FAST FACT
EXPLORA JOURNEYS FOUNDED 2023 · MSC GROUP
Explora Journeys Review Ships, Suites & Expert Guide (2026)
Explora Journeys: Ocean State of Mind
*****
Editor's Rating 4.7/5
Reviewed by AboutLuxuryCruising.com 2026
CRUISE LINE SPOTLIGHT
A New Standard in Luxury Ocean Travel
Explora Journeys is the ultra-luxury cruise brand of MSC Group — one of the world's largest privately held shipping conglomerates. Launched in 2023 with the debut of Explora I, the line was conceived from scratch with a singular philosophy: create the finest floating hotels on earth, where the ocean is never a backdrop but always the destination.
Every suite on every ship faces the ocean. There are no inside cabins. No balcony-free rooms. Every guest wakes to a horizon. This single design decision tells you everything about how seriously Explora Journeys has thought about what luxury at sea should mean.
With its European design aesthetic — conceived in Switzerland, built in Italy — Explora Journeys occupies a distinct cultural space. It is not trying to be Silversea or Seabourn. It is deliberately, unapologetically its own thing.
FAST FACTS
Founded
2023 MSC Group
Headquarters
Geneva, Switzerland
Ships Now Sailing
Explora I, Explora II
Next Launch
Explora III August 2026
Full Fleet By
2028 - Six Ships
Inside Cabins
None - Every Suite faces the Ocean
Dining Included
All 9 venues — zero surcharge
Beverages
All included (wine, spirits, Champagne)
Category
Ultra-Luxury · All-Inclusive
Design Style
Contemporary European · Ocean-First
Six Ships. One Ocean Philosophy.
THE FLEET
Explora Journeys Ships: Built for the Sea
The Explora Journeys fleet is growing rapidly. Each vessel is designed to the same uncompromising specification — a floating boutique resort where the sea is always present. Here's what you need to know about the ships currently sailing and those on the horizon. Click any ship to explore here in detail.
Explora I — The Founding Ship
Conceived in Switzerland and built at Fincantieri's Italian yards, she entered service in August 2023 to immediate critical acclaim. At 64,000 GT carrying just 922 guests, the space-per-guest ratio is among the most generous afloat.
Every decision — from the residential corridors to the floor-to-ceiling glass in every public space — was made with one question: what does the ocean experience feel like at its best?
- ✦First sailing: 1 August 2023, Copenhagen
- ✦461 ocean-facing suites — not a single inside cabin
- ✦9 restaurants, 12 bars — all dining & beverages included
- ✦SOLEMAR Spa with thermal suite and thalassotherapy pool
- ✦Sea-level marina for direct ocean water sports access
- ✦Infinity pool · adults-only areas · Illuminations cinema
Explora II — The Sister Ship
Arrived August 2024, sister to Explora I in specification but refined by a year of operational learning. Godmother: Rosalba Giugni, marine environmentalist. Operates across the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Indian Ocean and East Africa.
- ✦Entered service August 2024
- ✦Godmother: Rosalba Giugni, marine environmentalist
- ✦461 ocean-facing suites · 922 guests · 64,000 GT
- ✦Caribbean, Indian Ocean and East Africa routes
- ✦Shore power connectivity to reduce port emissions
Explora III — First Evolution Class
At 73,000 GT — 19m longer than Explora I & II — the first Evolution Class ship and first to run on LNG, cutting GHG emissions by 80%+. Maiden voyage departs Barcelona 3 August 2026.
Two Owner's Residences (one by Patricia Urquiola), conservatory pool with retractable glass roof, wine sanctuary and beach-club restaurant among the new features.
- ✦Maiden voyage: 3 August 2026, Barcelona to Lisbon
- ✦First LNG-powered Explora ship — 80%+ fewer GHG emissions
- ✦73,000 GT · 463 suites · 19m longer than Explora I & II
- ✦Two Owner's Residences — one by Patricia Urquiola
- ✦Conservatory pool · wine sanctuary · Chef's Table
Explora IV — Evolution Class Continues
Carries the same LNG propulsion as Explora III with LNG-to-hydrogen conversion for zero-emission port operations. Float-out ceremony completed at Fincantieri, March 2026.
