Explora Journeys

Ultra-luxury ocean travel. All-suite ships, unlimited everything, and a shore excursion in every port — included.

Plan My Journey

A NEW ERA OF OCEAN TRAVEL

Why Explora Journeys

The MSC Group — the world's largest privately-owned cruise company — spent decades studying what luxury travelers actually want. In 2023, they launched Explora Journeys as the answer.

No interior cabins. No drink packages. No excursion upsells. Every guest stays in an ocean-front suite with a private terrace. Everything is included — premium drinks, gourmet dining, WiFi, gratuities, and a curated excursion in every port.

With fewer than 1,000 guests and a 1:1.25 crew-to-guest ratio, Explora delivers the intimacy of a yacht with the space and stability of a full-size ship.

100%

Ocean-Front Suites

6

Restaurants Included

922

Guests Max

1:1.25

Crew-to-Guest Ratio

TRULY ALL-INCLUSIVE

Everything Is Included

No drink packages, no excursion upsells, no nickel-and-diming. Your fare covers it all — from your morning espresso to your evening Champagne.

6 Restaurants & Bars

Globally inspired fine dining — from Mediterranean to Asian fusion — all included in your fare

Unlimited Drinks

Premium wines, cocktails, champagne, and spirits throughout the ship — no drink packages to buy

Unlimited WiFi

High-speed connectivity everywhere on board — stream, video call, work, or stay off the grid

Gratuities Included

No envelopes, no suggested tips — everything is taken care of from the moment you step aboard

Shore Excursion Per Port

One curated excursion in every port of call is included — explore local culture and landmarks

Spa Thermal Area

Complimentary access to the thermal suite, sauna, steam room, and vitality pool

Fitness & Wellness

State-of-the-art gym, yoga, Pilates, and group fitness classes with ocean views

Entertainment

Live performances, curated cultural programming, and intimate evening events

THE FLEET

A Growing Fleet of Intimate Ships

Explora's ships carry under 1,000 guests — small enough to feel intimate, large enough to offer world-class amenities. Six ships are planned by 2028.

Explora I

Launched: 2023

Capacity: 922 guests

Size: 63,900 GT

Suites: 461 ocean-front suites

Routes: Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Caribbean, Transatlantic

Explora II

Launched: 2024

Capacity: 922 guests

Size: 63,900 GT

Suites: 461 ocean-front suites

Routes: Mediterranean, Caribbean, South America, Transatlantic

Explora III

Launched: 2026 (expected)

Capacity: 922 guests

Size: 63,900 GT

Suites: 461 ocean-front suites

Routes: To be announced

Explora IV–VI

Launched: 2027–2028 (planned)

Capacity: TBA — hydrogen-powered

Size: Next generation

Suites: New design

Routes: Global itineraries

YOUR HOME AT SEA

Suite Guide

There are no cabins on Explora — only suites. Every one faces the ocean with a private terrace. Italian craftsmanship, Dyson amenities, and space that rivals luxury hotel rooms on land.

Ocean Terrace
Entry Suite

The most accessible suite at 377 sq ft with a private terrace, walk-in wardrobe, and separate living area. Every suite on Explora is ocean-facing — no interior cabins exist.

From ~$400/night all-inclusive
Ocean Grand Terrace
Premium Suite

Expansive 538 sq ft with an oversized terrace, bathtub with ocean views, and a dedicated butler service for dining reservations and personalized touches.

Butler service + ocean-view tub
Ocean Penthouse
Penthouse

A generous 721 sq ft penthouse with wraparound terrace, separate living room, walk-in closet, and premium amenities including Dyson haircare and Italian linens.

Wraparound terrace
Ocean Residence
Residence

Multi-room residence at 1,098 sq ft with a private hot tub on the terrace, dining area for entertaining, and the most exclusive butler and concierge attention on board.

Private hot tub + 1,098 sq ft
Owner's Residence
Top Suite

The pinnacle of Explora Journeys. Over 3,000 sq ft of private space with multiple bedrooms, a grand terrace, private dining, and a dedicated team at your disposal.

3,000+ sq ft — the ultimate

WHERE TO SAIL

Destinations

Explora itineraries are designed around extended port stays and overnight calls — giving you time to truly experience each destination, not just pass through.

