Five essential things to know before boarding an Explora Journeys ship
Inspired by the sleek design of private yachts, this new kid on the block wants to inspire those who 'don't do cruises' to give holidays-at-sea a try. This ethos is reflected in the line's choice of terminology, with 'guests' rather than 'passengers', and 'hosts' instead of 'crew'.
Explora Journeys, the ultra-luxury arm of the MSC Group, sees its ships more as high-end hotels that just happen to be on water, as evidenced by the Buccellati boutiques, marble bathrooms and Emilio Isgrò artwork on board. The brand has also made a deliberate decision to hire staff from a luxury hospitality background wherever possible, so don't be surprised when intuitive employees (there's an impressive ratio of 1.25:1 guest-to-crew) remember your name or your favourite drink.
What's more, Explora Journeys is truly all-inclusive, so you don't have to worry about forking out extra for drinks, food, fitness classes, tips or Wi-Fi.
In short, the brand has attained its goal of offering all the trappings of the world's leading luxury hotels – a sophisticated aesthetic, first-class service and superlative restaurants and bars – on the high seas.
1. Where does Explora Journeys cruise?
Explora I will sail the Mediterranean until November 2025, when she will then reposition to the Red Sea and Arabian Peninsula for winter 2025-2026. Sister ship, Explora II, will spend summer 2025 in the Mediterranean and winter 2025-2026 in the Eastern Caribbean.
Explora III which, as the name suggests, is the third ship in the line's growing fleet, will debut in summer 2026 and offer itineraries throughout northern Europe, Iceland and Greenland before making its way to North America 's east coast. For the winter 2026/27 season, the ship will shift to Miami, where it will embark on a series of Caribbean itineraries.
While the line emphasises longer itineraries that visit lesser-known ports, and then stay late/overnight, it has also introduced regular, shorter seven night journeys for those who have limited time. In addition, Explora offers what it terms 'experiences' as opposed to 'excursions'. These include a meeting with an astronaut from Nasa in Florida and a hike along the Tet Paul nature trail in St Lucia to see the island's icons – the Unesco-protected Pitons.
2. Who does Explora Journeys appeal to?
New-to-cruise guests who are attracted to the brand for what it is not: blaring night clubs, blingy casinos and petty extra charges. That being said, while the line isn't looking to attract passengers from other cruise lines, it would nonetheless appeal to fans of small ship, luxury cruising offered by the likes of Seabourn, Silversea, and Crystal – as well as those who have stayed in ship-within-a-ship venues on mainstream lines and are looking to try something new.
Explora Journeys – as its name alludes – is also a good choice for anyone looking for a little more from their annual leave than merely sitting by a pool all day. Itineraries blend well-known destinations, such as Athens, with lesser-travelled ports, and offer guests the opportunity to feel part of the place they are visiting. Small-group trips are led by local experts who know that the most memorable and magical experiences are often about meeting the community, rather than simply tickling off the blockbuster sights.
3. Explora Journey's fleet
Explora Journeys currently has two ships in its fleet with four more – Exploras III, IV V, and VI – slated to follow over the next few years.
Explora II (922 passengers)
From a distance, the line's newest ship, Explora II, resembles a superyacht (perhaps not a surprise, given that its aquiline profile was crafted by veteran British yacht designer Martin Francis). Step on board, however, and it's like walking into a five-star resort.
Expect a glittering white-and-gold, double-height lobby bar with a back-lit drinks wall; the open-air Sky Bar; bespoke artwork by Emilio Isgrò and Yves Dana dotted around the decks; four swimming pools – one with a retractable rooftop; numerous hot tubs; and upmarket shops in the shape of Piaget, Panerai, Cartier and Buccellati.
Elsewhere, the cabins are all suites – starting at a spacious 35 square metres for an entry-level Ocean Terrace Suite. This comes equipped with a king size bed, Frette linens, Steiner binoculars, a walk-in dressing area featuring a Dyson hairdryer, marble bathroom with underfloor heating and bespoke Mandala Blue toiletries; plus a separate living area leading to a terrace with a supremely comfortable Manutti daybed.
