There is a new luxury cruise line in town, and we are delighted with the fully inclusive experience that Explora Journeys offers! The chic Explora I debuted in August 2023 and quickly sailed her way into the hearts of the fortunate travelers who experienced her. Two Covington team members had the opportunity to sail in the Caribbean on Explora I during her inaugural season – Barbi Partlow, vacation advisor, sailed from Miami in December, and Beverly McLean, aka Travel Maestro, sailed from Cartagena, Colombia in January. Keep reading as we share the many attributes of Explora Journeys that add up to the Ocean State of Mind.

What is Explora Journeys?

This newcomer to the luxury cruise market is the ambition of the MSC Group and the Aponte family to redefine luxury ocean travel for discerning travelers. Explora I is the first of six ships that will follow the sun. Think Mediterranean, Caribbean, Indian Ocean, and the Red Sea – no Arctic or Antarctic explorations.

Explora Journeys’ business model incorporates a fundamental respect for the planet. The ships are technically advanced, and the company is committed to sustainability. The ships are built ready to be adapted to alternative energy solutions as they become available. Explora III and Explora IV will be powered by Liquid Natural Gas. No single-use plastics are used onboard or on land-based experiences. The MSC Foundation supports and gives back to various environmental causes, and destination experiences endeavor to leave a positive impression on both cruise guests and the people and destinations they visit.

The ship’s crew members called “hosts” hail from all over the world with varied backgrounds, many of whom came from luxury hotels such as Four Seasons and St. Regis. With a crew-to-guest ratio of 1.25 to 1, the service is intuitive and stellar. Without exception, the hosts are friendly and engaging, reflecting the vibrant, cosmopolitan, and relaxed European luxury of the Explora Journeys brand.

The Ships

The sleek dark navy hull of Explora I is gracefully reminiscent of traditional ship designs, unlike many of the modern behemoths. Onboard, a sophisticated aesthetic with an elegant European design evokes a boutique resort.

Explora I and Explora II, launching this year, each have 461 spacious ocean-front suites, penthouses, and residences, including 10 accessible suites. Floor-to-ceiling windows and private sun terraces for every suite feature unimpeded views of the sea. For multi-generational families, connecting suites are available in multiple configurations because no single suite accommodates more than three passengers. Suites convey a stylish residential feel with muted colors, books, artwork, and fresh flowers.

The generous deck space is also designed with water as a focal point to help guests achieve the Ocean State of Mind. There are three outdoor pools, the Conservatory, which has a retractable glass roof, and five whirlpools.

Wellness is an important focus of the Ocean State of Mind. To that end, Explora Journeys’ Ocean Wellness Spa offers a full complement of treatments and services for the body and beauty to enhance the ocean’s revitalizing influence. A circuit of themed rain showers, wet and dry saunas, heated loungers, a whirlpool, and a Himalayan Salt room is all-inclusive, although access times are limited for guests who do not purchase spa treatments. There is a well-equipped indoor fitness facility, as well as a running track, outdoor spin bikes, rowers, and sports courts on the upper decks.

Explora Journeys is family-friendly but not particularly family-forward. There is no childcare service available, but well-behaved travelers aged 6-17 can play games in the Kid’s Club. To encourage travelers to connect with one another, hosts also hold onboard meetups for adults, such as Club Soda (alcohol-free guests), Solivagant Society (solo travelers), and Priam (LGBTQIA+ guests).

Explora Journeys Culinary Experiences

Dining onboard is amazing, not only in the quality and choice of cuisine, but the selection of venues. There is no “main dining room,” so guests can choose from five inclusive restaurants. Two of them, Sakura (Asian Fusion) and Marble & Co. (Chop House), require reservations. Sakura features fresh and creative offerings, a top-notch Sushi Bar, and  beautiful décor that looks like you are visiting during the Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival. Marble & Co. offers a variety of veal, pork, lamb, and poultry but also has fish, vegetarian, and plant-based options.

Three other inclusive dining options, Med Yacht Club, with seafood and Mediterranean-inspired fare, Fil Rouge, offering international dishes with a French flair, and the Emporium Marketplace, a hybrid cafeteria-style/table service format with indoor and outdoor seating, do not require reservations. The Marketplace has a plethora of menu choices for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, each one better than the last. Here’s a small sample of its menu:

• Breakfast: French crepes, Irish oatmeal, British baked beans, Continental charcuterie, eggs any way you can imagine, gorgeous fruit, and freshly baked breads
• Lunch: Divine ceviche, an array of freshly rolled sushi, pizza, hamburgers and sandwiches, soup and salad bar, hot meals, and a seafood grill.
• Dinner: Meat carving stations, lobster tails and fish selections, pasta bar, salads, hot vegetable dishes, charcuterie, and those delicious bread assortments

“The culinary choices and consistent quality of meals on Explora journeys are mind-boggling, even to this amateur foodie. I believe I had one of the best beef filets of my life in Med Yacht Club” – Beverly

There are two dining experiences onboard that have an additional fee. Anthology is a unique culinary stage for world-class guest chefs. Incredible dishes inspired by the sea and using locally sourced ingredients will delight the discerning culinary traveler. The Chef’s Kitchen offers a series of cooking classes throughout each journey. Classes such as Signature Risotto Dishes, Seafood Ceviche and Tartare, and Cooking with Rhum highlight local ingredients and help guests engage with the destination culture.

Lounges and Entertainment

The Explora Lobby Bar is a stunning sight, with its seemingly mile-high backdrop displaying top-shelf spirits. It’s a popular gathering place to sit at the bar, converse around the stylish lobby seating, or listen to piano melodies wafting down from the Steinway at the top of the elegant staircase. Explora I has 11 additional indoor and outdoor bar and lounge offerings. Another favorite is the Explora Lounge, also featuring a Steinway for evening entertainment, as well as seating groups conducive to board games, reading, or watching the ocean from the expanse of floor-to-ceiling windows.

In the dimly lit Whiskey Bar, rows of whiskey bottles stand like soldiers behind the expert bartenders, who mix classics like Manhattans and smoked Old Fashioneds with a steady hand and a splash of cherries. The adjacent Cigar Bar sports dark wood and leather sofas where gentlemen and ladies linger over the earthy aroma of a quality cigar from the walk-in humidor.

At the Conservatory, Beverly enjoyed a movie on the huge screen one evening.  “Hosts passed out wireless headsets for audio and we watched from comfortable double loungers. With drinks and popcorn served to my chaise side and the stars twinkling above in the vast night sky, it was such fun!”

The Journeys Lounge is the ship’s main performance venue with a stage, dance floor, bar, and cocktail seating. On some sailings, movies are shown here during the day. Entertainment is low-key but packed with talent. We enjoyed a tango show and individual performers singing rock n roll, swing, Broadway, and soul. Gamblers will enjoy the casino with slots, roulette, and blackjack tables.

“There are numerous small venues throughout the ship to sit and relax over a drink or hang out with new friends without feeling crowded. “ – Barbi

Can we recommend Explora Journeys?

In conclusion, the Explora I is an exceptional luxury offering that will appeal to clients looking for a casually sophisticated inclusive experience. Explora I is an elegant ship that is sure to delight discriminating cruisers who want an opportunity to relax and indulge.  

Barbi and Beverly give a resounding thumbs-up to Explora Journeys! When you are ready to journey to the ultimate destination – the Ocean State of Mind – contact your Covington vacation advisor to choose an Explora Journeys itinerary.