-bar surprises”.

✔ Fully Included Minibar (Refilled Daily)

Your minibar is topped up every day with:

soft drinks
still water
juices
beer
snacks
your preferred milk (dairy/plant-based)

You can also request changes (e.g., no beer, more soft drinks, extra water).

✔ Welcome Bottle of Champagne

Waiting in your room on embarkation.

✔ illy Machine & Included Capsules

Refilled as needed, with different blends available.

✔ Bathroom Amenities

High-quality toiletries, plus additional items available on request (bath salts, shaving kits, dental kits etc.) — all included once requested but not as we discovered just in the bathroom!

✔ 24-Hour Room Service (No Fees)

Breakfast on the balcony, late-night snacks, proper meals during the day — all included, at no extra charge.

✔ In-Suite Dining Experience

Not typical room service. Meals are plated and delivered restaurant-style, making it ideal for quiet evenings in your suite or enjoying that private terrace.

Pools, Hot Tubs & Outdoor Spaces (All Included)

One of the greatest pleasures of sailing with Explora Journeys is the sheer amount of space you’re given outdoors. Unlike large cruise ships where loungers fill quickly and the pool deck can feel crowded, Explora’s outdoor areas are intentionally calm, elegant and wonderfully uncrowded — and all of them are included in the fare.

The main pool on Deck 11 is the heart of the ship, but it rarely feels busy. There’s a resort-like atmosphere here, with soft loungers, well-spaced seating and quiet corners to enjoy a book or a drink. Staff circulate frequently, offering water, cocktails or coffee, so you’re never left waiting long for service.

For those wanting an even quieter escape, the adults-only Serenity Pool on Deck 12 offers a more tranquil setting with sweeping sea views and a gentler ambience. Early mornings here are especially beautiful. Down on Deck 5, the Astern Pool is one of the ship’s hidden gems — a tucked-away, sheltered spot that almost feels private. We found it ideal for relaxing at sailaway or escaping the midday sun.

Jacuzzis, outdoor lounging spaces and shaded daybeds are dotted throughout the decks, and you can wander to different areas depending on your mood. Whether you prefer lively sunshine, quiet nooks or peaceful views over the wake, every outdoor feature of the ship is fully included, and nothing requires advance booking or an extra fee. It feels refreshingly generous, especially compared with more mainstream lines.

Entertainment on explora journeys Review (5)

Entertainment, Music & Enrichment (Calm, Stylish and Included)

Explora Journeys takes a different approach to entertainment than the big, entertainment-driven cruise lines. You won’t find large-scale theatre shows or Broadway replicas; instead, the atmosphere leans towards refined, intimate and quietly sophisticated — and everything is included. We have an article on what to expect entertainment wise here.

Live music is a big part of the onboard experience. Most evenings, you’ll stumble across a pianist warming up a lounge, an acoustic vocalist performing near the bar or a jazz duo creating a relaxed mood before dinner. Some nights feature themed sets — Motown, Billy Joel, smooth soul — delivered in a way that suits the ship’s mellow style rather than trying to imitate giant production shows.

Enrichment is also woven into the sailing. Depending on the itinerary, you may find cultural talks, destination briefings, guest speakers or wellness sessions offered throughout the day. These are usually low-key but informative, and they complement the calm, luxury-resort feel of the ship. Daytime activities tend to be understated: a film screening here, a culinary demonstration there, or simply quiet spaces to unwind, read or enjoy the scenery.

If you enjoy constant action and high-energy entertainment, this style may feel more subdued. But if you prefer a relaxed, boutique approach where you can dip into music or enrichment whenever you feel like it — without queues, reservations or crowds — Explora delivers beautifully.

Spa Access, Thermal Area & Wellness (What’s Actually Included)

Explora Journeys takes a slightly different approach to spa access than many luxury lines, so it’s worth understanding what you can use freely and when.

The spa itself — known as the Ocean Wellness Thermal Area — is a beautiful space with saunas, steam rooms, heated loungers, a hydrotherapy pool and relaxation zones. Access is included for all guests on port days, which is a generous perk. On days when the ship is in port for most of the day, you can wander in without a reservation and enjoy the facilities as part of the overall experience.

Sea days work a little differently. Guests who have booked spa treatments are given priority, and general access is limited to set hours (usually 8–10am and 6–8pm). It’s still included during those windows, just more structured so the space doesn’t become overcrowded.

Treatments themselves — massages, facials, rituals and salon services — are not included, but the spa team is excellent and the environment feels more like a boutique resort than a ship-based spa. If spa days are a personal priority, it’s worth planning your visits around port-day access.

Overall, you do get meaningful “included spa time” on Explora, especially compared with lines where the thermal area is always an extra fee.

Fitness Centre, Classes & Wellness Activities

Explora’s wellness programme is another area where a lot is included without fuss or upcharges. The fitness centre is open to all guests and packed with modern Technogym equipment — treadmills, bikes, strength machines and free weights — along with a quiet stretching area and reformer spaces.

