Explora Journeys represent a new era of ultra-luxury travel at sea, combining refined design, immersive itineraries and a lifestyle-led approach to cruising. Created by MSC Cruises, Explora Journeys moves beyond traditional luxury cruising to deliver elegant Ocean Journeys where space, freedom and time take centre stage.
Rather than following traditional luxury cruise conventions, Explora Journeys offers a refined, lifestyle-led experience designed to feel like an ultra-elegant private yacht or boutique hotel at sea. The focus is on space, freedom, design and time, because, as the brand itself believes, time is the ultimate luxury.
The Explora Journeys Fleet: A Growing Horizon
Explora Journeys luxury cruises launched its first ship, EXPLORA I, in 2023, followed by EXPLORA II in 2024. The fleet is now set to expand to six luxury ships by 2028, all built in Italy by Fincantieri, one of the world’s most respected shipbuilders.
Future vessels will incorporate LNG and hydrogen-ready technologies, underlining the brand’s long-term commitment to sustainability and alternative fuels. Each ship has been designed in collaboration with leading superyacht and luxury hospitality designers, resulting in ships that feel more like a sophisticated home at sea than a conventional cruise liner.
“Inspired by our personal travel wishes, Explora Journeys will be an ocean escape like no other, allowing guests to relax, make memories, and cherish the time at sea with their loved ones. After all, time is the ultimate luxury.”
Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises
Life Onboard Explora Journeys: The “Ocean State of Mind”
At the heart of Explora Journeys’ luxury cruises is its signature philosophy: the Ocean State of Mind. Life onboard is unhurried, immersive and elegant, allowing guests to truly disconnect and enjoy the journey as much as the destination.
Beyond dining and design, the onboard experience is shaped by a strong sense of space and flow. Wide-open decks, carefully curated social areas and residential-style lounges encourage guests to move freely and naturally throughout the ship. Service is intuitive rather than formal, creating an atmosphere that feels relaxed yet deeply luxurious, closer to an exclusive private residence than a traditional cruise ship.
Oceanfront Suites and Private Terraces
Explora Journeys features 461 oceanfront suites, penthouses and residences, each with floor-to-ceiling windows and a spacious private terrace, not a balcony. These terraces feature daybeds and dining areas, providing a constant connection to the sea, whether in port or at sail.
Culinary Journeys Without Restrictions
There are no main dining rooms and no fixed dining times. Instead, guests can choose from nine distinct culinary experiences, each offering globally inspired, European-rooted cuisine. The standout restaurant, Anthology, showcases curated menus created in collaboration with world-renowned guest chefs.
Wellness, Pools and Open Decks
Wellbeing is woven seamlessly into the onboard experience. Guests enjoy access to:
- Four heated swimming pools, including one with a retractable glass roof
- Expansive outdoor decks with private cabanas
- Thermal spa facilities and wellness spaces designed for deep relaxation
Bookings for the 2023 Inaugural Collection will open in Autumn 2021. We’ll be the first to let you know about these exciting new itineraries, which will bring guests to lesser-travelled harbours to enjoy a more authentic experience and a slower pace of travel.
A Unique Luxury Touch at Sea
Adding to its refined onboard offering, EXPLORA I is home to the first-ever Rolex boutique at sea. This exclusive space allows guests to explore iconic timepieces while onboard, reinforcing Explora Journeys’ commitment to exceptional craftsmanship, heritage and understated luxury.
Inclusive Ultra-Luxury: What’s Included with Explora Journeys
Explora Journeys offers one of the most comprehensive all-inclusive luxury cruise experiences at sea. Every journey includes:
- Unlimited fine beverages, premium spirits and wines
- All nine culinary experiences
- High-speed Wi-Fi throughout the ship
- Thermal spa access
- All onboard gratuities
- Shuttle services from the port to the city centres
- A bottle of champagne upon arrival
This approach allows guests to relax fully, knowing that everything has already been taken care of.
Destinations and Itineraries
Explora Journeys luxury cruises combine iconic destinations with lesser-travelled ports, reducing overcrowding and creating more meaningful experiences ashore. Current and upcoming itineraries include:
For those seeking the ultimate voyage, Explora Journeys has also introduced a 128-day Inaugural World Journey, departing in 2029, offering a truly once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
The Mediterranean remains a cornerstone of Explora Journeys’ deployment, with itineraries that balance iconic ports and lesser-visited destinations. Sailings explore cultural hubs such as Barcelona, Rome and Istanbul, alongside smaller ports chosen to avoid overcrowding and enhance the guest experience. Longer port stays and late departures allow travellers to explore cities at a more relaxed pace, aligning perfectly with Explora’s Ocean State of Mind philosophy.
Explora Journeys World Journey: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Voyage
For travellers seeking the ultimate long-form luxury experience, Explora Journeys has introduced an exceptional 128-day World Journey, departing in 2029. This carefully curated voyage embraces the brand’s slow-travel philosophy, combining extended stays, overnight ports and a thoughtfully paced route that allows guests to truly immerse themselves in each destination. Designed for those who value depth over distance, the World Journey showcases Explora Journeys at its most refined, offering a rare opportunity to experience global exploration without compromise.
Families and Solo Travellers Welcome
Unlike many ultra-luxury cruise lines, Explora Journeys is genuinely welcoming to multi-generational travel. The Nautilus Club provides dedicated spaces for children and teenagers, while interconnecting suites make family travel seamless.
Solo travellers are equally well catered for, with low single-supplement rates and thoughtfully designed social programmes that encourage connection without pressure.
With its blend of contemporary design, inclusive luxury and thoughtfully curated itineraries, Explora Journeys appeals to experienced travellers seeking something genuinely different. Whether you’re considering a Mediterranean escape, a long-haul voyage or a future World Journey, expert guidance ensures you choose the sailing best suited to your travel style.
Book Your Explora Journey with Paramount Cruises
Explora Journeys luxury cruises represent a new era of ultra-luxury cruising, refined, spacious and deeply considered. Whether you’re drawn by the design, destinations or inclusive philosophy, this is luxury travel reimagined for modern explorers.
📞 Call our luxury cruise specialists on 020 7947 0270 to book your Explora Journey today.
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