Everything You Need To Know About Explora Journeys

• A Rapidly Growing Fleet: Building on its early successes, the line is expanding its global presence with a six-ship fleet rollout across staggered release years.

• All Suite Sanctuaries: Every single cabin on board is a spacious oceanfront suite complete with a private veranda and a walk-in wardrobe.

• Culinary Excellence: Guests can choose from a collection of distinct dining venues featuring curated global menus without a traditional main dining room or buffet in sight.

When a new name enters the luxury travel market, discerning holidaymakers want to know exactly what sets it apart. Explora Journeys, the luxury lifestyle brand of the MSC Group, has done something truly unique.

By blending a chic European aesthetic with a deeply relaxed approach to travel, they have created a holiday experience that feels more like a private superyacht or a boutique hotel than a traditional cruise.

The core philosophy of the brand revolves around what they call an Ocean State of Mind. This means casting aside the rigid schedules, crowded spaces, and loud announcements often associated with ocean travel, replacing them with an unhurried, restorative atmosphere.

If you are considering upgrading your next holiday to a premium level of comfort, here is everything you need to know about life on board.

The Growing Fleet and Your Booking Options

Explora Journeys is rolling out an impressive collection of identical sister ships to ensure that guests can experience this exact same high level of luxury in every corner of the globe.

Whether you want to set sail this summer or are mapping out a dream holiday a few years down the line, here is how the fleet shapes up.

The Explora Journeys Fleet Timeline

The journey began with Explora I in 2023, a pioneering vessel that successfully established the brand's signature cosmopolitan style across popular global itineraries.

Following her closely, Explora II was released in 2024 to expand the fleet's premium presence across the Mediterranean and the Caribbean.

The highly anticipated Explora III arrives in 2026, introducing a next-generation design that incorporates significantly expanded public lounge spaces.

Looking ahead, Explora IV is scheduled for a 2027 release and is currently under construction to increase availability for global itineraries.

Also venturing onto the waves in 2027, Explora V will scale the brand further to offer unique winter and summer deployments across new regions.

Finally, Explora VI completes the initial six-ship framework in 2028, finalising the comprehensive worldwide deployment strategy for the luxury line.

The Vision Behind the Fleet Architecture

The fleet is divided into distinct phases of design evolution. The early vessels successfully established the core aesthetic, whilst the successive sister ships will introduce subtle layout enhancements.

Each new vessel brings an increase in total volume, which allows the cruise line to offer an even higher ratio of public space per guest alongside a wider variety of top-tier accommodations.

Homes at Sea: The All Suite Accommodations

One of the most pleasant surprises for first time guests is that standard, cramped cabins do not exist on these ships.

Explora Journeys refers to their accommodations as homes at sea, categorised into Ocean Suites, Ocean Penthouses, and expansive Ocean Residences.

Space to Unwind

The entry level Ocean Suites start at a very generous 377 square feet, placing them among the largest standard rooms in the entire luxury cruise sector. Every single suite features floor to ceiling windows leading to a private, sun-drenched veranda.

Inside, you will find a walk in wardrobe, a beautifully appointed vanity area, and a complimentary bottle of chilled champagne waiting for you on arrival.

Upgraded Luxury Options

For guests looking to elevate their holiday further, the Penthouses and Residences provide vast separate living rooms, private dining areas, and larger terraces equipped with private outdoor whirlpools.

Guests staying in these top-tier options also benefit from dedicated butler service to take care of every minor detail throughout the voyage.

A Complete Culinary Revolution

Explora Journeys has completely thrown out the traditional cruise dining playbook. You will not find a massive, echoing main dining hall where you are assigned a fixed table or a specific dining time.

Instead, guests enjoy an all inclusive collection of distinct, intimate dining venues that operate exactly like high end land based restaurants.

Ditching the Traditional Cruise Buffet

The ships replace the standard self-service buffet with an upscale food hall-style venue called the Emporium Marketplace.

Here, there are no pre-cooked trays of food sitting under heat lamps. Instead, chefs prepare premium artisanal dishes fresh to order across 18 interactive cooking stations.

Guests can wander between live stations featuring fresh seafood on ice, custom-made sushi, a daily gourmet rotisserie, artisanal charcuterie, and pasta cooked directly in front of you, allowing you to enjoy a casual meal without compromising on quality.

Intimate Dining Venues Included in Your Fare

Guests can indulge in Sakura, an exceptional pan Asian restaurant serving brilliant sushi, sashimi, and modern Asian cuisine beneath a beautiful canopy of cherry blossoms.

Complete with a dedicated sake sommelier, signature dishes like the lobster pad Thai, yellow tail sashimi with jalapeno, and crispy soft shell crab tempura have become firm customer favourites.

For steak lovers, Marble and Co. Grill operates as a refined European steakhouse featuring its own in-house dry ageing room and an exceptional selection of fine cuts, including perfectly marbled wagyu.

