When you embark on an Explora Journeys cruise — whether sailing the azure Mediterranean from Athens to Santorini, exploring the fjords of Norway, or discovering the Caribbean’s hidden gems — one of the most overlooked yet impactful steps in planning is setting your room preferences early in the process. This ensures your experience feels less like a standard cruise and more like a bespoke stay in a high‑end hotel suite at sea.
Unlike traditional cruise carriers where cabin assignments are often an afterthought, Explora treats your suite as your sanctuary — an extension of your travel personality. But how exactly do you communicate your desires for bedding, beverages, beverages, and other suite comforts? Let’s break it down.
Customizing Your Explora Experience
The Starting Point: Booking & Suite Selection
Before you can set room preferences, you first choose your suite. Explora offers a range of suite categories — from elegantly sized Ocean Terrace Suites to palatial Ocean Residences — each with its own level of luxury inclusions and personalized touches.
When you select your suite category, either through the Explora website or, more effectively, via a luxury travel advisor, indicate any preference for location (midship for calm seas, forward for expansive views, or higher decks for sun and ocean panoramas) so that your chosen room aligns with your travel style.
At this stage you can also note specific requests — for example, connecting suites for families or adjacent rooms for groups — so that Explora’s team can begin planning your ideal configuration.
Logging into “Journey Preferences”
Once you’ve booked your voyage — ideally well in advance — log into your Explora Journeys account and navigate to your Journey Preferences section. This central portal is where you set the details that will shape your suite experience. Key options typically include:
Bedding & Sleep Environment
- Duvet preferences: Hypoallergenic, feather, or blanket.
- Pillow type: Soft, firm, or a tailored mix.
- Mattress firmness: Firm or flexible.
Fragrance & Ambiance
Select either the standard Explora fragrance or request fragrance‑free linens — ideal if you’re sensitive to scents.
Welcome Drinks
Start your journey with perfectly tailored refreshments:
- Choose whether you’d like alcoholic or non‑alcoholic welcome beverages.
- Pick your complimentary wine (red or white).
- Select a welcome spirit from options like Cognac, Gin, Vodka, or Whisky.
These selections are a thoughtful way to ensure your first moments onboard reflect your taste — whether that’s sipping chilled rosé as the sun sets over Mykonos or toasting your arrival in Barbados with premium cognac.
Special Requests & Dietary Needs
Explora knows that luxury is personal. If you have dietary restrictions, allergies, or mobility requirements, include these details through the Journey Preferences portal — or contact Explora’s support team directly. This allows chefs and hosts to tailor menus and services before you ever set sail.
For example, if you’re vegan, gluten‑free, or require kosher meals, noting this early can mean your first breakfast in port is as delicious as anywhere on land. Your suite attendant will happily discuss any specific needs you have should you prefer last‑minute refinements.
Tips for Personalized Suite Service
Explora’s guest services go beyond fixed checkboxes. Here’s how to get even more tailored comfort:
1. Communicate with Your Butlers or Hosts
Once your suite is assigned, you can contact your suite attendant directly to share preferences for mini‑bar contents, daily turn‑down details, towel counts, or room temperature. These personal notes often result in service that feels intuitive, not prescribed.
2. Leverage Your Travel Advisor
A luxury travel advisor acts as your advocate with Explora’s team. Advisors can often secure early access to preference settings or follow up on your behalf if the portal doesn’t capture nuanced requests.
3. Confirm Before Departure
Weeks before embarkation, check your Journey Preferences one last time. Explora’s team may reach out for clarity, but confirming your selections ensures nothing is overlooked.
Expert Recommendation
Do not delay setting your Explora room preferences. The earlier you complete your Journey Preferences, the more likely the team can secure your exact requests — especially during peak sailing seasons like summer in the Mediterranean or the holidays in the Caribbean.
Ready to sail in style? Call us now at 888-717-5074 to customize your Explora suite and elevate your luxury journey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I choose my cabin or suite on Explora?
A: Yes — you can select your preferred suite at the time of booking and indicate specific requests to your travel advisor.
Q: Are room preferences guaranteed?
A: All room preference requests are subject to availability and may be confirmed closer to departure once assignments are finalized.
Q: What if I have a dietary restriction?
A: You should include any allergies or dietary needs in your Journey Preferences or via direct contact with Explora’s guest services so the culinary team can prepare accordingly.
Q: Can I change my preferences after booking?
A: Yes, you can update most preferences before your voyage — and your suite attendant can often fine‑tune service once onboard.
Q: Who should I contact if I need help setting preferences?
A: Contact your travel advisor for personal assistance.
