When your voyage is designed with water as the main focus, you are assured a tranquil “ocean state of mind.”
In today’s era of luxury travel, the cruise experience has evolved—moving beyond traditional itineraries to embrace deeper connections with the sea and the destinations it reaches. Since its launch, Explora Journeys has positioned itself at the forefront of this transformation, setting a new standard in refined, immersive ocean travel.
From the beginning, Explora Journeys has signaled something entirely new: a journey, not a cruise. Every detail of their all-inclusive experiences has been intentionally crafted to feel authentic, sophisticated, and personal—creating a distinct identity within the world of luxury ocean travel.
“Building a luxury brand that will redefine the cruise experience and create a category of its own has been a long-held vision of mine and my family,” says Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of MSC Group’s cruise business and broader passenger division. “Inspired by our personal travel wishes, Explora Journeys will be an ocean escape like no other.”
Since the debut of Explora I in 2023, the brand has steadily expanded its global reach. Explora Journeys’ philosophy—focusing on where you travel as much as how you travel—has guided its thoughtfully curated itineraries. Travelers sail to both iconic cities and lesser-known destinations, balancing cultural capitals like Saint Tropez, Bordeaux, and Reykjavik with hidden treasures such as Kastellorizo in Greece, Bozcaada in Turkey, and Norway's serene Lofoten Islands. This blend of the familiar and the undiscovered sets the tone for what Explora Journeys calls “slow travel,” a philosophy where guests are encouraged to stay longer, leave later, and explore more deeply.
Modern Luxury at Sea
Onboard, Explora Journeys has redefined modern luxury. The launch of Explora II in 2024 extended the brand’s signature style of understated elegance and generous space. Every suite and residence offers oceanfront views and private terraces, starting at an impressive 35 square meters. Throughout the ships, 14 decks create a seamless connection to the sea, while outdoor decks provide over 2,500 square meters of relaxation space, complete with 64 private cabanas and four distinct pools—including one with a retractable roof for year-round enjoyment.
Dining has also become a defining feature of Explora Journeys. Nine culinary venues celebrate global gastronomy shaped by local ingredients, while multiple bars and lounges offer stylish yet intimate spaces to unwind. Each meal is a reflection of the destinations visited, adding depth and authenticity to every journey.
Wellness continues to be central to the Explora Journeys experience. Guests can embrace wellbeing through dedicated spa spaces, outdoor relaxation areas, and personalized fitness programming. This holistic approach ensures that every aspect of life onboard promotes relaxation and renewal.
Just as significant is Explora Journeys’ commitment to sustainability—a priority embedded from the start. Designed and built by Fincantieri, Europe’s leading shipbuilder, Explora’s ships incorporate next-generation technologies to reduce CO2 emissions and minimize environmental impact. The brand’s elimination of single-use plastics onboard and ashore, along with ongoing investments in alternative energy solutions, underscores its dedication to responsible ocean travel.
Explora Journeys Expands: New Ships, New Horizons
Looking ahead, Explora Journeys continues to evolve. Set to launch in 2026, Explora III will chart a course through Northern Europe, Iceland, and Greenland before crossing to North America’s East Coast and sailing into the Caribbean for the winter 2026-2027 season. Explora IV will follow in summer 2027, sailing through the Mediterranean, Western and Northern Europe, and the Baltics, before exploring Iceland, Greenland, the US and Canadian East Coast, and even introducing new Alaska itineraries from Vancouver. As the fleet grows, the brand remains committed to expanding its horizons while staying true to its core philosophy: offering a more mindful, immersive, and luxurious way to explore the world’s oceans.
Explora Journeys is not simply a way to travel—it’s a way to reconnect with the ocean itself. A voyage where the water is not just the route, but the destination.
Tully Luxury Travel is proud to be part of this new era of luxury ocean exploration. Find out how you can experience Explora Journeys’ refined approach to modern cruising—and embark on your own unforgettable journey across the world’s oceans—by contacting our Luxury Travel Designers today.