The Med Yacht Club celebrates the relaxed flavours of Italy, Spain, France, and Greece, serving up shared tapas-style plates like shrimp saganaki, patatas bravas, and Rhodes-style lamb shanks.

Finally, Fil Rouge offers sophisticated French-inspired international cuisine in an elegant, quiet setting, featuring tableside service for classic dishes like lobster thermidor and a spectacular tableside dessert cart to finish your evening.

Speciality Dining Enhancements

For a truly memorable evening, guests can book Anthology, a unique culinary stage that welcomes globally renowned guest chefs on a rotating basis to curate exclusive tasting menus.

The fleet also features immersive options like The Chef's Kitchen, where a small group of twelve guests can take part in private cooking classes guided by expert culinary hosts, allowing you to recreate the flavours of the destinations back at home.

Sophisticated Bars and Lounges

With 12 indoor and outdoor bars and lounges on board, the ships provide an incredible variety of cosmopolitan spaces to suit whatever mood you are in, whether you want a lively evening or a quiet corner with a book.

Elegant Indoor Venues

The Lobby Bar, located at the very heart of the ship, is a chic, art-deco inspired social hub that serves as the perfect spot for an evening Negroni or a post-dinner nightcap accompanied by live acoustic music.

Upstairs, the Explora Lounge is bathed in natural light and offers spectacular 270-degree views of the ocean, making it the ideal setting for traditional afternoon tea or informal drinking to the soundtrack of smooth jazz.

For a morning boost, Crema Café brings a bustling European coffee culture to the sea, serving barista-level coffees and fresh French and Italian pastries all day long.

Spirit connoisseurs will love the Malt Whisky Bar, which replicates a classic gentleman's club with deep Chesterfield lounges, a walk-in humidor with a cigar expert, and a collection of rare whiskies from around the globe.

Al Fresco Lounges and Evening Entertainment

For infinite ocean views, Sky Bar on 14 sits at the highest point of the ship, offering an understated beach club vibe with sophisticated cocktails.

Adults looking for a quiet escape can head to the forward-facing Helios Bar, a panoramic lounge perfect for sipping frozen blends and fresh fruit margaritas in the sun.

As the sun sets, the Astern Lounge transitions into a vibrant social space with live DJ sessions and acoustic musicians on the terrace.

Finally, The Conservatory Lounge features a relaxed all-weather layout that transforms into a magical silent cinema experience under the stars by night, sitting right next to an authentic gelateria and creperie.

Sun, Water, and Sky: The Pool Decks and Outdoor Spaces

The outdoor decks on an Explora Journeys ship are a masterclass in oceanfront layout design, offering over 6,000 square meters of public space that ensures you can always find a peaceful spot in the sun or the shade.

The Iconic Astern Pool and Wake Views

The Astern Pool is the true flagship outdoor space of the vessel, located at the very back of the ship on deck 5. It features a stunning half-circle design haloed by luxury sunbeds and private cabanas.

The main attraction is the visually striking infinity edge that seems to merge seamlessly with the ship's wake and the open ocean beyond.

Because it sits right next to the Sakura restaurant, guests can enjoy nutritious bento boxes delivered directly to their poolside loungers during the lunch hour.

Weatherproof Relaxation at The Conservatory

If you want to swim lengths or lounge by the poolside regardless of the weather, The Conservatory Pool on deck 11 is the ultimate destination. This massive area features a 14.7 metre swimming pool protected by a giant retractable glass canopy.

In cooler climates, it creates a warm, greenhouse style sanctuary, while in tropical regions, the roof rolls back to let in the ocean breezes.

The space is lined with thick daybeds and is steps away from the complimentary French creperie and Italian gelateria.

Intimate Pool Escapes at Atoll and Helios

For a more laid-back vibe, the Atoll Pool on deck 10 offers an intimate swimming space surrounded by oversized daybeds and partial shade, making it a wonderful alternative for hot afternoons.

If you prefer to swim without an audience, the Helios Pool is the ship's best-kept secret. Tucked away at the very front of deck 12, this adults-only pool faces forward, allowing you to watch the horizon open up before you in absolute tranquillity.

Scattered across the outer decks, you will also find five heated whirlpools and a panoramic sports court for padel and pickleball.

Upgrades and Extras: Drinks and Paid Packages

When you step aboard an Explora Journeys vessel, you can comfortably leave your wallet in your suite sanctuary.

Unlike standard cruise lines that require you to navigate complex drink tiers and daily add-on tallies, Explora Journeys operates an elegant system where the vast majority of luxury amenities are covered right from the start.

The All Inclusive Beverage Philosophy

You will not find traditional drinks packages for sale on board because premium beverages are already built into your holiday fare.

This complimentary program includes unlimited choice wines, champagnes, premium spirits, craft beers, and signature cocktails at any lounge, restaurant, or pool deck.

Your fare also covers all non alcoholic choices, such as fresh fruit smoothies, protein shakes, speciality coffees, and premium teas.

