Beyond the Brochure: My Explora Journeys Cruise Review (and Why You Should Book Now)

The first light of dawn spills across the Mediterranean, painting the horizon in hues of soft rose and brilliant gold. I’m standing on my private terrace, a warm cappuccino in hand, the gentle sea breeze carrying the scent of salt and distant cypress. Below, the turquoise water of a secluded Greek cove laps against the hull of EXPLORA I. There are no crowds, no announcements, no rush. There is only the vast, calming expanse of the ocean and the quiet promise of a day designed entirely around discovery and delight. This is the ‘Ocean State of Mind,’ and it’s the very soul of Explora Journeys.

For over two decades, I’ve sailed on the world’s most celebrated ships, from intimate river yachts to palatial ocean liners. I’ve seen luxury defined and redefined. But my recent voyage through Europe with Explora Journeys felt different. It was less a cruise and more a profound reconnection with the sea, with culture, and with the very essence of sophisticated travel. This isn’t just another luxury brand; it’s a paradigm shift, born from 300 years of seafaring heritage by the Aponte family, the visionaries behind MSC Group.

In this review, I want to take you beyond the glossy pages of the brochure. I want to share the feeling of being onboard, the taste of the exquisite cuisine, the texture of the thoughtful design, and the genuine warmth of the service. If you’re a discerning traveler who values space, choice, and authentic immersion, then this journey might just be the one you’ve been waiting for. As you read, you can explore specific itineraries and pricing for yourself using the intuitive Cruise Booking Toolbar at the top of this page.

The Explora Journeys Difference: An Ocean State of Mind

The phrase ‘Ocean State of Mind’ is more than clever marketing; it’s the guiding philosophy that permeates every aspect of the experience. From the moment you step aboard, you feel a palpable sense of calm. The ship, with its yacht-like profile, feels expansive yet intimate. With 461 oceanfront suites for a maximum of 922 guests, the guest-to-space ratio is among the highest in the industry. You never feel crowded; instead, you find quiet nooks, sun-drenched lounges, and private corners that feel like they were designed just for you.

This philosophy extends to the rhythm of the journey itself. Itineraries are intentionally slower, with longer stays in port, late-night departures, and even overnight calls. This allows for true destination immersion, free from the frantic rush to see everything in a few short hours. It’s the difference between merely visiting a place and truly experiencing it—savoring a late dinner at a trattoria in Sorrento, watching the sunset over the cliffs of Santorini, or enjoying the vibrant nightlife of Ibiza without one eye on the clock. It’s luxury travel on your terms.

Life Onboard: Your Private Superyacht at Sea

The design of EXPLORA I (and her sister ships to come) is a masterclass in understated European elegance. It’s a collaboration of superyacht and luxury hospitality designers, and it shows. The aesthetic is clean, contemporary, and deeply comfortable, with an emphasis on natural light and connection to the sea. It feels less like a cruise ship and more like a floating five-star boutique hotel.

The Suites: A Sanctuary of European Design

Your home at sea is not a cabin; it’s a suite. And it’s a sanctuary. I stayed in an Ocean Terrace Suite, the lead-in category, and it was one of the most spacious and thoughtfully appointed I’ve ever experienced at 377 square feet (35 sqm). Every suite, regardless of category, features a private walk-in wardrobe, a seated vanity area, and a floor-to-ceiling window that opens onto a large private terrace with daybeds for lounging.

The details are what truly elevate the experience:

• A welcome bottle of Veuve Clicquot chilling on ice upon your arrival.
• A personal Illy coffee machine and a complimentary mini-bar, restocked to your preferences.
• Plush Frette robes and linens that invite you to linger in bed just a little longer.
• A powerful Dyson Supersonic hairdryer—a small touch that makes a huge difference.
• Heated floors in the marble-clad bathroom, stocked with bespoke amenities from Byredo.
• Binoculars for spotting dolphins from your terrace.

This is your private haven, a place to retreat, recharge, and watch the world drift by. Imagining yourself here, waking up to a new European coastline each morning? Our team can walk you through the various suite and penthouse options. Have a quick question? Click the 'Chat with us' button in the lower right corner, or for a more detailed consultation, Inquire About This Sailing to get started.