Explora I (922 passengers)
The first ship from Explora Journeys is almost identical to its sibling. Four pools are complemented by numerous whirlpools, while extensive workout areas – indoor and out – have Technogym equipment.
Spread over 14 decks, you'll find a spacious spa whose inviting thermal areas – including a salt cave, vitality pool and experiential showers – are free to access on port days, as well as extensive workout areas filled with swanky Technogym equipment.
The ship has 12 bars and six restaurants: standouts include the pan-Asian Sakura where you can watch the chefs at work in the open kitchen, Marble & Co (a smart steakhouse) and Emporium Marketplace – Explora's upmarket take on the buffet.
All dining venues are included in the fare, with the exception of Anthology – three Michelin star Italian chef Mauro Uliassi's first restaurant at sea.
Entertainment is low-key with a pianist tinkling at a Steinway in the lobby bar, while West End and Broadway veterans perform songs from everyone's favourite musicals and movies in Journeys Lounge.
4. Loyalty scheme
In April 2025, Explora Journeys revealed a new loyalty programme. The Explora Club has five tiers and allows guests to earn points that can then be converted into perks such as priority service and access to exclusive events, or used towards future sailings.
5. Access for guests with disabilities
The line has fully-accessible suites and, in certain ports, offers accessible destination experiences. Explora Journeys asks that: 'Any guests in need of special services during their journey, or needing to travel with medical apparatus, including wheelchairs, motorised scooters or oxygen therapy [...] please notify us in writing prior to final payment becoming due.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
Eight things to do in New York including the free 'park in the sky'
Yellow taxis weave in between rows of twinkling lights and concrete blocks. I tower above them, having grappled with my fear of heights to traverse New York's fourth-tallest skyscraper. Observing the city from One Vanderbilt's observation deck, 1,207ft from the ground, is a knee-wobbling introduction to Manhattan. In its 400th year, the city is dynamic and vibrant. First established as New Amsterdam in the 1620s by Dutch colonists, the relatively small settlement grew in the 18th century following multiple immigration waves. NYC's most famous district is Manhattan, an area dotted with historical landmarks that produce feelings of dizzying awe. Eager to delve in, I'm there on a short break. Jumping on to my hotel bed after a long flight, I turn my eyes to the window and catch a glimpse of the jewel in the crown. Once the tallest building in the city, the Empire State Building, renowned for its distinctive Art Deco facade, is an emblem of New York ambition, a reminder of a time when the city represented luxury, glamour and exuberance. A highlight of staying at the NH Collection on Madison Avenue is gazing at the remarkable views. Situated in a century-old red-brick building, the hotel is a cosy haven that charms with its period features and decor. Attached to the property is Italian restaurant Serafina, which provides a relaxed setting for a buffet breakfast and a lively dining experience at night. The hotel's overall design scheme is mid-century modern, with little flourishes that transport you back to 1950s' New York – think typewriters and historical knick-knacks. Nearby, the High Line is a walkway that places you at eye level with the Manhattan buildings. The space, featuring swathes of greenery, built on a historic freight rail line that was abandoned in the 1980s. As I walk through the 'park in the sky', I admire art installations and architecture, catching the scent of flowers or freshly baked bread from nearby bagel shops. I then make my way to Chelsea Market, a centre of food and retail in the city's Meatpacking District. The High Line trains that once delivered produce to the wholesale butchers of the area are now swathes of pungent eateries, a foodie's idea of heaven. Opting for a more luxurious lunch, I dine at the rooftop restaurant at RH New York, another spot that boasts views of the Manhattan skyline. Mixing Mediterranean-style cuisine with American touches, the lunch menu offers grilled meats, signature salads and caviar three different ways. Proof there's much more to the restaurant scene than chips and burgers, abcV is a plant-based restaurant from Jean-Georges Vongerichten. I visit for the evening, enjoying the clean, white aesthetic and plates of impressive vegetables. Places like this are representative of New York, welcoming the new while paying tribute to the old, with dishes influenced by the people and places that make the city what it is. An area of New York steeped in tradition is the Bronx. The Ramirez brothers, who run the Bronx Beer Hall, are helping to change perceptions of the borough, which was often portrayed as being dangerous in the 80s and 90s. Their beer hall in Arthur Avenue Retail Market welcomes tourists and locals – old men roll cigars at the front and locals sell deli meats further back. As the city's financial district, Manhattan offers a more polished experience, but both are equally impressive. In fact, each borough offers something unique. While Queens is known for its international food scene and arty neighbourhoods, Staten Island has a more relaxed feel to it, dressed with green spaces that act as an escape from the throng of the city. Then there's Brooklyn, with its trendy coffee shops and historic brownstone buildings that attract Instagram influencers. On my last day in the city, I visit Central Park, a huge green space that acts as an oasis within the metropolis. I recognise this park from films and TV shows – Friends, Home Alone 2, and Enchanted are just some that come to mind as I sit on a bench and eat a bagel packed to the brim with fillings. Reflecting on my short stay, I wonder how long it would take for me to explore every brownstone building, skyscraper, bagel shop, museum and park. Wildly different in so many ways, New York has also carved out a distinctive identity over the years. All too often, fact never lives up to fiction – but New York is just as wonderful as I hoped it would be. BOOK IT Rooms at the NH Collection New York Madison Avenue hotel start at around £158 a night. GET THERE Flights to New York City are available from airports across the UK. MORE INFO
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
Aussie slams major airline after 'mistake' costs her more than $6,000 as she desperately tries to get her money back: 'They're ignoring us'
An Aussie woman has lashed out at a major airline, claiming that a mistake by staff turned her trip to the US into a nightmare that left her $6,000 out-of-pocket. Melbourne woman Daniella Melfi explained that she, her partner, and children flew to America on July 1 to visit her husband's family. 'This was a trip that was, financially, a bit of a struggle, but we knew it was really important to take,' she said in a TikTok video on Friday. Ms Melfi said she was excited and that the trip 'overall' was 'beautiful and amazing'. 'However, it has now been tainted because of this American Airlines mistake,' she said. Ms Melfi explained she travelled from Austin to Minneapolis via Dallas. 'That flight was very odd, because we had a very small connection time in Dallas to get to our next flight,' Ms Melfi said. 'We just assumed the gates were near each other. They weren't. We had to run through the airport Home Alone-style.' Ms Melfi claimed once the family reached the gate, they were stopped from boarding the plane because the 'doors were closed'. She said a staff member 'booked us on the next flight to Minneapolis'. Ms Melfi claimed the staff member accidentally cancelled the return flight they would need to catch back to Dallas. 'We didn't know about it, because there was no email, no notification, so we went about our trip like nothing was wrong,' she said. 'We knew we were going to return home on July 24.' Ms Melfi said the day of departure came and she said her 'emotional goodbyes to everyone'. 'We get to the airport to be told, "Your booking does not exist",' she said. She explained her family needed to catch an American Airlines flight to Dallas so they could catch the international flight back home to Melbourne with Fiji Airways. Ms Melfi said she was informed at the desk at the airport she should have received an email about the change to her flights. 'No, an email wasn't sent to us,' she said. 'We have been blindsided.' She claimed staff informed her there would be no flights available until the next day, meaning Ms Melfi and her family would miss their international flight from Dallas. Ms Melfi explained she tried to speak to Fiji Airways, but couldn't get a flight a couple of days later, and she would need to make a new booking and pay a penalty fee. She claimed the total cost came to $6,322. Ms Melfi said she did everything she could to try and find a way around it. 'In the end, after being at that desk for over four hours, with our family and kids, we had to pay the $6,322 so that we would have a seat on the plane two days later,' she said. 'Two days later, we fly home. We've missed work, the kids have missed school, and American Airlines are coming up with nothing. Ms Melfi claimed she was offered some 'miles' and a '$50 voucher' by American Airlines. She said she just wanted her 'money back', prompting them to file an official complaint. Ms Melfi said she has yet to hear back from American Airlines since their last correspondence on July 31. Social media users were left divided, with some arguing a traveller should always use the same airline for their connecting flights. 'This is a prime example not to do separate bookings when travelling internationally,' one wrote. 'The little savings she originally saved, cost her big $$$. Now she's crying wolf. They were only responsible for the domestic flight. Good luck. You're wasting your time.' Others shared their sympathy for Ms Melfi. 'I hope you get your money back!' one wrote.
