Having been in the travel industry for almost 25 years, I’ve had the privilege of exploring many destinations and experiences over the years, but nothing prepared me for the sheer luxury and innovation aboard the new Explora I by Explora Journeys. Launched as a new brand in August 2023 by MSC Cruises, the Explora I is the first of what promises to be a groundbreaking upscale fleet, setting a new standard for luxury cruising. From the moment I stepped aboard, I knew I was in for something extraordinary. This was not a cruise ship – this was a floating luxury hotel. (In fact, Explora Journeys has “suites” and “guests”, not staterooms and passengers!)
As I sit here staring to write this overlooking the beautiful little harbor of Hvar, Croatia (yes, this job has some significant perks), I wanted to pass on my thoughts of what made my journey on the Explora I so memorable.
Explora Journeys Accommodations: Spacious Suites with Thoughtful Details
Explora Journeys refers to their rooms as “suites,” and rightfully so. These aren’t your average cruise ship staterooms; they are some of the largest in the industry, offering an abundance of space and comfort. The smallest, “basic” entry level suite is almost 400 square feet with a full terrace, all oceanfront – no inside or porthole options here. My suite was elegantly designed, with floor-to-ceiling windows that allowed natural light to flood the room, making the space feel even more expansive. Stocked minibar refreshed daily, twice a day housekeeping, sitting area with sofa, and – to my pleasant surprise – a wireless charging pad on each side of the bed plus a wide range of power outlets: European Type-C plug, North American Type-B plug, and both USB-A and USB-C, again on both sides of the bed.
The attention to detail was impeccable – everything from the high-quality linens to incredibly comfortable mattress to the spacious walk-in closet exuded luxury (yes, an actual full sized closet on a cruise ship). The bathroom was equally impressive, featuring a rain shower, premium toiletries, and heated floor.. Each suite also has a nice sized private terrace, perfect for enjoying a quiet morning coffee or a glass of wine at sunset. They even offer connecting suites for families. In short, the suites on the Explora I set a new benchmark for luxury at sea, right up there with some of the finest hotels I’ve had the privilege of staying at.
Explora Journeys Dining Options: Culinary Freedom Redefined
Dining on the Explora I was an experience in itself. Unlike traditional cruise ships, there’s no main dining room and no set dining times, allowing guests the freedom to eat whenever and wherever they choose. The ship offers a variety of included dining venues, each with its own unique atmosphere and menu. Two require reservations (because of their smaller size) but there are no restrictions on the number of times you can dine there, or how far in advance you can book. The other two do not need reservations at all, providing an easy and stress free dining experience. Two of the venues even open daily for a la carte breakfast and lunch, a welcome touch. Plus the ‘buffet’ restaurant – which is all served by the staff, not a line of chafing dishes with everyone grabbing the spoons one after another – offers a very impressive dinner selection.
A fifth restaurant is available that offers a mult-course gourmet dinner with an expertly curated wine pairing, at an additional cost. This Anthology culinary experience was well worth it however, delivering a feast that was as visually stunning as it was delicious, including an expertly selected range of wines.
The level of culinary craftsmanship across all the dining venues was extraordinary, catering to a wide range of tastes and preferences. The food in every venue, in my humble opinion, was some of the best I’ve had at sea or on land!
Explora Journeys Bars: An Impressive Variety of Venues for Every Occasion
One of the standout features of the Explora I is its impressive collection of bars. With a variety of options to suit every mood, or any time of day or night, this ship is a paradise for those who enjoy a well-crafted cocktail or a glass of fine wine. Whether you’re looking for a sophisticated lounge to enjoy a pre-dinner aperitif or a lively spot for an after-dinner drink, there’s a venue to match. And with the excellent guest-to-space ratio, there’s never a wait to find a seat or a drink.
In total, there are 12 bars and lounges aboard the Explora I, each offering a distinct atmosphere. The bartenders are true mixologists, skilled in crafting everything from classic cocktails to innovative new creations. What’s more, all beverages, including many high-end alcoholic options, are included in the cruise fare, making it easy to enjoy the variety without worrying about the bill. No being asked “what is your room number” when ordering something special, and no need to wait until a certain time when the beverages become included. During our journey, I counted no less than 20 included wines at dinner, from prosecco to rosé, from white to red; plus close to 10 different beers, from basic lagers to a West Coast IPA.
