Why You Should Book a Luxury Cruise with Explora Journeys

Drawing on over 300 years of seafaring experience, Explora Journeys offers refined travellers a new, elevated way to explore the ocean onboard one of their luxury cruise ships. Explora’s four luxury cruise ships have beckoned in a new era of cruising, combining refined yet effortless luxury with itineraries driven by curiosity and locally enriched experiences in destinations like South America, the Caribbean and Europe.

Created by the family behind Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC group) cruising, Explora’s ships offer travellers a carefully curated mix of luxury accommodation, extraordinary benefits and off-the-beaten-path exploration. With two vessels, Explora i and Explora ii, already making waves in the cruising world, it’s no surprise that upcoming sailings on yet-to-be-launched ships are filling up fast.

1. Uber Sophisticated, Yacht-Inspired Ships: the best parts of five-star resorts and luxury yachts merged into sophisticated ocean liners.

2. Spacious Oceanfront Suites with Private Terraces: every room features ocean views and a private terrace.

3. Unhurried Itineraries & Longer Stays in Port: step into the slow lane and explore each destination at your own pace.

4. Culturally Immersive Shore Experiences: carefully curated, small-group shore experiences focused on culture, cuisine, nature and people.

5. Ocean Wellness Like Never Before: a holiday that puts your health and wellness goals at the forefront with luxury programs for the mind, body and spirit.

6. Refined Dining and No Buffets: six onboard dining options featuring global flavours and locally sourced ingredients.

7. All-Inclusive, No-Fuss Luxury: no hidden charges onboard, with everything from fine wines, spirits, 24/7 dining and Wi-Fi included in your fare.

8. Tranquility on the Ocean with Thoughtful Family-Friendly Services: inclusive, multigenerational hospitality that doesn't ruin the serenity on board.

9. Personalised, Intuitive Service: onboard service that is a cut above the rest.

10. Sustainability with Substance: modern ships fit with technology that reduces their environmental impact.

At its core, Explora Journeys focuses on providing curated, slower-paced itineraries for seasoned travellers and lovers of luxury. Boasting everything from yacht-inspired ships to bespoke cultural immersions, 5-star facilities, and all-inclusive service, Explora Journeys is the perfect choice for discerning globetrotters and connoisseurs of curious travel.

Ready to be wowed? Whether you’re planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip or are simply ready to indulge in some much-needed me time, here are 10 reasons why Explora Journeys is the perfect choice for your next ocean cruise.

Explora Journeys’ ships have merged the best elements of resorts and private yachts into a sublime range of cruise liners. Perfect for travellers who value space, serenity, and sophistication and marvel at the beauty of the ocean, these ships bring new meaning to luxury cruising.

Some of our favourite onboard features for guests include:

• Adults-only infinity pool and retractable indoor pool
• Multiple hot tubs overlooking the ocean
• Every suite offers an ocean view
• Six refined dining options onboard
• A 1000 sqm dedicated wellness space
• Light-filled lounges perfect for reading, chatting, or just watching the world go by
• Curated, small-scale entertainment

In case you missed it above, every cabin onboard Explora Journeys boasts an ocean view. Better yet, all accommodation includes a private terrace. World-class views from the comfort of your bed? Yes, please.

Explora Journeys is also proud to offer some of the largest entry-level select suites at sea, with walk-in robes, double vanities and plush king beds. Feel free to spread out, make yourself at home, and enjoy seeing new and wonderful corners of the world without having to pack and unpack at every port.

If there’s one thing you don’t want to do on holiday, it’s rush. Explora Journeys has well and truly read the memo, and their itineraries are curated with your time and relaxation in mind.

This relaxed cruising style gives you more time in iconic and off-the-beaten-path ports like San Juan, Hawaii, Alaska and more. Enjoy strolling the streets at a leisurely pace and avoid the stress of having to nitpick what you want to see in each destination.

With Explora, you can sink into the rhythm of a longer voyage. Sleep in without missing out on a city. Take time to learn about each destination, indulge in a spa and revel in a long lunch. Trust us - you’ve got all the time in the world.

