Welcome Aboard

If you're considering Explora Journeys for your next vacation, you've probably got a lot of questions. Is it really different from other luxury cruise lines? What makes it special? And most importantly—is it worth the investment?

You're in the right place.

This guide has been created to answer those questions honestly and thoroughly. Whether you're planning your very first luxury cruise or you're an experienced traveler looking for something new, my goal is to help you understand exactly what Explora Journeys offers and whether it's the right fit for your travel style.

Rather than simply repeating marketing material., this guide brings together practical information, expert insights, and real-world advice to help you make an informed decision before you book.

By the time you reach the end, you'll have a clear understanding of what makes Explora Journeys unique and whether it deserves a place at the top of your travel wish list.

If you're still deciding between ocean and river cruising, you may also enjoy our guide: Ocean Cruise vs River Cruise: Which Is Right for You?

Quick Facts

Cruise Style

Modern Luxury Ocean Cruising.

Best For

Couples, luxury travelers, food lovers, wellness enthusiasts, and discerning explorers looking for a relaxed, upscale experience.

Accommodation

Every suite features an oceanfront terrace, spacious living areas, premium bedding, and elegant European-inspired design.

Dining

Multiple included restaurants offering flexible dining with no fixed seating times and a variety of international cuisines.

Drinks

A wide selection of premium wines, spirits, cocktails, specialty coffees, soft drinks, and bottled water are included throughout your voyage.

Wi-Fi

Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi is included for every guest.

Dress Code

Elegant Casual. There are no traditional formal nights, allowing guests to enjoy a refined yet relaxed atmosphere.

Fleet

EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II are currently sailing, with additional luxury ships joining the fleet over the coming years.

Destinations

Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Caribbean, Canada & New England, Grand Journeys, and other carefully curated luxury itineraries.

What You'll Learn

By the end of this guide, you'll know:

• What makes Explora Journeys different from other luxury cruise lines.

• What's included in your cruise fare—and what isn't.

• Which suite is the best fit for your travel style.

• How dining, wellness, and onboard experiences compare with other luxury cruise lines.

• Where Explora Journeys sails and which itineraries are worth considering.

• Whether Explora Journeys offers good value for luxury travelers.

• Who Explora Journeys is best suited for—and who might prefer a different cruise line.

In This Guide You'll Discover

• Welcome Aboard

• Quick Facts

• What You'll Learn

• What Is Explora Journeys?

• Who Owns Explora Journeys?

• Why Was Explora Journeys Created?

• What Makes Explora Journeys Different?

• What's Included in Your Fare?

• Explora Journeys Suites

• Dining on Explora Journeys

• Wellness & Ocean Wellness

• Entertainment & Enrichment

• Destinations & Itineraries

• Is Explora Journeys Worth the Price?

• Frequently Asked Questions

• Meet Your Luxury Cruise Advisor

What Is Explora Journeys?

Explora Journeys is a luxury ocean travel brand created by the MSC Group, one of the world's largest privately owned shipping companies. Designed from the ground up to redefine modern luxury cruising, Explora combines elegant European style with spacious accommodations, exceptional dining, intuitive service, and immersive destination experiences.

Unlike many traditional cruise lines, Explora Journeys was never intended to be a floating resort packed with attractions and crowds. Instead, every aspect of the experience has been carefully designed for travelers who value space, comfort, and meaningful experiences over busy schedules and constant entertainment.

Every suite on board features floor-to-ceiling windows and a private oceanfront terrace, creating a seamless connection with the sea. Public spaces are open and sophisticated, restaurants focus on quality rather than quantity, and the atmosphere throughout the ship is relaxed without sacrificing luxury.

Another defining feature of Explora Journeys is its slower, more destination-focused approach to travel. Longer stays in port, overnight visits in selected destinations, and thoughtfully planned itineraries allow guests to experience each location at a more comfortable pace rather than simply checking destinations off a list.

The result is a style of cruising that feels less like a traditional cruise and more like staying in a luxury boutique hotel that happens to travel the world with you.

SMC Vacay Insight: Explora Journeys offers a refined, spacious, and destination-focused approach to luxury cruising that's designed for travelers who value comfort, exceptional service, and meaningful experiences.

Who Owns Explora Journeys?

Explora Journeys is owned by the MSC Group, a privately owned global shipping and transportation company with more than 300 years of maritime heritage. While many travelers recognize MSC Cruises as one of the world's largest cruise lines, Explora Journeys was created as an entirely separate luxury brand with its own identity, philosophy, and guest experience.

