Step-by-Step Guide to Booking Explora Journeys: Everything You Need to Know
Step-by-Step Guide to Booking Explora Journeys
Booking a luxury cruise with Explora Journeys should feel seamless — but given the premium positioning, unique inclusions, specialized terms, and evolving booking platform, many first-time guests wonder: “Where do I start?” This guide walks you through step by step, breaking down each phase, highlighting common pitfalls, and giving insider tips. Use this as your reference manual to book with confidence.
Let’s dive in.
1. Understand What Explora Journeys Includes & Why It Matters
Before diving into booking, you must know what’s included in your fare — that affects your budgeting, comparisons vs. other lines, and what add-ons you’ll need to plan.
Per Explora’s terms and FAQs, the Journey fare normally covers:
Suite accommodation
All meals on board
Alcoholic beverages, cocktails, soft drinks, mineral water
Gratuities & all onboard service charges
Port charges
Unlimited WiFi internet
Entertainment where offered
Complimentary transfers from port to town center (where applicable)
It’s important to confirm which version of a fare you are booking, because certain promotions or suite categories may include extra perks or variations.
Knowing this baseline helps you evaluate add-ons like shore excursions, specialty restaurants, or private transfers, and avoid being surprised later.
2. Choose Your Voyage & Itinerary
Journey Start by browsing all available Exploras itineraries for your travel dates, region, and length preferences (e.g. Mediterranean, Caribbean, Northern Europe). On the official site, you’ll find “Journeys” listed by date and route.
When selecting:
Consider the length (7 nights, 10 nights, multi-week)
Pay attention to embarkation and debarkation ports
Check if the route includes “hidden harbors” or exclusive ports
Note seasonal timing (peak vs. shoulder)
See which voyages have promotional or early booking benefits
Once you pick a voyage, you’ll move to suite selection.
3. Decide on Suite Category & Guest Configuration
Explora offers multiple suite categories — for example, Ocean Terrace, Ocean Grand Terrace, Penthouse, and Ocean Residences. Each category may differ in view, square footage, terrace, and included amenities.
When choosing:
Match the suite to your party size (couples, family, group)
Review terrace size, view, and configuration
For “Guarantee Suites,” be aware: Explora may assign the specific suite number closer to sailing (you accept any in that class)
If you have preferences (e.g. twin vs king beds, adjacency, mobility needs), make note of them early
Always compare promotional fares (e.g. “Unique Escapes”) which might offer special pricing for certain suite categories — these promos sometimes come with reduced deposits. According to travelers, the Unique Escapes offer allows a reduced deposit (10 %) for certain suites like Ocean Terrace / Grand Terrace.
Selecting the right suite early ensures you don’t later regret being stuck with a suboptimal view or layout.
4. Contact Method: Direct vs. Travel Advisor vs. Virtuoso / Stars Desk
You have options to route your booking:
| Booking Option | Included Benefits |
|---|---|
| Direct with Explora / Authorized Agent |
|
| General Travel Advisor |
|
| Stars Desk (Virtuoso Preferred Partner) |
|
Booking via a trusted travel advisor (especially a Virtuoso/Stars Desk partner) often gives you access to exclusive perks (onboard credits, upgrades, extras) that may not be publicly listed. This also helps smooth issues or custom requests.
If you book direct, ensure you use the official Explora site or authorized agents to avoid scams. Always confirm the agent is legitimate.
5. Place an Option Booking
Explora’s policy allows optional booking — meaning you reserve a spot for a short “option period” before committing full payment.
During this option period:
The fare and suite are temporarily held
You can confirm or modify the booking
The deposit must be made in the allowed timeframe (see next section)
Typically, you have 7 days from placing the option booking to confirm with deposit — though this window can shrink depending on how close to departure your booking is.
If you fail to pay the deposit in time, the booking may be canceled automatically.
Note: the option booking is not a binding contract until you pay the deposit.
6. Confirm Deposit & Payment Terms
Once you place your option booking, you must pay the deposit to convert it into a confirmed booking. Tailor your plans carefully based on these rules. Explora’s terms specify:
A 25% deposit of the Journey fare is standard.
There are reduced deposit promotions (e.g. “Unique Escapes”) — in some cases, as low as 10 % deposit for select suite categories.
Payment deadlines depend on how far out from sailing your booking is:
If you book within 90 days of sailing (or 150 days for Ocean Residences), you may have to pay full fare at time of booking. Explora Journeys+1
| Timeframe | Deposit Due Time |
|---|---|
| Up to 121 days before departure | Within 7 days of option confirmation |
| 120 to 31 days before departure | Within 3 days |
| Less than 30 days before departure | Within 1 day |
Once deposit is accepted, a Booking Confirmation is sent, and a contract is formed.
7. Final Payment & Deadlines
After deposit, you must settle the balance (full payment) by the deadline:
Generally, full payment is required no later than 90 days prior to departure.
