CRUISE GPS
Home at Sea
Discover the waters less traveled with Explora Journeys.
CRUISE GPS
Home at Sea
Discover the waters less traveled
with Explora Journeys.
Explora Journeys recently unveiled its sailings for EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II through April 2026 — and oh the places they’ll go! Carefully curated journeys offer different length sailings, ranging from shorter journeys (6-8 nights) and longer voyages (19-21 nights), and visit many cultural hotspots, with easy embarkation port options including Barcelona, Civitavecchia/Rome, Miami, and Bridgetown.
Explora Journeys is known for a slower pace of travel, allowing travelers more time in each destination. Plus, luxury overnight stays in port set guests up for immersive cultural, historical, and culinary experiences. Ships offer refined yet effortless luxury and thanks to their size, also maintain a feeling of intimacy and exclusivity. Expect six diverse restaurants, 12 different bars and lounges, four beautiful swimming pools, and ocean-inspired wellness facilities — all designed to create a “Home at Sea.” Here’s a sneak peek of where the ships will sail.

EXPLORA I
EXPLORA I’s journeys include sailing in the Caribbean, with the winter 2024-2025 season starting with a Grand Journey from Barcelona to the Caribbean and featuring Bridgetown, Pointe-à-Pitre, St John’s, and San Juan. EXPLORA I will also sail in the Mediterranean, where guests can revel in the untamed beauty of the Eastern Mediterranean with the striking azure of the Aegean Sea islands and the Dalmatian coast. In winter 2025-2026, EXPLORA I takes to the Red Sea and Arabian Peninsula – a region steeped in history and culture, with fragrant foods, bustling souks, and a desert oasis.

EXPLORA II
EXPLORA II’s maiden journey is from Barcelona, Spain to Civitavecchia (Rome) – visiting Ibiza, Spain; Port-Vendres, France; Portofino, Italy; Monte-Carlo, Monaco; and Port Santo Stefano in Italy. Next up, the West Mediterranean (until November 2024), when she will cross the Atlantic to offer sun-drenched Caribbean journeys during the winter months. In May 2025, EXPLORA II will spend the summer sailing an enchanting collection of journeys with convenient embarkation in Barcelona or Civitavecchia/Rome. Looking ahead to winter 2025-2026, EXPLORA II will be found in the Eastern Caribbean, journeying to Pointe-a-Pitre in Guadeloupe; Roseau, Dominica; Little Bay, Montserrat; and Marigot, St. Martin.
Discover the Ocean State of Mind.

Explora Journeys recently unveiled its sailings for EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II through April 2026 — and oh the places they’ll go! Carefully curated journeys offer different length sailings, ranging from shorter journeys (6-8 nights) and longer voyages (19-21 nights), and visit many cultural hotspots, with easy embarkation port options including Barcelona, Civitavecchia/Rome, Miami, and Bridgetown.
Explora Journeys is known for a slower pace of travel, allowing travelers more time in each destination. Plus, luxury overnight stays in port set guests up for immersive cultural, historical, and culinary experiences. Ships offer refined yet effortless luxury and thanks to their size, also maintain a feeling of intimacy and exclusivity. Expect six diverse restaurants, 12 different bars and lounges, four beautiful swimming pools, and ocean-inspired wellness facilities — all designed to create a “Home at Sea.” Here’s a sneak peek of where the ships will sail.

EXPLORA I
EXPLORA I’s journeys include sailing in the Caribbean, with the winter 2024-2025 season starting with a Grand Journey from Barcelona to the Caribbean and featuring Bridgetown, Pointe-à-Pitre, St John’s, and San Juan. EXPLORA I will also sail in the Mediterranean, where guests can revel in the untamed beauty of the Eastern Mediterranean with the striking azure of the Aegean Sea islands and the Dalmatian coast. In winter 2025-2026, EXPLORA I takes to the Red Sea and Arabian Peninsula – a region steeped in history and culture, with fragrant foods, bustling souks, and a desert oasis.

EXPLORA II
EXPLORA II’s maiden journey is from Barcelona, Spain to Civitavecchia (Rome) – visiting Ibiza, Spain; Port-Vendres, France; Portofino, Italy; Monte-Carlo, Monaco; and Port Santo Stefano in Italy. Next up, the West Mediterranean (until November 2024), when she will cross the Atlantic to offer sun-drenched Caribbean journeys during the winter months. In May 2025, EXPLORA II will spend the summer sailing an enchanting collection of journeys with convenient embarkation in Barcelona or Civitavecchia/Rome. Looking ahead to winter 2025-2026, EXPLORA II will be found in the Eastern Caribbean, journeying to Pointe-a-Pitre in Guadeloupe; Roseau, Dominica; Little Bay, Montserrat; and Marigot, St. Martin.
Discover the Ocean State of Mind.

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Hi there! I'm Laurie Holden!! Before you get to hear about Holden Family Travel, let me tell you a few things about myself.
I am...
Married to Doug for 40 years.
Mom to Matt and Brittany.
Mother-in-law to Nick and Heather.
Nana to Liam, Winnie, Mia and Jane!!
Fun Facts -
I began in the travel industry, working for a local travel agency focusing on Disney.
Travel is my third career. I worked as a nurse until my daughter was born, a daycare provider while raising my kids, and now a travel agent. I think taking care of people is in my blood!
We lived in Germany and traveled to many European countries.
I am a lifelong fan of the New York Yankees!!
I have an adorable and quirky mini golden-doodle named Mo.
Since Holden Family Travel's inception, I have worked closely with wonderful travelers, helping to bring clarity and expertise to the planning process. By taking away my client's "overwhelm," they are freed up to have wildly successful and altogether delightful ...