Review: Four Seasons Explorer Luxury Cruise in Palau

Wednesday newsletters feature a hotel or flight review.

A few weeks ago, I enjoyed a holiday in Hong Kong, Taiwan & Palau. You can read my trip reports here:

Review: Regent Hong Kong Hotel
Review: Eva Air Business Class Boeing 787 Dreamliner from Hong Kong to Taipei
Review: Capella Taipei Hotel
Review: China Airlines Business Class Airbus A321Neo from Taipai to Palau
Review: Cruise in Palau with Four Seasons Explorer (today)
Review: United Airlines Business Class Boeing 737 from Palau to Tokyo
Review: All Nippon Airways (ANA) Business Class Boeing 787 from Tokyo to Brussels

Review: Four Seasons Explorer Luxury Cruise in Palau

Official website: Four Seasons Explorer
Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Four Seasons Preferred Guest

The Four Seasons Explorer is a rather different concept within the Four Seasons portfolio. Instead of being a traditional hotel, it is a luxury catamaran with just 11 accommodations, designed to take guests on an exploration of a destination rather than keeping them in one place. The vessel originally operated in the Maldives before moving to Palau, where it now spends its days traveling between islands, lagoons and dive sites. This is particularly well suited to Palau, a small island nation in the western Pacific made up of hundreds of islands and surrounded by a rich marine environment. The country is best known for its diving and snorkeling, but there are also jungle landscapes, waterfalls, beaches and an interesting World War II history to discover. The Four Seasons Explorer provides a comfortable base from which to experience all of this, with a restaurant, lounge, a spa room and well-appointed cabins onboard. Most of the time, however, is spent outside, whether in the water, on a beach or simply on deck. The ‘floating hotel’ moves with you, allowing you to see several different parts of Palau during the same stay.

Have you ever sailed aboard the Four Seasons Explorer? If so, what was your experience? Leave a comment.

I made a YouTube documenting my cruise aboard the Four Seasons Explorer, which you can watch here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TG24S-463s

In this review (more info and photos below my YouTube video):

Pros & things I like
Cons & things to know
My verdict
Tips for future guests & save money
Best time to visit
How to get there
Photos

Pros & Things I Like

Palau – home of Four Seasons Explorer – is a small island nation in the western Pacific, made up of more than 300 islands, most of which are uninhabited. The country is particularly known for its marine environment, with clear waters, coral reefs, steep underwater walls, caves and a remarkable variety of marine life. The famous Rock Islands, with their distinctive limestone formations covered in dense vegetation, are another defining feature of the landscape. Diving and snorkeling are therefore among the main reasons to visit, with sites ranging from shallow reefs to dramatic drop-offs and historic shipwrecks. But there is more to Palau than the underwater world. The islands also have tropical forests, waterfalls, beaches and a fascinating history, including remnants from the Second World War. This combination of remote islands and a largely marine-based landscape makes Palau particularly well suited to the Four Seasons Explorer. Rather than being based at one resort and travelling back and forth each day, the yacht allows guests to move around the archipelago and experience different parts of the country during the same trip.

Getting to Palau requires a little more planning, as only a limited number of airlines operate flights to the country. The most convenient options are generally China Airlines from Taipei, or United Airlines from Tokyo, Manila or Guam. Flights arrive at Roman Tmetuchl International Airport, from where a Four Seasons representative will meet you for the short transfer by car to the harbor. The journey then continues by speedboat to the Four Seasons Explorer, which will be waiting offshore. The duration of the speedboat transfer depends on the location of the yacht, as the Four Seasons Explorer moves around the Palau archipelago during its itinerary. The transfer itself is part of the experience, as you leave the main island behind and gradually enter the more remote waters of Palau. Depending on where the yacht is anchored, the boat ride can take some time, but it also provides the first opportunity to see the islands and turquoise waters that make this part of the Pacific so distinctive.

The Four Seasons Explorer has an interesting history. The vessel originally operated in the Maldives, where it offered Four Seasons guests the opportunity to explore several atolls aboard a luxury liveaboard instead of staying at one resort throughout their trip. The Explorer was later moved to Palau and began operating there in November 2023. Its arrival also has a connection with Four Seasons’ plans to construct a luxury hotel in Palau. Instead of introducing the brand only when a permanent hotel is completed, the Explorer allows guests to already discover the destination now and gives Four Seasons a way to develop its presence in the country. In many ways, the concept makes sense for Palau. The country consists of hundreds of islands, and many of its most interesting places are reached by water. A floating hotel therefore allows guests to move around the destination instead of spending their entire stay in one location. It also gives Four Seasons an opportunity to showcase different aspects of Palau, from diving and marine life to its landscapes, culture and wartime history, while preparations for a future land-based Four Seasons property continue.