- ✦Expected delivery: early 2027
- ✦LNG propulsion — same clean-fuel tech as Explora III
- ✦Float-out ceremony completed Fincantieri, March 2026
- ✦~73,000 GT · 463 ocean-facing suites
Explora V — Hydrogen Pioneer
Fully hydrogen-capable, designed to run on bio and synthetic gas and methanol. Coin ceremony completed at Fincantieri, March 2026.
- ✦Expected delivery: late 2027
- ✦Hydrogen-capable — bio and synthetic gas and methanol ready
- ✦Coin ceremony completed Fincantieri, March 2026
- ✦~73,000 GT · 463 ocean-facing suites
Explora VI — Most Advanced in the Fleet
Full alternative-fuel capability (hydrogen, methanol, bio-gas) and net-zero 2050 roadmap compliance built in from the very first plate of steel. Steel cutting completed Fincantieri, March 2026.
- ✦Expected delivery: 2028 — completing the six-ship fleet
- ✦Full alt-fuel: hydrogen, methanol, bio-gas
- ✦Steel cutting completed Fincantieri, March 2026
- ✦~73,000 GT · 463 ocean-facing suites
Every single suite faces the ocean. There are no inside cabins. No balconies looking at a corridor. Just you, your suite, and the sea. This is not a design choice — it is a declaration of intent.
— About Luxury Cruising, sailing aboard Explora I in the Mediterranean
Nine Restaurants. Every One Included.
All nine restaurants are included in your fare — zero supplement, zero reservation charge, from Japanese omakase to Italian trattoria.
Explora Journeys includes wine, Champagne, spirits, cocktails, beers and non-alcoholic beverages across all venues throughout the voyage. The included list is genuinely impressive — we have rarely seen beverage inclusions this generous at any tier.
ACCOMMODATION
Every Suite Faces the Ocean — Without Exception
Explora Journeys operates on a single, defining principle: every guest deserves an unobstructed ocean view. From the most spacious Ocean Suite to the Owner's Residence, the sea is always there. There is no such thing as an inside cabin on any Explora Journeys ship.
Floor-to-ceiling glass, private terrace with loungers, walk-in rain shower. Comfortably surpasses most competitors' top categories.
- Private ocean-view terrace
- King-size bed with premium bedding
- Walk-in wardrobe and vanity
- Daily replenished minibar
- All 9 restaurants & all beverages
Separate living and sleeping areas, deep soaking tub with ocean views, butler service that anticipates rather than merely responds.
- Separate lounge and bedroom
- Dedicated butler service
- Soaking tub with ocean views
- Priority restaurant reservations
- Welcome Champagne & bespoke amenities
Multiple rooms, wraparound terrace, private whirlpool, personal concierge and every amenity curated before boarding.
- Multiple rooms and living areas
- Private terrace + whirlpool
- Dedicated butler and concierge
- In-suite dining from any venue
- Complimentary shore excursions
Multi-room private residence with dedicated team, private dining and every amenity curated. On Explora III, one designed by Patricia Urquiola.
- Multi-room private residence
- Private terrace + whirlpool
- Dedicated butler, chef & concierge
- All shore excursions included
- Private dining any venue, any time
ITINERARIES
Where Explora Journeys Sails
Explora Journeys curates itineraries around depth over breadth — longer stays in fewer ports, overnight visits, and a preference for scenic sailing routes over maximum port-hopping. Here are the key sailing regions.
Greek islands, Amalfi Coast, Dubrovnik, Barcelona, Valletta, Montenegro and Santorini overnight stays.
Peak SeasonSt Barts, Barbados, Antigua, St Lucia, Grenada, Bequia and private island experiences.