Explora Journeys offers carefully curated, small-group shore experiences designed to deeply engage guests with each destination’s culture, cuisine, nature, and people. In fact, each shore excursion is created to align with one of six key themes:

• Beyond Boundaries – Adventure and nature-based experiences
• Tailored Experiences – Private journeys perfect for couples and small groups
• Enchanted Places – Cultural and UNESCO heritage highlights
• In-Country Immersions – Multi-day land tours pre- or post-cruise
• Culinary Discoveries – Markets, tastings, and cooking with local chefs
• Grounded in Nature – Botanical gardens, wildlife tours, coastal hikes

Regardless of the theme, rest assured that each excursion will provide an immersive, authentic experience that is well-paced with your comfort in mind. No mass-market sightseeing, no standing for hours in the hot sun, no huge buses carting guests from one location to another. Just thoughtfully created experiences designed for curious minds, hands-on learners, foodies, avid adventurers and historians alike.

Just because you’re on holiday doesn’t mean your health and wellness goals have to go on the back burner. With Explora Journeys, it’s quite the opposite.

We don’t mean hitting the gym at 6 a.m. every day or living off green juices. We’re talking about a well-rounded Ocean Wellness programme that rests and rejuvenates your mind, body, and soul. Think bespoke spa therapies, a focus on sleep health and customised nutrition, fitness classes, and mindfulness exercises.

Onboard an Explora ship, expect facilities and experiences like:

• Salt caves and thalassotherapy
• Bespoke beauty treatments
• Personal trainers
• Pilates reformers
• Aqua fitness classes

Beyond the physical elements, treat your mind and palette to expert-led lectures, art classes, wine tastings, cultural performances and more. With Explora Journeys, Ocean Wellness has all your senses covered.

Explora understands how incredible it is to take your taste buds along for the journey, which is why their ships offer six refined dining experiences. Forget lining up with the masses to pile your plate from the buffet (rumour has it the B-word is actually banned on board). Instead, take your pick from globally inspired flavours made with locally-sourced cuisine that rotates with each destination.

Whether you want to feast on pan-Asian flavours, enjoy Mediterranean bites, be up close to the magic at the chef’s kitchen, snack by the pool, sip champagne al fresco, or relax with dinner in bed, there is a dining experience fit for every guest on board.

With Explora Journeys, there are no hidden charges onboard. Your fare includes:

• Fine wines & premium spirits
• Onboard gratuities
• Wi-Fi
• Complimentary welcome bottle of champagne
• Personal refillable water bottle and sustainable amenities
• Spacious accommodation with a private outdoor terrace
• 24-hour in-suite dining with a full menu
• Dining at all six restaurants with no surcharges
• Tailored menus for dietary needs (vegetarian, gluten-free, etc)
• In-suite mini-bar that is replenished daily with your preferred selections
• Alcohol-free options like barista-made coffee, tea, smoothies, juices and more
• Access to the Ocean Wellness Spa thermal area
• Fully equipped fitness centre with group classes
• Running track, outdoor fitness deck, and aqua wellness pool
• Daily enrichment programmes like lectures, art workshops, wine tastings & more.

The only costs not included in your fare are destination experiences, spa treatments and boutique purchases.

Explora Journeys balances refined tranquillity with inclusive, multigenerational hospitality. While the atmosphere is elegant and peaceful, dedicated areas like the Nautilus Club provide engaging, supervised activities for younger guests, ensuring everyone - from mature travellers to families - feels welcome without compromising the ship’s calm ambience.

While onboard, prepare to enjoy service that is a cut above the rest. With a high crew-to-guest ratio (almost 1:1), European-style hospitality, unhurried itineraries and a focus on personalised touches, you can completely switch off and soak up the serenity of your holiday.

The crew onboard values your space and privacy, working hard to be quietly attentive. They’ll anticipate your needs before you do, providing personal service that is never intrusive. Don’t be surprised if staff quickly pick up on your personal preferences and routine - having your coffee waiting for you in the morning, your favourite wine poured at dinner, and beds turned down at your ideal time. Housekeeping will work around your rhythm, seating preferences at dinner will be remembered, and shore concierge teams will customise destination experiences based on your interests and mobility needs.

Worried about the fuss of embarkation and disembarkation? Stress less. Explora Journeys makes a special effort to ensure a smooth, unhurried and personalised experience from start to finish. 

As some of the freshest ships on the ocean, Explora’s modern fleet features advanced technology that reduces their environmental impact. Ships feature hybrid-ready engines, waste-reduction systems and shore power capabilities, so you can rest assured that your travel is leaving less of a mark on the deep blue.

Your centre for travel has it all. Contact our Travel Experts in-store, over the phone, or online, and start dreaming up your luxury ocean cruise today.