Luxury Cruising to Barcelona: Will’s Seven-Day First-Class Experience

My friend Will from TrekTrendy recently took a seven-day luxury cruise adventure aboard Explorer 1, cruising to to Barcelona. His cruise was so interesting I just had to share it with you here.

With a private hot tub, gourmet dining, and state-of-the-art amenities, he gives us an inside look at life in a first-class suite – an experience that comes with a price tag of over $20,000.

Embarking in Lanzarote

Will’s journey started in the picturesque port of Arrecife, Lanzarote, where he and his dad were transported to the cruise terminal.

The volcanic landscapes set the scene as they caught their first glimpse of Explorer 1, an ultra-luxury vessel that resembled a high-end yacht more than a traditional cruise ship.

Once checked in, they were escorted aboard and presented with their cruise cards – keys to their luxurious residence for the next week.

Exploring the Suite: A Lavish Residence at Sea

Settling into Suite 6088 on Deck 6, Will’s suite spanned 1,600 square feet – making it one of the largest onboard the Explora 1.

Inside, he found a spacious living area with a dining space, a minibar, and an in-room espresso machine.

Notably, the suite featured a private hot tub on the balcony, perfect for relaxing with sweeping ocean views.

Will’s dad joined him, marking his second-ever cruise and first taste of high-seas luxury.

The main bathroom was a marble-clad sanctuary with a bathtub, bidet, and walk-in shower, while the bedroom offered a Super King bed and dual-aspect views of the sea.

Departure and the First Dinner at Anthology

As Explorer 1 set sail, Will enjoyed the view from their expansive balcony before heading to their first dinner at Anthology.

Located on Deck 5, Anthology offered a seven-course tasting menu for $200 per guest, along with an optional $100 wine pairing.

Will’s butler ensured they had a prime table for the meal, which included luxurious courses like beetroot tartare, red shrimp with lemongrass broth, and A5 wagyu beef.

It was an extravagant start to the culinary journey on board.

A Day at Sea: Breakfast and Ship Exploration

The next morning, breakfast was served on the balcony, where they enjoyed fresh pastries, avocado toast, pancakes, and, of course, coffee.

The balcony proved to be the suite’s crowning feature, an ideal spot to take in the view while enjoying morning caffeine.

Later, Will explored Explorer 1’s public spaces, beginning with the outer decks.

Deck 12 wrapped around the upper level, while Deck 11 offered a conservatory with a retractable roof and sheltered pool, perfect for days when the wind picked up.

Dining at Emporium Marketplace and Afternoon Tea

For lunch, Will and his dad headed to the Emporium Marketplace, a buffet unlike any other with stations for fresh pasta, sushi, roast beef, and more.

After lunch, they stopped by the ice cream bar for handmade gelato, adding a sweet touch to the day.

Later, afternoon tea awaited in the Explorer Lounge, complete with live music and a cake trolley that offered a variety of treats.

A Cultural Stop in Casablanca

Day three brought them to Casablanca, Morocco.

After breakfast at the marketplace, they disembarked for a day of exploration. Lunch at the famous Rick’s Café provided an atmospheric break before they returned to the ship.

Back on board, they discovered the Kema Café, an exclusive coffee bar on Deck 5 that served as the perfect place to recharge before an evening of more fine dining and relaxation.

Poolside Relaxation and Pan-Asian Cuisine at Sakura

After a round of pool on Deck 5’s Aston Lounge, Will and his dad enjoyed a memorable dinner at Sakura, the ship’s Pan-Asian restaurant.

With dishes like soft-shell crab tempura and short rib panang curry, the meal was as vibrant as the cherry blossom decor.

Watch Will’s full adventure on Explora 1 here:

Final Stop: Barcelona and Reflecting on the Cost

The final destination, Barcelona, marked the end of this luxury voyage.

Will reflected on the total cost of £21,500, or $27,500 – a steep price but justified by the exclusive amenities and personalised service.

Compared to other ultra-luxury cruises, Explorer 1 delivered a unique balance of intimacy and indulgence. It was a remarkable seven days, blending high-end comfort with unforgettable experiences across the Mediterranean.

I took my own Dad on a luxury yacht cruise, onboard Emerald Azzura. Find out what we thought of that amazing cruise here:

Before You Go

Find out about everything I ate onboard the luxury Uniworld river ship, SS La Venezia here:

Here’s Everything I Ate on a Luxury River Cruise (Main Meals, Buffet and More)

Have a look inside the exclusive Yacht Club area of MSC Euribia here:

Inside Look: MSC’s Luxury Ship Within a Ship (MSC Euribia) #ad