'Lovely touches' make all the difference in Explora I's suites

For example, when it comes to something as seemingly mundane as the closet hangers, they're wooden and line racks topped with a rubber strip so they don't bang together when the ship moves.

'Lovely touches' emerged from meticulous research

Every suite has 'lovely touches,' said Explora Journeys' Helen Beck, head of global sales excellence. These emerged from meticulous research with more than 20,000 travelers including so-called 'cruise rejectors.'

To deliver the brand's 'ocean state of mind' promise, Explora I suites have a Zen-like serenity with a selection of calming music.

Books in the suites

'I personally love the homey details in all the suites, like the books, because I love to read,' Beck said.

The book titles are cleverly arranged to tell a story. For instance, in one suite, the volumes were, in order, 'The Explorer' (William Somerset Maugham), 'Set Sail' (Mike Darton), 'At Dawn' (Paul Renin), 'Adventure Bound' (Capt. W.E. Johns), with the narrative continuing along the whole shelf.

The book titles are arranged to tell a story

Travelers get a welcome bottle of Champagne — Veuve Clicquot in ocean suites and Dom Perignon in ocean residences. (Moet & Chandon is the house pour shipwide.)

A closet encloses a well-stocked refrigerated mini-bar, glassware and a high-quality coffee maker with illy coffee pods and a water heater with a selection of fine teas.

The linens and bathrobes are Frette. Bath rugs have non-slip backing. The bathroom floor is heated with an adjustable dial that can be turned off.

Motion-activated floor light

Beck demonstrated how a light beneath the bedside tables is activated by the guest's feet so at night there's no need to fumble for a light switch.

The exceptionally sturdy in-drawer safes come with a jewelry compartment.

Binoculars are provided, 'of course,' Beck said, with bigger and better ones the higher the suite category. A portable bag of Technogym equipment is found in each suite, too.

The most popular item

Probably the most popular item, though, is the Dyson Supersonic hair dryer tucked into the vanity drawer of the walk-in closet/dressing room. This gets raves from women travelers.

The Dyson Supersonic hair dryer provided in each suite is getting raves from travelers, Helen Beck said

Explora I offers just four categories of oceanfront suites, all with ample terraces. The most numerous category, ocean suites (371), start at a very roomy 377 square feet/35 square meters and range up to 420 square feet/39 square meters.

Ocean penthouses (67) have a larger living space and a dining area for four, and range from 753 square feet/70 square meters to 1,604 square feet/149 square meters. Ocean residences (22) feature an expansive terrace with whirlpool and range from 753 square feet/70 square meters to 1,604 square feet/149 square meters. The owner's residence (one) has a terrace spanning the full ship's width with an infinity whirlpool and measures 3,014 square feet/280 square meters.

78 connecting suites

Explora I has 78 connecting suites, configured to combine into a family suite, one with a king bed and bathtub, the other with twin beds and a walk-in shower.

The line's 'Journey Together Gatherings' program facilitates families or small groups of friends. When they book at least three but no more than four suites and one is an ocean penthouse or ocean residence, one suite becomes the family gathering place or social hub.

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