A Culinary Odyssey: Dining Redefined

Forget what you know about cruise ship dining. Explora Journeys has completely dismantled the traditional model. There is no main dining room, no set seating times, and no extra charges for specialty restaurants. Instead, you have the freedom to choose from six distinct and exceptional culinary venues, plus in-suite dining and numerous bars and lounges, all included in your fare.

The focus is on quality, authenticity, and choice. During my voyage, I made it a point to experience them all:

• Marble & Co. Grill: A refined European steakhouse experience, with exceptional cuts of beef sourced from the finest producers and a superb wine list to match.
• Sakura: An elegant and authentic Pan-Asian restaurant offering Japanese, Thai, and Vietnamese-inspired dishes. The sushi was ocean-fresh, and the sake sommelier was incredibly knowledgeable.
• Med Yacht Club: A breezy, chic venue inspired by the beachside restaurants of the Mediterranean. Perfect for a relaxed lunch of grilled fish, fresh salads, and regional pastas.
• Fil Rouge: An intimate, sophisticated space offering French-inspired international cuisine. The artistry on the plate was matched only by the exquisite flavors.
• Emporium Marketplace: An all-day dining venue that elevates the "buffet" concept to new heights. Live cooking stations, a fresh pasta bar, a fromagerie, and a charcuterie station meant every meal was a new discovery.

What’s more, the all-inclusive beverage program is exceptional. Fine wines from renowned vineyards, premium spirits, specialty coffees, teas, and soft drinks are all part of the experience. The sommeliers are passionate and approachable, eager to help you discover a new favorite vintage to pair with your meal.

Wellness and Leisure: More Than Just a Spa

The commitment to the ‘Ocean State of Mind’ is perhaps most evident in the wellness facilities. The Ocean Wellness spa is a sprawling 7,500-square-foot (700-sqm) oasis of tranquility. The thermal suite, with its hydrotherapy pool, steam room, Finnish sauna, and salt cave, is complimentary for all guests—a rarity in the luxury cruise world.

The fitness center is state-of-the-art, equipped with the latest Technogym machines and offering a range of classes from yoga to high-intensity training. But it’s the outdoor spaces that truly shine. There are four pools, including a stunning aft pool with panoramic ocean views and an all-weather pool beneath a retractable glass roof, ensuring you can enjoy a swim no matter the forecast. It’s a holistic approach to well-being that feels restorative, not just indulgent.

The Journey Through Europe: Destination Immersion

A beautiful ship is one thing, but the journey is what creates the memories. Explora’s European itineraries are thoughtfully curated to blend iconic destinations with lesser-known gems, all experienced at a more civilized pace.

Port of Call: A Day in Portofino, Italy

Instead of docking in the industrial port of Genoa, our yacht-sized ship was able to anchor directly in the bay of Santa Margherita Ligure, with tenders whisking us to the heart of Portofino. While larger ships had long since departed, we were able to enjoy the golden hour, when the crowds thin and the pastel-colored village glows in the late afternoon sun. I joined a small-group "Destination Experience" to a local agriturismo for an authentic pesto-making class, followed by a wine-paired dinner overlooking the olive groves. We returned to the ship well after dark, having experienced the true soul of the Italian Riviera.

Port of Call: Unveiling the Secrets of Ibiza, Spain

Many associate Ibiza with its legendary nightlife, but Explora Journeys reveals its quieter, more beautiful side. We spent the day exploring the UNESCO-listed Dalt Vila (Old Town), its fortified walls offering breathtaking views. Later, the ship arranged for private catamarans to take guests to the crystalline waters of Formentera for an afternoon of swimming and snorkeling. Because we were docked overnight, we could enjoy a relaxed dinner at a celebrated restaurant on the island before returning to the ship, a luxury simply not possible on most cruise schedules.

This is the essence of the Explora difference. It’s about deeper connections and more meaningful experiences. Ready to design your own European masterpiece? We can customize pre- and post-cruise stays to make your journey seamless. Plan Your Europe Adventure with one of our experts today.

