Frequently Asked Questions

Explora Journeys stands out for its all-suite, all-balcony fleet and an itinerary philosophy built around longer port stays and immersive, destination-led sailing rather than fast port-hopping. The ships pair contemporary European styling with generous in-suite amenities and an inclusive approach to dining and many onboard services. We find that travellers drawn to modern design, real space and time ashore tend to respond well to what Explora offers.

For ship-by-ship detail and a sense of how the fleet compares, see our Explora ships page.

Our clients consistently tell us the crew are warm, personable and highly attentive. With a favourable crew-to-guest balance across the fleet, staff are readily available across dining, housekeeping and guest services, and our bookings experience is that preferences are usually anticipated rather than simply requested.

If you would like particular requirements noted on your booking, tell us in advance and we will brief the ship team before you sail.

Suite amenities are laid out to a five-star hotel standard, with premium linens, marble bathrooms, espresso machines and a complimentary stocked mini-bar. Each suite opens onto a private furnished balcony, and even the base Ocean Terrace suites offer enough space and comfort for most travellers.

For a full breakdown by suite level, see our suites & inclusions page, or ask us to recommend a category for your travel style.

Yes. Explora provides accessible suite options and public spaces designed for mobility needs on many sailings, typically including wider doorways, roll-in showers and adapted fixtures. We always advise clients with mobility requirements to confirm the exact cabin features before purchase so we can secure the correct configuration.

Tell us about any mobility aids or assistance you need and we will liaise with the ship's team to confirm suitability and plan embarkation.

Explora's pricing is notably inclusive. Typical inclusions on most sailings are all-suite balcony accommodation, a wide selection of dining venues with no speciality surcharges, many wines and premium drinks by the glass, Wi-Fi, gratuities and a curated range of shore experiences. The precise mix varies by itinerary and suite category, so we always review the booking inclusions for each sailing.

For a side-by-side comparison of inclusions for a chosen departure, see our suites & inclusions page or ask us to prepare one.

Although many elements are included, there are common exclusions to budget for. From our experience these include premium vintage wines and top-tier spirits beyond the standard beverage list, higher-end spa treatments, specialist private shore excursions and personal shopping. Laundry beyond standard items and some speciality events may also carry extra charges.

We always outline likely out-of-pocket items when we prepare a quote, so there are no surprises during travel.

Explora includes a number of curated shore experiences, which reduces the need to spend heavily on excursions. We find that the included tours satisfy most guests, but if you prefer private or specialist experiences the cost can range significantly. Modest day tours often start around £60 to £100 per person, while private or adventure excursions can run into several hundred pounds.

We can pre-review the available shore programme for your sailing and suggest which paid upgrades offer good value based on prior guest feedback.

Yes, and we recommend it when you want tailored arrangements. As KBN Travel we advise which included tours match your interests and secure limited spaces on enhanced excursions before they sell out. We also arrange private shore programmes for clients who want bespoke experiences or special access in smaller ports.

Tell us your priorities and we will plan the best mix of included and paid activities for your sailing.

We advise packing for comfort and versatility. Daytime wear is smart casual with comfortable shoes for shore excursions. Bring layers for cooler evenings or variable coastal climate, swimwear for pool and spa time, and a modest outfit for visits to religious sites if your itinerary includes them. Our guests often appreciate a small daypack for port days and a compact travel umbrella.

Check your itinerary on our destinations page and we will add any specific packing notes for the regions you will visit.

Explora promotes a relaxed modern luxury dress code. The default is resort smart, with smart shirts, dresses, tailored trousers and neat footwear. Formal black-tie evenings are not required on most sailings, though guests are welcome to dress up for special dinners or milestone celebrations.

If you would like a packing checklist tailored to your sailing dates and any themed evenings, see your pre-cruise details on the cruise planner or ask us to prepare one.

The fleet operates globally with a strong focus on the Mediterranean and Northern Europe in the summer months, the Caribbean and Central America in winter, plus longer transoceanic voyages and select exotic destinations. Routes are designed to favour immersive port calls and overnight stays where possible, giving you more time ashore than a traditional itinerary.

Browse current sailings on our destinations page, and we will advise which itinerary suits your travel window.

The passenger profile typically skews towards mature, well-travelled adults, though Explora's modern style attracts younger luxury guests too. In our bookings the mix varies by season and itinerary. Shorter Mediterranean sailings sometimes draw a livelier demographic, while world voyages trend older and more exploratory.

If matching the onboard atmosphere matters to you, tell us which dates you prefer and we will recommend sailings that align with the crowd you seek.

