Explora Journeys Review | International Traveller

Explora Journeys, the newest cruise line in the world, has a bold vision to reinvent and redefine cruising. We embarked on a voyage like no other to discover if it is possible to ‘reinvent’ cruising.

Like all my cruise reviews, the one overarching objective I have is to answer one simple question for readers – could this be the cruise ship for them? I try and tease out and review all the elements and factors to find the exact traveller who would love the experience so as to “matchmake" the traveller and cruise.

To answer this question for EXPLORA I is rather simple. Almost the entirety of humanity will love cruising on board EXPLORA I – from its stunning suites to its elegant restaurants.

The questions become which journey will be most appropriate and then, the stickiest part, can you afford it?

the Grand Penthouse aboard EXPLORA I — The Grand Penthouse boasts a luxe living space and a separate dining area.

When parent company MSC Group announced the launch of their super luxury cruise line Explora Journeys, the lack of ‘cruise’ in the company name was so obvious that the jaded cruise cynics were heard to mutter a few “hmphs" and “pffts" at the notion of a cruise ship being a journey.

After seven days, the reality is that EXPLORA I is akin to either a mobile six-star hotel (okay pedants I know that six-star hotels do not technically exist but the short-hand is useful) or a superyacht. Dependent on your personal preference.

the outdoor deck aboard Explora Journeys — Sail into serenity aboard EXPLORA I.

The brand promises an “Ocean state of mind" that translates into a uniquely calm and relaxed luxury milieu with time to explore. This is enhanced by the mix of fellow travellers on board; Europeans are the largest cohort (Americans do not dominate) making the cruise more calm, sociable and generally pleasant.

the poolside cinema at The Conservatory, EXPLORA I — At night, the Conservatory transforms into a cinema experience under the stars.

Aside from the magnificent hardware, the incredible service, outstanding food and wine (included thank you very much) and general relaxed luxury ambience, the purposeful itineraries are a deft balance of leisure and culture.

And the most telling detail I found on the itinerary? Not once in the entire seven days floating around the Aegean did we call into a port and share it with another cruise ship.

This deliberate (and costly as it is not easy to manufacture such port exclusivity) strategy makes the shore experiences that much more enjoyable that the moniker ‘Journeys’ is well and truly apt.

So enough of my over-enthusiasm, here are the important details.

Explora Journeys Background
EXPLORA I – Overview
EXPLORA I – What we loved most
EXPLORA I – What we would change
EXPLORA I – Who will love it
EXPLORA I – Itineraries

Explora Journeys Background

Explora Journeys is the glamorous luxury cruise division of mega shipping company MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company) Group who also operate MSC Cruises.

The company started as a simple announcement by MSC Group in 2018 that it had commissioned Italian ship builders Fincantieri to build four luxury cruise ships. In 2021 the Explora Journeys name and brand were revealed and the EXPLORA I set sail for the first time in August 2023.

The initial order for four ships was expanded to six in 2022. The second ship, EXPLORER II set sail in September 2024 and is identical to EXPLORA II.

the Explora Journeys I ship sailing — Embark on a journey of luxury and discovery.

EXPLORA I – Overview

EXPLORA I is as close to a superyacht as you can get without actually being on a superyacht.

It is no surprise then that Martin Francis, British architect and renowned superyacht designer, was part of the design team.

EXPLORA I presents a sleek superyacht profile, exuding relaxed luxury with a refined palette of chocolate, white, dusty blue, patina, and gold. The Lobby Bar embodies elegance, blending Art Deco influences with a contemporary New York speakeasy vibe.

Explora I Lobby Bar — The luxurious Lobby Bar exudes glamour. (Image: Quentin Long)

And from here the experience just gets better.

Each of the dining spaces retains a true sense of elegance. The highlight is Sakura, the cherry blossom-adorned pan-Asian restaurant that served up one of the best meals I have had at sea; the lobster pad Thai.

cherry blossoms hanging from the ceiling inside Sakura restaurant, EXPLORA I — The ceiling of Sakura Restaurant is adorned with cherry blossoms.

The art collection is astounding with original Warhol’s and Lichtenstein’s in the designated Art Gallery space.

As you’d expect, the aesthetic throughout all public spaces is a carefully curated experience. There is the ubiquity of object d’art in all spaces and books of all styles, subjects and languages. This is a deliberate ploy to move the customer feel far beyond a boutique hotel at sea to an intimate superyacht experience. This is further enhanced by the overwhelming sense of space and leisure that a ship of this size and just a maximum of 922 guests creates. There is never any sense of busyness or crowding.

The greatest example of the abundance of space and scarcity of crowds is the availability at any time of prime enormous double daybeds at one of the four pool areas. Even on sea days.

explora-i-pool — There are four outdoor and indoor swimming pools to choose from. (Image: Quentin Long)

The staff are an embodiment of this unhurried and relaxed ambience. Never loud or boisterous, they are authentically happy with a strong desire to provide excellent service.

