About Explora Journeys
“The MSC Group Reveals New Luxury Cruise Brand, Explora Journeys, Created for the Next Generation of Discerning Luxury Travellers. ” — Explora Journeys
Explora Journeys is the luxury lifestyle brand of the MSC Group, the story of the Aponte family — Swiss-Italian seafarers whose records reach back to the 17th century — fulfilling a long-held dream. Headquartered in Geneva and unveiled in 2021, the brand welcomed EXPLORA I in 2023 and EXPLORA II in 2024, with four more Fincantieri-built ships arriving by 2028. Its guiding idea, an Ocean State of Mind, translates into a relaxed, European-flavored elegance closer to a private yacht than a traditional cruise.
Each ship is entirely oceanfront suites — 456 of them — attended by a remarkable 1.25-to-1 guest-to-host ratio. Days drift among five heated pools, twelve bars and lounges, and Ocean Wellness, the spa whose thermal area every guest may enjoy. Dining spans nine included culinary experiences, from the Emporium Marketplace to Sakura's pan-Asian flavors, the Marble & Co. Grill steakhouse, Med Yacht Club, and Fil Rouge, with unlimited fine wines, champagne, and premium spirits poured anytime, even in-suite.
Journeys favor longer stays and less-trafficked harbors across the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Caribbean, and beyond, building toward a 128-day Inaugural World Journey in 2029. For affluent travelers who want genuine luxury with a contemporary, unstuffy sensibility — and everything meaningful already included — Explora is one of the most compelling new names at sea.
Save on Explora Journeys with Pavlus Travel
Pavlus Travel has been helping travelers save on the world's best cruise lines since 1994. Book Explora Journeys through Pavlus and our exclusive discounts stack on top of the line's own current promotions — then our Lowest Price Guarantee keeps it that way. You never pay a service or planning fee, and you work one-on-one with a dedicated advisor who knows Explora Journeys inside and out, from first quote to final port.
- Exclusive Pavlus savings on every Explora Journeys sailing
- Lowest Price Guarantee — matched or beaten
- Never any service or planning fees
- A dedicated personal travel advisor, not a call center
- 30+ years of negotiated cruise-line relationships
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Call 1-800-528-9300 Browse Sailings & Get a QuoteThe Explora Journeys Experience
All-Suite, All Oceanfront
Every one of the 456 suites faces the sea with floor-to-ceiling glass and private outdoor space, from Ocean Terraces to grand Ocean Residences.
1.25:1 Guest-to-Host Ratio
Among the most attentive staffing at sea, delivering intuitive, personal service without formality or fuss.
Nine Included Culinary Experiences
From Sakura and Marble & Co. Grill to Med Yacht Club, Fil Rouge, and in-suite dining, distinct venues come at no extra charge.
Ocean Wellness — The Spa
Every guest enjoys access to the spa's thermal area, plus group wellness, fitness, and mindfulness sessions throughout the journey.
The Aponte Seafaring Legacy
Created by the family behind MSC, the world's largest privately owned cruise company, with 300 years of maritime heritage.
A Growing Six-Ship Fleet
EXPLORA III arrives in 2026, followed by EXPLORA IV and V in 2027 and EXPLORA VI in 2028, all built by Fincantieri.
What's Included with Explora Journeys
- Nine distinct culinary experiences, including in-suite dining
- Unlimited fine wines, champagne, premium spirits, specialty coffees, teas, and soft drinks, anytime, including in-suite
- Welcome bottle of champagne plus a bottle of wine and a spirit of your choice in-suite on arrival
- Access to the Ocean Wellness thermal area
- Group wellness, fitness, and mindfulness activities
- Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the ship
- All onboard gratuities
- Shuttle service from port to city center where available
The Explora Journeys Fleet (6 ships sailing bookable itineraries)
Explora I
Designed in partnership with the world’s foremost superyacht and luxury hospitality designers, the innovative Explora I will seamlessly blend elegant Swiss precision with modern European craftsmanship. With 461 oceanfront suites and residences, guests will enjoy striking views at sea and in port from their floor to ceiling windows and personal private terrace. Suites will start at 35 square metres which is among the most spacious for the category in the industry.Fourteen decks will provide ample indoor public space, maximising guest choice and seclusion. Generous outdoor decks will boast more than 2,500 square metres overlooking the sea, with 64 private cabanas across 3 outdoor pools. A fourth pool, with a retractable glass roof, will allow swimming and poolside relaxation in any weather. Combined with various indoor and outdoor whirlpool baths on the ship’s promenade deck, the ship was designed with water as a focal point to put guests in an ocean state of mind.
See Explora I sailings →
Explora II
Discover the MSC Explora II, the epitome of modern luxury at sea. Boasting 461 ocean-front suites, this magnificent ship redefines elegance and comfort with a guest-to-host ratio of 1.25:1. Guests can indulge in immersive dining experiences across six world-class restaurants and unwind at over 12 vibrant yet intimate bars and lounges. Relaxation takes center stage with five heated pools, including a hydrotherapy pool, and rejuvenating ocean-inspired wellness offerings. From the serene Astern Pool to the chic Med Yacht Club, the Explora II promises a journey of unparalleled sophistication and tranquility.