For Ocean Residences, the deadline may be 150 days prior, unless otherwise stated.
If booking close to departure (within those windows), full payment is due immediately.
Failure to pay the balance on time allows Explora to cancel your booking and apply cancellation charges.
It’s wise to set reminders well in advance so you don’t miss these critical windows.
8. Add Pre-/Post-Journey Hotels & Transfers
Often travelers want smooth logistics before and after their voyage. Explora offers pre- and post-journey hotel + transfer booking options, subject to terms.
Key points:
You can request hotel + transfer bookings from 35 days up to 25 hours prior to sailing.
Not all sailings will allow this — availability and pricing may vary
Ensure your flights land with enough buffer for embarkation
If you don’t use Explora’s hotel/transfer service, make your own reservations but leave generous buffer for delays.
9. Amendments, Name Changes, and Flexibility
Life happens. Explora does allow amendments — but under defined rules.
You can move your journey (to a different departure date) for some suite categories:
Ocean Suites / Ocean Penthouses: up to 120 days before departure
Ocean Residences: up to 200 days before departure
Name changes are allowed, subject to conditions
If you adjust too late or fall outside allowed windows, additional fees or loss of refund may apply
Be sure to review the full Booking Terms & Conditions to understand amendment penalties.
10. Online Check-In & Guest Documentation
As with many cruise lines, Explora offers online check-in prior to embarkation.
To complete check-in, you’ll typically need:
Booking number
Full guest names, birthdates
Passport / identity documentation
Any special requests
Make sure all names match passports exactly. Late changes or errors can cause boarding delays.
Explora also requires each guest to register, sometimes through “Explora Club.”
11. Confirm Extras: Shore Excursions, Spa, Specialty Dining
Once your booking is confirmed, you’ll want to plan your extras:
Destination Experiences / Shore Excursions — You can browse, book, modify, or cancel excursions through the booking portal or “My Bookings.”
Spa, wellness treatments, specialty dining — Many of these must be reserved ahead, especially for peak voyages
Transfers, private guides, add-ons — Arrange early to lock availability
Advice from travelers: the online portal may lag or freeze when managing extras, so if problems arise, contact your advisor or Explora “Ambassador.”
Also: Some have questioned whether onboard credit (OBC) can be used toward excursions booked pre-cruise — the policy is not always clear.
12. What to Do If the Booking Website Fails
Technology isn’t perfect. Several travelers report challenges using Explora’s website (freezes, errors, “0 bookings” despite confirmed status).
If this happens:
Try a different browser or device
Clear cache / use private mode
Contact your travel advisor or Explora’s support
Ask for manual confirmation or screenshots
Use phone or email to finalize critical steps
Always request a booking confirmation number and a written record.
13. Frequently Asked Questions During Booking
Below are some common “sticking points” and answers:
| Question | Answer / Tip |
|---|---|
| Can I hold a booking without deposit? | You can place an option booking, but must confirm with deposit within the allowable window or risk cancellation. |
| Can I pay less than 25% deposit? | Only under certain promotions (e.g. Unique Escapes) for select suites — these may allow 10% deposit. |
| What if I book late? | If booking within 90 days (or 150 days for Residences), full fare may be required upfront. |
| Are gratuities included? | Yes — gratuities are already part of the Journey fare. |
| Can I bring someone else in my place? | Transfers to another person are possible if conditions are met and written notice is given (often 14 days prior). |
| What if I want to upgrade suite later? | Upgrades may be possible, subject to availability — contact your advisor or Explora Ambassador. |
| Is insurance required? | Explora encourages full travel insurance (including COVID coverage) and provides flexibility in cancellations. |
14. Summary & Best Practice Checklist
Before you click “Confirm,” run through this checklist:
Review what is included in your chosen fare
Select itinerary and suite that match your preferences
Decide booking channel (advisor vs direct)
Place option booking if available
Pay the deposit within the allowed window
Note final payment deadline and set reminders
Add pre-/post-journey logistics if needed
Complete online check-in & verify documentation
Reserve excursions, spa, dining early
Monitor website performance; have fallback options
Keep copies of confirmations, terms, agent emails
Once all is confirmed, you can turn your attention to packing, planning shore days, and anticipating the journey ahead.
Closing Thoughts & Pro Tips
Book early — Explora offers Early Booking Benefits (e.g. discounts) if you reserve well in advance.
Use a trusted advisor — Because the platform and policies can be complex, an experienced agent (especially via Virtuoso / Stars Desk) can help with perks, troubleshooting, and navigating promos.
Stay organized — With deposit windows and final payment deadlines, set alerts or calendar reminders.
Be proactive with extras — Shore excursions and spa slots fill fast — decide early.
Backup your materials — If the website goes down, having emails, screenshots, and alternate contact methods is essential.
