THE BEST POOL ON EXPLORA JOURNEYS?
Explora I boasts 4 pools: The Astern Pool, The Atoll Pool, The Helios Pool and the Conservatory Pool. But Why so many pools? What are the unique features of each? and which is the best?
It’s worth noting that, no matter which pool you choose, each has a bar so a refreshing drink is never too far away.
The Astern Pool
This pool is the “flagship” pool that you will see in most Explora advertising. As its name implies, it can be found at the ship’s stern. It has all the right elements; a half circle haloed with sun beds and cabanas, as well as it has the visually striking “infinity” edge that seems to merge with the ocean. Another bonus that this pool boasts is its adjacency to the Asian fusion restaurant, Sakura, which serves bento boxes poolside during the lunch hour. The one downside to this pool is its size, despite having a large surface area much of it is just for show with more than half of its size being paddling pool depth. This is a pool for Instagram a quick dip as opposed to a swim. A sunset here is worth 100 elsewhere.
The Atoll Pool
This pool makes a great alternative to the Astern Pool, if the Astern pool is full, you might have better luck here. While not as visually striking, there is plenty of space here to set up. Again, your purpose should be sun and a quick dip as opposed to a proper “swim”.
The Helios Pool
This is a pool you could easily miss, hidden on the upper deck at the front of the ship, this pool is Explora’s little secret. Whether by neglect or by design, this pool is not one you would stumble accords unless you were purposefully going to it - in fact in my time onboard I only ever saw Staff here, never my fellow guests. The pool is small and feels a little like an afterthought for an empty space - however, it is quiet. In addition to low traffic, the sunbeds face away from the pool, unlike they do at the Astern and the Atoll where it’s inward facing amphitheater style. If you are like me and prefer to take a dip without an audience, then this is the pool for you.
The Conservatory Pool
With its retractable roof, it provides a warm greenhouse effect in winter meaning you can enjoy a swim even in colder climbs, but then in warmer seasons it can be made into an open air deck. Not many luxury ships can afford the space to have an indoor pool, whereas Explora provides two pools for the space of one here. This is also the best pool for a proper swim, as it has a good depth and is long enough to do lengths back and forth. The space is busy, being in a main a thoroughfare of a public deck and also the locale for the occasional movie screenings. On the other hand, you can also find the Crêperie and Gelataria here, so a delicious treat can be on hand the second you get out of the pool.
The Winner?
My absolute favorite is a secret pool, not even on this list! The pool found in the Thermal Spa! Often considered a “whirlpool” and therefore not included on the main list, the depth of this pool is comparable to the others and is heated more than the others. It is indoors, meaning it can be used year round. Sure, you can’t swim lengths here, but you couldn’t do that in any of the others except the conservatory pool. This pool also has two massage waterfalls and has easy access to the other spa areas.
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