See Explora II sailings →
Explora III
Designed to evoke the feeling of being onboard a private yacht, EXPLORA III — the newest addition in the modern fleet of luxury ships, sailing in Summer 2026 — offers a haven at sea. A floating home-away-from-home, where thoughtful design and an abundance of space create an atmosphere of effortless elegance.At the heart of the experience are the spacious Homes at Sea. Each of the Ocean Suites, Penthouses, and Residences is a truly serene retreat, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows bathing the space in light, opening onto generous private terraces, complete with daybeds and a dining area, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor living. Inside, every detail has been considered, including a walk-in wardrobe with seated vanity area, luxurious bathrooms with custom toiletries, fine linens, and the effortless, impeccable service of the Perfect Hosts.
See Explora III sailings →
Explora IV
A sanctuary of space and serenity, EXPLORA IV invites guests to reconnect with themselves, the ocean, and the world around them. Setting sail in Summer 2027.
See Explora IV sailings →
Explora V
Every moment aboard EXPLORA V is designed to awaken a sense of space and ease, with an intimate atmosphere and a seamless connection to the ocean.
See Explora V sailings →
Explora VI
Explora Journeys’s EXPLORA VI is one of the newest vessels in the brand’s expanding ultra-luxury fleet and is scheduled to enter service in 2028. The ship is being built by Fincantieri as part of the Explora-class series and is planned as an LNG- and hydrogen-powered vessel, reflecting the brand’s focus on advanced sustainable technology. EXPLORA VI will feature the signature Explora Journeys experience, including oceanfront suites, refined European-inspired design, immersive wellness offerings, and elevated culinary experiences. Designed to deliver an intimate luxury atmosphere with spacious public areas and personalized service, the ship continues the brand’s vision of modern ocean travel.
Ship details, decks & staterooms →Good to Know Before You Book
Gratuities & tipping
Cancellation policy
Cancellation By Guest
| Ocean Terrace Suites, Ocean Grand Terrace Suites & Ocean Penthouses | Ocean Residences | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Cancellation Penalty Policy | All Cruise Lengths | Cancellation Penalty Policy | All Cruise Lengths |
| No Fees | 10 days from booking initial date (if booking is created earlier than 365 days before departure) | No Fees | 10 days from booking initial date (if booking is created earlier than 365 days before departure) |
| Administration Fee: 200USD / 250CAD / 250AUD / 250NZD / 200EUR / 150GBP / 200CHF / 1000 BRL | From booking date until 151 days prior | Administration Fee: 400USD / 500CAD / 500AUD / 500NZD / 400EUR / 300GBP / 400CHF / 2000 BRL | From booking date until 201 days prior |
| 15% | 150 - 121 days prior | 25% | 200 - 151 days prior |
| 25% | 120 - 91 days prior | 45% | 150 - 121 days prior |
| 50% | 90 - 61 days prior | 65% | 120 - 91 days prior |
| 75% | 60 - 31 days prior | 85% | 90 - 61 days prior |
| 100% | 30 days prior | 100% | 60 days prior |
Explora Journeys Reduced Deposit Cancellation Policy
| Ocean Terrace Suites, Ocean Grand Terrace Suites & Ocean Penthouses | Ocean Residences | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Cancellation Penalty Policy | All cruise lengths | Cancellation Penalty Policy | All cruise lengths |
| No fees | 10 Days from booking initial date (if booking is created earlier than 365 days before departure) | No fees | 10 Days from booking initial date (if booking is created earlier than 365 days before departure) |
| Administration Fee per person: 200USD / 250CAD / 250AUD / 250NZD / 200EUR / 150GBP / 200CHF / 1000 BRL | From booking date until 151 days prior | Administration Fee per person: 400USD / 500CAD / 500AUD / 500NZD / 400EUR / 300GBP / 400CHF / 2000 BRL | From booking date until 201 days prior |
| Amount of the Reduced Deposit paid | 150 - 91 days prior | Amount of the Reduced Deposit paid | 200 - 151 days prior |
| 50% | 90 - 61 days prior | 45% | 150 - 121 days prior |
| 75% | 60 - 31 days prior | 65% | 120 - 91 days prior |
| 100% | 30 days prior | 85% | 90 - 61 days prior |
| -- | -- | 100% | 60 days prior |
Smoking on board
Smoking will only be allowed on the outside area of the cigar lounge as well as in the following areas:
Deck 5: Starboard Side on the outdoor Crema Café Promenade
Deck 11: Forward, Port Side, outdoor area of Explora Lounge
Deck 12: Forward, Port Side, Cigar section of Helios Bar
Deck 14: Aft, Starboard Side, section of Sky Bar on 14
Note: Smoking areas are subject to change without prior notice.
Traveling with minors
Pregnancy policy
Policies are provided by Explora Journeys and can change; your Pavlus advisor will confirm current terms for your specific sailing before you book.