Here is everything you need to know about Explora Journeys, a brand that represents the ambition and long-held dream of the MSC Group and the Aponte family.

They dream to create transformative luxury ocean travel experience and brand that redefines the luxury cruise category. Each cruise itinerary is carefully crafted with the Aponte family’s intimate knowledge to ensure guests have access to the best places, dining experiences, and excursions. All of which are made with the unwavering commitment to authenticity in cuisine, village charm, and natural beauty.

Life aboard Explora

Restaurants

Explora Journeys’ team of culinary and beverage experts bring together an abundance of experience and artistry to provide immersive dining experiences. Their wine selection reflects the regional areas where the ships sail, while offering favourite grape varietals. Restaurants include:

• Anthology – showcasing refined Italian cuisine taking guests on a unique culinary journey.
• Sakura – an immersive and authentic dining experience that offers the finest Pan-Asian dishes.
• Marble & Co. Grill – experience a redefined European steakhouse at sea.
• Med Yacht Club – providing a relaxed ambience and dolce vita of the Mediterranean.
• Emporium Marketplace – an all-day dining venue inspired by world-wide cuisines and flavours.
• Fil Rouge – a global tasting of French-inspired international cuisine.

Guests aboard can also enjoy in-suite dining from the comfort of their accommodation or private dining and culinary classes at the Chef’s Kitchen.

Sakura, Anthology, and Marble & Co. Grill restaurants (from left to right).

Lounges and pools

Explora Journeys provides an elegant, cosmopolitan atmosphere where guests can discover, enjoy, and appreciate diverse flavours and relax while on their voyage. Guests can indulge in exclusive wines, whiskey and spirit tastings, pairings, alcohol-free beverages, cocktail making masterclasses, and “Meet the Winemaker” events. Bars and lounges include:

• Crema Cafe – a European all-day cafe culture brought to the oceans of the world.
• Lobby Bar – a centrally located social bar and lounge.
• Explora Lounge – a lounge that offers a spectacular 270-degree view of the ocean.
• Malt Whiskey Bar – a bar offering refined global whiskey.
• Journeys Lounge – a venue for mixology, enrichment, and entertainment.
• Astern Lounge – a seaside all-day lounge that opens up to the Astern Pool.
• Astern Pool & Bar – an all-day pool and outdoor lounge.
• Atoll Pool & Bar – a small, more intimate pool and setting.
• Helios Pool & Bar – an adults-only pool and lounge with panoramic views.
• Sky Bar on 14 – a panoramic outdoor lounge setting for soothing cocktails and intimate views.
• The Conservatory Pool & Bar – a weather-protected all-day poolside lounge.
• Gelateria & Creperie at The Conservatory – a weather-protected poolside environment with French and Italian treats.

Crema Cafe, Malt Whiskey Bar, and Journeys Lounge (from left to right).

Astern Pool & Bar, Atoll Pool & Bar, and Helios Pool & Bar (from left to right).

Ocean wellness

The ship’s Spa helps guests relieve the pressures of daily life with various treatments and facilities. The Spa features a wellness area with heated and cold-water amenities, two private spa suites, a double treatment room, seven single treatment rooms, and outdoor relaxation area, and a single treatment room for specialised skin treatments. Other amenities include:

• Steam room – air, steam, and scented fragrances help natural exfoliation and perspiration.
• Hydrotherapy pool – designed for moments of authentic psycho-physical regeneration.
• Finnish Sauna – an ideal space to unwind, reduce stress, and oxygenate tissues.
• Salt cave – guests can inhale Himalayan salt-infused air with wall covered in Himalayan salt bricks.
• Steam shower – a shower that combines steam and water available within private Spa Suites.
• Ice Fall – guests can regenerate after intense heat exposure in the Finnish Sauna or Steam room.
• Heated marble loungers – infrared systems radiate the heat on the whole stone surface.
• Outdoor relaxation area – an open-air relaxation deck with a panoramic ocean view.

Outdoor relaxation area, treatment area, and Hydrotherapy pool (from left to right).

Heated marble loungers, Finnish Sauna, and Salt Cave (from left to right).

Ships

Explora I

Setting the stage for the highest standard in modern luxury, the 248m long Explora I is the company’s first ship. It has a guest ratio of 1.25:1 with 461 suites, 5 pools, and 6 restaurants.

Explora I.

Explora II

A sister ship to the Explora I, the Explora II features the same 248m length, 1.25:1 guest ratio, 461 suites, 5 pools, and 6 restaurants. It completed its sea trials in June 2024 and is slated to set sail on its maiden voyage in September 2024.

Explora II.

Other ships

Explora Journeys is set to launch four more ships between 2026 to 2028.

Accommodation

Ocean Suites – These are elegant spaces that combine space and light to help guests truly relax and feel closer to the ocean.

• Ocean Terrace suites – A 35 sqm space with floor-to-ceiling windows and private sun terraces that gives guests a magnificent ocean view.
• Ocean Grand Terrace suites – These suites feature a larger ocean-front terrace of 11 sqm with an outdoor dining area and comfortable daybed.

Ocean Terrace and Ocean Grand Terrace suites.

Ocean Penthouse – Guests can enjoy an elegant, characterful private dining area for four, encouraging the, to entertain in their suite, as well as a lounge area with a comfortable sofa and chairs.

• Ocean Penthouse – Each of which offers a spacious living area, a neat workspace, and a separate dining area for four.
• Deluxe Penthouse – These offer floor-to-ceiling oversized windows for even more light and offers a more elegant accommodation and a stylish living area.

Ocean Penthouse and Deluxe Penthouse.

• Premier Penthouse – The light-filled, luxurious Premier Penthouses are designed for withdrawing in style or entertaining other guests.
• Grand Penthouse – These offer the largest space for the Penthouse suites with its own private sun terrace that allows guests to unwind and savour the ocean view.

Ocean Premier and Grand Penthouses.

Ocean Residences – Theses provide a tranquil sanctuary, with sweeping private decks, panoramic ocean views, private outdoor whirlpools, and flawless butler services.

• Cove Residences – The effortlessly elegant spaces of the Cove Residences provide a true sense of being at home at sea.
• Retreat Residences – These luxurious spaces offer oversized floor-to-ceiling windows leading onto a spacious sun terrace with a private whirlpool, as well as a dining area for up to four guests, a separate living area and calm workspace.

Cove and Retreat Residences.

• Serenity Residences – These spaces boast of a large living area, a dining area for six, an adept desk area, a luxurious marble bathroom with a bathtub and separate shower, and a Residence Host providing butler services.
• Cocoon Residences – These are amongst the most spacious of our residences, with an expansive sun terrace on the ship’s coveted aft deck.

Serenity and Cocoon Residences.

Owner’s Residence – The iconic Owner’s Residence offers the largest living space onboard, with various harmonious spaces to relax, entertain, and unwind. It has panoramic ocean views from a private outdoor terrace that extends over the full ship’s width and a spacious infinity whirlpool, and dedicated butler services.

Owner’s Residence.