DUBAI, UAE – Luxury cruise operator Explora Journeys is reporting strong early interest in its inaugural 128-night world cruise, set to depart in . The voyage, aboard the EXPLORA I, will chart a course from Dubai to Barcelona, with options for passengers to disembark in New York or Miami.
Reservations opened less than two weeks ago, according to industry publication LATTE Luxury News, and the company is already seeing “strong early booking momentum.” The cruise marks Explora Journeys’ first foray into Australasian waters.
The “Endless Worlds” journey offers passengers a continuous passage across four continents and through 29 countries and territories, visiting 63 destinations, including 44 ports of call that are new to Explora Journeys itineraries. The voyage includes 12 overnight stays and traverses seven unique passages, according to Explora Journeys promotional material.
Passengers can choose from three itinerary lengths: the full 128-night voyage from Dubai to Barcelona, a 112-night option ending in New York City, or a 108-night journey concluding in Miami. The EXPLORA I will then continue on to Barcelona.
Anna Nash, President of Explora Journeys, told LATTE Luxury News that the response to the longest voyage ever offered by the company has been “very positive.” She noted that more than 50 percent of bookings received so far are for the full sailing to Barcelona.
“For a brand that was very much built on the art of listening, we knew this was something that our guests were asking for,” Nash explained. “Will you be doing a World Journey? When will you be launching?
was a common question from past guests.”
Interest is particularly strong from key markets in the United States, the United Kingdom, and France. The company is also reporting emerging demand from the Australian market, anticipating a significant number of passengers joining the cruise during its stopovers in Australasian waters.
The strong demand for the world cruise comes as Explora Journeys experiences high occupancy rates on its existing vessels, EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II. Nash stated that the Mediterranean season saw both ships operating at near capacity, and the Caribbean season was also nearly sold out.
“We’re very grateful to our trade partners who have supported us in the early stages to get the brand to where it is today,” Nash said. “We had a sellout summer season in the Mediterranean, the Caribbean was a near sell out – we still have some pockets of availability – but we’re looking forward to another sell out Mediterranean season.”
The increased demand has led to a rise in pricing, according to Nash. She also observed a trend of passengers booking higher-category suites, suggesting a willingness to spend more for a premium experience. “People appreciate the product and the space that we offer. Pricing has gone up in line with the response and the demand that we’re seeing earlier,
” she said.
Explora Journeys is also seeing a shift in booking timelines, with passengers reserving their spots closer to the departure date. The average age of Explora Journeys’ guests is in the mid-50s, and Nash believes this demographic often waits until their schedules allow before committing to a long voyage.
“The majority of bookings are coming within six months of travel, but we do see some guests booking quite close in – three months or earlier,” Nash explained. “Our guest is somebody that’s often constrained by the ebbs and flows of their professional working rhythm. The lead booking time seems to be getting closer and closer in to departure.”
The company is expanding its fleet, with EXPLORA III scheduled to launch in . Sales for EXPLORA VI are set to begin in , bringing the total number of ships in the Explora Journeys fleet to five. The company held a triple ceremony in early to mark the start of construction on EXPLORA VI.
Flights to and from the cruise departure and disembarkation points must be booked through the Explora Journeys Air Team, and passengers will receive a complimentary one-night pre-cruise hotel stay in Dubai, including breakfast, and be invited to a welcome evening event.
