THE FUTURE OF CRUISING: Explora vs Virgin
January 15, 2026
1.7K views
Traditional cruising is dead. But who killed it?
Was it the billionaire with the private island (Richard Branson) or the shipping dynasty with the private yacht (The Aponte Family)? In this ultimate showdown, we pit the two most disruptive forces in cruising against each other: Explora Journeys @ExploraJourneys vs. Virgin Voyages @VirginVoyages .
On paper, they look like twins: No buffets, no assigned seating, and a hatred for traditional rules. But in reality? It is a brutal battle between a Private Rave and a Private Resort.
WARNING: I exaggerate. I stereotype. I might offend your favorite cruise line. But I will tell you the truth about where your money goes.
About Cruising After 50: I’m Alex, and I help you cruise like a millionaire without actually having to show anyone your bank balance. My motto is simple: The best cruise ship is the one I am in now.
#ExploraJourneys #VirginVoyages #CruiseComparison #LuxuryCruise #AdultsOnlyCruise #CruiseReview
WHAT’S INSIDE THIS EPISODE:
0:00 Intro
0:30 - The Revolution
2:16 - The Visionaries
3:51 - The Death of the Dining Hall
5:13 - The Anti-Buffet
6:22 - The Cabin Roast
7:54 - The Green Curiosity
8:43 - The Generations
9:53 - The Accounting Exam
11:24 - The Dress Code
12:33 - The Frictionless Future
13:36 - Solo But not Alone
14:30 - The Temple of Body
15:26 - Retail Therapy
16:13 - The Diva vs. The Drag Queen
17:18 - The Philosophy of You