The Aponte family, founders and owners of the MSC Group, envisioned Explora Journeys as a completely new approach to luxury ocean travel. Rather than adapting an existing cruise line, they invested billions of dollars to design a fleet built specifically for today's luxury traveler.

Although Explora Journeys benefits from the financial strength and global experience of the MSC Group, the onboard experience is intentionally different from MSC Cruises. The ships are smaller, the atmosphere is quieter, guest space is significantly larger, and service is designed to feel highly personalized from the moment you step on board.

For travelers, this combination offers an important advantage: the confidence of sailing with one of the world's most experienced maritime companies while enjoying a luxury experience created exclusively for the premium travel market.

SMC Vacay Insight: The backing of the MSC Group provides Explora Journeys with exceptional financial stability and decades of maritime expertise, while allowing the brand to deliver an entirely unique luxury cruise experience.

Why Was Explora Journeys Created?

Explora Journeys wasn't created to compete with mainstream cruise lines—it was created to redefine luxury ocean travel for a new generation of travelers.

The leadership of the MSC Group recognized that today's luxury guests are looking for something different. They want more space, more privacy, exceptional dining, personalized service, and the freedom to experience destinations at a relaxed pace. Rather than simply adding luxury features to an existing cruise line, they chose to create an entirely new brand built around those expectations.

From the beginning, Explora Journeys was designed with a clear vision: to blur the lines between an elegant European luxury hotel and an ocean voyage. Every detail, from the ship's architecture and suite design to the dining concepts and wellness experiences, reflects that philosophy.

Unlike traditional cruises that often focus on packed schedules and constant entertainment, Explora encourages guests to slow down and enjoy the journey itself. Longer stays in port, overnight visits in selected destinations, and thoughtfully designed itineraries allow travelers to immerse themselves in each destination rather than simply passing through.

This modern approach to luxury cruising has quickly attracted experienced travelers who appreciate sophisticated surroundings, genuine hospitality, and meaningful travel experiences without unnecessary formality.

SMC Vacay Insight: Explora Journeys wasn't built to be a better traditional cruise—it was created to offer an entirely different vision of luxury travel at sea.

What Makes Explora Journeys Different?

Luxury cruising is a competitive market, with exceptional cruise lines such as Regent Seven Seas, Silversea, Seabourn, Crystal, and Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection all offering outstanding experiences. So what makes Explora Journeys stand apart?

The answer isn't one single feature—it's the way every part of the experience has been thoughtfully designed to work together.

From the moment you step on board, you'll notice a greater sense of space. Public areas feel open and uncrowded, every suite includes a private oceanfront terrace, and there are significantly more indoor and outdoor areas to relax compared with many traditional cruise ships.

The onboard atmosphere is equally distinctive. Rather than filling every hour with announcements, contests, or scheduled entertainment, Explora creates an environment that feels calm, sophisticated, and unhurried. Guests are free to spend their days exactly as they choose, whether that's relaxing by the pool, enjoying the spa, reading on their private terrace, attending enrichment experiences, or exploring a destination at their own pace.

Dining is another area where Explora has reimagined the luxury cruise experience. Instead of fixed dining times and assigned seating, guests enjoy flexible dining across multiple restaurants, each offering its own unique atmosphere and culinary style. The emphasis is on quality, fresh ingredients, and attentive service rather than quantity alone.

Perhaps most importantly, Explora Journeys focuses on creating a feeling rather than simply offering luxury amenities. It's a style of travel built around space, wellness, exceptional hospitality, and meaningful experiences that continue long after the voyage has ended.

SMC Vacay Insight: Explora Journeys doesn't try to be the busiest luxury cruise line—it strives to be one of the most relaxing, spacious, and thoughtfully designed experiences at sea.

What's Included in Your Fare?

One of the biggest questions travelers ask before booking a luxury cruise is, "What's actually included?" With Explora Journeys, the answer is simple: far more than you might expect.

Rather than charging extra for many of the experiences that are considered premium on other cruise lines, Explora includes a wide range of amenities designed to create a seamless, worry-free vacation.

Every Explora Journeys voyage includes:

• Spacious oceanfront suite accommodation with a private terrace

• Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi

• A selection of premium wines, spirits, cocktails, specialty coffees, soft drinks, and bottled water

• Dining across multiple restaurants with no fixed seating times

• In-suite welcome bottle of champagne and refreshments

• 24-hour in-suite dining

• Access to beautifully designed pools, whirlpools, and spacious outdoor decks

• A modern fitness centre and wellness facilities

• Gratuities for onboard services

• Shuttle transportation in selected ports where available

While some experiences, such as specialty shore excursions, spa treatments, premium boutique shopping, and certain rare or reserve beverages, carry an additional cost, the vast majority of what guests enjoy throughout their voyage is already included.

