There’s something about the ocean that resets you — a quiet, expansive magic that can’t quite be replicated on land. It isn’t just the way the horizon seems endless, or the way the salt air feels somehow both exhilarating and calming. It’s something deeper, a shift that happens internally — a softening of the edges, a rediscovery of wonder, a slower way to reach your destination without the hustle of an airport. Explora Journeys, the luxury cruise brand known for its all-suite accommodations and immersive, slower-paced itineraries, calls it the Ocean State of Mind — that rare feeling when the world fades away and life unfolds at the rhythm of the sea.
Explora Journeys isn’t traditional cruising; it’s something entirely new. Intimate, design-forward ships. Suites, penthouses, and residences that have the comforts of home. Curated, immersive itineraries that favor discovery over checklist tourism. Thoughtful itineraries and elegantly slow experiences turn time at sea into something personal, unforgettable, and rare — moments where travel will still surprise and enchant you. Whether chasing Northern Lights in Iceland, reveling in the timeless romance of the Mediterranean, or island-hopping through the Caribbean, Explora Journeys’ sailings offer a collection of journeys worth dreaming about and will linger long after the last sunset.
Here are five that have me ready to pack my bags.
Discover the Ocean State of Mind
Chasing Northern Lights: Reykjavik to Akureyri and Beyond
Iceland has always felt otherworldly — lava fields that stretch to the horizon, steaming hot springs nestled against glaciers, waterfalls tumbling down mossy cliffs. Setting sail from Reykjavik with Explora Journeys, the experience unfolds like a dreamscape, gliding along Iceland’s dramatic coastline toward Akureyri and the ethereal Faroe Islands.
It’s not just the scenery — though there will be moments that feel almost cinematic — it is the juxtaposition of untamed landscapes with the quietness of life on the ship. Mornings are spent sipping coffee on a private terrace as a glacier floats by. Afternoons exploring ports where the natural world reigns supreme. And evenings watching the sunset blur into midnight. This isn’t a trip — it’s an immersion into wildness and wonder. And let’s not forget an absolutely incredible opportunity to capture photos you can only take from this angle.
Mediterranean Dreams: Athens to Funchal
There’s a certain kind of romance only the Mediterranean can conjure — the scent of rosemary blowing in the wind, the golden light spilling across white buildings, the feeling that you’ve stepped into a painting. Sailing from Athens to Funchal, this voyage captures the best of it — a collision of ancient beauty and sun-drenched seascapes.
Winding through the Greek Isles before reaching the lush landscapes of Madeira, each stop feels like a chapter in a romance novel. Days spent wandering hidden coves and historic harbors gave way to nights dining alfresco under the stars. It’s the kind of trip where the only thing more romantic than an evening with your special someone is the freedom and time to rediscover yourself.
The Art of Slow Travel: Barcelona to Miami
I’ll admit: there’s always been something both thrilling and slightly formidable about the idea of a transatlantic crossing. Sailing from Barcelona to Miami aboard Explora I makes the crossing feel less like a daunting voyage and more like a slow, cleansing exhale. While visiting the world’s most historic and glamorous ports of call has endless allure, is there any greater freedom than not having anything on your itinerary at all besides another trip to the spa or sunset with a cocktail in hand?
Leaving the art, architecture, and vibrancy of Barcelona behind, the ship becomes your floating sanctuary. Mornings begin with sunrise yoga facing the endless horizon while afternoons disappear lounging by the pool or in the spa. Somewhere around day four you’ll realize that the ocean isn’t just the backdrop — it is the destination. This is slow travel at its best.
Island Time, Redefined: Miami to San Juan
A Miami to San Juan sojourn offers the perfect antidote for post-Thanksgiving chaos, where turquoise waters and island breezes abound. Trading crowded shopping malls and the early-winter chill for sun-kissed beaches and slow-moving afternoons, this journey feels like hitting a cosmic reset button.
A port like St. Barth beckons with a blend of laid-back luxury and natural beauty. Say goodbye to the nightmares of Black Friday as you pop in to explore more than 30 artisan brands or stroll around some of the world’s best boutiques in Gustavia. Back on board and your shopping craving satiated, Explora Journeys’ relaxed elegance continues — think chilled glasses of rosé by the pool, artfully curated destination experiences, and plenty of quiet corners to savor the moment. It’s not just a vacation, it’s what holiday season happiness could (and should!) look like. You and everyone on your shopping list will come away with an unforgettable memory.
Caribbean Bliss: Miami Roundtrip
December in the Caribbean: when everyone else is battling cold snaps and last-minute holiday chaos, you could be basking under endless blue skies. Even better, rather than dealing with one rowdy airport scene after another, enjoy the laid-back leisure of sailing directly between the world’s best beaches. Might we suggest that this is the perfect sailing to toast the holiday season with the one you love. The Miami round-trip sailing aboard Explora I invites you to step into that sun-drenched fantasy — a loop through the Caribbean’s most idyllic islands, designed for unrushed bliss.
Whether it’s snorkeling through colorful reefs, savoring freshly caught seafood, or simply being lazy on a secluded beach, each day offers something different. Evenings onboard include live music, candlelit dinners featuring world-class cuisine, and the sound of the sea. It’s an escape that feels both restorative and wildly luxurious — the perfect prelude to the new year ahead, not to mention the idyllic capstone to the year that was, that will be your new holiday tradition.
Why Now: An Invitation to Explore
Planning a cruise at sea isn’t just about finding an itinerary, it’s about finding a state of mind. Explora Journeys has created something rare — a way to travel that feels deeply personal and effortlessly transformative. Set sail in ultra-elegance and enjoy up to $2,000 savings per suite to offset your air travel arrangements on select journeys throughout 2025.
Featured image courtesy of Explora Journeys. In Partnership with Explora Journeys.
