Tami Bogdanoff with the largest living lizard on earth, Komodo Island
Jeanette Rajamaki
Join us on March 19 at 6:30 p.m. in the Saguaro Room at Cottonwood Country Club, as we will be introducing you all to Explora Journeys.
Joseph Barney, our Arizona business manager, will be talking about this new cruise company, which launched in 2023 with Explora I and Explora II now sailing, and Explora III will launch in July of 2026. Only 463 suites with stateroom sizes starting at 377 square feet, all with balconies. Nine culinary restaurants, most included, unlimited beverages, spa access, free Wi-Fi, gratuities included, and a bottle of wine and spirit of the guest’s choice upon arrival.
On most Explora Journeys Tami and I can give onboard credit of at least $150 per stateroom or more. So far, we have been able to get transfers included at no cost as well. Explora will also build air if planned out at six months or more.
Explora Journeys’ optimistic projection is that they will build and launch three more ships every year to 2028. Explora Journeys, owned by the Aponte family, also owns MSC Shipping. The Aponte family felt their love of travel should be brought to the public in the form of a cruise ship that is smaller and exquisite, which would create a modern luxury cruise experience like no other. So far, Explora Journeys has done just that.
Currently, all the cruise and land companies have excellent promotions for folks planning their summer and fall travel for 2026 and into 2027. For those of you wanting to stay closer to home, we have lots of options with American Cruise Lines and Viking. Great Lakes region—Mississippi and Ohio Rivers.
There are lots of land deals with Globus, Insight Vacations, and Trafalgar. Call Jeanette at 602-909-2000 in Sun Lakes or Tami Bogdanoff in Washington State at 425-359-4852.
We look forward to seeing you in March.
Group Travel Scheduled for 2026:
Explora Journeys, July 13-20: Athens to Venice with stops in Corfu, Rhodes, and Croatia with stops in Hvar and Rijeka, and, finally, Venice. $150 onboard credit. Staterooms are 377 square feet—the largest we have ever seen for entry level. No inside staterooms. $5,523 per person, gratuities included, all alcoholic drinks included.
Explora Journeys, July 20-27: Venice to Athens with stops in Croatia at Rovinj, Dubrovnik, then Brindisi, Italy, at the heel of the boot near Puglia, Kotor, Montenegro, and, finally, Athens. All-inclusive with beverages, gratuities, $150 onboard credit, 377 square-foot staterooms. $5,840 per person.