MSC Cruises is hard at work on its Explora Journeys luxury cruise spinoff, and the brand has now unveiled its first suite designs onboard Explora I.
Reflecting the concept of “Homes at Sea,” Ocean Terrace Suites will take inspiration from light, color, space, privacy and a connection to the sea, which the line hopes will evoke an “Ocean State of Mind."
Accommodations will range in size from 377-square-foot Ocean Terraces to the 3,014-square-foot Owners Residence, with the likes of 420-square-foot Ocean Grand Terrace Suites (some of the largest in the industry), complete with 75- to 118-square-foot private terraces in between. The luxurious amenities will showcase daybeds and alfresco dining areas to bring occupants closer to the ocean.
Making the staterooms particularly homey are features that will include walk-in wardrobes with seated vanity areas, Dyson Supersonic hair dryers, heated bathroom floors, binoculars and wireless nightstand charging, in addition to a replenished minibar, espresso machine with biodegradable pods, a kettle and teapot and refillable water bottles.
Staterooms will feature walk-in wardrobes with seated vanity areas.
Credit: 2022 Explora Journeys“The Homes at Sea have been a long-held vision of the [founding] Aponte Vago family,” said Michael Ungerer, CEO of Explora Journeys. “It is a truly exciting and profound moment for us to be able to welcome future guests to the carefully curated suites, penthouses and residences. Marrying the family’s impeccable taste and innate understanding of luxury, inspired by their personal travels and style, the interiors of Explora I have been designed with their enduring dedication and incredible eye for detail, along with their vision for the future, weaving a thread of their passion throughout each touchpoint.”
We aspire to elevate the ocean experience and luxury travel to new heights, whilst being respectful to the ocean, environment, and the destinations and cultures we discover, to ensure we leave a positive legacy for generations to come.
“We aspire to elevate the ocean experience and luxury travel to new heights, whilst being respectful to the ocean, environment, and the destinations and cultures we discover, to ensure we leave a positive legacy for generations to come,” he added.
The 461 oceanfront suites onboard Explora I have been designed in partnership with London-based De Jorio Luxury & Yachts and architectural and interior design studio NenMar to craft contemporary European elegance rooted in Italian boutique design. Besides private terraces, clients can expect expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, a neutral color scheme and linear lighting integrated into the furniture.
Among the vendors furnishing the new suite accommodations is Gio Ponti of Molteni&C, part of the Molteni Group, which will provide fully Italian-produced pieces. The company’s design philosophy is inspired by “tradition, quality, durability and reliability, supported by research and innovation.”
Also of high importance is the sustainability of chosen fixtures and materials, which have been responsibly sourced using eco-friendly varieties. The line will also use refillable bathroom products and emphasize a departure from single-use plastics.
Explora I is scheduled to launch in May 2023, and its inaugural sailings to 132 ports in 40 countries are already on sale. Maiden destinations will encompass the Mediterranean Sea, Northern Europe, the United Kingdom, Iceland, Greenland, Canada, the U.S. East Coast, the Caribbean, South America and Hawaii on six- to 44-night stretches.