A New Era Of Luxury: Personal Review Aboard Explora I Panama To Barbados With Explora Journeys Cruises Near Me, Deals & Cruise Travel Agents Near Me

There is a moment when you step onto a cruise ship where you usually brace yourself for the crowds, the queues, and the frenetic energy of embarkation. But boarding Explora I in Colon, Panama, on February 24, 2024, felt entirely different. It didn’t feel like boarding a ship at all; it felt like arriving at a boutique European hotel that just happened to be floating on the Caribbean Sea.

As a travel advisor with Vincent Vacations, I have sailed on nearly every luxury line in the industry. We are trained to spot the nuances—the thread count of the sheets, the pour of the champagne, the genuine nature of a smile. But Explora Journeys promised something different: an "Ocean State of Mind." I was skeptical of the marketing slogan until I lived it for six unforgettable nights sailing from the gateway of the Panama Canal to the shores of Barbados.

Here is my first-hand review of the "Journey from Panama City (Colon) to Bridgetown," and why this ship is rewriting the rulebook for luxury travel.

First Impressions: The "Hotel at Sea"

Our journey began in Colon, a port that is often bustling and industrial. Yet, the moment we crossed the gangway onto Explora I, the chaos of the outside world vanished. The Lobby Bar is the heart of the ship, but unlike the atrium of a traditional liner, it feels like the living room of a grand Milanese estate. There is no reception desk dominating the space—just towering shelves of art books, plush seating, and a piano softly playing in the corner.

We were greeted not with a key card and a map, but with a glass of champagne and a warm welcome from a host who seemed to already know our preferences. This was the first sign of the Explora difference: intuitive service. Throughout the week, I never once had to flag down a waiter. If my water glass was half empty, it was filled. If I looked like I needed a coffee, a cappuccino appeared.

The Suite: A Sanctuary, Not a Cabin

I stayed in an Ocean Terrace Suite, and I can confidently say it is one of the best entry-level accommodations at sea. At 377 square feet, it puts other lines to shame. The design is sophisticated—think neutral tones, floor-to-ceiling windows, and Italian craftsmanship.

But the details are what convert you. The walk-in closet is spacious enough for a fashion editor’s wardrobe, complete with a seated vanity. The bathroom features heated marble floors—a touch of decadence I didn't know I needed in the Caribbean until I stepped out of the shower. And yes, the rumors are true: every suite comes with a Dyson Supersonic hairdryer. It’s a small touch, but it signals that Explora understands its demographic perfectly.

My favorite spot, however, was the terrace. It’s not just a balcony; it’s an outdoor living room with a proper daybed. Watching the coastline of Panama fade into the horizon from that daybed, with a bottle of Veuve Clicquot (complimentary, of course) chilling in the bucket, was the perfect start to the voyage.

Culinary Arts: No Main Dining Room, Just Restaurants

One of the most refreshing aspects of Explora I is the absence of a massive "Main Dining Room." Instead, you have a collection of distinct restaurants that rival top-tier dining on land. We made it our mission to try them all.

Sakura was the standout for me. Inspired by the tea rooms of Kyoto, this Pan-Asian venue is stunning, with a canopy of cherry blossoms overhead. The sushi was incredibly fresh—the Wagyu beef tataki melted on the tongue, and the lobster pad thai was a perfect balance of sweet and savory. We dined al fresco here one evening, the warm Caribbean breeze mixing with the scent of lemongrass.

Marble & Co. Grill is the European steakhouse. It’s dark, moody, and sexy—perfect for a date night. The crushed fingerling potatoes topped with caviar and crème fraîche were life-changing, a side dish that stole the show from the perfectly cooked prime ribeye.

For breakfast and casual lunches, we frequented Emporium Marketplace. Do not call it a buffet. It is a culinary marketplace with cooked-to-order stations. There are no trays; you order your eggs benedict or fresh pasta, and it is brought to your table. The selection of cheeses, charcuterie, and fresh seafood was astounding. If I had one tiny critique, I’d love to see a dedicated fresh juice station, but the staff were always happy to fetch whatever we needed.

Fil Rouge, the French-inspired restaurant, offered a slow-paced, elegant breakfast that became our morning ritual. The croissants are baked fresh on board and rival any boulangerie in Paris.

