Explora Journeys debuts this summer, and details about the luxury cruise line’s first ship continue to emerge as its July maiden voyage nears. Here’s what we know so far about Explora I, the first of six vessels planned under the new brand.
A Ship for Multigenerational Groups
The MSC Group has always prided itself on being a family company, and that ethos will carry on with Explora I, the first vessel in MSC’s new Explora Journeys brand. The ship will offer 78 interconnecting suites across accommodation categories (suites, penthouses, and residences), plus dedicated amenities for younger cruisers, including kid-size robes, baby cribs and linens.
Explora’s “Journey Together Gathering” program is aimed at larger groups: Clients who reserve three or four suites, one of them a penthouse or residence, can form a sort of apartment with a central hub for family gatherings. Extra program perks include one complimentary guest passage for a child in each suite, as well as free transfers to the ship for all guests in the program.
“Designing our ‘Journey Together Gatherings’ program has been a highly collaborative process with the travel advisor community,” said Chris Austin, chief sales officer for Explora Journeys. “We are proud to launch this unique program, providing a valuable opportunity to target gatherings of friends and multigenerational families.”
Other onboard amenities include the Nautilus Club, a space for games, sports and other adventures for kids between 6 and 17 years old. The venue will be equipped with PlayStation 5 and PlayStation VR2, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, iPads and Oculus Pro consoles, as well as a foosball and multi-game table, a pool table, a jukebox tablet, board games, a digital library and traditional arts and crafts. The ship’s sports court and swimming pool are other places for play.
Children between the ages of 3 and 5 are also welcome at the club when accompanied by a parent or guardian. Babies from age 6 to 24 months can enjoy toys provided in their suites. For a bit of quiet time, adults can visit Helios Pool & Bar, which is reserved just for them.
The Ultra-Luxe Owner’s Residence
The Owner’s Residence will be the largest accommodation option onboard, measuring 3,014 square feet. The residence will feature multiple private spaces, including a dedicated balcony that stretches the entire ship’s width, a private infinity whirlpool and an eight-top dining table.
“Every aspect of the design of our Owner’s Residence reflects the meticulous curation of all details,” said Jason Gelineau, head of product at Explora. “We have partnered with renowned brands to provide an unparalleled experience. Sofas and chairs are by iconic design brands like Knoll and Molteni&C; outdoor furniture is from Manutti; sophisticated lighting solutions are designed by Astep; and the luxurious, double-vanity bathroom is made of precious Calcutta marble. All these incredible details create an elegant, yet effortlessly relaxed European sense of luxury.”
The Owner’s Residence will include a balcony that spans the length of the ship.
Credit: 2023 Explora JourneysAdditional perks of the Owner’s Residence include butler service, in-suite dining, priority reservations at all restaurants, a complimentary spa treatment and a welcome bottle of Dom Perignon Vintage 2013. Roundtrip home-to-airport ground transfers are included, too, as are free pre- or post-cruise hotel stays.
Distinct Retail Experiences
For cruisers who seek a bit of retail therapy, Explora will offer a variety of shopping spaces showcasing more than 30 artisanal brands, including some products exclusive to the cruise line and its first ship.
“The design of our retail spaces befits the beauty of the items they will offer,” said Adrian Pittaway, head of retail at Explora. “Carefully designed for a calm and relaxing shopping experience, the spotlight always shines on the chosen brands, products, their provenances and stories.”
Shopping spaces will showcase more than 30 brands.
Credit: 2023 Explora JourneysShoppers can expect niche Swiss brands like Caran d'Ache, Dr. Levy, Pink Maharani and Zimmerli. Highlighted fragrance and skincare companies will include Fueguia 1833, Memo Paris, Floraiku, Room 1015, Le Jardin Retrouve, PH Fragrances, Une Nuit Nomade, Luce di Sorrento, Dr. Levy and Soley Organics.
Clothing selections will be extensive, as well, including garments by Kampos, North Sails, Allagiulia, Save The Duck, Zimmerli and Waimari. And rounding out with accessories will be Pink Maharani, Aaks, Fold, Borsalino, Moscot, L.G.R and Maui Jim. Homeware and other gifts will represent Bottega Conticelli, Caran d’Ache, Assouline, Loqi and The Bespoke Company.
A Range of Dining Experiences
There will be 18 food and beverage options onboard, five of which are all-inclusive restaurants that range in focus, from pan-Asian cuisine at Sakura to Mediterranean at Med Yacht Club.
Italian chef Mauro Uliassi will helm Anthology restaurant for the ship’s maiden voyage.
Credit: 2023 Explora JourneysAnthology restaurant is not part of the all-inclusive program, but stands to be the ship’s top dining experience. The venue will be a stage for guest chefs, who will craft menus alongside Franck Garanger, Explora’s head of culinary, with the goal of highlighting international cuisine and global wine pairings for a unique epicurean experience. On Explora I’s July maiden voyage, three-Michelin-starred Italian chef Mauro Uliassi will helm the Anthology kitchen.
"We are thrilled to welcome Chef Uliassi onboard Explora I and to offer our guests the opportunity to indulge in his truly exceptional culinary creations,” Gelineau said. “Balancing contemporary techniques and creativity with a deep respect for regional culinary history, our chefs have one aim: to enhance the memories that guests take with them long after their journey has ended.”