For many travelers, this creates a far more relaxing experience. Instead of constantly signing receipts or wondering about extra charges, guests are free to focus on enjoying the journey.

SMC Vacay Insight: Explora Journeys delivers exceptional value by including many of the services and experiences that other cruise lines often charge extra for, allowing you to relax and enjoy your vacation with fewer surprises.

Explora Journeys Suites

One of the defining features of Explora Journeys is that every accommodation on board is a suite. There are no inside cabins or standard balcony staterooms. Every guest enjoys an oceanfront suite with a private terrace, creating a sense of space and comfort that's rare even among luxury cruise lines.

The Ocean Terrace Suite, which is the entry-level accommodation, is anything but basic. Designed with contemporary European styling, it features floor-to-ceiling windows, a spacious sitting area, premium bedding, a walk-in wardrobe, heated bathroom floors, and a private terrace that feels like an extension of your living space.

For travelers seeking even more room, Explora also offers a range of larger suites, penthouses, and luxurious residences with expanded living areas, larger outdoor spaces, and additional premium amenities. Regardless of which suite you choose, the design philosophy remains the same: elegant, residential, and exceptionally comfortable.

Unlike many cruise lines where your cabin is simply a place to sleep, Explora's suites are designed to be a destination in themselves. Whether you're enjoying your morning coffee while watching the sunrise or relaxing with a glass of wine after a day ashore, your suite becomes part of the overall luxury experience.

SMC Vacay Insight: Even the entry-level Ocean Terrace Suite offers a level of comfort and space that many travelers would consider an upgrade on other premium cruise lines.

Dining on Explora Journeys

For many luxury travelers, exceptional dining is one of the highlights of any vacation. Explora Journeys embraces this philosophy by offering a culinary experience that feels more like dining in world-class restaurants than eating in traditional cruise venues.

Unlike many cruise lines, there are no fixed dining times or assigned seating. Instead, guests have the freedom to dine when they choose, creating a more relaxed and personalized experience throughout their voyage.

Across the ship, you'll find a collection of beautifully designed restaurants, each with its own unique atmosphere and culinary focus. From refined European cuisine and fresh Mediterranean flavours to vibrant Asian-inspired dishes and perfectly prepared steaks, every venue is designed to deliver exceptional quality using fresh ingredients and attentive service.

Beyond the restaurants, guests can also enjoy elegant lounges, cafés, in-suite dining available 24 hours a day, and a variety of inviting spaces to enjoy coffee, cocktails, wine, or light bites while taking in spectacular ocean views.

Dining aboard Explora Journeys isn't simply about eating—it's about slowing down, connecting with the people around you, and enjoying every meal as part of the overall journey.

Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying breakfast with the sunrise over the ocean, every meal is designed to feel memorable.

SMC Vacay Insight: Explora Journeys offers one of the most flexible dining experiences in luxury cruising, combining exceptional cuisine with the freedom to dine on your own schedule.

Ocean Wellness & Relaxation

Luxury travel isn't just about where you go—it's also about how you feel while you're there. Explora Journeys was designed around the idea that true luxury includes time to slow down, recharge, and reconnect with yourself.

Wellness is woven throughout the entire onboard experience. From peaceful outdoor lounges and spacious pool decks to tranquil adults-only areas and beautifully designed wellness spaces, every part of the ship encourages relaxation rather than constant activity.

The Ocean Wellness Spa offers a collection of treatments inspired by global wellness traditions, including massages, facials, body therapies, and beauty services. Guests can also enjoy thermal wellness facilities, steam rooms, saunas, and dedicated relaxation areas designed to restore both body and mind.

For those who enjoy staying active while traveling, Explora features a state-of-the-art fitness centre equipped with modern training equipment, personal coaching, group fitness classes, and outdoor exercise spaces overlooking the ocean.

Of course, wellness on Explora Journeys extends beyond the spa. Watching the sunrise from your private terrace, enjoying a quiet morning coffee by the pool, taking a leisurely walk around the outdoor promenade, or simply listening to the sound of the ocean all become part of the experience.

Rather than trying to keep guests constantly entertained, Explora Journeys creates an environment where relaxation happens naturally. It's a refreshing approach that many travelers find just as memorable as the destinations themselves.

