Luxurious suites, exquisite cuisine, infinity pools that meet the ocean scenery at every point, elegant design, unparalleled service, and above all, a dazzling variety of entertainment and experiences ensure you never have a dull moment. Explora, the luxury cruise brand from MSC Cruises, redefines the cruising experience, offering a seamless blend of cruises and exclusive tours to the world’s most desirable destinations.
Explora Journeys, the luxury brand of MSC Cruises, redefines the cruise experience for those seeking the finest in luxury and quality. Inspired by a 300-year-old maritime heritage, the brand offers an experience that combines customized itineraries to unique and surprising off the beaten path destinations around the world, with a personal crew that ensures an unforgettable experience. With the largest amount of space per guest at sea today – both in the spacious designed suites and public areas – Explora Journeys sets a new standard of luxury and personal service. On board, you will find designer suites, gourmet restaurants with award-winning chefs, and an infinity pool facing the views of the open sea. The hallmarks of the brand include an immersive experience with personal space, European design inspired by luxury hotels, a leisurely vacation with a wide range of activities, such as diving and kayaking, without a set schedule, and leisurely stops in unique and unforgettable destinations.
The Concept
Forget everything you know about cruises with massive numbers of tourists, giant ships, and crowded decks. Explora Journeys offers an entirely different sailing experience with newly built, ultra-luxurious mega-yachts. Every detail is meticulously designed to ensure the ultimate vacation, redefining cruising with a world of indulgences that captivate you from the moment you step aboard the polished deck.
One of Explora’s notable features is its yacht-like size, accommodating a maximum of 900 guests, creating an exclusive floating boutique hotel experience with an intimate ambiance and personalized service. The ship features 461 stunning suites ranging from 35 to 149 square meters, which are spacious by cruise ship standards. Each suite offers panoramic ocean views, elegant design, and state-of-the-art amenities.
Explora also boasts six gourmet restaurants led by world-renowned chefs, four outdoor pools—including a retractable-roof pool for cooler days—high-end European designer boutiques, art galleries, a lavish casino, and a dreamy spa complex.
The Suites
Befitting a luxury ship, on Explora, there are no “regular” rooms – only suites, available in three levels of luxury. Each suite features stunning ocean views, with floor-to-ceiling windows and a private balcony.
Suites include a plush king-size bed with crisp Frette linens infused with soothing lavender, a cozy seating area, a spacious and well-lit walk-in closet with an integrated vanity, a Dyson hairdryer, a 65” TV with premium content, a private balcony with a chaise lounge, a high-end coffee machine, and – best of all – a dedicated butler at your service at the touch of a button. The in-room minibar is fully stocked and included in the cruise fare.
Culinary Delights
Explora is a culinary paradise for foodies and anyone who appreciates fine dining. The ship features five opulent restaurants offering gourmet dishes crafted from the freshest ingredients sourced from Italy, France, the Middle East, and Asia.
At the breakfast restaurant, guests can indulge in fresh smoothies, fluffy pancakes, a vast selection of smoked fish, custom omelets, fresh salads, fruits, and bakery delights – prepared before their very eyes. Other dining options on board include French gourmet restaurants, Japanese cuisine, specialty steakhouses, and more (all included in the cruise fare).
For ultimate convenience, a 24/7 in-room dining service allows guests to order from the gourmet restaurant menus and enjoy a romantic meal, accompanied by boutique wines, on their private balcony facing the sea (included in the cruise fare) .
For kosher travelers, a selection of high-quality kosher meat dishes is available, prepared in a dedicated, separate kitchen and served on brand-new plates in the restaurant of the guest’s choice. (Please note: There is no kosher supervision on board.)
Alcoholic Beverages
Explora features 12 bars and lounges open around the clock, offering premium cocktails and top-shelf alcoholic beverages, including single malt whiskey, champagne from leading brands, boutique wines from around the world, and quality beer. Additionally, fresh juices, soft drinks, specialty coffee blends, and a variety of teas are available – all included in the price of the cruise.
Activities & Entertainment
Activities on board cater to a wide range of interests, including wellness and fitness enthusiasts, culinary lovers, music and dance fans, shopping aficionados, and spa seekers. Explora has carefully curated its onboard experiences to provide an inviting atmosphere and engaging activities for all guests.
Highlights include culinary workshops with a French chef, yoga classes, live performances, fascinating lectures on cultures along the cruise route, luxury spa treatments, a children’s club, and more. Shopping devotees will enjoy a selection of high-end brands such as Rolex, Piaget, and Cartier. The duty-free shops remain open while the ship is at sea, providing a premium shopping experience for guests.
Cruise Itineraries – The Mediterranean basin, cruises to European sights, and voyages to the Caribbean
Explora’s cruises are designed for guests to explore at their own pace, with stops at unique destinations. In line with the brand’s philosophy, selected ports of call are carefully chosen to provide a more exclusive experience, are less ‘touristy,’ and are less crowded.
In the summer, the ship sails from Venice to Athens, with stops in Ravenna (Italy), the resort town of Hvar Island (Croatia), Kotor bay (Montenegro), Brindisi (Italy), and the beautiful Greek island of Lefkada. A global cruise is also available, departing from Barcelona via the Iberian coastline, Portugal, Morocco, and the Caribbean, arriving in Miami, Florida.
Exclusive Offer – The Unique Oceans Offer
Explora Journeys is offering up to 40% off luxury cruises, along with a credit of up to €1,000 for shore excursions.
Travelers who book one of the brand’s luxury cruises by February 28, 2025, will enjoy significant savings of up to 40% off, including a reduced 10% down payment (instead of 15%) and up to €1,000 in prepaid shore cruise credits during the cruise per suite and per reservation.
This offer can be combined with other exclusive promotions available to Explora’s valued guests.
Sample Pricing (without discounts)
A seven-night cruise departing August 9, 2025, from Fusina (Venice), with stops in Dubrovnik, Santorini, Piraeus, Lefkada, and Ravenna, is priced at NIS 21,604 per couple, and $4,125 per person in a double room.
Important to Know
Explora Journeys does not sail from Israel. Cruises depart from various ports in Europe and the USA, requiring guests to fly to the embarkation point. Flights are not included in the cruise fare.
For Bookings & More Information:
Website: Explora Journeys
Phone: 073-374-2344