Episode 595: Sailing in Style – Aimee’s Explora Journeys Experience
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In episode 595 of Fly Away, host Lindsay welcomes Outlander Travel agent Amy to share her immersive experience aboard Explora Journeys, a luxury ocean cruise line owned by MSC Cruises. Amy recounts her 8-day journey from Miami to San Juan, highlighting the ship’s yacht-style design, spacious and opulent suites with features like heated floors, Dyson hair dryers, and walk-in bathrooms, and an exceptional dining experience across nine included specialty restaurants and a unique 'Nata Buffet' for self-curated cheese and charcuterie boards. She praises the inclusive amenities—alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, Wi-Fi powered by Starlink, and no mandatory tipping—while noting the ship’s ability to access smaller ports like St. Thomas, St. Bart’s, Joost Van Dyke, and Antigua, often via tender. Despite being prone to motion sickness, Amy found the voyage smooth and relaxing, enjoying days spent lounging by multiple pools and hot tubs, attending lively onboard shows, and savoring the understated European-style luxury. The episode concludes with a heartfelt birthday surprise from her room attendant and a strong recommendation for travelers seeking a refined, hassle-free Caribbean escape with a focus on comfort, cuisine, and authentic island experiences.
Explora Journeys offers yacht-style luxury with spacious, thoughtfully designed suites featuring heated floors, Dyson hair dryers, and walk-in bathrooms.
All-inclusive amenities include drinks, Wi-Fi (via Starlink), gratuities, and access to nine specialty restaurants and a unique self-serve 'Nata Buffet'.
The ship’s smaller size allows access to intimate Caribbean ports like Joost Van Dyke and St. Bart’s, ideal for beach-focused travelers.
Dining is consistently excellent with no bad meals—highlighting homemade pasta, fresh seafood, and a wide bourbon selection for spirits lovers.
The onboard atmosphere is understated, European-style luxury with no formal dress code and a focus on comfort and personal space.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Introduction to Explora Journeys
Lindsay introduces the episode and welcomes Amy, an Outlander Travel agent, to share her firsthand experience on Explora Journeys, a new luxury cruise line under MSC Cruises, known for its yacht-style cruising and premium amenities.
Luxury Onboard: Suites and Amenities
“I had no idea there are all these different gauges and buttons, and I'm like, what is a timer? Is there a heat lamp in here, which I was excited about? And I turn it on, and the floor got warm. The floors, they have heated floors. And I kept that on 24-7.”
Dining Excellence and Inclusive Experience
“We did not have a single bad meal. We didn't have, even in the, and I've said this before with another cruise line recently, but they have one area that's, I guess, akin to a buffet, but it's not really a buffet.”
Port Access and Shore Excursions
“We were tendered there and we were tendered in St. Bart's. But the tender only took about, I don't know, five or ten minutes to get over.”
Onboard Atmosphere and Entertainment
Amy describes the relaxed, European-style ambiance, the absence of formal wear, and highlights of live shows including a Billy Joel tribute and a magician, along with the silent disco experience.
“When I arrived that night, our room was, it was weirdly dark except for two like spotlights were on the bed where there was no, okay, no, no. A birthday cake. There was like a birthday cake made out of towels with a little candle on top...”
“I had no idea there are all these different gauges and buttons, and I'm like, what is a timer? Is there a heat lamp in here, which I was excited about? And I turn it on, and the floor got warm. The floors, they have heated floors. And I kept that on 24-7.”
“I mean, I have tried Wi-Fi on ships. I've bought it before you don't have to buy it. It's included in that. That is huge because you can never connect. I never know if my, if I'm actually getting charged or not like.”
Host
Guest
Amy
person
Explora Journeys
organization
Lindsay
person
Scott
person
Outlander Travel
organization
St. Thomas
place
St. Bart's
place
Joost Van Dyke
place
Antigua
place
MSC Cruises
organization
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