The Four Seasons Explorer is quite different from a conventional cruise ship. With only 11 accommodations, it has a much smaller and more private feel, and there are no large public areas or crowds of passengers. The interiors are contemporary but relatively understated, with plenty of wood and natural colors. The main areas of the boat are spread over three decks, with accommodation on the lower levels and dining, living and relaxation spaces higher up. The relatively small size of the vessel is also important because the Explorer is designed to reach parts of Palau that would not be accessible to a much larger ship. Much of the equipment needed for exploring the destination is carried onboard, including diving and snorkeling equipment, kayaks and paddleboards. During the day, guests can therefore move between the boat and the water several times, depending on the program. When there is some free time, the upper decks provide plenty of space to sit outside and enjoy the views. The overall atmosphere is casual, which makes sense given that most guests spend a large part of the day in swimwear or outdoor clothing.

There are ten standard staterooms aboard the Four Seasons Explorer, each measuring around 20 square meters (215 square feet). They are certainly smaller than the rooms one would normally find at a Four Seasons resort, but this is understandable given the size and purpose of the vessel. The rooms are designed primarily for sleeping and relaxing between excursions, rather than for spending long periods indoors. Depending on the configuration, they have either a king-size bed or twin beds, together with a small sitting area, private bathroom (with one wash basin and a shower) and refrigerated bar. The design follows the same understated style found throughout the boat, with wood, neutral colors and relatively simple furnishings. Large windows or portholes provide views of the surrounding water, although the scenery outside is likely to be more interesting than anything inside the room. Housekeeping is provided regularly, including evening turndown. One thing to keep in mind is that storage is naturally more limited than in a typical luxury hotel room, so packing reasonably lightly makes sense. In practice, however, most guests are likely to spend relatively little time in their cabin, as the program is centered around activities and life on deck.

The largest accommodation on the vessel is the Explorer Suite, which measures 45 square meters (484 square feet) and is accessed via the boat’s indoor living room. It offers considerably more space than the standard staterooms and has a separate daybed, dining area, walk-in wardrobe and private bar. The suite also has a private outdoor terrace, which is probably its biggest advantage. Having your own space outside is particularly pleasant on a boat, whether for breakfast, a drink in the afternoon or simply watching the scenery go by. The large windows also make the surrounding landscape very much part of the room, and the views change throughout the journey as the Explorer moves around Palau. The suite can accommodate up to three adults, which may be useful for families or small groups travelling together. Compared with the standard staterooms, it offers much more room to spread out and spend time indoors, although I would still expect most guests to be outside for much of the day. For travelers who place a high value on space and privacy, the Explorer Suite is clearly the preferred accommodation, particularly for a longer voyage.

The Four Seasons Explorer’s facilities and communal areas are spread over three decks, with each level having a different purpose. The lower deck contains the majority of the rooms as well as the dive center, which makes it particularly convenient when heading out for a morning dive or returning from an excursion. The middle deck is the social heart of the yacht, with the indoor dining area, living room and the Explorer Suite. There is also a small library, while an indoor bar provides a place to have a drink or relax after returning from an activity. When the weather is good, however, the outdoor dining area is a more attractive option. Breakfast and lunch can be enjoyed outside, with the islands and surrounding water providing the backdrop.. The upper deck is more focused on relaxation, with a lounge area, four sun loungers, and an outdoor spa bed for treatments, with curtains that can be closed around the area when privacy is required. The combination of the sea, fresh air and lack of noise also makes the top deck a particularly peaceful place to spend some time.

Dining aboard the Four Seasons Explorer is fairly varied, with menus changing from day to day. Breakfast is à la carte, while lunch is served as a three-course meal and dinner as a four-course menu. All meals are included in the stay, although beverages are charged separately. There are generally two choices for the main course, giving guests some flexibility depending on their preferences. Lunches can range from mangrove crab tacos and steamed catch of the day to vegetable spring rolls and ahi tuna poke bowl. Dinner is a little more elaborate, with dishes such as buffalo mozzarella, cucumber soup, homemade mezzelune pasta, beef steak tagliata and tiramisu. On another evening, the menu may take a more Asian direction, with Vietnamese seafood salad, Balinese satay, corn fritters, miso eggplant or prawns and surf, followed by fresh fruit salad. The setting also changes occasionally, with beach barbecues available at an additional cost. Overall, the food is well suited to the relaxed nature of the trip, with enough variety to keep meals interesting during a multi-day voyage.

A typical day aboard the Four Seasons Explorer is mainly spent on or in the water. Diving is one of the main reasons people choose the experience, and the itinerary can include several dives during the day depending on conditions and the interests of the guests. Palau is particularly well known for its coral reefs, walls, caves and historic wrecks, so there is plenty to explore beneath the surface. Guests who do not dive can join snorkeling excursions or use the kayaks and stand-up paddleboards to explore the quieter lagoons. After a morning activity, there is usually time for lunch and some relaxation before heading out again. Afternoons can be spent on another excursion, on a beach or simply relaxing on the boat. There are also opportunities for sunset activities and, depending on the itinerary, night dives. The program is therefore quite active, but it is not necessary to participate in everything. The exact rhythm of the day naturally depends on weather, tides and the itinerary.

