An Introduction to Explora Journeys
Explora Journeys, the new luxury lifestyle brand of the MSC Group, redefines sophisticated ocean travel by blending Swiss precision with an inherent Italian flair for elegance and hospitality. Inspired by the Aponte family's own passion for the sea and discovery, Explora Journeys offers an "Ocean State of Mind" experience, focusing on spacious design, immersive destination experiences, and a cosmopolitan, yet relaxed, atmosphere for discerning travelers.
A Brief History
Explora Journeys represents the realization of a long-held dream by the Aponte family, who founded the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) in 1970 and later established MSC Cruises. With centuries of seafaring heritage, the family envisioned a unique luxury ocean travel experience that would blend the intimacy of a private yacht with the amenities of a modern resort, designed to appeal to affluent travelers who may not have previously considered a cruise.
The brand was officially launched in 2021, and its inaugural vessel, EXPLORA I, set sail in July 2023. Explora Journeys committed to a significant newbuild program, with a fleet of up to six ships planned to be delivered by 2028. This ambitious expansion underscores the Aponte family's dedication to creating a new benchmark in the luxury cruise segment, emphasizing sustainability, innovative design, and deeply enriching journeys.
The Fleet: Designed for Discovery
Explora Journeys' ships are designed to evoke the intimacy of a private yacht, featuring all-suite ocean-front accommodations, exquisite European design, and a curated collection of elevated culinary, wellness, and entertainment experiences. Each vessel emphasizes vast public spaces, high guest-to-crew ratios, and flexible dining options, including 9 distinct culinary experiences.
Explora Class:
EXPLORA I (launched 2023)
EXPLORA II (launched 2024)
EXPLORA III (upcoming, launching 2026)
EXPLORA IV (upcoming, launching 2027)
EXPLORA V (upcoming, launching 2027)
EXPLORA VI (upcoming, launching 2028)
Current Starting Ports and Itineraries (2025-2026)
Explora Journeys offers meticulously curated itineraries that allow guests to explore both iconic and off-the-beaten-path destinations across the globe. Their journeys are designed for longer stays in port, often including overnights, enabling deeper immersion into local cultures and experiences. Example itineraries for 2025-2026 include:
Mediterranean & Western Europe: Voyages from Barcelona, Civitavecchia (Rome), Piraeus (Athens), Istanbul, Venice (Fusina/Marghera), or Monte-Carlo, exploring coastal towns, island idylls, and historic cities.
Caribbean & Central America: Journeys from Miami, San Juan, or Bridgetown (Barbados), visiting charming Caribbean harbours and lush rainforests.
Northern Europe, Iceland & Greenland: Sailings from Copenhagen, Hamburg, or Southampton, venturing into majestic fjords, vibrant Nordic cities, and the dramatic landscapes of Iceland and Greenland.
Red Sea & Arabian Peninsula: Cultural journeys from Jeddah or Doha, exploring ancient sites and desert marvels.
US & Canada East Coast & New England: Scenic voyages exploring charming coastal towns and historic cities.
South America & Amazon: Extended journeys to South America, with potential for Amazon River expeditions (starting in 2026 for EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II).
Alaska & North America Pacific Coast: Future itineraries will explore these regions (e.g., EXPLORA III to Alaska in 2026).
All port links are affiliated with Trip.com The Essential Cruise Shop will be paid a commission on any completed bookings at no additional cost to you.
Here's a comprehensive list of Explora Journeys' major starting ports:
North America (USA & Canada):
Miami, FL, USA | New York, NY, USA | Quebec City, QC, Canada (upcoming for EXPLORA III) | San Juan, Puerto Rico, USA | Vancouver, BC, Canada (upcoming for EXPLORA III).
Europe (UK & Continental Europe):
Barcelona, Spain | Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy | Copenhagen, Denmark | Dover (London), England, UK | Fusina (Venice), Italy | Genoa, Italy | Hamburg, Germany | Istanbul, Turkey | Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (also part of Red Sea itineraries) | Lisbon, Portugal | Monte-Carlo, Monaco | Piraeus (Athens), Greece | Southampton, England, UK | Trieste, Italy.
Caribbean:
Bridgetown, Barbados | Roseau, Dominica | Saint John's, Antigua.
Asia & Middle East:
Doha, Qatar | Dubai, UAE | Singapore.
Official Websites
Explora Journeys has a robust online presence to cater to its global clientele.
Global / USA: Explora Journeys: Luxury Cruises (You can select your region from here)
UK: About Our Luxury Cruise Ships - Explora Journeys (Direct link to the UK site content, often integrated with global site)
A Word of Caution: Cruise Scams
When planning your transformative journey with Explora Journeys, it is absolutely essential to remain vigilant against increasingly sophisticated cruise scams. As a new and exclusive luxury brand, Explora Journeys' allure can be exploited by fraudsters. Be particularly cautious of:
"Exclusive Invitation" or "You've Won" Notifications: Be highly skeptical of any unsolicited communication (emails, calls, texts, social media messages) claiming you've won a complimentary Explora Journeys voyage or are invited to an "exclusive, limited-time preview event." These are almost universally scams designed to extract personal information, demand payment for hidden fees, or pressure you into attending high-pressure sales presentations for unrelated products.
Fake Websites and Phishing Attempts: Scammers create highly professional-looking fake websites that are nearly identical copies of Explora Journeys' official site or luxury travel agencies. They also send deceptive phishing emails. Their goal is to trick you into entering your login credentials, credit card details, or other sensitive personal information. Always manually type the official website address (explorajourneys.com) into your browser's address bar or use trusted bookmarks. Double-check the URL carefully before entering any data.
High-Pressure Sales Tactics: Be wary of any offer that insists you must book "immediately" or "today only" to secure an incredible, non-repeatable discount. This tactic is used to rush you into a decision without allowing time for proper research or verification.
Unusual Payment Requests: Never agree to pay for a cruise via non-standard or untraceable methods such as wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. Legitimate luxury cruise lines and their authorized agents utilize secure, traceable payment systems.
To ensure your journey begins smoothly and securely, always book directly through the official Explora Journeys website for your region or via a highly reputable, established travel advisor specializing in luxury and unique cruise experiences. If an offer seems suspicious, or if you receive any communication that raises red flags, contact Explora Journeys directly using the official contact information found on their verified website, not from the suspicious offer itself. Embrace the "Ocean State of Mind" with complete peace of mind.
Additional Resources
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