Explora Journeys revealed the destination experiences today at Seatrade Cruise Global 2023 (March 27-30) taking place at the Broward County Convention Centre in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
The brand highlighted that its cruises are tailored to small, intimate groups, from two to 25 passengers, placing emphasis on off-the-beaten-path encounters, a slower pace of travel, and not leaving a footprint on the places explored. Sacha Rougier, head of itinerary planning and destination experiences, Explora Journeys, commented, ‘Our team have sought out exclusive partnerships across the globe to ensure our guests are offered a wide array of curated experiences to suit their every desire. Under the umbrella of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) we partner with Travelife to create sustainability awareness for tour operators… The ingenuity of Explora Journey’s bespoke destination experiences created is set to surpass expectations…’
Explora Journeys Destination Experiences for North America are open for bookings.
Explora I, the first of six planned ships of the luxury brand`s fleet, will be officially named on July 8 in Civitavecchia near Rome, Italy before heading to Southampton, UK to depart for its maiden journey on July 17.
Art and culture
In New York, passengers will have access to a host of museums and art galleries, and have the chance to be led on a private tour through the Museum of Modern Art pre-opening hours by an expert art historian. They will be invited to go behind the curtain on Broadway for an exclusive encounter with a Broadway star and a performance of musical favourites, making the most of New York City’s theatre scene and performing arts. A forest bathing session in the heart of the city will occur, where passengers can practice the Japanese art of connecting to the energy of a place in nature.
Highlights in Boston include a visit to Fenway Park, before embarking on an afternoon of arts and academia at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, followed by a traditional afternoon tea – with a ‘New England twist’ – surrounded by the classic art of the 1895 Beaux Arts public library on Boston’s Copley Square.
Meeting a NASA astronaut
From Port Canaveral, passengers can visit Kennedy Space Center from where every American human space mission has been launched involving a private encounter with a NASA astronaut.. A two-hour surfing lesson at Cocoa Beach is also on the programme, which has a beach bar and a historic pier.
Known for its lighthouses, lobsters and beaches, passengers may explore Portland at their ease. With experiences centered around its food and beer, passengers can sail on a lobster boat before tasting fresh seafood at the local seafood shops, browsing coffee houses, bakeries and award-winning restaurants of the old port. A trip to a local winery will bring chances to taste wines and spirits crafted from local fruits and grains, reflecting the terroir of Maine.
Wildlife spotting
Explora has curated experiences that revolve around the natural landscape of Baie Comeau. On St Lawrence River, passengers can participate in a sea kayak exploration on a double kayak to take in the surrounding landscape and wildlife. An expert guide will be on hand to share their insights in case of whales or sea birds being spotted.
Charlottetown is where passengers can discover falconry; UNESCO recognises falconry as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, which contributes to increasing the number of falcons in the region. The ‘Fair Isle Food Tour’ offers farm-to-table dining, where epicurean lovers can taste the best in modern Canadian cuisine from local chocolates to some of the best seafood chowders.
Explora Journeys will bring passengers to the city at the tip of the Gaspé Peninsula. Experiences include a hike in the Forillon National Park as well as a sea excursion on the Gulf of St. Lawrence with Canada’s Percé Rock, one of the country’s many national parks, as a backdrop.
Mignan Archipelago
In Havre-Saint-Pierre, a tiny seaside village in a remote corner of Quebec’s North Shore, passengers will be guided on a 90-minute walk embracing the sights of the Mignan Archipelago, known for its colossal limestone monoliths scattered between a string of more than 1,000 islands and islets.
Other highlights include La Baie, Saguenay, where passengers can dive into nature at the heart of the river Saguenay by participating in outdoor adventures. They can additionally embark on a seaplane tour filled with aerial views of the area including Cap Éternité, a striking mountain that has inspired painters, poets and writers. Other experiences include a VIP class with chef Jonathan Grenon of triple-diamond award-winning Auberge des Battures, on how nature’s bounty feeds his culinary creations. Passengers will be able to sample some of his creations served with local beers and spirits.
A kayak excursion through a fjord will take place in Quebec, as well as an evening and VIP tour at a sugar shack or ‘cabane à sucre’ to satisfy a sweet tooth. Passengers will be received at the maple museum and celebrate with a hearty harvest, gathering along overflowing festive tables.
Halifax
Halifax is another destination to be visited. The vibrant, culture-filled capital of Nova Scotia offers passengers the chance to indulge in its flourishing culinary scene. The scenic Lighthouse Route along the South Shore can be a place for free time to encounter the iconic Peggy’s Point Lighthouse built in 1915 – one of the best-known and most-photographed lighthouses in Canada. This will be followed by a hearty lunch at the Shore Club in Hubbards, where lobster will be paired with salads and a selection of desserts and refreshing drinks. Passengers keen to visit one of the most well-regarded golf courses in Canada, The Links at Brunello, will be able to make their way around the 18 holes of the course, designed by the legendary Thomas McBroom who is renowned for careful integration of the landscape at every contour.
