A Different Kind of Cruise: My First Solo Journey with Explora
by Tony Huffman, Founder of Huffman Travel
I’ve spent most of my life traveling with my wife, whether scouting new destinations for clients or just getting away together. This was the first trip I’d taken without her. I didn’t know exactly what to expect, only that I wanted to be on the water again. I chose Explora Journeys for my first solo cruise, partly out of curiosity. They’re a relatively new name in luxury cruising, and I wanted to see what they were doing differently.
The first thing I’ll say is this: Explora isn’t your typical cruise. Their ships, three so far, with more coming, don’t feel like cruise ships at all. They feel like high-end floating hotels. No set meal times, no Broadway shows, no flash. Just thoughtful design, good food, and a very well-trained team who know what hospitality actually means.
Each ship holds around 900 guests, which makes a big difference. It never felt crowded. The service was personal, but never over the top. Every single staff member I encountered was warm, attentive, and polished, not one weak link. I’ve seen a lot of luxury service over the years, and I can tell you this team is getting something very right in how they train and hire.
My suite was large, with a balcony and plenty of space to move around. It felt more like a room at a modern European hotel than a cabin. The décor throughout the ship was beautiful, clean lines, marble finishes, and a quiet elegance. No one was trying too hard. It just worked.
Explora is all-inclusive, which I appreciated. Meals, drinks, gratuities, it’s all covered. And the dining was genuinely excellent. Six restaurants in total, each focused on different regional cuisines. I liked all of them, but the French restaurant, Fil Rouge, was a standout. The presentation was beautiful, and the food matched it. Try the lobster tails.
One detail I especially liked was the variety of atmosphere throughout the ship. There’s no giant theatre or overwhelming venues. Instead, you get intimate lounges with live music, a comfortable pool bar, my favorite spot, and a Marketplace that rethinks the typical buffet approach with staff-prepared dishes throughout the day.
The shore excursions were unique, with a focus on deeper experiences rather than just checking boxes. I didn’t take part in every one, but what I saw was well curated and well run.
What stood out to me most, though, wasn’t one big “wow” moment. It was the overall tone of the experience. Everything felt calm, unrushed, and intentional. It gave me time to reflect, to reset, and to enjoy being on my own without feeling out of place. That’s not always easy to pull off, especially for solo travelers.
I came aboard with a lot on my mind and left with some clarity. Travel doesn’t fix everything, but it can offer space, perspective, and sometimes the kind of quiet luxury that really matters.
Explora delivered on that.