In addition to their excellent drink service, Explora Journeys also offers a daily tea time, complete with an assortment of teas, pastries, and finger sandwiches. This afternoon ritual is a delightful nod to the traditional, providing a relaxing break in the day’s activities and another opportunity to savor the luxurious atmosphere of the ship. It was also very popular each day! Great way to cool off and relax after a day ashore.
Oh, and did I mention one of the most impressive and spacious coffee shops we’ve ever seen? My estimate is it could accommodate 60-70 guests at once, serving excellent coffees, cappuccinos, and lattes. (Plus sneak back to the Gelateria for some indulgent frozen treats!).
Explora Journeys Tours: Destination Experiences Tailored to You
Explora Journeys has reimagined shore excursions, offering what they call “Destination Experiences.” These aren’t your typical, one-size-fits-all tours; instead, they are carefully curated experiences designed to immerse guests in the culture, history, and natural beauty of each destination.
During my voyage, I participated in several that felt truly unique and very personal. From intimate guided tours of historical landmarks to private culinary classes with local chefs, each experience was thoughtfully planned and executed. The small group sizes ensured a more personalized and enriching experience, a refreshing change from the often crowded and rushed shore excursions offered by other lines (which we saw in several ports, the flag bearer leading a massive group of cruise line passengers through narrow windy streets!). Each Destination Experience has a cost, from around 85 Euro to 200 Euro per person or so (onboard currency is Euro when sailing outside of North America). However Explora does offer some onboard credits from time to time; a nice perk to booking with a travel advisor!
Explora Journeys Staff: Attentive Service with a Personal Touch
Maybe this should have been the first in the list! The service aboard the Explora I was nothing short of exceptional. With a guest-to-staff ratio of 1.25 to 1, it’s clear that Explora Journeys prioritizes personalized service. The staff seemed to anticipate my needs before I even expressed them, and they did so with genuine warmth and friendliness.
Whether it was the housekeeping team that kept my suite immaculate or the dining staff who remembered my preferences after just one meal, the level of attention and care was remarkable. This high standard of service extended throughout the ship, making every interaction a pleasure. Honestly, it was stunning how friendly and inviting every single person we ran into was. It almost felt like the CEO must have been on board and they were trying to impress!
Explora Journeys Common Areas: Spacious and Inviting
One of the things that struck me most about the Explora I was the abundance of space in the common areas. Whether I was lounging by the pool, enjoying a drink at one of the stylish bars, or taking in a performance at the theater, I never felt crowded or rushed. Even on the sea day, the main pool still had plenty of space and seating available.
The ship is thoughtfully designed to provide ample space for relaxation and enjoyment, no matter the time of day or night. Even during peak times, there was always a quiet corner to retreat to, whether it was in the library, the spa, or one of the many lounge areas. (The Explora Lounge on Deck 11 has wraparound floor to ceiling windows facing out over the bow… turned out to be my favorite place to get some quick work done!)
The Explora I has only 461 suites, so max occupancy is under 1000 guests, on a ship that’s just about 64,000 gross tons. For a frame of reference, the Viking ocean vessels have about the same number of rooms (465) with a gross tonnage of just under 48,000 tons; the Oceania Riviera has close to the same tonnage (67,000) but with 629 rooms. The space is noticeable!
Explora Journeys Decor: Upscale Elegance Without Pretense
The Explora I is a beautiful ship (and I mean beautiful), and its decor reflects a perfect balance between luxury and approachability. The design is upscale without being pompous or pretentious, which can often be a fine line to walk in the world of luxury travel.
The interiors feature a sophisticated palette of neutral tones, accented by rich textures and elegant furnishings. Art and sculptures by contemporary artists add a modern touch, including an “art row” by Roy Lichtenstein, while the use of natural materials like wood and stone creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. Every detail of the ship’s decor has been carefully considered, resulting in a cohesive and stunning environment that is as comfortable as it is chic. It truly is a luxury hotel at sea.
