Explora Journeys
Explora Journeys, the latest addition to the Geneva-based MSC group, has shaken up the traditional codes of luxury cruising. With its “house on the sea” concept, the Italian-Swiss brand offers a more intimate, refined and conscious approach to sea travel. Cutting-edge design inspired by superyachts, spacious suites with private terraces, exceptional gastronomy, immersive experiences and a commitment to the environment are all part of the DNA of this new generation of voyages at sea, launching in 2023.
A sequel or nothing
On board Explora Journeys’ ships, comfort is a matter of course, designed down to the smallest detail to give travelers a true “home by the sea” feel. Imagine an ultra-modern palace, with every suite featuring large bay windows opening onto a terrace with a sea view. This savoir-faire of European hospitality is naturally supported by refined furnishings, blending contemporary design and European craftsmanship. All these spaces have been designed in partnership with leading furniture brands such as Molteni&C, Minotti and Walter Knoll. Explora Journeys also offers Immersive Experiences, true land extensions before or after the cruise, immersing guests in local culture over several days. The whole experience is orchestrated with seamless logistics: transfers, expert guides, flexibility, guaranteed comfort and safety. Finally, these adventures are designed to suit all ages, with intergenerational activities so that families can create unforgettable memories together. A promise kept: to explore differently, in greater depth, while respecting the places and their inhabitants. A Swiss culture of luxury: Ocean Suites (from 35 m 2 ), Ocean Penthouses (up to 68 m2), Ocean Residences (up to 149 m2) and the spectacular 280 m2 Owner’s Residence.
All feature spacious walk-in closets, sitting areas with personalized minibars, individual lighting and temperature controls, and even a pair of binoculars to enjoy the horizon. Well-being is a fundamental component of the Explora Journeys experience. Over 700 m 2 are dedicated to Ocean Wellness – The Spa, an inner sanctuary of serenity. It features 11 treatment rooms, a spa area with steam room, sauna, salt grotto and sensory shower, as well as two VIP suites with private terraces. The fitness center covers 270 m 2 and offers state-of-the-art equipment, Pilates Reformers, personalized coaching and indoor and outdoor group classes. On the upper decks, wellness continues with over 6,000 m 2 of outdoor terraces, an indoor pool under a glass roof, three heated outdoor pools, five whirlpools and 64 private cabanas accessible at no extra charge. An open-air fitness area completes the offer, with panoramic sea views.
Aiming for culinary excellence
The Explora Journeys dining experience is varied, demanding and deeply rooted in the European art of living. Let’s not forget that the brand’s owners are Italian! On board, gastronomy becomes a voyage within a voyage: a celebration of cultures, flavors and well-being, served with refinement and relaxation. Guests have access to 11 distinct culinary experiences, including six included restaurants with strong identities. The Med Yacht Club offers an immersion in Mediterranean cuisines, while Sakura offers an elegant and immersive Pan-Asian interlude. Marble & Co. Grill revisits the steakhouse spirit with a European twist, and Fil Rouge sublimates French-inspired international cuisine. For a freer atmosphere, Emporium Marketplace welcomes travelers all day long around 18 culinary stations featuring local products from the destinations visited. In search of the exceptional? Two exclusive experiences complete the offer: Anthology, a signature restaurant orchestrated by guest chefs from around the world, and Chef’s Kitchen, an intimate venue where guests can take part in private lessons or dinners overlooking the ocean (by reservation, surcharge applied). The en suite service, available 24 hours a day, allows guests to enjoy their food in the privacy of their terrace. 12 bars and lounges – both indoor and outdoor – dot the ship’s decks. From the central Lobby Bar to the elegant Malt Whisky Bar with cigar cellar, each area has its own identity and ambience, some of which are reserved for adults, such as the Helios Pool & Bar. The Sky Bar on 14, perched at the top of the ship, offers a spectacular setting for sipping a cocktail as the sun sets. Everywhere, the emphasis is on the quality of products, responsible sourcing, a meticulous wine list, and attentive but never intrusive service. Gastronomy designed not to impress, but to enhance every moment of the journey, in an atmosphere as tasty as it is elegant.
Immersion on land too
From the Caribbean to Alaska, via the Mediterranean and the Middle East, our ports of call are more than just stopovers: they are invitations to experience local cultures to the full, through carefully designed experiences. Far removed from conventional tourist circuits, each itinerary is designed to offer authentic immersion, with extended dock times, staggered departures, and often overnight stays on site, to get a better feel for the atmosphere of the places we visit. Excursions are offered in small groups, with an emphasis on experience, human encounters and the discovery of crafts, culture and gastronomy. Experiences include truffle hunting in Greece, exploring the wine-growing hills of Bolgheri in Tuscany, or visiting a space center with children in the company of an astronaut. Some experiences have been co-created with ambassadors such as explorer Mike Horn, to offer a fresh, committed look at the destinations.
Explora Journeys also offers Immersive Experiences, true land-based extensions before or after the cruise, allowing you to immerse yourself in the local culture over several days. The whole experience is orchestrated with seamless logistics: transfers, expert guides, flexibility, guaranteed comfort and safety. Finally, these adventures are designed to suit all ages, with intergenerational activities so that families can create unforgettable memories together. A promise kept: to explore differently, in greater depth, while respecting the places and their inhabitants. Swiss culture?