When the coffee was not meeting the exacting standards of my wife’s Australian goldilocks coffee sensibilities, the happy barista remade the ‘flat white’ three times until it was ‘just right’.

the Crema Cafe aboard EXPLORA I — Crema Café channels modern European cafe culture.

As previously mentioned, the itinerary is carefully designed to ensure exclusivity in ports and ensure the destination is not a swarming mass of sharp-elbowed cruisers charging through narrow alleyways to do battle for a prime seat at the next taverna.

Mykonos is the best case in point. Mid-September and the old port town is a completely different experience to 18 months prior when I disembarked with two other cruise ships in port to side-step like Nathan Cleary as I bounced from elbow to elbow through the alleyways and shops overflowing with shoppers. It was so frenetic I didn’t bother trying to purchase anything. Now, the narrow colourful alleyways are an enjoyable uncrowded stroll. I can even take pictures without a mass of heads and legs in the shot.

Greece stop Explora I — Embark on a voyage to soak up the Aegean sunshine. (Image: Quentin Long)

And overnighting means we get the two destinations for the price of one. Mykonos by day is very different to Mykonos by night. Al fresco dinner in a taverna with local dishes and then a stroll through the now-transformed alleyways is blissful and the romantic evening one envisions when exploring the Greek islands.

But it is not just the exclusivity that makes the itinerary. From the leisurely islands of Mykonos and Skiathos, we journeyed into the historical and cultural enclaves of Thessaloniki and Kavala. Here we traced the Macedonian history from Alexander the Great, the Ottomans and the terrifyingly injudicious population exchange of 1923.

the Troulos beach, Skiathos Island, Greece — Explore the Greek Islands. (Image: Getty/miss_j)

Explora I – What we loved most

I have never written such an effusive ship review (the closest would be Icon of the Seas) which means there is a lot to love and to pick the most loved leaves me conflicted – like picking a favourite child. However, on any given day one of them is my favourite so here goes.

Sakura

I know I know, I have laboured this lobster pad Thai thing but it was that good. And the restaurant design was magnificent…

The Cove Residence

In what can only be described as marvellous, the Cove Residence was just so well designed, spaced and serviced it creates the environment for memorable moments. Sure champagne in the whirlpool farewelling Mykonos was one (for some TMI in my birthday suit!).

But so was passing through the Narrows with a sunset drink and toasting our ANZACS at Gallipoli, and perhaps more poignant.

the private whirlpool at the Cove Residence, EXPLORA I — Retire to your private whirlpool.

The Atoll Pool and Bar

When you can always find the perfect spot for your mood; sunny or shaded on a single lounger or double day bed then you have a great pool at sea.

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Explora I – What we would change

Ah, not much. Maybe a little more space in the wellness space. But we are clutching at straws and a menu review of Fil Rouge.

the elegant dining at the Fil Rouge restaurant, EXPLORA I — Savour the art of fine dining with a French twist at Fil Rouge.

Explora I – Who will love it

All “all humanity" hyperbole aside, there are two distinct groups I can see loving EXPLORA I.

First and most important, couples who may never have considered a cruise but like to travel across culture, history and leisure with a love of elevated and exclusive food and wine experiences in relaxed luxury.

Second, the luxury cruise lovers (thinks Regent Seven Seas, Silversea and Seabourn) who are looking for a more European unfussy experience.

the pool at Owner's Residence Suite, EXPLORA I — The Ocean’s Residence Suite has a pool that seemingly extends to the sea.

EXPLORA I – Itineraries

EXPLORA I sails a classic northern hemisphere cycle, summer Med and winter Caribbean. In the Mediterranean, she predominantly sails the Eastern portion with sailing embarking from Venice, Athens and Istanbul.

the Istanbul cityscape — Marvel at Istanbul’s architectural wonders. (Image: Getty/Bondart)

Wellbeing means different things to different travellers. Here’s how to pick a hotel that gets it right for you.

The best wellness holidays aren’t necessarily spent wrapped in a spa robe. Sometimes they’re found around a dinner table in Cambodia, on a hiking trail in New Zealand or after finally beating jet lag on the other side of the world. The hotel you choose is what makes them happen.

1. Easy access to good food

meals from Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20 — Taste delicious meals at Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20.

One of the quickest ways to derail healthy habits on holiday is to spend half of it working out where to eat instead of digging into the culture around you. Thankfully, Novotel has done much of the hard work already, with chefs building menus that lean into the flavours, ingredients and traditions of each destination.

In Sihanoukville, Cambodia, Korkor soup – often dubbed ‘Cambodian ratatouille’ – sits alongside raw blue crab dressed with lime and chilli, best enjoyed with views across the Gulf of Thailand.

