Explora Journeys is adding a dedicated program that caters for multi-generations travelling together.
This new offering includes suites that interconnect, a Nautilus Club for younger ones and teenagers, and special destination experiences created for all generations of families embarking on board EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II.
Interconnecting suites
Guests can choose from 78 interconnecting suites in three categories: Ocean Suites, Ocean Penthouses and Ocean Residences. These "onboard apartments" allow families the privacy they require. Families can choose a permutation that will give them the space required for their group. Amenities include dedicated bathrobes, slippers and hangers as well as baby cribs and bedlinens, blankets and baby pillows.
Journey Together Gathering
For guests booking a minimum of three/maximum of four suites, with one suite required to be an Ocean Penthouse or Ocean Residence, groups can enjoy this space together as a social hub, to gather, relax and enjoy each other’s company in a private setting. In addition, travellers with children can benefit from one under-18 in each suite sailing for free as well as complimentary transfers to the ship for all guests booked on the Journey Together Gathering program.
Me-time for grownups
Parents looking for downtime can enjoy a drink, a swim, quiet views at the Helios Pool & Bar, reserved solely for adults. In the other public spaces – restaurants, lounges, pools and bars – children are more than welcome. At any time of the day, the culinary team will offer a variety of choices to accommodate the wishes of little guests.
Chris Austin, Chief Sales Officer, of Explora Journeys, said: “Designing our Journey Together Gatherings program has been a highly collaborative process with the travel advisor community. We are proud to launch this unique programe, providing a valuable opportunity to target gatherings of friends and multi-generational families.”
Destination experiences specially for families
Destination experiences will offer children the opportunity to discover more about the planet, including "edutainment" activities which might include a visit to a space centre where they will be hosted by an astronaut. Budding oceanographers might find themselves on a whale-watching adventure brought to life by stories from a marine biologist.
Engaging younger guests
Nautilus Club: Open from 9:00 a.m. to midnight, the huge choice of games, sports, adventures and activities will provide a release for guests aged 6-17. This includes dedicated time at the Sports Court and one of the heated swimming pools, as well as additional locations around the ship. Throughout, they will be led by Nautilus Club hosts certified in safeguarding children and following CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) policies and standards on youth activities.
Little guests aged 3 to 5 (accompanied by a parent or guardian) are welcome at Nautilus Club. They will find time slots exclusively dedicated to their age group, packed with activities created specifically for them. Explora Journeys notes infants aged 6–24 months will have age-appropriate toys available in-suite, but no organized activities or facilities at Nautilus Club.
Nautilus Club offers consoles such as PlayStation 5 and PlayStation VR2, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, iPads and Oculus Pro. If guests feel like testing themselves against their peers, they can do so in organized technology tournaments.
Competitive youngsters can find an outlet in a foosball and multi-game table, plus a contemporary pool table. When they feel like chilling out with new friends, there’s a jukebox tablet connected to streaming platforms such as Spotify and Apple, a wide selection of board games, and a multilingual digital library with books offering a variety of genres.
Young creative talents can enjoy the paint art and craft play sessions, while everyone can find fun and games in locations throughout the ship. When it’s time to take a break, a chill-out space offers quiet relaxation.
Nautilus Club and MSC Foundation: In partnership with the MSC Foundation, Nautilus Club gives young ambassadors for the environment an activity program focused on caring for planet Earth and its oceans. Designed to engage and inform young minds, these include immersive workshops and discussions on marine conservation, environmental footprint, the sustainable practices employed on board Explora Journeys’ ships, the impact of tourism, and community support.
Savings for younger travellers
Young explorers and their families can take advantage of savings when they journey together:
- Infants aged 6–23 months sail free of charge.
- Children aged 2–17 years can enjoy up to 50 per cent off the journey fare.
To benefit from this offer, infants and children need to be registered as the third or fourth guests in the same suite. The first and second guests are not eligible, regardless of their age at time of sailing. Age-related savings are only applicable for the age at the time of saving.
Explora also notes that "we look forward to welcoming (infants) once they reach the age of 6 months."
For more information on Explora Journeys, visit its website.