Yes, and we often recommend Explora as an approachable introduction to luxury cruising. The ships are easy to navigate, service is genuinely welcoming, and the inclusive fare removes many small decisions that can complicate a first cruise. Guests seeking destination immersion rather than nonstop shipboard entertainment find it particularly rewarding.

If you are new to cruising, we will advise on the best shorter itineraries and cabin categories to ensure a smooth first experience.

Both brands sit firmly in the luxury segment, but they differ in character. From what our clients tell us, Explora presents a fresher, design-led experience with larger suites and an inclusive dining philosophy. Seabourn tends to be more traditional in service style, with a long heritage of personalised hospitality.

We can compare specific itineraries and cabins side-by-side so you can see which line better matches your priorities. A useful first step is our Explora ships reference.

Key questions include which itinerary pace suits you, what is and is not included in your fare, which suite location meets your needs, and what cancellation flexibility your fare offers. Ask about the shore programme detail for each port and any medical or accessibility needs you may have. We always walk clients through these points before they commit.

If you would like, we will prepare a personalised checklist for the specific sailing you are considering.

For popular summer Mediterranean departures and premium suites, book six to twelve months ahead to secure the best cabins and fares. New ship inaugurals and world voyages can require earlier reservations. Where you need flexibility, we can advise on fare types that offer more lenient change terms.

Tell us your preferred dates and we will check current inventory and the right time to commit.

Occasionally. We see last-minute opportunities on shoulder-season sailings or repositioning voyages, but these offers are limited and can move quickly. For savings on short notice we monitor releases and notify registered clients the moment a suitable deal appears.

Register your travel window with us and we will alert you to last-minute options that match your preferences.

We recommend comprehensive cruise-specific insurance that covers cancellation, medical expenses including emergency evacuation, baggage loss and missed connections. Given the value of luxury sailings, consider policies with higher cover limits and options for cancellation for specified reasons. We can recommend insurers and policy levels that match your itinerary and personal circumstances.

Tell us whether you require medical or adventure extensions and we will include suitable insurance options in your quote.

From our perspective, yes. We provide detailed itinerary advice, suite selection guidance and hands-on management of the booking process. If issues arise, KBN Travel acts as your single point of contact to liaise with the cruise operator and any suppliers, which simplifies amendments, refunds and special requests.

If you would like us to manage your booking end-to-end, we will prepare a tailored quote including flights, transfers and any pre- or post-cruise stays.

Explora combines all-suite accommodation, generous inclusions and destination-focused itineraries that create a modern style of luxury. The fleet's attention to design, refined dining and a calm onboard atmosphere deliver the kind of understated luxury our clients value. Bookings routinely highlight the comfort of private balconies and the relaxed pace of the itineraries as key luxury attributes.

For a detailed list of suite benefits and included amenities, see our suites & inclusions page or ask us to prepare a benefits summary for your chosen category.

We consistently hear strong feedback on the culinary programme. Menus lean on Mediterranean traditions, emphasise seasonal and regional produce, and offer a variety of speciality restaurants as part of the fare. Guests tell us they appreciate the breadth of choice and the consistent quality across dining venues.

If dining is a priority for you, we will highlight any must-book restaurants and secure reservations where possible before you sail.

Explora offers a range of venues including a main dining room, intimate speciality restaurants and casual poolside options. Notably, many speciality venues are included in the fare, which reduces the need to budget for extra dining costs. Each ship's restaurant roster varies slightly, so we review venue lists for the specific sailing when advising clients.

Tell us whether you prefer tasting menus, casual dining or regional cuisine and we will advise accordingly.

Yes. In-suite dining is available around the clock on most sailings and is included in the fare for eligible suite categories. The room service menu features selections from the ship's culinary team, so you can enjoy breakfast on your balcony or a late-night snack after a long day ashore.

Let us know if in-suite dining is a key requirement and we will note this on your booking.

Explora favours curated enrichment rather than large-scale productions. Expect live music, expert speakers, culinary demonstrations and intimate evening performances that complement the itinerary. Daytime activities tend to be wellness classes, destination talks and small workshops rather than water-park style amusements.

If entertainment variety is important to you, we will point you toward sailings known for special guest programmes or themed voyages.

Yes. Each ship features an Ocean Wellness spa with treatment rooms, thermal areas and a well-equipped fitness centre offering group classes. Access to thermal suites is commonly included for suite guests, while individual spa therapies are available at an additional charge.

If treatment time is a priority, we can pre-book popular appointments before they run out.

Explora ships carry roughly 900 to 1,000 guests depending on the vessel, which creates a more intimate ambience than many large cruise ships. In our experience this size strikes a good balance between onboard facilities and a relaxed atmosphere with less crowding.

If you prefer a particular scale of ship, we will recommend the best departures based on capacity and public-space layouts.