Who is Explora Journeys For?

During my time onboard, I met a fascinating mix of travelers: seasoned cruisers who were looking for something more intimate and refined, and newcomers to cruising who were drawn by the yacht-like experience and destination-focused itineraries. Explora Journeys is for you if:

• You are an independent, curious traveler who values freedom and choice.
• You appreciate sophisticated design, exceptional food, and intuitive service without stuffiness.
• You’ve felt that traditional cruising was too restrictive, too crowded, or too rushed.
• You’re celebrating a milestone and want an experience that is both luxurious and deeply personal.
• You are a multi-generational family seeking a vacation that caters to discerning tastes across all ages.

If you've ever thought, "I'm not a cruise person," Explora Journeys might just be the ship that changes your mind.

The Value Proposition: What's Truly Included?

Explora Journeys operates on a truly all-inclusive basis, which fosters an atmosphere of effortless relaxation. There’s no constant signing of chits or worrying about the final bill. The value is exceptional when you consider what is encompassed in your fare:

• Unlimited beverages, fine wines, and premium spirits, including in-suite mini-bar.
• All onboard dining across six unique restaurants, plus in-suite service.
• All onboard gratuities and service charges.
• High-speed, unlimited Starlink Wi-Fi.
• Access to the Ocean Wellness thermal spa facilities.
• All fitness and wellness classes.

This transparent approach allows you to simply enjoy your vacation. Understanding the full value can be complex, especially when comparing different luxury lines. For a detailed, personalized breakdown, give our dedicated cruise specialists a call at 1 (888) 883‑0460. We'll ensure you understand every detail and get the best possible value for your journey.

Why You Should Book Now (And With Us)

The secret is out. With the successful launch of EXPLORA I and the imminent arrival of EXPLORA II, the most sought-after European itineraries are booking up quickly. The intimate size of these ships means that availability, especially for specific suite categories, is limited.

Booking with us provides a layer of service that complements the luxury of Explora Journeys. Our advisors have firsthand knowledge of the ships and destinations. We handle every detail, from flights and pre-cruise hotel stays to arranging private shore excursions and confirming your dining preferences. We are your personal travel concierge, ensuring your journey is seamless from the moment you leave home.

The 'Ocean State of Mind' is more than a tagline; it's a promise. A promise of a journey that will redefine your expectations of travel. Don't just read about it. Experience it. We're here to make it happen. Fill out our secure form to Get a Custom Quote and one of our luxury cruise advisors will be in touch shortly to craft your perfect European voyage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included on an Explora Journeys cruise?

Explora Journeys offers a comprehensive all-inclusive experience. This includes all dining at any of the onboard restaurants, unlimited premium beverages and fine wines, all gratuities, high-speed Wi-Fi, and access to the spa's thermal suite and all wellness/fitness programs.

Is Explora Journeys a luxury cruise line?

Yes, Explora Journeys is positioned at the pinnacle of the luxury lifestyle travel market. It combines the intimacy and design of a superyacht with the choice and amenities of a larger vessel, focusing on space, service, and deep destination immersion.

What is the dress code onboard?

The dress code is relaxed and sophisticated, referred to as "Resort Casual." During the day, standard resort wear is appropriate. In the evening, the guideline is "Elegant Casual." For men, this means trousers or smart jeans with a collared shirt or polo. For women, it can be a dress, skirt or trousers with a stylish top. There are no formal nights or requirements for jackets or ties.

Who owns Explora Journeys?

Explora Journeys is the privately-owned luxury lifestyle brand of the MSC Group, which is owned by the Aponte Vago family. They bring over 300 years of maritime heritage to this new venture, combining deep seafaring expertise with a passion for luxury hospitality.

Are children welcome on Explora Journeys?

Yes, children are welcome. Explora Journeys offers the Nautilus Club, a dedicated space for younger guests with a program of activities and events supervised by certified staff. The line is well-suited for multi-generational families looking for a sophisticated and engaging travel experience for all ages.