Turning 50 deserved something special, and for me there was only one real contender: another journey with Explora Journeys.
Richard and I first experienced Explora when we cruised the Caribbean during our pre-wedding trip in 2024, and from the moment we stepped off, I knew I wanted to sail with them again. The relaxed luxury, exceptional food and faultless service had set the bar incredibly high - and I had been looking for the perfect excuse to return ever since. My 50th birthday provided exactly that excuse.
At Once in a Lifetime Holidays, we're experts in creating highly complex, emotionally significant journeys and high-value, high-stakes travel adventures for our clients - so it felt only right to apply that same expertise to planning my own milestone celebration. As we only had around a week available and wanted to travel in July, we decided to stay closer to home. Short flights and no overnight journey back from the Caribbean certainly appealed. Both Richard - my very understanding husband - and I immediately agreed it had to be Explora for such a special occasion.
We began studying the Mediterranean itineraries. One of the things I love about Explora Journeys is that they rarely repeat exactly the same route, so even returning to a familiar region feels like a completely different experience. Eventually, we found the perfect sailing aboard Explora II: Venice, Rovinj, Dubrovnik, Brindisi, Kotor, a relaxing day at sea and Milos, before finishing in Athens.
We flew into Venice the day before embarkation, something I always recommend when joining a cruise overseas. Flight delays and cancellations happen, and arriving a day early takes away the stress of potentially missing the ship - it also gave us the perfect excuse for a night in one of the world's most unique cities.
Despite having been awake since around 1.30am, I dragged Richard out for a whistle-stop sightseeing tour, taking in the Rialto Bridge, St Mark's Square, the Doge's Palace and the Bridge of Sighs before a fabulous evening meal and finally admitting defeat.
The following morning, it was time to travel to the cruise terminal - and what better way to leave Venice than by private water taxi? Travelling through the waterways with Venice disappearing behind us was an experience in itself. We arrived at the Fusina cruise terminal, where embarkation was an absolute breeze — within around 20 minutes we were onboard and being welcomed with the first of what would become many glasses of bubbles.
The following week was, quite simply, exceptional. After more than 30 years working in travel and being fortunate enough to experience some incredible hotels, ships and destinations, I am a harsh critic - my expectations are high and I am not easily wowed. But Explora had got me again.
The service throughout the ship was faultless without ever feeling formal or intrusive. The staff quickly remembered our preferences, our favourite drinks magically reappeared, and everything was delivered with genuine warmth. Explora describes its style as "relaxed luxury", and that's exactly what it is: no stuffiness, no need to dress formally, no rigid schedule to follow. With only 461 oceanfront suites and a maximum of 922 guests, Explora II feels far more boutique than many larger cruise ships, with plenty of peaceful corners, stylish bars and beautiful outdoor spaces.
Our Ocean Suite was beautiful, with an incredibly comfortable bed, a spacious bathroom and our own private terrace overlooking the sea. I honestly hadn't slept that well in years - perhaps it had something to do with being able to choose our preferred mattress topper, pillows and duvet before sailing. Those little details make such a difference and demonstrate just how personalised the Explora experience really is.
Food is a huge part of any travel experience for me, and Explora's dining options completely blew my mind the first time we sailed - and somehow managed to do it all over again this time. The Emporium Marketplace is unlike any buffet I've experienced at sea; think freshly prepared seafood, sushi, steaks, pasta and beautiful desserts, much of it made to order.
Alongside this sit numerous speciality restaurants, all included as part of the experience: Sakura for Asian-inspired dining, the Med Yacht Club for Mediterranean flavours, Fil Rouge for modern French cuisine, and Marble & Co. Grill for steak and seafood. Every meal was a taste explosion, yet surprisingly healthy too, with fresh ingredients and plenty of lighter choices throughout.
The drinks selection was every bit as impressive, with Champagne, premium wines, spirits, cocktails and speciality coffees all included throughout the day - no signing for drinks, no frightening bar bill waiting at the end. The pool team soon discovered my favourite tipple, a Grasshopper cocktail, and from that point onwards one always seemed to magically appear beside me. Richard, meanwhile, appeared to spend most of the week permanently holding a glass of Champagne. It was a tough life, but somebody had to do it.
The itinerary combined historic cities, beautiful coastlines and smaller destinations perfectly. Rovinj charmed us with colourful buildings and waterfront cafés, while Dubrovnik impressed with its dramatic Old Town and cable car views over the terracotta rooftops. Brindisi opened the door to southern Italy's famous trulli houses of Alberobello, before our arrival into Kotor became one of the most memorable moments of the entire journey - Explora II sailing slowly between towering green mountains, watched from our balcony in my pyjamas. After a restful day at sea, our final port of Milos delighted with crystal-clear water and a dramatic volcanic coastline, before we disembarked in Athens.
This journey was about celebrating my 50th birthday, but it became so much more: time together, a chance to slow down, and several beautiful destinations enjoyed from a ship that genuinely felt like a luxury resort at sea. We also met wonderful people from Britain, Europe, America and Australia - another part of travelling I love.
Would I sail with Explora again? Without hesitation. Explora Journeys has managed to impress me twice, and that's no easy achievement. For anyone who loves the idea of cruising but worries about large ships, crowds or rigid schedules, Explora could be the perfect introduction - combining the freedom of discovering several destinations with the standards of a luxury boutique hotel.
Explora Journeys' 2027 and 2028 itineraries span the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Iceland, Greenland, Alaska, Asia, the Caribbean, the Amazon, South America, the Red Sea and the Arabian Peninsula. With so many incredible destinations — and new ships joining the fleet — I'm certain our second Explora journey won't be our last.
Fancy experiencing relaxed luxury for yourself? At Once in a Lifetime Holidays we're experts in creating highly complex, emotionally significant journeys and high-value, high-stakes travel adventures - get in touch and let's find your perfect journey.
