Explora Journeys is a relatively new cruise line but has been making waves already for its ‘inspired by the sea’ style of cruising. The cruise line, part of the MSC Group, debuted its first ship, Explora I, in August 2023 in Copenhagen – and already has big plans to launch five more decadent ships!
But what exactly does this ambitious, luxury cruise line have to offer avid cruisers? In this blog, we share 8 reasons why you should consider sailing away to new destinations with Explora Journeys:
1. Homes at Sea
On any cruise, your onboard accommodation is more than just a place to rest your weary head. Explora Journeys really understand the importance of accommodations being peaceful havens for guests and their loved ones and have taken great care in designing all their accommodations as serene Homes at Sea.
There are four categories of suites, or Homes at Sea, to choose from: Ocean Suites, Ocean Penthouses, Ocean Residences and the Owner’s Residence. All of these suites are generously spacious, have their own balconies and feature modern design and amenities, from their fine linens and sleek wood accents to Dyson Supersonic hairdryers and custom toiletries.
In some of the most opulent accommodations onboard, Ocean Residences and the Owner’s Residence, there are even private butler services available, plus expansive, private terraces with their own whirlpools!
2. Creative Cuisine
There are a delectable variety of dining options on Explora Journeys, all contemporary spaces for foodies searching for new gastronomic experiences.
Pan-Asian cuisine is served at the stylish Sakura restaurant; rare meats and fine cuts of steak are dished up at Marble & Co Grill; Med Yacht Club flawlessly delivers flavours of the Mediterranean; French-inspired fare can be found at Fil Rouge; and more casual eats are prepared in Emporium Marketplace. Eating at these venues is included in the price of an Explora Journeys cruise fare.
For something a little extra special, guests can make a reservation at Anthology, a fine dining establishment with menus crafted by Michelin star chef Mauro Uliassi, or in the Chef’s Kitchen, an intimate private dining venue which also offers culinary classes. Both of these venues do incur an additional fee to dine.
3. Ocean Wellness
Wellness and health are at the heart of Explora Journeys. In fact, there are 9,700 sq feet of spa and fitness space (such as a steam room, Finnish Sauna, Ice Fall, and Experience shower) for guests to relax and work up a sweat in on Explora I.
The line has also put a number of spiritual, emotional health and physical facilities and activities together under one specialised programme named Ocean Wellness. All of these spaces and services aim to ensure guests’ time with Explora Journeys is not only relaxing but also enriching and fulfilling.
These activities and facilities include Sleep Retreat workshops, Immune Boosting expert-led sessions, themed yoga classes, in-suite beauty services, and an open-air fitness deck.
Additionally, there are a collection of specialised massages and facials to indulge in too – from The Ritual Of Ocean Renewal full body, scalp and facial lymphatic drainage massage, to the Medi-Luxe 90-minute Experience Facial, an all-encompassing treatment combing skin analysis, cleansing, pro peel, massage, and collagen face mask.
4. Spacious Outdoor Areas
Despite the smaller size of an Explora Journeys ship, these elegant vessels are home to 27,000 sq feet of outdoor space – perfect for soaking up the sun in the lap of ultimate luxury!
Alongside various indoor and outdoor whirlpools, guests can enjoy three shimmering outdoor pools, including an exclusive adults-only pool, plus a warm indoor pool with an attractive retractable glass roof. These pools are surrounded by private cabanas and comfortable poolside loungers.
You can also pick up a quick snack or ice-cold tipple beside the pool, as all pools have their own bars serving fresh food and drinks.
5. Diverse Bars
Discerning travellers who love a fine tipple, or two!, will be spoilt for choice of delicious beverages to try on an Explora Journeys cruise. There are five swish bars and lounges to visit, from the bright and light Explora Lounge, a great venue for afternoon tea accompanied by 270-degree ocean views, to the suave surroundings of the Malt Whisky Bar, a sultry space serving rare whiskys and whiskey-themed cocktails.
Guests can learn even more from drink experts by participating in a spirit, wine or whiskey tasting or pairing, cocktail-making class or a “Meet the Winemaker” shore event, all hosted by the cruise line.
6. Exquisite Shopping
For anyone who would like to take a deluxe memento of their time aboard an Explora Journeys cruise home with them, the cruise line’s ships have a decadent range of retailers to shop at.
Only the finest brands are housed on an Explora Journeys ship, including Rolex, Cartier, Panerai and Piaget. Alongside these brands, there are also more artisanal fragrance, clothing and homeware retailers to shop at too, all of which have been specially selected for their consciousness, craftsmanship and creativity.
7. Destination Experiences
It’s not just onboard amenities which sets Explora Journeys apart from other cruise lines, they also pride themselves on their Destinations Experiences. It’s a programme of specially curated experiences to help guests really immerse themselves into the thick of destinations they are visiting with Explora Journeys.
There are six categories of Destination Experiences: Beyond Boundaries, Tailored Experiences, Enchanting Explorations, Destination Essentials, In-Country Immersions and Journey Enrichments. Activities can range from private yoga classes in a Bruges castle to a helicopter flight around Western St Lucia and the Pitons!
All these excursions will incur an additional fee, varying in price depending on the type of activity.
8. Multigenerational Journeys
Explora Journeys aren’t just for adults and couples, they’re for the whole family! The cruise line offers special Destination Experiences crafted for families and even a dedicated kids club – the Nautilus Club – which hosts age-based competitions, activities, arts and crafts activities, and sports sessions for 6 to 17-year-olds.
Aside from activities, there are a number of connecting Ocean Suites, Ocean Penthouses and Ocean Residences for families to call home, plus bathrobes, hangers, slippers and toys available for younger guests.