Explora Journeys Included Benefits: A Truly All-Inclusive Experience
Explora Journeys has redefined what it means to offer an all-inclusive cruise experience. High-speed Starlink Wi-Fi is included, allowing guests to stay connected with ease (I was getting in and around 60-70 Mbps down/38-40 Mbps up, on a sea day, the time when the service is most crowded – more than enough for any online activity). Gratuities are also covered, eliminating the need to budget for tips during your trip.
Moreover, beverages are included, and not just the basics – many top shelf alcoholic beverages are part of the package, no need to purchase a beverage package to enjoy that Grey Goose martini or a French rosé from Provence. This level of inclusivity is a breath of fresh air and ensures that guests can truly relax and enjoy their journey without worrying about additional costs. (Some very high-end beverages and full bottles of wine have an additional cost.)
Explora Journeys: What We Liked
• Dining choices: Four a la carte restaurants with no restrictions on the number of times you can dine, plus an impressive buffet, and the optional Anthology multi-course tasting dinner.
• Bar choices: No fewer than 12 full service bars, each offering top shelf liquors and extensive wine & beer selection.
• Pool choices: Not just the “main pool”, Explora I offers three other distinct pool areas, including an adults only pool on the top deck, plus hot tubs lining each side of the top deck.
• Wide range of destination experiences: Each port has a good selection of tours, from basic to extensive, plus the option to book private tours. Tours can be booked prior to travel, or at the Destination Experiences desk on board.
• Unique ports: Explora Journeys will of course hit the high points (Barcelona, Venice, Rome, Athens, etc.) but also include some smaller, under the radar ports (like Hvar, Croatia and Nydri, Greece) for a more unique experience (and smaller crowds!).
Explora Journeys: What We Loved
• Size of Suites: Truly spacious suites, unlike many other cruise experiences. Full balconies, large bathrooms, comfortable beds, modern technology (charging ports galore!), twice a day housekeeping service, stocked minibar, and more.
• Food & drink quality: Every single meal was top of the line. Excellent food quality and wide range of menu choices in every restaurant. Grilled octopus, lobster pad thai, 72-hour braised short rib, a full menu of sushi & sashimi, a steakhouse with eight different cuts of meat, and more. A la carte breakfast and lunch options. Huge coffee bar with different types of coffee beans to choose from. Over twenty included wines, nearly ten varieties of beer. Foodies will want for nothing on board.
• Staff & Service: Simply the best! Absolutely incredible people, from top to bottom. Equal to and better in most cases to some of the finest hotels we’ve ever experienced. If everything else went wrong on this sailing (which it certainly didn’t!) the staff would have more than made up for it. Incomparable!
Explora Journeys: What We Feel Needs Improvement
• Adult only areas/restaurants: Explora Journeys is an all-ages luxury line, but the majority of the guests onboard are adults. We think they need a bit more adults only areas besides the one rather small pool (perhaps a section of one restaurant, and a separate bar?), just in case there are some kiddies onboard.
• More shade around pools: It was sunny and HOT traveling the Med in August! Only the Conservatory Pool (main pool) had any type of shade as it’s partially indoors with an open roof; the other three pools had no shade at all. Some umbrellas would help! (UPDATE: The Explora II just launched, September 16th, and has added small canopies over the pool beds at the Astern Pool; we understand this will make its way to the Explora I)
• Included excursion: We understand Explora Journeys’ philosophy with not bundling any tour costs into the cruise fare and allowing guests to pick and choose what they’d like to do each day. But for those guests not sure about what they want and perhaps just want to see a bit of the local port with a guide, we think a complimentary walking tour would be a great option (a la Viking Cruises).
Final Impressions of Explora Journeys: A New Standard in Luxury Cruising
As I reflect on my time aboard the Explora I, I’m struck by just how impressed I am with this new ship and the company behind it. Explora Journeys has managed to create a cruising experience that feels both luxurious and personal, combining the best of both worlds. From the spacious suites to the fantastic food to the exceptional service, everything about this journey exceeded my expectations.
Marking almost exactly one year since its launch, the Explora I has set a high bar for what luxury cruising can and should be. If you’re looking for a cruise experience that combines elegance, comfort, and impeccable service, the Explora I should be at the top of your list. This is more than just a cruise – it’s a journey, one that will leave you eager to explore more of what Explora Journeys has to offer.
Find our more and start planning your Explora Journeys experience here!