In the lovingly chaotic city of Bangkok, the presence of food cranks up the sociability. At Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20, you can settle in with mango sticky rice and stranger-turned-friends beside the pool at Sky on 20 rooftop bar, or bring them along to tackle river prawns and stir-fried crab with holy basil at the buzzing Crab Paradise Dinner Buffet.

Then Novotel Dubai Al Barsha welcomes you with a laidback twist on the level of indulgence the Middle Eastern city is best known for up on Deck Se7en. Looking towards Burj Al Arab, the rooftop lounge has everything from Mediterranean-style dishes like seabass ceviche to Italian prosecco sundowners.

At the other end of the scale, in the hills that surround the Novotel Bali Ubud Resort, calm comes from nature. At Siralada restaurant, Balinese traditions shape the menu while thunder rumbles over the surrounding jungle – proving the setting is as nourishing as the food itself.

While at Novotel Nha Trang, chef Kieu Thi My Hanh and her team showcase Vietnam’s knack for balancing freshness, texture and fragrant herbs. Pho remains a favourite, while seafood salad with pomelo and mango brings those flavours together in one bright dish.

It’s all an approach backed by partnerships with expert food creators such as Alfie Steiner, whose plant-forward recipes prove healthy food should never taste plain.

2. Better sleep options

Novotel Bali Ubud Resort room — Sleep deeply with Novotel.

There are few travel experiences more disappointing than arriving in a new country, determined to seize the day, only to fall asleep fully clothed by 3pm.

For Australian travellers, jet lag is often an unavoidable part of the journey. That’s one reason Novotel runs sleep-focused initiatives that help guests adjust quickly without compromising on health. We’re talking partnerships with Sydney-based sleep specialist Olivia Arezzolo, known for her advice on everything from better sleep habits to beating jet lag, alongside features like pillow menus, in-room yoga content and tailored sleep guidance.

The sooner you’re operating on local time, the sooner you can get back to more pressing matters – like deciding which spa treatment to book.

3. More ways to move

woman hiking around queenstown new zealand — Stay at Novotel Queenstown Lakeside and explore local hiking trails. (Credit: GettyI mages/ naruedom)

Every place in the world has its own way of getting you moving: whether that’s hiking up ice-bitten mountains before a sauna or gentle stretching by the pool before a facial. From fitness centres to spas, Novotel recognises that wellbeing rarely looks the same.

At Novotel Queenstown Lakeside, activity is inescapable. Here, hiking trails, ski fields, bungee jumps, and white-water rafting have made the region famous. The hotel’s location on the shores of Lake Wakatipu means less time spent organising yourself and more time out there experiencing them. To top it all off, you can book a private hot tub for the evening before heading back into the wilderness tomorrow.

Bali, of course, takes a softer approach. At Novotel Bali Ubud Resort or Novotel Bali Nusa Dua, movement is less about conquering a mountain and more about a dance class between the tropical gardens and lagoon pools. Afterwards, the spa takes over, with traditional treatments like a Lulur body scrub: a combination of rice, turmeric, sandalwood, ginger and jasmine that’ll soothe muscles already relaxed by the Balinese heat.

4. Better connections

Kids will love a stay at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh.

One of the best things about travel is that it gives your family stories you’ll be telling for years. Novotel helps create them with activities that bring everyone together, whether that’s trying something new, learning a local skill, or simply spending more time together.

Go for a distinctly Thai twist at Novotel Phuket Vintage Park, where many of the family activities draw on local culture. Kids can try everything from beginner Thai boxing and language lessons to umbrella painting and – a pastime beloved by children the world over – pool foam parties. Everyone is welcome to join in, whether that’s getting splashed, covered in paint, or simply watching their children discover a new side of Thailand during the dedicated Family & Kids Day.

A different adventure awaits at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh. Kids could be perfectly content with discos, drawing classes and new holiday friends, but the Red Sea has other ideas. Sitting on the edge of Naama Bay, days here might involve snorkelling colourful reefs, taking a boat trip to Ras Mohammed National Park or heading into the desert by quad bike or camel for a Bedouin-style dinner beneath the stars.

5. Location is everything

Surin Beach, Choeng Thale, Thalang District, Phuket, Thaiföld — Explore Phuket’s gorgeous beaches. (Credit: Bence Biczo)

Everyone’s idea of wellness looks a little different. With more than 600 hotels across 65 countries, Novotel gives guests the freedom to choose the destination that suits them best. Whether that’s a beachside escape in Phuket, an alpine expedition in Queenstown or a city break in Bangkok, there’s a good chance a Novotel isn’t far away.

All that’s left? Choosing your version of wellbeing.

Discover stays to inspire your everyday at novotel.accor.com.

Explora Journeys review: what does redefining luxury cruise really look like?