Crew numbers are arranged to ensure attentive service; while ratios vary between vessels, Explora maintains staffing levels that our clients find responsive and personable. We can provide exact crew figures for specific ships if you need that detail for comparison.

Ask us for crew ratios on the ship you are considering and we will include that in your itinerary briefing.

Choosing a cabin depends on how much time you plan to spend in your suite, your budget and whether you value extras such as butler service or larger balcony space. From our bookings the Ocean Terrace suite suits most travellers, while Explora Homes and Owner's Residences provide a markedly different level of living space and privacy for longer or celebratory sailings.

We will review deck plans and views with you and recommend the best cabin location for your needs.

Explora does not offer inside cabins. Every accommodation is an outside suite with a private balcony, so the real choice is between suite sizes and locations rather than inside versus outside. That consistency is one of the line's defining features and appeals to guests who expect a balcony as standard.

If you want us to show you how balcony sizes differ by category, see our suites & inclusions page or ask for photos and dimensions in your booking pack.

For many clients the upgrade is worthwhile, especially on longer voyages or for special occasions. Larger suites and residences provide additional living room, more generous balconies and extra services that enhance comfort over a multi-day voyage. For shorter trips the base Ocean Terrace suite often provides excellent value.

We help clients assess whether an upgrade delivers tangible benefits for their sailing, and we include a cost-benefit note in every quote we prepare.

Explora adheres to international maritime safety standards and implements enhanced cleaning and medical protocols. Ships are fitted with modern ventilation systems and meet the usual SOLAS safety requirements. Specific health measures can vary by itinerary and destination rules, so we always confirm the applicable protocols before travel.

If you have particular health concerns, tell us at enquiry and we will check current requirements and onboard provisions for your sailing.

Yes. Every ship has a medical centre staffed by qualified clinicians able to treat routine conditions and provide stabilisation until a shore transfer is possible. Medical services are charged separately from the cruise fare, so we advise clients to ensure their travel insurance covers onboard care and emergency evacuation where necessary.

We will include recommended insurance levels in our booking proposals to match the medical provision onboard.

Refunds depend on your fare type and the timing of cancellation. Most fares operate on a tiered schedule where closer cancellations carry higher penalties. From our experience the combination of a flexible fare and suitable travel insurance provides the best protection against unforeseen changes.

If you need assistance with a refund, KBN Travel will manage the claim and liaise with Explora on your behalf to recover any due sums.

Cancellation terms vary by fare and itinerary. Standard policies reduce the refundable amount as the sailing date approaches. Promotional or non-refundable fares have stricter conditions. We always include the specific cancellation schedule with every quote so you understand the terms before committing. You will also find fare-specific terms listed in the cruise planner for your sailing.

If you prefer maximum flexibility, we will identify fare types and insurance combinations that best protect your booking.

Yes. Explora welcomes multi-generational groups and can accommodate connecting suites on many ships. The line's relaxed atmosphere and inclusive dining suit family travel where shared experiences and quality time ashore are priorities.

If travelling with younger family members, tell us their ages and we will advise which sailings offer the most family-friendly programming.

Explora's primary focus is adult luxury, so dedicated kids' programmes and childcare are more limited than on family-orientated lines. Child services are typically available during school holiday periods; outside those times supervised activities may be reduced. We always confirm childcare availability for specific sailings when clients enquire.

If you need structured childcare, we can advise whether a chosen departure meets your family's needs or suggest alternatives.

Yes. Explora's intimate suites, refined dining and thoughtful itineraries create an excellent setting for a honeymoon. We regularly help couples arrange in-suite celebrations, private shore experiences and special dining setups to make the voyage memorable.

Tell us your ideal balance of relaxation and exploration and we will tailor a honeymoon itinerary to match.

Explora provides celebration options such as in-suite champagne and floral arrangements, private dining and bespoke excursions. From our experience those packages can be tailored further when booked through us, allowing us to combine ship packages with shore surprises or local vendors to create a fuller celebration.

If you are planning an occasion, tell us the date and theme and we will prepare a tailored proposal.

You can contact Explora directly, but many clients prefer to work through KBN Travel for convenience and continuity. We act as your primary contact from booking through to return and will handle routine questions, special requests and any issues that arise during the voyage on your behalf. Our cruise planner also keeps all your booking detail in one place.

If you want us to manage all communications with the cruise operator, simply make an enquiry and we will take care of the rest.

Reviews from our guests and other travellers commonly highlight the spacious suites, high-quality dining and the relaxed destination focus. Some guests note the limited children's activities and smaller entertainment programme compared with large-scale cruise resorts, which reflects Explora's adult-orientated positioning rather than a service failure.

We can share anonymised guest feedback for specific sailings if you need real examples to help choose a departure.