Summary
New Luxury Cruise Line Explora Journeys
New luxury cruise line Explora Journeys just launched Explora I, a 461-suite ship. Our cruise editor was among the first on board to report what you can expect.
In the past, a skilled worker in Stavanger, Norway, could pack a tin full of spratt in just four seconds. By the end of her shift, she might’ve stuffed approximately 8,000 cans full of sardine-sized fish, topped each one with olive oil, and passed them over for final inspection before they were sealed and labeled.
This labor-intensive process involved children who salted and threaded the fish onto racks, passing them to the burly workers who hoisted them over hot coals. The packinghouse echoed with the sounds of machines and sanitation equipment for ten hours a day, only resting on Sundays.
Stavanger thrived on the canning industry, capitalizing on the rich fishing grounds bathed by Norway’s fjords. At one point in the early 20th century, around 70 percent of the city’s population was involved in this lucrative business. On a good year, an individual worker could send close to 3 million tins out into the world.
The Experience Aboard the Explora I
Interestingly, I had never heard of Stavanger until shortly before my arrival. Yet, there I was, on a gray August day, docking at the port aboard the Explora I, which was cruising from Copenhagen to Hamburg. Minutes after disembarking, my fellow passengers and I were exploring the Old Town’s cobbled streets, admiring the charming whitewashed wooden buildings. Our knowledgeable guide shared insights into the local fish-packing history, alongside tales about Norway’s oil-and-gas industry and municipal dynamics.
Gastronomic Delights
We indulged in local dishes including pickled herring, lefse flatbread, and fenalår, a salted-and-cured lamb that resembles prosciutto.
Stavanger’s charm also led us to delightful shops such as Chili Chocolate and a unique record store-pub called Blåveis. Additionally, we visited the Sølberget Library and Culture Centre, notable for its architectural brutality and its bakery offering scrumptious cardamom buns.
Luxurious Amenities and Services
The journey continued with stops in Oslo, where the weather enticed both locals and visitors to enjoy the sun and take part in outdoor activities. My experience included a two-hour paddling trip around the harbor with Mad Goats, a local outfitter. In Goteborg, Sweden, I enjoyed exploring various neighborhoods and indulging in the local bakeries. I also rented an electric canal cruiser for a self-guided tour of the stunning city waterways.
The crown jewel of the trip was undoubtedly the newly launched Explora I. The ship, operating a series of 461 suites, offers numerous luxury experiences, such as freely poured Moet & Chandon and an unlimited raw bar in its Emporium Marketplace. The elegant rooms are adorned with Frette linens and robes, featuring sophisticated color palettes and materials akin to luxury resorts.
The dining options aboard are exceptional, showcased by the tasting-menu venue Anthology, where top chefs create rotating menus. The first collaboration is with Ristorante Uliassi, a Michelin three-star destination, which features an eight-course menu showcasing Adriatic seafood.
With its serene onboard environment and attentive service, the Explora I represents the epitome of premium cruising. Facilities include a spa with a variety of treatment options, a well-equipped fitness center, and even an outdoor fitness area where group activities take place.
In conclusion, Explora I is built to provide an unparalleled cruise experience, inviting guests to enjoy luxury, indulgence, and rich cultural exploration throughout the journey.
For those looking to explore the wonders of Northern Europe and beyond, Explora I will sail Northern Europe, New England, and Eastern Canada before heading south to the Caribbean. Seven-day trips aboard Explora I begin at $3,650 per person, all-inclusive.