The Itinerary: Caribbean Gems

This six-night sailing was a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration.

Colon, Panama (Embarkation): Starting in Colon allowed us to see the Caribbean entrance to the Panama Canal. While the port area itself is industrial, it serves as the perfect launchpad for Caribbean exploration. We spent the first day settling in as the ship navigated towards the open sea, leaving the humidity of the isthmus behind for the fresh ocean breeze.

Days at Sea: Sea days on Explora I are dangerous—you might never want to leave. The pool deck is designed with an abundance of space. There is no "chair hogging" here. We spent our sea days at the Astern Pool, an infinity pool at the back of the ship that offers uninterrupted wake views. The cabanas and daybeds are first-come, first-served, and free of charge. We spent hours there, reading and sipping Aperol Spritzes, feeling entirely unhurried.

Willemstad, Curacao: Our first major port of call was the vibrant capital of Curacao. Sailing into Willemstad is iconic; the candy-colored Dutch colonial buildings of the Handelskade greeted us as we docked. We walked across the Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge and explored the Punda district. The ship docked right in town, making it easy to wander off and explore the floating market and the street art of Otrabanda. The contrast between the historic, colorful architecture and the azure blue water was a photographer's dream.

St. Pierre, Martinique: This stop was a fascinating surprise. Known as the "Pompeii of the Caribbean," St. Pierre was destroyed by the eruption of Mount Pelée in 1902. We explored the ruins of the old theater and the prison cell of Cyparis (the sole survivor). The town has a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere, set against the backdrop of the lush green volcano and black sand beaches. It felt like a true discovery—a destination that massive cruise ships often bypass, but Explora I tucked into with ease.

Bridgetown, Barbados (Disembarkation): Our journey ended in Bridgetown. Disembarkation was as seamless as arrival. We enjoyed a final leisurely breakfast before a private car (arranged by the ship) whisked us to the airport.

The "Ocean State of Mind"

What truly sets this line apart is the vibe. It is sophisticated but not stuffy. There are no formal nights, no rigid schedules, and no announcements blaring over the loudspeakers interrupting your nap. The dress code is "resort elegant"—linen shirts, sundresses, and chic swimwear.

The wellness facilities also deserve a mention. The Ocean Wellness spa is massive, with a hydrotherapy pool, steam room, sauna, and salt cave that are open to all guests (appointments required but complimentary access). I spent an afternoon in the salt cave and left feeling completely rejuvenated.

Why Book Explora Journeys with Vincent Vacations?

While Explora I is magnificent on its own, booking through Vincent Vacations elevates the experience from great to exceptional. As a member of the Signature Travel Network, we offer our clients benefits that you simply cannot get by booking directly with the cruise line.

1. Exclusive Shipboard Credits: On this sailing, our clients received substantial shipboard credits. This "free money" can be used for treatments in the spa, rare vintage wines at dinner, or immersive "Destination Experiences" (shore excursions).

2. Hosted Sailings: This specific itinerary was part of our hosted collection, meaning our clients were invited to a private welcome reception. It’s a wonderful way to meet fellow travelers and have a dedicated host on board to ensure everything is perfect.

3. The "By Appointment" Advantage: Because of our status with Explora Journeys, we have direct access to their priority ambassadors. Need a specific reservation at Marble & Co. that shows as booked online? Need a specific suite location? We can often make things happen that appear impossible on the consumer website.

4. Expertise: We know the ship. We know which side of the ship has the best views for the arrival in Curacao. We know which "Destination Experience" in Martinique is worth the time and which ones to skip. When you book with us, you aren't just buying a cabin; you are buying an insured experience.

Final Verdict

My six nights on Explora I ruined me for other cruise lines. The combination of European hotel elegance, Michelin-standard dining, and a truly relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere is unique in the industry. It is not just a cruise; it is a lifestyle.

If you are looking to escape the ordinary and find your own "Ocean State of Mind," I cannot recommend this journey enough. Whether you are a seasoned cruiser looking for an upgrade or a luxury hotel lover who has sworn off cruises, Explora I is the ship that will change your mind.

Ready to plan your Explora Journey? Contact Vincent Vacations today. Let us secure your suite, apply your exclusive Signature Travel Network amenities, and help you discover the world in unparalleled luxury.