Explora Journeys

Explora Journeys is the newest name on this list, and it was built as a luxury brand from the ground up rather than adapted from an existing one. It’s part of the MSC Group, the same company behind Mediterranean Shipping Company, one of the largest shipping operators in the world, and that backing shows in how much has been invested in getting the ships right.

Explora calls their suites “Homes at Sea,” and that really sums up the whole line: a slower, more intimate way to cruise that the brand describes as an “Ocean State of Mind.” Sustainability and polish are built into the experience rather than added on after the fact, and voyages are planned to balance real time onboard with real time in port, not just a quick stop and back to the ship.

What makes it different

• Over €3.5 billion invested in the brand since launch
• Three ships sailing today, Explora I, II, and III, with three more, Explora IV through VI, under construction through 2027 and 2028
• Suites designed as what the line calls “private sanctuaries,” built around generous space and uninterrupted ocean views rather than a retrofitted cabin layout
• Itineraries expanding into Asia and the Far East from major European ports like Copenhagen and Barcelona, with access to more than 400 destinations across five continents

Suites and what’s included

Every suite, even the entry-level Ocean Suites, comes with floor-to-ceiling windows, a private terrace, a walk-in closet, and heated bathroom floors as standard, not held back for the top tier. There are four suite categories in total, Ocean Suites, Ocean Penthouses, Ocean Residences, and the single Owner’s Residence, each one roomier than the last, and the top two tiers come with a dedicated host or manager, in-suite dining, and unlimited laundry.

The fare includes nine dining venues, unlimited wine, champagne, and spirits, specialty coffee, Wi-Fi, and gratuities. A few of the fine-dining venues do carry an extra charge, and excursions and airfare aren’t included, so it’s not quite as all-in as some of the other lines on this list. Good to know going in, and something I’ll walk you through when we talk.

Is Explora Journeys right for you?

If you like being an early adopter, modern ship design, and the reassurance of a major global company backing a brand-new product, Explora is worth putting on your list. Because it’s newer, I’ll walk you through exactly what to expect so there are no surprises.

Let’s talk

Book a complimentary consultation and let’s talk through whether Explora Journeys fits what you’re looking for.