Winter SeasonNorwegian fjords, Iceland, Scotland, the Faroe Islands and the British Isles.
Summer 2025–26Copenhagen, Stockholm, Helsinki, Tallinn, Riga and Gdańsk.
Limited DatesTransatlantic voyages, Pacific Coast, Canada and New England fall foliage sailings.
Grand VoyagesSeychelles, Maldives, Mauritius, Madagascar and East African coastline.
Explora IIINCLUSIONS
What's Included — and What Costs Extra
One of the most common questions we receive about Explora Journeys is what exactly "all-inclusive" means in practice. Here is a clear, honest breakdown based on first-hand experience and extensive guest feedback.
✅ Always Included — All Suites
- ✓All dining across all nine restaurants — zero supplement, ever
- ✓All beverages: wine, Champagne, spirits, cocktails, beer, soft drinks and coffees
- ✓High-speed Wi-Fi (Starlink) for all devices throughout the voyage
- ✓All gratuities and service charges
- ✓Butler service (Penthouse suites and above)
- ✓Full access to all pools, SOLEMAR spa thermal suite and fitness classes
- ✓24-hour room service from any restaurant at any time
- ✓Non-motorised water sports from the sea-level marina
- ✓All entertainment, lectures and cultural programming
- ✓Complimentary Explora Club loyalty benefits
💳 At Additional Cost
- +Ultra-premium wines and Champagnes beyond the included list
- +All spa treatments and beauty services (salon, medi-spa)
- +Private cabana hire on deck
- +Shore excursions (select fare levels include some)
- +Motorised water sports and specialist equipment hire
- +Professional laundry and personal shopping services
- +Casino gaming
- +Photography packages and professional portraits
- +Personal training (beyond group fitness classes)
EXPERT VERDICT
Our Honest Explora Journeys Review
There is a type of luxury travel that announces itself loudly — branded everything, conspicuous service and a constant reminder of how much you have spent. Explora Journeys is emphatically not that.
The line's philosophy is quieter and, we think, more mature. The ship does not show off. It simply delivers an exceptionally good experience in a setting of genuine elegance. The crew are warm and attentive without being obsequious. The food is consistently excellent without being theatrical. The suites are beautiful without being ostentatious.
What strikes you most forcefully is the spatial intelligence of the design. Because every suite faces the ocean, and because the ship carries far fewer guests than its size would suggest, there is a persistent sense of unhurried calm. You are rarely aware of other passengers. The ship breathes.
The dining across nine restaurants is the strongest at-sea programme we have experienced. Not one venue disappointed — and we ate in all of them.
— About Luxury Cruising, sailing Explora I in the Mediterranean
The one area where Explora Journeys continues to mature is the shore excursion programme. For a brand this premium, the curated experiences ashore can occasionally feel generic. But this is improving season by season, and the excellent concierge team and destination lectures mean it matters less than on other luxury lines.
The value proposition is genuinely strong once the all-inclusive package is calculated. When you account for beverages (worth £80–120 per person per day at this quality), Wi-Fi, gratuities and dining, the headline fares compete directly with Silversea, Seabourn and Regent while the product — suites, dining, ship design — is arguably ahead.
Our bottom line: Explora Journeys has moved, in just two short years, from a promising newcomer to a genuine contender for the finest luxury cruise experience afloat. For guests who value understated elegance, exceptional food and an authentic connection to the sea, it belongs at the very top of the consideration list.
⭐ Expert Verdict
A magnificent achievement for a line only three years old. The finest dining programme afloat, stunning ocean-centric ship design and warm, genuine service make Explora Journeys one of the strongest recommendations in ultra-luxury ocean travel. With Explora III raising the bar again in 2026, this line is only getting better.
Who Is Explora Journeys Best For?