Even your in-suite minibar is tailored to your specific taste and replenished daily without any additional charges appearing on your final bill.

What Carries an Extra Charge for Connoisseurs

While you never need to buy an upgrade package to enjoy your holiday, Explora Journeys does curate an ultra-luxury list of elite beverages and experiences for guests wishing to celebrate a special occasion.

True wine and spirits enthusiasts can choose to purchase rare vintage wines by the bottle or indulge in top-tier spirits that sit outside the generous standard selection.

Paid supplements also apply to immersive onboard experiences, such as private mixology masterclasses, expert-led tasting seminars in The Cellar, or the bespoke premium wine pairing menus offered inside the flagship restaurant, Anthology.

Other Onboard Extras and Package Fees

While your fare smoothly takes care of your accommodation, fine dining, drinks, onboard gratuities, and high-speed Wi-Fi, there are a few traditional holiday extras that are billed separately.

Most shore excursions require an additional fee because the line avoids large group commercial tours in favour of small, highly exclusive experiences with local experts.

Within the wellness pavilion, access to the hydrotherapy pools and thermal suites is entirely free, but hands-on spa therapies, massages, and beauty salon treatments are paid extras.

Finally, any personal boutique shopping or private in-suite cocktail parties will be charged to your onboard account.

Wellness, Shopping, and Multi Generational Family Care

Relaxation and personal lifestyle spaces are major components of the onboard experience, ensuring that every guest can spend their days exactly how they choose.

Restorative Spa and Fitness Hubs

The Ocean Wellness sanctuary provides an expansive indoor and outdoor spa area with complimentary access to thermal suites, hydrotherapy pools, and Finnish saunas.

For fitness enthusiasts, the line partners with Technogym to provide top-tier training equipment alongside outdoor fitness tracks and open-air yoga platforms.

High End Onboard Shopping

The central public areas feature sophisticated shopping galleries. Explora Journeys hosts dedicated onboard boutiques from some of the most iconic luxury brands in the world, including Rolex, Cartier, Piaget, and Chopard, allowing you to browse fine timepieces and jewellery while sailing between destinations.

A Sophisticated Solution for Families

While many ultra luxury lines cater exclusively to couples, Explora Journeys is incredibly welcoming to multi-generational families.

They have masterfully solved the puzzle of providing a sophisticated adult environment that still keeps younger guests entertained.

The onboard Nautilus Club is a dedicated, complimentary space designed for children and teenagers.

Nautilus Club Juniors offers curated care and creative activities for younger children, while Nautilus Club Teens caters to older children up to seventeen with tech zones, gaming consoles, and sports tournaments, giving parents plenty of time to enjoy the quiet pool decks or a peaceful spa treatment.

Final Thoughts: Who is Explora Journeys For?

True luxury is not just about opulent surroundings; it is about having the time and space to truly connect with the world around you.

Explora Journeys is ideal for discerning travellers who appreciate contemporary design, exceptional food, and a relaxed, unhurried atmosphere.

By combining the intimate vibe of a private superyacht with the extensive amenities of a larger ship, they have created a modern masterpiece of ocean travel.

Whether you are a seasoned cruiser looking for an upgrade or a luxury hotel lover looking to try a holiday at sea for the very first time, Explora Journeys delivers an unforgettable experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the dress code on board Explora Journeys?

The dress code is elegant resort casual, with no formal nights or black tie requirements. Daytime wear is relaxed, though cover-ups are required indoors. In the evenings, guests opt for smart trousers, shirts, and dresses, while sportswear and flip flops are discouraged in restaurants after six o'clock.

2. Are drinks and tips included in the cruise fare?

Yes, tips and drinks are fully included. Your fare covers all onboard gratuities alongside unlimited premium spirits, fine wines, speciality coffees, and soft drinks. Your in-suite mini bar is also replenished daily free of charge based on your preferences.

3. Does Explora Journeys have a traditional buffet or main dining room?

No, traditional main dining rooms and self-service buffets do not exist on these ships. Instead, guests dine at intimate, high-end restaurants or the Emporium Marketplace, an upscale food hall where chefs prepare artisanal dishes fresh to order.

4. Are shore excursions included in the price?

Shore excursions are not included in the fare. However, the line frequently provides complimentary shuttle services from the port to the nearest town or city centre, allowing you to explore destinations independently at no extra cost.

5. Is the onboard Wi-Fi fast enough for remote work?

Yes, complimentary unlimited high-speed Wi-Fi is provided throughout the vessel. Every suite features a dedicated access point, ensuring strong connectivity suitable for streaming, video calls, and remote working while at sea.

6. Can families bring young children on board Explora Journeys?

Yes, children are warmly welcomed. The onboard Nautilus Club offers dedicated spaces and curated activities split into distinct age groups, with Nautilus Club Juniors for younger children and Nautilus Club Teens for teenagers up to seventeen.