Explora II
Few would have guessed that such a famous journey could take place on something so different from what was imagined back then. A trip around the world, once just words in a book, is now made possible by technology that Verne couldn’t have anticipated.
This unique journey begins in Dubai when Explora Journeys launches a 128-day adventure aboard the sleek Explora 1. This trip visits 63 locations across four continents before arriving in Barcelona by 2029. Instead of quick hops, guests stay on board for extended periods, moving seamlessly from city to coast. Each port offers a new experience of rhythms, flavors, and landscapes, all crafted into a single, continuous adventure.
Explora Lounge
The journey consists of seven stages, called Passages, allowing guests to fully engage with each area. Starting in Dubai, the route crosses the dry deserts of Arabia and then reaches the ancient coastal towns of India. Next, the voyage heads to Singapore, with stops at beautiful beaches in Sri Lanka. The adventure continues into the southern hemisphere, passing Bali, then Komodo, followed by Papua New Guinea on the way to Australia, near the Great Barrier Reef.
Explora Lobby
From Australia, the ship moves to Auckland and enters New Zealand’s famous fjords. It then travels west, visiting the Cook Islands and Fiji, where the water is so clear it seems unreal, before reaching Tahiti. Crossing into South American waters, the trip pauses at Valparaíso, a colorful coastal city in Chile. Heading north, Lima is next; for those who want, there’s an option to go inland to the serene ruins of Machu Picchu. After navigating the Panama Canal, the rhythms of the Caribbean come alive. Eventually, Europe appears on the horizon, with the final destination of Barcelona. During this last stretch, the ship stops in New York City, Lisbon, and Cadiz. Guests spend the night in port twelve times, giving them full evenings and mornings to explore.
Retreat Residence
Unveiled in 2023, Explora 1 serves as a luxury floating hotel. It features 461 oceanfront suites with private terraces, six restaurants, 12 bars and lounges, five heated indoor and outdoor pools, wellness facilities, and various modern conveniences. Anna Nash, president of Explora Journeys, describes the voyage as “an opportunity to experience the world as a single, continuous story. Each leg is designed for unhurried discovery, cultural curiosity, intuitive service, and a deep connection to the sea. From the tranquility of a Balinese temple to the vastness of the open ocean, this journey offers a true sanctuary for authentic exploration.”
Around the world in 128 days, this trip begins on January 6 and ends on May 14, 2029. For those seeking a shorter experience, there’s an option for 112 days, sailing from Dubai to New York City, or 108 days from Dubai to Miami. Bookings have just opened; you can contact an agent or visit the Explora Journeys website. www.explorajourneys.com