- Discerning travellers who prioritise design, cuisine and space above all else
- Couples and solo travellers — excellent solo supplement policy on select sailings
- Those who've experienced mainstream luxury lines and want something fresher
- Guests who want genuinely all-inclusive with no bill anxiety
- Design-conscious travellers drawn to European contemporary aesthetics
HOW EXPLORA COMPARES
Explora Journeys vs. The Competition
Explora Journeys is frequently compared with Silversea, Seabourn, Cunard (at Queens Grill level) and the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. Here is our honest side-by-side assessment across the dimensions that matter most.
| Feature | Explora Journeys | Silversea | Seabourn | Cunard (QG) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2023 — newest fleet | 1994 | 1988 | 1840 |
| All Dining Included | ✓ All 9 venues — zero surcharge | ✓ All venues | ✓ All venues | Main restaurants |
| All Beverages Included | ✓ Comprehensive list | ✓ Comprehensive | ✓ Yes | ✗ Extra cost |
| Gratuities Included | ✓ Always | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✗ Daily charge |
| Wi-Fi Included | ✓ Starlink, high speed | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✗ Packages |
| Inside Cabins Available | ✗ None — 100% ocean suites | Some vessels | ✗ None | Yes — Britannia |
| Fleet Modernity | 2023–2028 all-new | Mixed fleet | Mixed fleet | 2004–2024 mixed |
| Dining Venues per Ship | 9 — all included | 4–8 | 4–6 | Up to 15 (QA) |
| Formal Dress Nights | ✗ Smart casual only | ✗ None | ✗ None | ✓ Gala evenings |
| LNG / Green Ships | ✓ Explora III+ from 2026 | Some ships | No | No |
| Solo Supplement Policy | ✓ Low on select sailings | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Our Expert Rating | ★★★★★ |
4.6 / 5 ★★★★½ | 4.5 / 5 ★★★★½ | 4.6 / 5 ★★★★½ |
Ratings reflect About Luxury Cruising expert assessments as of 2026. Details vary by sailing and fare category. Always verify specifics directly with Explora Journeys or your travel specialist before booking. Scroll right on mobile to view all columns.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Explora Journeys FAQs
Our readers' most-asked questions about Explora Journeys— answered honestly, based on first-hand experience and extensive research.
Is Explora Journeys worth the money?
Explora Journeys sits firmly in the ultra-luxury tier. When you factor in all-inclusive beverages (worth £80–£120 per person per day at this level), nine dining venues with zero surcharges, Wi-Fi, gratuities and the quality of the ocean-facing suites, the value proposition is genuinely strong. It compares favourably with Silversea, Seabourn and Regent Seven Seas once total cost is calculated.
Who owns Explora Journeys?
Explora Journeys is owned by MSC Group — one of the world's largest privately held shipping and cruise conglomerates, founded by the Aponte family and headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. The brand was created as MSC's dedicated ultra-luxury cruise line and is entirely separate from the mainstream MSC Cruises brand.
How many ships does Explora Journeys have?
As of 2026, Explora Journeys operates two ships — Explora I (launched August 2023) and Explora II (launched August 2024). Explora III, the first of the new Evolution Class with LNG propulsion, joins the fleet in August 2026. Explora IV, V and VI will follow through 2027 and 2028, completing a six-ship fleet.
What is the 'Ocean State of Mind' philosophy?
Ocean State of Mind is Explora Journeys' founding philosophy — the idea that the sea itself is the destination, not merely the backdrop. Every suite faces the ocean (there are no inside cabins), every public space is oriented toward the water, and itineraries are designed to allow guests to slow down and genuinely connect with the ocean. It is the brand's answer to the question of what luxury ocean travel should feel like at its best.
What destinations does Explora Journeys sail?
Explora Journeys itineraries cover the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Northern Europe, the Baltic, the Norwegian fjords, the Americas and East Africa/Indian Ocean routes. The fleet is expanding rapidly and new itineraries — including expedition-style voyages to remote destinations — are added each season. World voyage segments are also available as back-to-back bookings.
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