The Ultimate Guide to Explora Journeys: A New Era of European Luxury at Sea

Every decade or so, a new player enters the luxury travel space and completely disrupts the board. In the 90s, it was the small-ship revolution. In the 2010s, it was the expedition boom. Now, in the 2020s, the disruption is coming from a family with 300 years of maritime history who decided that the current definition of "luxury cruising" wasn't quite luxurious—or relaxed—enough.

Enter Explora Journeys.

Launched by the Aponte family (the owners of the massive MSC Group), Explora Journeys was created to fill a specific void. They noticed that high-net-worth travelers were increasingly choosing land-based ultra-luxury resorts over cruise ships because they disliked the rigid schedules, the dress codes, and the "processing" feel of traditional cruising.

So, they didn't build a cruise line. They built a floating version of a Belmond or a Four Seasons. The result is a brand that feels distinctly European, effortlessly chic, and entirely focused on what they call the "Ocean State of Mind"—a psychological shift that happens when you disconnect from the noise of land and reconnect with the rhythm of the sea.

The "Ocean State of Mind" Philosophy

This isn't just marketing fluff; it’s an operational mandate. The "Ocean State of Mind" dictates the pace of the entire experience. Unlike competitors who race from port to port to tick boxes, Explora Journeys slows everything down.

Their itineraries are designed with "non-standard" arrival and departure times. You might arrive in Ibiza at 11:00 AM and leave at 2:00 AM, allowing you to actually experience the destination's nightlife. They feature more overnights and more sea days than average, encouraging you to actually use the ship as a sanctuary rather than just a floating dormitory.

The Fleet: A New Class of Ship

The fleet currently consists of EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II, with four more sister ships on the way by 2028. These vessels are difficult to categorize. At 63,900 gross tons and carrying 922 guests, they are significantly larger than the "yachts" of Seabourn or Ritz-Carlton, but much smaller than traditional elite ships.

This "Goldilocks" size allows them to offer the amenities of a large resort—four pools, nine restaurants, a massive spa—while maintaining the intimacy of a small ship. The design is stunning. Imagine a superyacht owned by a stylish Italian billionaire. The lines are sleek, the colors are neutral and calming (lots of greys, creams, and light woods), and the connection to the water is prioritized everywhere.

Accommodations: Homes at Sea

Explora Journeys refers to their staterooms as "Homes at Sea," and for once, the hyperbole is accurate. The entry-level category is the Ocean Terrace Suite, and at 377 square feet, it is among the largest in the industry.

There are no inside cabins. There are no "ocean view" windows. Every single suite on the ship features a floor-to-ceiling glass wall that opens onto a private terrace with a daybed and dining area. The design intent is to make the ocean the focal point of the room.

Inside, the attention to detail is obsessive. You’ll find walk-in wardrobes with seated vanity areas (a rarity at sea), Dyson Supersonic hairdryers, heated bathroom floors, and espresso machines. For those wanting more space, the Ocean Penthouses and Ocean Residences offer separate living and dining areas, with the Residences including private butler service and massive wrap-around decks with private jacuzzis.

Dining: A Global Culinary Tour

If you are expecting a main dining room with assigned seating and a buffet with sneeze guards, you are on the wrong ship. Explora Journeys has completely scrapped the traditional cruise dining model.

Instead, they offer nine distinct culinary experiences, all of which operate like standalone restaurants on land.

• Anthology: The flagship fine dining venue. This is the stage for world-class culinary partnerships and curated tasting menus (note: this is the one venue that attracts an extra fee).
• Sakara: A Pan-Asian venue that feels like a high-end spot in Singapore or Dubai, serving sushi, Thai, and Vietnamese dishes.
• Marble & Co. Grill: A European steakhouse that focuses on sustainable sourcing and dry-aging.
• Med Yacht Club: A tribute to the Mediterranean beach clubs of Italy and France, serving sharing platters and fresh seafood.
• Emporium Marketplace: This is the "casual" option, but instead of a buffet, it’s a series of cooking stations where chefs prepare food to order—from fresh pasta to grilled lobster—right in front of you.

Crucially, you can dine when you want, with whom you want. There are no set times and no "tables for two" restrictions.

Wellness: Ocean Wellness

The spa on Explora Journeys is massive—over 10,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space. But it’s not just about massages; it’s about "Ocean Wellness." The facility includes a hydrotherapy pool, a salt cave, a Finnish sauna, and steam rooms.

The fitness offering is equally robust, thanks to a partnership with Technogym. You’ll find two fitness areas (one indoor, one outdoor), a running track, and a sports court. They also run a comprehensive yoga and mindfulness program, often utilizing the ship’s outdoor decks for sunrise flows.

The All-Inclusive Definition

Explora Journeys positions itself as "highly inclusive."

• Included: All meals (except Anthology), unlimited beverages (fine wines, premium spirits, specialty coffees), gratuities, Wi-Fi (high-speed Starlink), and shuttle services from the port to the city center.
• Included In-Suite: A welcome bottle of champagne and a bottle of your preferred spirit, plus a replenished mini-bar.
• Not Included: Treatments at the spa, dining at Anthology, and "Destination Experiences" (shore excursions).

Who Is the Explora Guest?

This brand is attracting a new demographic: the "anti-cruiser." These are people who love staying at the Aman in Tokyo or the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Antibes but have historically avoided ships.

The crowd is cosmopolitan, multi-generational, and stylish. You will see plenty of linen blazers and designer sunglasses, but you won't see many tuxedos. The vibe is "resort casual luxury"—sophisticated but relaxed. It’s for the traveler who wants the service of a grand European hotel but the freedom of a private yacht.

Sustainability First

Being a new build, the fleet is designed with the latest environmental tech. The ships are RINA Dolphin certified for reduced noise (to protect marine life), feature shore-to-ship power capabilities to eliminate emissions in port, and are "hydrogen ready" for future fuel conversion. They have also banned single-use plastics on board and onboarded a serious recycling program.

Final Thoughts

Explora Journeys isn't trying to be "better" than the existing cruise lines; it is trying to be different. By importing the aesthetics and service standards of luxury land-based hospitality to the ocean, they have created a product that feels fresh, modern, and incredibly inviting. If you want to see the world without feeling like part of a herd, this is your ship.