Join Jann in Israel, Egypt, Saudi Arabia & Jordan
from 2 to 21 November 2024 on the newly launched Explora II
Please note that this is a combination of 2 cruises that can be booked separately: Athens to Jeddah from 2 to 12 November and Jeddah round trip from 12 to 21 November. Full details are further down.
Explora Journeys is redefining ocean travel for a new generation of discerning explorers. With the first of four luxury ships scheduled to set sail in July 2023, remarkable itineraries will blend renowned destinations with lesser-travelled ports for a journey that celebrates discovery. Whether on board or ashore, guests will reconnect with what matters most—themselves, their loved ones, and the world around them.
Our guests are naturally curious and seek inspiration. We offer the perfect blend of celebrated destinations and lesser-known spots that inspire our guest’s curiosity. Our ocean escapes are focused on a slower pace; we stay a bit longer, sometimes overnight, in each destination so that our guests can linger a little longer and feel exhilarated and not exhausted. A perfect day of relaxed mornings and exciting evenings, away from mass experiences, crowds and over tourism.
With 461 oceanfront suites, every guest will enjoy sweeping sea views and a private terrace, while being spoilt for choice with nine distinct culinary venues providing unrivalled variety at sea. Equipped with the latest in environmental-supporting and marine technologies, Explora Journeys will introduce a unique all-inclusive luxury travel experience for those who want to explore differently. Attached, please find a brochure of the Explora I & II.
“The Explora II is being launched in August 2024 and I’ve chosen the following back-to-back cruises as they’re interesting and include fascinating highlights that are often difficult to get to. It will be fabulous to be on a beautiful new ship with a great choice of restaurants and things to do; I do hope you can join me.” Jann Porter, Owner of Cruise Options
A Journey to Israel, Egypt and Arabia
Piraeus (for Athens), Greece to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia from 2 to 12 November 2024
From the heart of Ancient Greece to the trade hubs of Arabia, this is a journey into the origins of empires. After delving into myths and legends in Athens, the white lighthouse of Paphos heralds our arrival in Cyprus, the birthplace of Aphrodite, whose loveliness is mirrored in paradisical beaches.
The setting sun paints the sky lavender in Haifa, where the golden-domed Shrine of the Bab and its fabled Hanging Gardens transform the flanks of Mount Carmel into a modern Eden. Manmade marvels appear as we approach Port Said and squeeze through the Suez Canal, the arrow-straight conduit connecting the cool Mediterranean to the warm waters of the Red Sea.
Embrace the sanctity of the underwater world and swim through crystalline waters in Sharm El Sheikh, our beachfront refuge and gateway to the Sinai Peninsula. The call to prayer marks our arrival in Jeddah, cosmopolitan crossroads of culture, where Incense Route merchants and Mecca-bound pilgrims have mingled for centuries.
A Journey to Age-Old Red Sea Kingdoms
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia roundtrip from 12 to 21 November 2024
Follow trade routes into the heart of Egyptian and Nabataean empires on this journey through four UNESCO-listed marvels. Discover the legacy of maritime merchants among the elaborately carved mashrabiya balconies of Jeddah’s historic Al-Balad neighbourhood, then set sail into the past. Aqaba leads us to the Rose City of Petra, a warren of tombs and temples, hewn into pink sandstone mountains 2000 years ago: your reward for conquering the narrow gorge locals call Al-Siq.
Imagine the resplendence of Egyptian pharaohs as we amble awestruck around the mighty Nile-side temples of Luxor and Karnak, enchanted by tales of gods and treasures in the ancient city of Thebes. The Red Sea carries us to the historical gem of Al Wajh where wonders await in the UNESCO sanctuary of Hegra that rises from an otherworldly desert landscape and cradles 111 monumental tombs etched into rocky outcrops by the forgotten hands of the Nabatean civilisation.
Let us know if you’d like pricing for the individual cruises.
OCEAN TERRACE SUITES (28m2 suite plus 7 or 11m2 balcony) on Decks 6 & 7
Prices range from $11 500 to $14 050 per person sharing and $13 200 to $16 050 for single occupancy.
Most suites have a large walk in shower but there are some suites with a shower over the bath.
