Explora Journeys: the back story

About Explora Journeys: the back story

By the ULTIMATE the world’s cruise lines Editorial Team

Editor-in-Chief: Jai Michael

Explora Journeys is the luxury ocean brand of the MSC Group. Its first ship, EXPLORA I, has 456 ocean-front suites; EXPLORA III, its first LNG-powered ship, is sailing now, and three more follow by August 2028.

A new name at sea

Explora Journeys set out to be something other than a cruise line, and its vocabulary shows it: voyages are “Journeys”, the mood is an “Ocean State of Mind”, and the design leans towards a relaxed European elegance rather than formality. Behind it is the MSC Group.

Six ships, one idea

EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II each have 456 ocean-front suites, six restaurants and twelve bars and lounges. EXPLORA III, now sailing, raises the suite count to 461 and the restaurants to seven, and is the first of the fleet powered by liquefied natural gas. EXPLORA IV follows in summer 2027, EXPLORA V in December 2027 and EXPLORA VI in August 2028.

The hottest spot in town isn’t in town at all.

Suites first

Every suite faces the sea and has a terrace. Ocean Suites measure 35 to 39 m²; Ocean Penthouses run to 69 m² and Ocean Residences to 149 m². At the top, the Owner’s Residence spans the full width of the aft: 280 m², with a terrace and infinity whirlpool, dining for eight, a bathroom in Calacatta marble and a dedicated Residence Manager.

The table

Nine culinary experiences are included, from Sakura’s Pan-Asian cooking and Marble & Co. Grill’s European steakhouse to Med Yacht Club, Fil Rouge and the all-day Emporium Marketplace. Anthology, the fine-dining room created by Head of Culinary Franck Garanger, is the one apart, with an Italian tasting menu at EUR 165 per person. Wine, champagne and premium spirits are poured at any time, in the suite too.

Where the Journeys go

The fleet sails the Mediterranean and Northern Europe in summer, the Caribbean in winter, and Iceland, Greenland and both coasts of North America in between. EXPLORA I takes her place in Port Hercule for the Formula 1 Grand Prix de Monaco 2027, and a 128-day Inaugural World Journey sails in 2029. The brand has also signed a letter of intent to build luxury river ships for Europe, with sales due to open in 2027.

Our advice: if you love space, Explora gives a great deal of it for the fare, especially in the Ocean Penthouses; sail on EXPLORA III for the newest ship, or book a Mediterranean summer journey, which shows the brand at its most natural.

Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Explora Journeys: the back story before you go.