9 Things Explora Journeys Does Better Than Other Cruise Lines

After more than 40 cruises, I’ve finally found my favourite cruise line!

Explora Journeys is a new ultra-luxury cruise brand from MSC, but don’t let that fool you. It’s nothing like MSC Cruises!

First setting sail in 2023, Explora Journeys was created to redefine ocean travel by blending the relaxed elegance of a superyacht with the thoughtful detail of a five-star resort. I was invited onboard the cruise line’s second ship, Explora II. And after sailing with them, I can confidently say: mission accomplished.

Here’s what makes Explora Journeys stand out – and why I’m already planning my next cruise with them.

1. Every Room Is A Suite

Explora Journeys’ ships have no inside cabins – every guest stays in a spacious suite with a large balcony.

The entry-level Ocean Terrace Suite is 35 m² (that’s about twice the size of an average cruise ship balcony cabin). It comes with:

A private sun terrace with a daybed and dining table
Walk-in wardrobe omplete with fluffy white robes and slippers
Dyson hair dryer and luxury toiletries
Binoculars and a seleciton of books
Minibar stocked based on your preferences and welcome Champagne
Refillable water bottles to keep

Even the entry-level suite felt more luxurious than many mini-suites I’ve had on other lines. Take a look at this video for a closer look at the room…

💡 Tip: You can choose your preferred wine before boarding. I asked for rosé and it was waiting, chilled, in my fridge.

2. Pretty Much Everything Is Included

At first glance, Explora’s fares might seem high. But what you get is serious value.

Your cruise fare includes:

Premium drinks (cocktails, wine, champagne, fancy coffees)
All restaurants (except one)
Gratuities
High-speed Wi-Fi
Thermal spa access
Fitness classes and use of Technogym
In-port shuttle transfers
Mini bar and welcome Champagne

As James Cole, founder of Panache Cruises, once told me, “It’s not what you pay to get on the ship — it’s what you pay to get off.”

And that’s so true! With Explora Journeys, there are no surprises on your final bill.

Even items that are typically upsells elsewhere — like sauna access, still and sparkling water in your room, barista coffee or room service breakfasts — are included. I loved being able to just enjoy everything without worrying about my onboard spend.

And if you choose to stay in a Penthouse or Residence, you get even more included! I’ll have a full guide to exactly what you get here: What’s Actually Included on an Explora Journeys Cruise.

3. There Are So Many Included Dining Options

Explora offers five restaurants that are included in the cruise fare:

Emporium Marketplace: A refined buffet alternative with plated service, 18 counters, sushi, pasta, carvery, and more
Fil Rouge: Upscale French cuisine
Sakura: Pan-Asian flavours and sushi
Med Yacht Club: Mediterranean classics
Marble & Co. Grill: Contemporary European steakhouse

There’s also Anthology, a tasting-menu restaurant curated by guest chefs (extra cost).

Room service is more than just snacks — you can have full breakfast delivered and served on your balcony. The crew member didn’t jsut deliver the tray, he set the whole table! It’s one of the best cruise breakfasts I’ve ever had.

The buffet doesn’t feel like a buffet as the tables are already set with cutlery and glassware and the drinks are always flowing. The moment you’ve finished, your plate is cleared away.

Special dietary needs? No problem. Menus are clearly labelled for vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options, and staff are well-trained to accommodate any special requests.

In my opinion, Explora Journeys is one of the best cruise lines for vegans thanks to the wide choice of options, the clear labelling and the helpfullness of the crew members.

4. You’ll Find No Crowds

Explora I and Explora II each carry just 900 guests across 14 decks, giving them the space of a large ship with the vibe of a boutique hotel. There’s no need to queue for anything and you’ll always find a choice of places to sit, whether you want a daybed in the sun or a shady cabana.

Even on sea days, it never felt busy. You could always find a quiet nook or an empty hot tub.

The ship had the tranquil feel of a port day, even when everyone was on board. If you love the serenity of an uncrowded cruise, this is the gold standard.

5. The Service Is Intuitive, Not Overbearing

Explora Journeys offers 1 crew member for every 1.25 guests – that’s exceptional. Yet the service strikes a perfect balance. It’s personal, but never intrusive.

The crew members are friendly, relaxed, and happy to chat, which is lovely. But there’s no forced small talk or memorised names. They’ll help when you need it, and disappear when you don’t.

Compared to other luxury lines, it felt less formal but just as attentive. I much prefer the understated excellence over silver service theatre.

6. The Ships Are Beautifully Modern

From the moment you board, you notice how calming the ship feels.

The ship features an elegant navy and gold exterior, setting the tone for the understated luxury within. Inside, the décor leans towards pale greys, soft beige tones, and modern art, creating a calm and sophisticated atmosphere. Oversized elevators and wide, quiet corridors add to the sense of space and serenity, with no bold patterns or jazzy carpets in sight.

It feels like a chic boutique hotel at sea. Even small touches – like plush loungers, ambient lighting, fresh flowers – all add to the sense of calm and comfort.

To get more of a feel for the ship, you can take a look at my full walkaround ship tour video…

7. There’s A Focus on Wellness

Health and wellbeing are core to the Explora Jouneys ethos. Guests can enjoy:

A top-tier Technogym-equipped fitness centre
An outdoor gym with sea views
Guided meditation, yoga, and sound baths
Free thermal suite access (sauna, steam, salt room, hydrotherapy pool)
A spa offering facials, massages and wellness treatments (extra charge)

Menus also feature healthy options throughout, with fresh fruit, grains, plant-based meals, and lighter desserts available daily.

If you want to rest, recharge and feel good – this is the ship.

8. It’s Surprisingly Great for Families

Explora Journeys might be ultra-luxury, but it’s not adults-only. In fact, it’s ideal for multigenerational trips.

The Nautilus Club welcomes children and teens aged 6 to 17. It’s a small but well-equipped space offering video games, a pool table, table football and arts and crafts.

There are organised and supervised activities at certain times, but at other times the room is just open for kids to come in and have fun. I love this because it means that siblings of all ages can spend time together, rather than being confined to age groupings.

Just outside, the swimming pools, hot tubs and sport courts are also family-friendly, making it easy for everyone to enjoy time together.

There are no waterslides, climbing walls or splash parks, but in my experience, most children don’t need al that to have a great holiday. In the evenings there are family-friendly activities like quizzes, karaoke, silent disco and movies on the big screen.

Even when sailing during term time, the handful of children on board seemed to be having a fantastic time.

9. The Itineraries Are Extra Special

Explora Journeys doesn’t just follow the crowds. Their itineraries include:

Smaller, lesser-visited ports
Longer port stays and overnight calls
Minimal port overlaps with other ships

You can cruise the Mediterranean in the summer and the Caribbean in the winter, of course. But you’ll also have opportunities to explore Alaska, Iceland and Greenland, the Middle East, South America and more.

Avoiding the conventional port arrival and departure times means that you can enjoy evenings ashore, or even visit two ports in one day when it makes sense to do so.

Final Thoughts

From the stunning suites and serene atmosphere to the wellness focus and exceptional inclusions, Explora Journeys has completely won me over.

If you want luxury without stuffiness, space without crowds, and service without showiness — you’ll absolutely love it here.

The best way to book an Explora Journeys cruise

Want expert help to plan your perfect cruise?

Get a free quote