Mediterranean

The heart of Explora's itineraries — from the Italian Riviera to the Greek islands, with overnight port stays and curated cultural immersions

Ports: Barcelona, Monte Carlo, Portofino, Dubrovnik, Santorini, Istanbul

Northern Europe

Fjords, Baltic capitals, and the British Isles — longer voyages with a focus on natural beauty and historic cities

Ports: Copenhagen, Stockholm, Oslo, Reykjavik, Edinburgh, St. Petersburg

Caribbean & Americas

Island-hopping with an ultra-luxury touch — smaller ports, longer stays, and curated shore experiences included

Ports: St. Barts, Barbados, Cartagena, Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires

Transatlantic

Classic ocean crossings with extended sea days — designed for guests who love the journey as much as the destination

Ports: Miami to Lisbon, Barcelona to Miami, Southampton crossings

Asia & Beyond

Emerging itineraries exploring the Far East, with immersive port experiences and extended overnight stays

Ports: Singapore, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Bali, Mumbai

ONLY ON EXPLORA

Signature Experiences

Moments crafted for travelers who value authenticity, intimacy, and understated elegance.

The Journeys Lounge

The social heart of the ship — a sophisticated space for live music, cocktails, and conversation that transforms from afternoon tea to evening entertainment.

Explora Homes

MSC's unique "home at sea" concept. Residences can be purchased as a second home, with guaranteed availability and personalized storage between voyages.

Helios Pool & Bar

The main pool deck reimagined — a European beach club atmosphere with attentive service, premium cocktails, and a DJ setting the mood.

Astern Lounge

An intimate bar at the ship's stern with panoramic ocean views. The perfect spot for sunset cocktails and stargazing at sea.

Promenade Deck

A real wraparound promenade for walking, jogging, or finding a quiet corner. Rare on modern ships — Explora brings back the classic ocean liner tradition.

Curator-Led Experiences

Onboard programming designed by cultural curators — wine tastings with sommeliers, art workshops, cooking classes with guest chefs, and destination lectures.

THE BESTMATES DIFFERENCE

Why Book With Us

As luxury travel advisors, we have direct relationships with Explora Journeys — access to suite upgrades, onboard credits, and itinerary expertise you won't get from the booking engine.

Same price as booking direct. But with us, you get a real person who's studied every suite category, every itinerary, and every included perk — so nothing gets missed.

Same Price, VIP Treatment

You never pay more booking through us. Our commissions come from Explora Journeys, not from you.

Suite Selection Expertise

We'll match you with the right suite category, deck, and ship based on your travel style and priorities.

Upgrade Opportunities

We monitor availability and can often secure complimentary suite upgrades or onboard credits for your journey.

Itinerary Guidance

Which Mediterranean sailing has the best overnight port stay? Which Caribbean route avoids the crowds? We know.

Group & Celebration Planning

Milestone birthdays, anniversaries, or friend groups — we coordinate multi-suite bookings and special requests.

QUESTIONS?

Frequently Asked

What makes Explora Journeys different from other luxury lines? +
Explora is the newest ultra-luxury line at sea, launched by the MSC Group in 2023. Every cabin is a suite. Every drink is included. Every port has a complimentary excursion. The ships are intimate (under 1,000 guests) with a European sensibility — think Italian design, global cuisine, and an emphasis on discovery over entertainment.
Is everything really all-inclusive? +
Yes — and more genuinely than most. All dining (6 restaurants), unlimited premium drinks, WiFi, gratuities, one shore excursion per port, and access to the spa thermal area are all included. The only extras are premium spa treatments, specialty excursions, and the boutique.
Are there interior cabins? +
No. Every accommodation on Explora is an ocean-front suite with a private terrace. The entry-level Ocean Terrace starts at 377 sq ft — significantly larger than most cruise line balcony cabins.
Who is Explora Journeys best for? +
Travelers who appreciate quiet luxury — no big production shows or waterslides. Think couples, multi-generational families who want space, and anyone who values intimacy, design, and destination immersion over onboard spectacle.
Is Explora Journeys adults-only? +
No — families are welcome. However, the atmosphere is decidedly grown-up. There are no kids' clubs or waterslides. Families who travel with Explora tend to have older children or teens who appreciate a more sophisticated experience.
How does Explora compare to Regent or Silversea? +
Similar price point and all-inclusive model, but Explora is brand new (ships launched 2023-2024) with contemporary design and a focus on ocean-front suites rather than traditional cabin categories. The fleet is growing quickly with 6 ships planned by 2028.
Why book through BestMates? +
Same price as booking direct, plus a dedicated advisor who knows the ships, the suites, and the itineraries. We can help you choose the right voyage, secure suite upgrades when available, and handle all the details so you just show up.

Ready to Explore the Ocean?

Tell us where you want to go and we'll find the perfect Explora Journeys sailing for you.