SMC Vacay Insight: Wellness aboard Explora Journeys isn't limited to the spa—it's built into the entire atmosphere of the ship, creating a luxury experience that leaves you feeling refreshed long after your voyage ends.

Destinations & Itineraries

Explora Journeys believes that luxury travel should be as much about the destinations as it is about the ship itself. Rather than rushing from port to port, Explora designs itineraries that allow guests to spend more time discovering each destination, creating a more immersive and meaningful travel experience.

Its voyages span some of the world's most desirable regions, including the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Iceland, the Norwegian Fjords, the Caribbean, Canada & New England, the Arabian Peninsula, the Red Sea, Alaska, and beyond. Each itinerary has been thoughtfully planned to balance iconic destinations with lesser-known ports that offer authentic local experiences.

One of Explora Journeys' defining features is its commitment to longer stays and overnight calls in selected destinations. This allows guests to experience a city after the day-trippers have left, enjoy evening dining ashore, or simply explore at a slower, more relaxed pace.

The itineraries are also designed to avoid the feeling of constantly being on the move. Sea days become opportunities to enjoy the ship's luxurious surroundings, while port days encourage genuine exploration rather than hurried sightseeing.

For travelers seeking something even more unique, Explora offers Grand Journeys—extended voyages that combine multiple itineraries into one unforgettable adventure. These longer sailings allow guests to experience several regions of the world while enjoying the comfort and familiarity of one exceptional ship.

Whether you're dreaming of the sun-drenched villages of the Mediterranean, the dramatic landscapes of Norway, the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean, or the breathtaking beauty of Alaska, Explora Journeys offers carefully curated itineraries designed to inspire curiosity and create lasting memories.

SMC Vacay Insight: Explora Journeys doesn't just take you to incredible destinations—it gives you the time to truly experience them, making every voyage feel more personal and rewarding.

Is Explora Journeys Worth the Price?

Luxury cruises represent a significant investment, so it's natural to ask whether Explora Journeys delivers enough value to justify the price. For many travelers, the answer comes down to what they value most in a vacation.

If you're looking for waterslides, casinos, Broadway-style productions, or a busy schedule packed with activities from morning until night, Explora Journeys may not be the best fit. That's simply not the experience it was designed to provide.

However, if you value spacious accommodations, exceptional dining, personalized service, beautiful design, destination-focused itineraries, and the freedom to travel at your own pace, Explora Journeys offers outstanding value.

When you consider everything that's included—your oceanfront suite with a private terrace, premium beverages, specialty dining, gratuities, high-speed Wi-Fi, wellness facilities, and attentive service—the overall experience often compares very favorably with other luxury cruise lines.

Many guests also appreciate the atmosphere on board. The absence of constant announcements, crowded public spaces, and rigid schedules creates a sense of calm that is difficult to quantify but becomes one of the most memorable parts of the voyage.

Ultimately, the value of Explora Journeys isn't measured by how much is happening every minute of the day. It's measured by how effortlessly the entire experience comes together—from the moment you step aboard until you reluctantly disembark at the end of your journey.

Who is Explora Journeys perfect for?

• Couples celebrating a special occasion

• Luxury travelers seeking a quieter, more refined atmosphere

• Food and wine enthusiasts

• Experienced cruisers ready to step up to luxury cruising

• Travelers who appreciate exceptional service and thoughtful design

• Anyone who values experiences over excess

Who may prefer another cruise line?

• Families looking for children's programs and water parks

• Travelers who enjoy high-energy nightlife and large-scale productions

• Guests seeking the lowest possible cruise fare

• Those who prefer a fast-paced, activity-filled vacation

SMC Vacay Insight: Explora Journeys isn't the right cruise line for everyone—and that's exactly what makes it special. For travelers seeking sophisticated luxury, personalized service, and a slower, more meaningful way to explore the world, it's one of the finest cruise experiences available today.

Working with an experienced travel advisor can also help you compare luxury cruise lines and find the best fit for your travel style. Read our guide: Why Work With a Travel Advisor When Planning a Cruise?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Explora Journeys all-inclusive?

Explora Journeys includes far more than many traditional cruise lines. Your fare includes luxury suite accommodations, complimentary Wi-Fi, premium beverages, multiple dining venues, gratuities, wellness facilities, and much more. Some specialty shore excursions, spa treatments, boutique purchases, and select premium experiences are available at an additional cost.

What is the dress code on Explora Journeys?