The Guardian
6 hours ago
- The Guardian
These $45 sandals with a 5,000-mile warranty outlasted my Birkenstocks
After a strenuous day of running or hiking, there's nothing quite like slipping your aching feet out of muddy shoes and into a breezy pair of sandals. From Nike and Adidas slides to Chacos and Birkenstocks, I've churned through many styles and brands. But now I think I've finally found a pair that'll last me a lifetime – the Xero Genesis. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more. With an unprecedented 5,000-mile guarantee, these barefoot sandals are built for the long haul. I've been wearing a pair of Genesis for two years now, taking them on trips around the globe and racking up thousands of miles. Despite their light weight and minimalist design, they've held up remarkably well. And at just $45, they're a shockingly affordable investment for anyone seeking a durable, travel-friendly pair of sandals that aren't destined for the trash in a few years. I've been known to blow through a pair of sandals in less than a year, so Xero's 5,000-mile warranty piqued my interest. I loved my old Birkenstocks, but wearing them in water isn't recommended, and the weather (and beaches) of Charleston, South Carolina, eventually got the best of them. My Chacos were a bit more versatile, but the straps quickly began to fray and the soles began to crack – allowing water to seep inside and greet me with a lovely squeak as I walked.$45 at Nordstrom The Xero Genesis have no such caveats. Whether hiking around Boulder, Colorado, exploring the Sonoran desert near Tucson, or wading into alpine lakes in the Rocky Mountains, my Genesis sandals have never disappointed me. After all those miles, the polyester cord shows no signs of fraying, and the rubber sole has no chips, rips, or tears. While there's (finally) a bit of wear on the tread, they're still perfectly grippy and capable of handling terrain from trails to beaches. For a $45 pair of sandals, I'm mighty impressed. Unlike a chunky Birkenstock, the Genesis is a 'barefoot' sandal. That means they offer no cushioning, putting your foot as close to the earth as possible. Personally, I love the fit, which is a welcome relief after hours of running or hiking in ultra-supportive shoes. They also help develop different muscles in your feet – though this entails a bit of acclimation. And while I use them for serious hiking, something with more cushioning would be a better choice if you'll be trekking across rough terrain – the limited underfoot padding isn't ideal for jagged rocks. Here's the fine print on the 5,000-mile warranty: Xero will give you a 60% discount on replacements if you manage to grind the soles down to less than 1mm. Mine still measure about 3mm at the absolute thinnest. On top of that, Xero layers on a 24-month manufacturer's warranty, offering a full replacement if you experience a manufacturing defect within that timeframe. After two years of flogging mine, I can't imagine many people will make use of either. Staying out of a landfill for 5,000 miles is one way Xero reduces its environmental footprint, but they also carefully source material, and use less of it. Xero's Restricted Substances Test Protocol outlines testing and limits for the use of everything from Pfas 'forever chemicals' to lead, and Genesis's minimalist design means there's no need for materials like foam midsoles. Less shoe, less waste. Other Xero models also make use of sustainable materials like hemp, coffee carbon fiber and recycled polyethylene. The Xero Genesis are probably the best pair of sandals I've owned, and a staple of my year-round wardrobe. For all but the rockiest of conditions, the lightweight barefoot sandals are a wonderful fit for anything life throws your way. Type: HuarachesWeight: 4.6oz per sandal (size 9)Colors: Stone, sand, black, raspberry, lake blue, sea mossMaterials: Rubber sole, polyester cord Jon Bitner is a writer covering travel, outdoors and technology for outlets including GameSpot, Digital Trends and Islands. He is an avid hiker and loves exploring the Rocky Mountains from his home in Boulder, Colorado. This piece is a part of Guardian US's Buy it for life series, highlighting durable products built for the long haul. If you'd like to suggest a product that has stood the test of time in your own life, please contact us at