OCEAN PENTHOUSES (34 to 47m2 suite plus 10 to 21m2 balcony) on Decks 6, 7, 8, 9 & 10
Prices range from $15 600 to $20 150 per person sharing and $20 150 to $26 150 for single occupancy.
Most suites have a large walk in shower but there are some suites with a shower over the bath.
OCEAN RESIDENCES (56 to 74m2 suite plus 14 to 75m2 balcony) on Decks 7, 8, 9 & 10
Prices range from $47 200 to $60 900 per person sharing and $30 600 to $39 500 for single occupancy.
The bathroom has a bathtub and separate walk in shower.
OWNER’S RESIDENCE (155m2 suite plus 125m2 balcony) on Deck 8
$167 200 per person sharing and $108 650 for single occupancy.
The bathroom has a bathtub and separate walk in shower.
Prices vary depending on the size of the suite and the location on the ship (aft, forward, midship & which deck); please let us know which category you’re interested in and if you’d prefer a bath or shower. Refer to the attached brochure for more information.
Let us know if you’d like to save 5% by paying in full within 5 days of making a booking.
Group Amenity: €300 Onboard Credit per suite.
About Explora I
Designed in partnership with the world’s foremost superyacht and luxury hospitality designers, this innovative ship will seamlessly blend elegant Swiss precision with modern European craftsmanship. With 461 oceanfront suites, penthouses and residences, guests will enjoy striking views at sea and in port from their floor to ceiling windows and personal private terrace.
Fourteen decks will provide ample indoor public space, maximising guest choice and seclusion. Generous outdoor decks will boast more than 2,500 m2 (26,909 ft2) overlooking the sea, with 64 private cabanas across 3 outdoor pools. A fourth pool, with a retractable glass roof, will allow swimming and poolside relaxation in any weather. Combined with various indoor and outdoor whirlpools on the ship’s promenade deck, the ship was designed with water as a focal point to put guests in an ocean state of mind.
With the perfect blend of intimate and vibrant spaces, a guest to crew ratio of 1.25 to 1 ensures anticipatory service at every turn. Tailored to suit personal preferences, flexible dining times at nine distinct culinary venues will provide unrivalled variety at sea.
Each venue will celebrate global culinary talents, with a focus on wholesome ingredients sustainably sourced from local partners. To make sure guests are spoilt for choice, several indoor and outdoor bars and lounges will also be available.
The suites are all ocean front with private terraces featuring large floor-to-ceiling windows and comfortable daybeds for relaxation and an alfresco dining area.
The Ocean Suites are amongst the largest in their category at 35 m2 (377 ft2). Suites include lounge areas, private refrigerated mini bar, replenished according to the guest preferences, espresso machine and tea maker with a complimentary selection of coffee and teas. All suites include spacious walk-in wardrobes with a seated vanity area.
The Ocean Penthouses are 43 m2 (463 ft2) to 68 m2 and offer large floor to ceiling windows and expansive terraces. These larger suites include separate dining tables for 4 guests, spacious work desk areas and additional services such as complimentary dry cleaning.
The Ocean Residences are 70 m2 (753 ft2) to 149 m2 and offer a home away from home, with sweeping deck / terrace spaces that all include a private outdoor whirlpool, living and dining rooms and dedicated private butler services.
Personalisation continues in wellness with a spacious indoor/ outdoor spa and fitness area on board. From treatment rooms to state-of-the-art fitness equipment, group workout classes to personal training appointments, tailor-made programmes make staying well while on holiday easy and enjoyable. Bespoke wellness experiences in each destination will make relaxation and rejuvenation easily accessible onboard and ashore.
A Celebration of Talents, Cultures and Passions
A celebration of global talents and cultures, the gastronomic and beverage riches aboard Explora Journeys take their influences from across the globe, bringing personality, sophistication, and a dash of soul to the culinary experience at sea, whether in one of the elegant restaurants, by a pool or on a private terrace.
Herewith a link to a 2-minute video: A Taste of Exploration.
6 restaurants · 12 bars and lounges (8 indoor and 4 outdoor) · In-Suite Dining · Chef’s Kitchen
It’s really exciting to not only have a new ship to tell you about but a differentiated luxury brand for discerning travellers and I do hope that you’ll join me on these fascinating cruises.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Best regards,
Jann
We look forward to hearing from you and helping you plan your ideal holiday – 021 434 9394