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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 (See the restaurants review for more). 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.

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.

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’.

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.

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.

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…

Sakura’s interior transports you to Japan.

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!).

The suite overlooks panoramic ocean views.

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

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.

While away the afternoon by the pool. (Image: Quentin Long)

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.

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 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.

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