Most group fitness classes are included as well. Depending on the sailing, the schedule often features:

yoga or stretching sessions
guided breathing or mindfulness
light mat-based pilates
group movement classes

The sessions are small, relaxed and easy to join. You simply show up; there’s no charge.

Only private sessions — such as one-on-one reformer pilates or personal training — come with an additional cost, and these are clearly marked so there’s no sense of being surprised.

Explora also makes smart use of outdoor spaces for wellness. Early-morning sessions on the deck, or quiet stretching areas with sea views, feel particularly special on sea days. Nothing feels crowded or competitive; the overall vibe is gently encouraging rather than “hardcore fitness”.

Housekeeping, Suite Services & Small Touches (Quietly Included)

Explora Journeys aims for a hotel-style experience in the suites, and many of the small touches that cost extra elsewhere are simply included as part of the stay.

Housekeeping visits twice a day — a morning service and an evening turndown — and the style is discreet. Staff learn your preferences quickly, from how you like the curtains arranged to the number of towels you prefer. There’s no pressure, no upselling and no “towel animal” culture; it’s designed to feel natural and private rather than theatrical.

The inclusion of 24-hour in-suite dining elevates the experience further. Breakfast can be served course by course on your terrace, or you can order late-night snacks without ever seeing a bill. The team delivers meals in a restaurant-style format, placing dishes properly rather than dropping a tray. It feels more like room service in a luxury resort than typical cruise ship delivery.

Daily minibar replenishment is also included. Whether you prefer juices, soft drinks, water or a particular type of milk, the team adjusts it to your liking. Amenities such as a Dyson hairdryer, large wardrobe space and quality toiletries are all part of the base experience, with extra bathroom items available on request.

It’s the cumulative effect of these inclusions — quiet, thoughtful, non-intrusive service — that often makes Explora feel different from more traditional cruise lines.

Wi-Fi, Gratuities & Onboard Services (All Included in the Fare)

Another area where Explora sets itself apart is the inclusion of several items that are typically chargeable elsewhere.

Wi-Fi is fully included for all guests, with no need to purchase packages or upgrade tiers. Speeds vary depending on the itinerary and satellite coverage, but for everyday use — messaging, browsing, email and even light video calling — it works reliably. If you’re used to paying between AUD 20–40 a day for cruise Wi-Fi, this is a welcome saving.

Gratuities are also included, both for hotel staff and dining venues. There are no envelopes, no end-of-cruise charges and no daily service fee added to your account. If you do choose to tip a staff member individually, it’s entirely at your discretion.

Even the little services, such as still water in restaurants, barista coffee at Crema Café, or snacks brought to your lounger, are simply included. There’s no pressure to sign receipts, no unexpected charges and no need to keep an eye on your onboard account throughout the trip.

It creates a genuinely relaxed atmosphere — you’re not constantly thinking about the cost of a drink, the Wi-Fi bill, or whether a service is part of the fare. Everything feels clearly set out, with very few surprises.

A Quick Note on What Isn’t Included (And What to Expect)

While Explora Journeys includes far more than most cruise lines, a few items sit outside the fare and are worth mentioning so you can plan realistically. Shore excursions are not included, regardless of destination or length of port stay.

Explora’s excursions tend to be small-group, high-quality and very curated, but they do come with a separate cost. We’ve put together a full breakdown in our companion article, “What’s NOT Included on Explora Journeys”, which you can find linked.

Shuttle buses, however, are a little different. When a port requires a shuttle to reach the town or harbour area — usually for safety or distance reasons — Explora typically provides it at no extra cost. This isn’t universal across all cruise lines, so it’s a helpful inclusion for ports where walking off the ship isn’t possible.

What’s Not Included on Explora Journeys

As with most cruise holidays, spa treatments, premium alcohol labels, and the specialty dining venue Anthology carry additional fees, but if you’d like a deeper look at those details, our dedicated “not included” guide covers everything clearly.

Final Thoughts: A Calm, Generous, All-Inclusive Experience

What stands out most about Explora Journeys is how effortless the experience feels. You’re not constantly checking receipts, mentally adding up drink costs or wondering whether something incurs a fee. The core of the holiday — dining, drinks, Wi-Fi, room service, pools, wellness spaces on port days, and a beautifully designed suite — is simply included.

For many guests, that sense of ease is what makes Explora different. It’s a quieter form of luxury, more hotel-like and less theatrical, but intentionally so. And after our own journey across Turkey and the Greek islands, it was that calm, inclusive atmosphere that stayed with us most.

If you’d like the full picture, you can read our companion article covering everything that isn’t part of the fare, so you can plan your trip with confidence and avoid any surprises.

You can check out more info here.

What is Actually Included on Explora Journeys?

Suite Accommodation with a Private Terrace (Every Guest Gets a Balcony)