Hello and welcome to my July 2025 update!
This month’s message comes from the sunny Mediterranean, as I’m finally back on the high seas after a long absence!
I’m aboard Explora I, a ship I’ve been eager to experience after watching its remarkable development over the past few years. What began as a bold startup has now grown into a fleet of two luxury ships, with four more planned over the coming years. As part of the MSC Group, Explora Journeys is positioning itself as a strong challenger to established luxury operators like Silversea and Seabourn – and with serious investment behind them, the results are already evident from my time on board.
My wife and I began our journey in Venice, spending a couple of nights at one of our all-time favourites: the legendary Cipriani, part of the Belmond group. This beautiful hotel is just a short water taxi ride from St. Mark’s Square and is renowned for its expansive swimming pool – a rare luxury in Venice. The last time I stayed there, I found myself sunbathing by the pool next to Clint Eastwood – a surreal experience that definitely made my day! But don’t let the celebrity clientele fool you; I highly recommend it as a perfect pre-cruise stay. Just speak to our team – they can easily combine it with any cruise departing from Venice.


Back on board, Explora I impresses with its modern, airy, and spacious design. From the moment you embark, you’re struck by the sense of openness. The large public spaces never feel crowded, and the staff-to-guest ratio feels just right, with attentive service always close at hand. Although I’m still early in my voyage and yet to sample all the dining venues, our meal last night at The Med Club was lovely, and today’s buffet lunch exceeded expectations. The buffet area – often a weak point on many ships – is beautifully laid out, calm, and serene, with excellent food options and an atmosphere that feels more like a high-end food hall than a typical cruise buffet.
Our suite is another standout feature. Spacious and elegantly furnished, it strikes a perfect balance between modern luxury and comfort. There’s a real attention to detail, from the premium linens to the walk-in wardrobe and intuitive lighting controls. The balcony is generously sized, offering the ideal spot to enjoy a morning coffee or watch a sunset.
One thing that truly sets Explora I apart is the onboard ambience. It’s luxurious without being pretentious – a rare balance. The crew are warm and genuine, remembering names and preferences within a day. The vibe is relaxed yet elegant, attracting a mix of seasoned cruisers and newer guests seeking something fresh and contemporary in the luxury space.
I’m travelling with family and friends, and we made quite a splash at the Astern Infinity Pool, where we also captured some fantastic promotional photos for Bolsover Cruise Club. It was a pleasure to be joined by some of our own clients, who were happy to get involved in the fun! Here’s one of the best shots, featuring my children, Katie and Oliver, both members of the Bolsover management team.

Back home, it has been a busy few weeks here at Bolsover Cruise Club, with one of the most exciting developments being the launch of our brand-new WhatsApp Channel. This service allows you to stay connected with us more easily than ever, with exclusive cruise deals and the latest offers delivered directly to your phone. It’s a simple and convenient way to stay informed, and I’d encourage you to join our growing subscriber base so you don’t miss out. Signing up is easy – just click this link and follow the instructions.
Earlier this month, we hosted our first-ever luxury speed dating-style training event, a three-day showcase designed to deepen the team’s expertise in the world of luxury cruising. We brought together representatives from many of the luxury cruise lines we work with, including Oceania Cruises, Explora Journeys, Azamara, Scenic and Emerald Cruises, Seabourn, Silversea, Regent Seven Seas, and Crystal Cruises. Each brand delivered focused sessions in a fast-paced format, giving our team valuable insights into each cruise line’s unique products, service levels, and guest expectations. It was a fantastic event all around, and I’m confident our team is now even better equipped to assist with your luxury cruise plans.
I’m also pleased to share an exclusive offer for our Cruise Club Members: we’re once again offering a complimentary luxury hamper worth over £70 when you book selected P&O Cruises holidays. This popular promotion now applies to a selection of Caribbean sailings and is available on Select Price or Early Saver bookings made before 14 August 2025. The hamper is packed with treats and is our gift to welcome you home in style! You can view the full list of applicable cruises on our website or speak to one of our Cruise Experts on 01246 819819.
In addition, P&O Cruises is offering you the chance to book your next holiday with just a £20 per person deposit. This applies to selected 12 to 16-night fly-cruises to the Caribbean or Canary Islands, on both Select Price and Early Saver fares. The offer also includes savings of up to £200 per person, making now an excellent time to book. The promotion is available until 21 July 2025, and with demand already high, I’d recommend booking soon to avoid disappointment.
