Explora Journeys

About Explora Journeys

Explora Journeys stems from the long-held vision of the Aponte Vago family to redefine the ocean experience and create a category of its own. The vision is to offer guests a chance to experience an 'Ocean State of Mind' – the mindset that can be achieved when we escape to the ocean, relax, create memories and reconnect with what matters most in our lives.    

The European family roots and sense of style informs an intuitive appreciation of design and luxury, which Explora Journeys embodies through its modern, cosmopolitan, boutique hotel vibe – vibrant, yet intimate. Explora Journeys engaged Martin Francis, the accomplished British designer and architect with decades of experience working on some of the most iconic yachts on the water as part of the design team, to ensure the exterior profile of the Explora Journeys’ ships are more aligned to a superyacht than a traditional cruise ship. Other designers include SMC Design, AD Associates and De Jorio Luxury and Yacht Projects, who have worked with the Aponte Vago family for a number of years.

Explora Journeys offers the perfect blend of celebrated destinations and lesser-known off the beaten path locations, focusing on a slower pace, spending more time in each destination, to ensure guests can feel fully exhilarated and get under the skin of the local culture and environment, while not leaving their mark on the destination. Explora Journeys’ deep respect for the ocean is the central component of the journey, never forceful nor intrusive upon the destinations and local communities, and conscientious of the environment and sustainability.

A fleet of six ships, two of which are already under construction, will be created under the Explora Journeys brand from 2023 to 2028.