Water and waves have a powerful effect on body, mind and soul. Inspired by this, Explora Journeys’ first cruise ship aims to give its guests a feeling of refined simplicity, relaxed luxury, and complete mental and physical replenishment

Explora I, the first of six ships from Explora Journeys, the new luxury lifestyle travel brand of the Cruise Division of MSC Group, will start sailing from May 2023 taking guests on voyages to discover and experience an ‘Ocean State of Mind’.

Guests on board Explora I will not only be exhilarated by the travel discoveries they encounter on their journeys, they will also have a chance to slow down, optimise their wellbeing, and find a renewed sense of calm, says Explora Journeys.

Explora I offers 461 ocean-front suites, penthouses and residences designed to be ‘Homes at Sea’ for guests, four swimming pools, extensive outdoor decks with private cabanas, wellness facilities, and refined entertainment. Inspired by the company’s European heritage, Explora Journeys will provide guests with an immersive ocean experience and respectful and intuitive hospitality.

The inaugural journeys collection covers the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the UK, Iceland, Greenland, Canada, the US East Coast, Caribbean, South America and Hawaii.

Sailings start from six-night journeys and culminate in a 44-night Grand Journey. Explora I, in its inaugural year, will visit 132 ports in 40 different countries, including two destinations, Kastellorizo, Greece and Saint Pierre, Martinique, that have not been visited by cruise ships before.

For the Mediterranean journey, the brand has revealed a selection of experiences with a unique blend of well-known destinations such as Ibiza in Spain, discovered through a different lens and lesser-known ports, rarely visited by cruise ships such as Calvi in Corsica, France, or Kastellorizo in Greece.

At every destination, Explora Journeys will provide inspiring opportunities for guests to discover authentic Mediterranean cultural, historical, and culinary delights from an extraordinary perspective.

Experiences are tailored to small, intimate groups, from two to 25 guests. Always with an emphasis on exclusive, off-the-beaten-track encounters focused on a slower pace of travel to allow guests to fully immerse themselves in each destination, while not leaving their mark on the places they explore.

HOMES AT SEA

Explora Journeys was born from a long-held vision of the founders, the Aponte Vago family. With the family’s nautical heritage of over 300 years coupled with their innate understanding of luxury, the family has carefully curated the design of the suites, penthouses and residences of the ship to create a luxurious home at sea. The design reflects the brand’s philosophy of creating an Ocean State of Mind, thanks to light, colour, space, privacy, and connection with the sea.

The innovative ship creates luxurious, serene, and spacious ‘Homes at Sea’ ranging from 35 sq m in the Ocean Terrace category up to 280 sq m for the Owners Residence.

CULINARY JOURNEY

Guests can enjoy a unique culinary and beverage “journey of discovery” across a total of 18 distinct venues. A celebration of global culinary talents, cultures, and passions, Explora I will showcase 11 culinary experiences across six vibrant restaurants plus in-suite dining, as well as 12 bars and lounges (eight indoor and four outdoor) and a chef’s kitchen where guests can discover and enjoy diverse flavours from around the world. Whether in the elegant interiors, by a pool or on a suite’s private terrace, every venue will be distinct and created for memorable experiences.

OCEAN WELLNESS 

Explora’s Ocean Wellness programme offers an array of highly effective, restorative experiences far removed from urban noise and the always-on digital culture. Guests on Explora I can immerse themselves in tranquility, and be at one with the rhythm of the ocean. Sleep, relaxation, mindfulness, energy and immunity-boosting are addressed holistically, producing a deep sense of physical and spiritual renewal enhanced by the revitalising influence of the sea. Over 1,000 sq m (10,764 sq ft) of space is dedicated to a luxurious spa, indoor and outdoor wellness areas, contemporary fitness facilities, outdoor sports court and running track.

 “The philosophy behind Ocean Wellness is deeply rooted in Explora Journeys’ origins,” says Julanda Marais, Senior Lead Spa Operations. “We’ve long understood the powerful effect of water and waves on body, mind and soul. This is the inspiration for Ocean Wellness. We want to give our guests a feeling of refined simplicity, relaxed luxury, and complete mental and physical replenishment.”

THE SPA

A place to soothe and heal, or simply a haven for pampering, Ocean Wellness – The Spa mirrors the gentle, hypnotic effect of the ocean, allowing the pressures of daily life to recede. With over 700 sq m (7,500 sq ft) of space dedicated to treatments and wellness facilities, there is just one aim: to do everything possible to help guests switch off and truly relax.

FITNESS

The saying ‘Healthy body, healthy mind,’ originated in the first century AD. Today, science has gone further by proving that exercise is crucial to a strong immune system, lower stress levels, high self-esteem, a balanced mood, good sleep quality and elevated energy. This knowledge is at the heart of the Ocean Wellness – Fitness ethos.

Featuring 227 sq m (2,443 sq ft) of indoor space and more than 64 sqm (688 sq ft) of unparalleled outdoor fitness facilities, Ocean Wellness – Fitness also offers a Sports Court for half-court basketball as well as a panoramic running track and touch tennis. From an initial physical assessment to functional and strength training, cardio and Pilates, in bespoke sessions or group classes, it is totally focused on motivating guests to optimise their health.

To create an incredible onboard wellness and fitness experience for guests, designed to the highest standards, Explora Journeys has partnered with Technogym, a world leading brand in products and digital technologies for fitness, sport and health for wellness.

WELLBEING

Guests on Explora I have an opportunity to enrich their sense of wellbeing with tailor-made consultations and retreat programmes ranging from sleep and immune boosting to nutrition. Designed to make staying well while on holiday easy and enjoyable, they help to achieve a state of inner and outer calm. A carefully designed mindful nutrition programme for guests, created in close collaboration with Explora Journeys’ culinary team, demonstrates how best to nourish body and mind to help maintain their wellbeing during and beyond their journey.