Explora Journeys, the new kid in the cruise market, is promising a special welcome to families, with a dedicated program that caters to multi-generations travelling together.
Guests on Explora 1 can choose from 78 interconnecting suites in three categories: Ocean Suites, Ocean Penthouses and Ocean Residences. These onboard apartments give families all the privacy they require.
The Nautilus Club is the hub for guests aged 6-17. Open from 9 a.m. to midnight, the club features a huge choice of games, sports, adventures and activities. This includes dedicated time at the Sports Court and one of the heated swimming pools, as well as additional locations around the ship. Kids will be led by Nautilus Club hosts certified in safeguarding children and following Cruise Lines International Association policies and standards on youth activities.
For tech-savvy youngsters, Nautilus Club offers next-generation consoles such as PlayStation 5 and PlayStation VR2, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, iPads and Oculus Pro. And they can test themselves against their peers in organized technology tournaments.
Competitive youngsters will also find an outlet in a foosball and multi-game table, plus an ultra-contemporary pool table made by luxury Italian design company MBM Biliardi.
Edutainment activities on tours can include a visit to a space center where they will be hosted by an astronaut. Budding oceanographers might find themselves on a whale-watching adventure brought to life by riveting stories from a marine biologist.
Even younger guests aged 3 to 5 (accompanied by a parent or guardian) are welcome at Nautilus Club. They will find time slots exclusively dedicated to their age group, packed with exciting activities created specifically for them. Although the very youngest travelers aged 6 to 24 months are too tiny to join the fun at the Club, they haven’t been forgotten: there are age-appropriate toys to entertain them in their suites.
Even the most dedicated parents value a little downtime and the Helios Pool & Bar, is reserved solely for adults. In the other public spaces—restaurants, lounges, pools and bars—children are more than welcome. At any time of the day, the culinary team will be delighted to offer a variety of choices to accommodate the wishes of younger guests.
“Designing our Journey Together Gatherings program has been a highly collaborative process with the travel advisor community,” said Chris Austin, chief sales officer for Explora Journeys. “We are proud to launch this unique program, providing a valuable opportunity to target gatherings of friends and multi-generational families.”
Explora 1 begins sailing July 17 with cruises in Europe. The fall has it doing cruises from New York to Quebec before beginning a series of Caribbean cruises between Miami and Barbados. Explora 2 is due in August, 2024.
