Explora Journeys was born from a long-held vision of its founders, the Aponte Vago family of the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) and MSC Cruises fame, the world’s largest privately owned shipping company and cruise line. Marrying the family’s 300 plus years of maritime history with their innate understanding of luxury, they have carefully curated the design of Explora Journeys’ suites, penthouses & residences to create luxurious homes at sea. Their design reflects the brand’s philosophy of creating an “Ocean State of Mind”, using light, colour, space and privacy to stimulate the senses, and enhance the connection with the ocean. The Aponte Vago family has worked meticulously in collaboration with some of the world’s foremost superyacht, cruise and luxury hospitality designers and architects to seamlessly blend elegant Swiss precision with modern European craftsmanship and vibrant design, to create luxurious, serene, and spacious homes ranging from 377 square feet in the Ocean Terrace Suite category up to 3,014 square feet in the Owner’s Residence, the largest accommodation on board, with multiple harmonious spaces in which to relax, entertain and unwind.
Each of the 461 ocean-front suites, penthouses and residences has been created with simplicity and comfort as the focus, and presents unrivalled space and privacy to offer a real ‘Home at Sea’ feel. Fusing a plethora of Italian interior details, each suite depicts true elegance and sophistication. All Suites, Penthouses and Residences are furnished with some of the best Italian and European design furniture, such as Molteni & C, marked by the core values of tradition, quality, durability and reliability. Explora Journeys' commitment to sustainability is demonstrated in their dedication to responsible sourcing of materials, and eco-friendly details such as refillable bathroom amenities and no single-use plastic on board. The lead-in category Ocean Terrace Suites and the 420 sq ft Ocean Grand Terrace Suites are some of the largest in the industry, and feature their own private terrace, ranging between 75 and 118 square feet in size, creating an extension to the living space complete with daybeds and an alfresco dining area, bringing guests closer to the ocean. Floor-to-ceiling windows maximize natural light, and a neutral colour palette indulges the marine environment.
Each accommodation option comprises a walk-in wardrobe with a seated vanity area and features a Dyson Supersonic hairdryer, heated floors in the bathrooms, personal binoculars, wireless bed-side charging, a personal mini-bar replenished according to the guests’ preferences, espresso machine with bio-degradable pods, a kettle and teapot, and a complimentary personal refillable water bottle for each guest. 24-hour guest services also ensure every desire or request is provided.
Each of the Penthouse categories - Penthouses, Deluxe Penthouses, Premier Penthouses, Grand Penthouses - provides an elegant, private dining area for four, encouraging guests to entertain in their suite, as well as a lounge area featuring a comfortable sofa and chairs.
The Ocean Residences – Cove, Retreat, Serenity, Cocoon, their very names inspired by the calming nature of the oceans – provide a tranquil sanctuary, with sweeping private decks, panoramic ocean views, private outdoor whirlpools, and flawless butler services by Explora’s Residence Hosts. Cocoon Residences are among the most spacious, with an expansive sun terrace on the ship’s coveted aft deck.
The iconic Owner’s Residence creates the largest accommodation on board, with dedicated private butler services, separate living, dining and sleeping areas, spacious work desk area, ocean-front terrace covering the ship’s full width, with a private outdoor large whirlpool, day beds, a dining table, lounge area, shower and sun loungers.
Spread across fourteen decks, public spaces present a contemporary, cosmopolitan, boutique hotel vibe – vibrant, yet chic and intimate, maximizing guest choice with areas of quiet seclusion and privacy. There are eleven distinct culinary experiences focused on healthy, delicious food from local, sustainable sources for guests to choose from. Set in contemporary, refined elegance, with the opportunity to dine al fresco, Anthology offers menus crafted by the world’s most celebrated chefs and wine pairings by illustrious winemakers for a one-of-a-kind guest experience on board. An exclusive experience fee applies. Named after the cherry blossom, the national flower of Japan, Sakura offers Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese, and Malaysian flavours for a taste of Pan-Asian cuisine that is both authentic and energizing. Inspired by the marbling found only in the finest beef, Marble & Co. Grill serves exceptional cuts, personally sourced and sustainably farmed. Inspired by sailings across crystal clear waters, the Med Yacht Club is influenced by sophisticated, beachside Mediterranean restaurants, embracing the varied cuisines of the region. Effortless all-day dining, inspired by cuisines and flavours from across the globe, is available at the Emporium Marketplace. Other venues include Fil Rouge, The Chef’s Kitchen, another venue where an exclusive experience fee applies, Crema Café, Gelateria & Creperie at the Conservatory, Explora Lounge as well as sumptuous In-Suite Dining.
Throughout the year, wine selections will reflect the regional areas where the ship sails, while offering favourite grape varieties including French Chenin Blanc, Pinot Grigio, New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, Australian Shiraz, and Nebbiolo. Sommeliers will constantly source boutique wine labels to build an inspiring menu with truly interesting choices and very rare bottles for guests to choose from.
Twelve indoor and outdoor bars and lounges provide curated entertainment and intimate performances. Generous outdoor decks accommodate three outdoor pools and one indoor pool with a retractable glass roof, 64 private cabanas, several indoor and outdoor whirlpools and choices of poolside dining and lounging. The ship also offers over 7,500 square feet of indoor and outdoor wellness facilities, over 2,900 square feet of fitness facilities with the latest equipment available.
Sales are open for the Inaugural Journeys Collection for EXPLORA I. The itineraries include Northern Europe and the UK, Iceland & Greenland, Canada, the U.S. and Hawaii, Caribbean and South America with sailings ranging from five to 52-night Grand Journeys.
Please contact your Travel Professional for more details or visit here.
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