Explora Journeys

The Aponte family’s MSC Group, best known for MSC Cruises, announced Explora Journeys in 2021 as a separate luxury brand with a European, lifestyle-hotel sensibility. Explora I welcomed its first guests in 2023 and Explora II followed in 2024, built around the line’s “ocean state of mind” idea of slow, unhurried travel.

The ships carry around 900 guests in about 460 suites, larger than most luxury vessels but designed with an unusually high ratio of space and crew per guest. Every suite faces the ocean with a terrace, and the ships feature multiple pools, including a heated pool under a retractable glass roof, and a large spa. Additional ships, including Explora III and later LNG-powered vessels, extend the fleet over the coming years.

Journeys typically last seven to fourteen nights, often with late evenings or overnights in port, and cover the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and the Norwegian fjords, Iceland, the Caribbean, transatlantic crossings and North American coastal routes.

Explora feels like a chic European resort at sea: contemporary design, soft colors, natural materials and a relaxed elegance. Guests tend to be younger than on traditional luxury lines, often in their 40s to 60s, from North America and Europe, including professionals and couples new to luxury cruising. There are no formal nights; dress is elegant casual, with guests dressing up stylishly in the evening. The pace is intentionally slow, with fewer announcements and no tightly scheduled activities. Families are welcome and kids have a club, but the atmosphere is adult-oriented.

Dining is a strong point, with numerous venues included in the fare. Highlights include Marble & Co. Grill for steak and seafood, Sakura for pan-Asian dishes, Med Yacht Club for Mediterranean cuisine, Fil Rouge for international fine dining and the Emporium Marketplace, a market-style food hall. Anthology, a restaurant featuring menus from guest chefs, carries a supplement, as do cooking classes in the Chef’s Kitchen. In-suite dining is available around the clock.

Entertainment is understated: live music in multiple lounges, a cabaret-style venue, a piano bar and a nightclub, plus guest speakers and cultural experiences linked to destinations. The Ocean Wellness spa, with thermal areas and fitness classes, and the multiple pools are a big part of daily life.

Children are welcome, and the Nautilus Club offers activities for kids and teens, especially during school holidays. Families are a minority, and the ships suit older children who enjoy a calmer environment.

All accommodations are ocean-front suites with private terraces, starting with generous Ocean Terrace Suites and rising to Penthouses and Residences with butler service, extra space and, in the largest, private outdoor whirlpools. Interiors are modern and spacious with walk-in wardrobes and large bathrooms.

Drinks are included, covering a wide selection of wines, spirits, champagne, beer, cocktails, soft drinks and specialty coffees, plus a replenished in-suite minibar. Some premium labels cost extra.

Gratuities are included in Explora Journeys fares, and no service charge is added for included services.

Explora Club, the line’s loyalty program, awards points for nights sailed and onboard spending, with tiers of Classic, Silver, Gold, Platinum and Diamond. Top-tier members can earn a complimentary journey, and the program offers status matches from other lines, including sister brand MSC Cruises.