Although the marine environment is the main focus, the Four Seasons Explorer also offers several opportunities to explore Palau on land. One option is a visit to Ngardmau Waterfall, reached by a hike through the island’s tropical vegetation. The Rock Islands can also be explored from a different perspective, including visits to secluded lagoons and the famous Milky Way Lagoon, where guests can cover themselves in its mineral-rich white mud. For those interested in history, Peleliu offers a very different experience. The island was the scene of one of the fiercest battles of the Pacific War, and remnants of the conflict can still be found in its jungle, including caves and other wartime sites. Cultural excursions provide another perspective on the country, with opportunities to see traditional bai meeting houses, ancient stone structures and other reminders of Palau’s long history. These land-based activities are useful additions to the itinerary because they show that there is more to the destination than its famous diving. The sea may be the main reason to visit Palau, but spending some time on the islands provides a better understanding of the country and its history.

Cons & Things To Know

Four Seasons Explorer offers truly a heavenly cruise for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts, with few, if any, experiences in the world that can match the underwater adventures offered at Palau. Diving and snorkeling excursions are typically offered multiple times each day, allowing guests to explore Palau’s extraordinary marine life and reefs at an impressive pace. However, the focus is very much on diving and snorkeling ; the land excursions, while enjoyable and well organized, are not quite as spectacular by comparison and are not offered on a daily basis. As a result, if diving and snorkeling are not a major part of what you are looking for, this cruise may not be entirely for you, unless your main goal is simply to discover the highlights of Palau in a relaxed and effortless way.

Four Seasons Explorer follows a more or less fixed route through Palau, sailing from north to south and back again. One of the advantages of the Explorer concept is that guests can join the cruise at different points and stay for as little as one night or as long as several weeks. However, this also means that you cannot know your exact itinerary in advance and essentially have to go with the rhythm of Four Seasons. This is not necessarily a disadvantage, but it is worth knowing that some areas of Palau are considerably more spectacular than others. If you have a particular interest in exploring Palau, I recommend making sure that your stay includes a sailing through the Rock Islands, the most spectacular part of the archipelago. To arrange this, simply mention your preference to the reservation team when booking your stay.

The food on board is included in the room rate and absolutely very good, although, personally, it did not quite convince me to the same extent as some other aspects of the experience. That said, expectations need to be kept in perspective. You are sailing through one of the most remote regions on Earth, sometimes without seeing land for several days, and it would be unrealistic to expect a Michelin-starred dining experience in the middle of the Pacific. Within those constraints, the culinary offering is certainly enjoyable and well executed, but for me, the extraordinary surroundings and excursions remain the real highlights.

The staterooms are one area where space is somewhat limited, so this is worth considering if having a generous living area is important to you. In that case, I would recommend considering the Explorer Suite, located at the bow of the catamaran. It offers considerably more space as well as a private terrace. There is, however, a small trade-off for other guests: when the Explorer Suite is occupied, the bow terrace is closed off, meaning that everyone else can only relax on the terraces at the rear of the catamaran. This was the case during my stay, and while it was certainly not a major issue, I occasionally missed having the unobstructed forward perspective and the wonderful feeling of watching the ocean stretch out ahead of the boat.

My Verdict

Layout: 8/10
Design: 8/10
Pool: n/a
Rooms: 8/10
Food: 7/10
Breakfast: 8/10
Spa: n/a
Service: 9/10
Wow factor: 8/10
Value for money: 8/10
Overall experience: very good – 8/10

Tips & Save Money

Save money: get complimentary VIP perks at Four Seasons Explorer when booking through Four Seasons Preferred Guest:
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Daily buffet breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom
- $100 USD credit, to be utilized during stay
- Early check-in / late check-out, subject to availability

Room tip: all staterooms aboard Four Seasons Explorer have more or less the same layout. If you are sensitive to noise, opt for a stateroom towards the front of the yacht, farther away from the engine noise at the back. If you prefer more space and your budget allows, consider booking the Explorer Suite, the yacht’s only suite.

Read my tips for preparing your trip in time.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Palau is generally from December through April, when rainfall is relatively lower, seas tend to be calmer and conditions are particularly favorable for diving, snorkeling and exploring the Rock Islands. February to April is arguably the sweet spot, with good visibility and somewhat less holiday-season demand. Temperatures remain tropical throughout the year, with daytime highs typically around 28–30°C (82–86°F) and warm nights around 26°C (79°F).

Palau does not have a truly dry season, however, and rain is possible at any time. May to October is generally wetter, with June to September among the rainiest months, while November can be a good shoulder-season option as conditions begin to improve. For the best combination of weather, calmer seas and outdoor activities, I would personally choose February to April, while keeping in mind that Palau remains warm and humid year-round.

How To Get There

The easiest way to reach Palau (Roman Tmetuchl International Airport) is via Taipei or Tokyo, with both offering convenient connections from major Asian and international gateways. China Airlines operates frequent flights via Taipei, while United Airlines offers connections via Tokyo, making these two cities the most practical gateways for many international travelers. Once you arrive in Palau, the airport is only a short drive from the harbor, where guests transfer by speedboat to the Four Seasons Explorer, depending on where the yacht is positioned that day. Keep in mind that if you arrive after dark, a same-day transfer to the Explorer may not always be possible, so it is important to coordinate your arrival carefully and, if necessary, plan for a night on Palau before embarking.