Staying with P&O Cruises, the line has recently confirmed the introduction of a pre-booking system for The Reef, its popular children’s club. For a modest fee, families can now reserve daytime or evening sessions before sailing, priced at £4.95 for daytime and £8.95 for evening, including access to the night nursery. This optional service gives parents added flexibility, while a large number of spaces will still be available free of charge on board. Following a successful trial on Iona, the scheme will roll out across the family-friendly fleet, with bookings opening via My P&O Cruises two weeks before departure.
Since my last update, Royal Caribbean has announced that Liberty of the Seas will be undergoing an extensive refurbishment ahead of her summer 2026 season from Southampton. Guests can expect a fully reimagined pool deck featuring The Lime & Coconut Bar, elegant new casitas, and a brand-new Royal Escape Room experience. Dining options are also expanding, with Izumi Teppanyaki bringing live hibachi-style cooking to the ship and El Loco Fresh offering casual Mexican fare. A Starbucks café will also be added, alongside returning favourites such as The Perfect Storm waterslides and the line’s signature entertainment. Liberty will sail a series of seven-night itineraries to destinations including the Norwegian Fjords, Bruges, and Copenhagen, before repositioning to Galveston, Texas for Caribbean sailings featuring the new Royal Beach Club in Cozumel.
I’m also pleased to announce that Ambassador Cruise Line’s 2027/28 itineraries are now on sale, giving you the chance to secure your spot on a fantastic range of no-fly cruises from the UK. The line recently confirmed it will become adults-only, and its latest programme features 49 brand-new sailings from convenient regional ports including London Tilbury, Newcastle, Dundee, Liverpool, and Belfast. Whether you’re dreaming of the Norwegian Fjords, Iceland, the Canary Islands, or the Caribbean, there’s something for everyone. As always, Ambassador offers excellent value aboard its three ships, Ambience, Ambition and Renaissance, which deliver a warm and traditional cruising atmosphere. With strong early demand for 2027, we recommend booking soon. Full itineraries are available on our website or by calling 01246 819819.
In other news, Viking Cruises has officially welcomed its newest ocean ship, Viking Vesta, following a delivery ceremony at Fincantieri’s Ancona shipyard in Italy. Accommodating 998 guests in 499 staterooms, she represents Viking’s ongoing focus on elegant, small-ship cruising. Viking Vesta will spend her inaugural season exploring the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, offering the cultural enrichment and destination-focused itineraries the line is known for. She has also been designed to accommodate next-generation green technology, and her arrival is part of Viking’s impressive long-term expansion plans, which include 10 new ocean ships by 2031.
Finally, voting has now opened for the prestigious 2025 Wave Awards, and we are hoping to be shortlisted in the ‘Favourite Cruise Travel Agent’ category. Voting is now open, and we would be incredibly grateful for your support. It only takes a couple of minutes to cast your vote via this link, so whether you’ve booked with us recently or we’ve helped plan your dream holiday in the past, your vote truly means the world to us. Nominations close on 18 July, so please don’t delay – and feel free to share the link with friends and fellow cruisers. As always, thank you for your ongoing support.
To those of you setting sail over the coming weeks – bon voyage, and enjoy every moment of your holiday!
One thought on “Your July 2025 Update from Michael Wilson”
Hi Michael,
A most enjoyable read as always.
For the record I have cruised only with P & O ( around 37 cruises plus ) and my next is 55 nights on Arcadia from August 1st,, it’s a hard life!. Of which 90% have been booked through your company.
At this juncture I would like to add that whenever I book, need advice etc. Bolsover are always there 100%. Your staff are not only very hard working but very very efficient aand very professional in their job (what a crawler)
My next cruise commences August 1st and ends 26th September on Arcadia. Time is flying by and so I better finish for now and not overstay my welcome .
Thanking you for making my life so much more enjoyable as sadly now my wife and of course cruising partner is in a wonderful care home with the dreaded Dementia, I miss her teribly.
With my very Warmest Wishes to you, your wife and all the friendly team under your guidance.
Brian in a cloudy Chichester.
Tel: 01243 786693 “COULD I REQUEST YOU SHOW THIS REPLY TO MICHAEL WILSON, Many thanks Brian