Explora follows an Elegant Casual dress code throughout the ship. There are no formal nights, allowing guests to dress comfortably while maintaining a sophisticated atmosphere. Smart casual attire is appropriate in most venues, with slightly dressier clothing recommended for evening dining.

Are children allowed on Explora Journeys?

Yes. Explora Journeys welcomes guests of all ages. However, the atmosphere is designed primarily for travelers seeking a relaxed luxury experience rather than family-focused entertainment. Families with younger children looking for water parks, character experiences, or extensive kids' clubs may find another cruise line a better fit.

Does Explora Journeys have Wi-Fi?

Yes. Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi is included for every guest, making it easy to stay connected, work remotely if needed, or share your travel experiences throughout your voyage.

What destinations does Explora Journeys visit?

Explora Journeys sails throughout the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Iceland, the Norwegian Fjords, the Caribbean, Canada & New England, Alaska, the Arabian Peninsula, the Red Sea, and many other remarkable destinations, with carefully curated itineraries that emphasize immersive travel experiences.

Are gratuities included?

Yes. Gratuities are included in your cruise fare, allowing you to relax and enjoy your vacation without worrying about additional service charges throughout your voyage.

Who is Explora Journeys best suited for?

Explora Journeys is ideal for couples, luxury travelers, food and wine enthusiasts, experienced cruisers looking for a more refined experience, and anyone who values exceptional service, spacious accommodations, and destination-focused travel.

Why book Explora Journeys through SMC Vacay?

Planning a luxury cruise involves more than simply choosing a sailing date. At SMC Vacay, we help you compare itineraries, select the right suite, understand what's included, and match you with the voyage that best fits your travel style. Our goal is to make your planning experience as effortless and enjoyable as your cruise.

SMC Vacay Insight: The best luxury cruise isn't simply the most expensive one—it's the one that's perfectly matched to the way you love to travel.

Meet Your Luxury Cruise Advisor

Sean Wilson

Luxury Cruise Advisor | SMC Vacay

Luxury travel is about more than visiting incredible destinations—it's about creating unforgettable experiences you'll remember for a lifetime.

I'm Sean Wilson, a Luxury Cruise Advisor with SMC Vacay, specializing in premium and luxury cruise vacations, with a particular passion for Explora Journeys. My goal is to help travelers choose the right cruise line, suite, and itinerary while making the planning process simple, enjoyable, and completely stress-free.

Whether you're planning your very first luxury cruise or you're an experienced traveler looking for your next extraordinary voyage, I believe every vacation should be tailored to your travel style, interests, and dreams—not simply booked from a brochure.

Through The Advisor's Desk, I share honest cruise reviews, in-depth luxury cruise guides, destination inspiration, and practical travel tips to help you travel with confidence and make informed decisions.

If you're considering Explora Journeys or another luxury cruise line, I'd be honoured to help you plan a vacation that's perfectly suited to you.

Ready to start planning your next luxury cruise?

Visit www.SMCVacay.com or contact me today to begin creating your next unforgettable journey.

Ready to Explore Explora Journeys?

If you're considering an Explora Journeys voyage and would like expert advice choosing the right itinerary, suite, or sailing date, I'd be delighted to help.

Whether you're comparing luxury cruise lines, planning your very first luxury cruise, or you're ready to reserve your next unforgettable journey, I'll work with you to find the experience that's perfectly suited to your travel style.

At SMC Vacay, my goal isn't simply to book your cruise—it's to help you travel with confidence, knowing you've chosen the right ship, the right itinerary, and the right suite for the experience you want.

Ready to Start Planning?

Whether you're considering your very first luxury cruise or comparing Explora Journeys with other premium cruise lines, I'd be delighted to help you find the voyage that's right for you.

Every traveler is different, and the best luxury cruise is the one that perfectly matches your travel style, expectations, and budget.

Let's start planning your next unforgettable journey.

👉 Visit SMCVacay.com or reach out today for personalized advice.

Continue Reading

• Ocean Cruise vs River Cruise: Which Is Right for You?

• Why Work With a Travel Advisor When Planning a Cruise

Last Updated: June 2026

This guide is reviewed regularly to ensure pricing, onboard experiences, itineraries, and included amenities remain accurate as Explora Journeys continues to grow.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Helping travelers experience the world's finest luxury cruises, one unforgettable journey at a time. Sean Wilson | Luxury Cruise Advisor | SMC Vacay

EMAIL: SWILSON@SMCVACAy.COM

TICO Ontario Registration No: 50026401