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07 Oct 2025
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Explora Journeys launches luxury lifestyle travel to sea
With interior design mistaken for hotels, newcomer Explora Journeys is inviting passengers to discover an ‘ocean state of mind’
When Explora Journeys’ 922-passenger Explora I sets sail from Southampton in July, it will mark the MSC Group’s move into the luxury cruise market, which the company says represents an all-new category at sea.
Deliberately avoiding marketing words including passengers, cabins, shore excursions and even cruise – replaced by guests, homes at sea, destination experiences and ocean journeys – Explora Journeys chief executive Michael Ungerer opens a brochure for Explora I and tells Passenger Ship Interior & Refurbishment Review, “The most frequently asked question when people see this image is they ask ‘what hotel is that?’. This is how we position ourselves. We are a luxury hospitality brand that happens to be on a ship and brings all the advantages of not being stationary so you can go and see different places.”
The first of six ships constructed by Fincantieri in Italy, with subsequent launches from 2024 to 2028, all staterooms on the 64,000-gt vessel are ocean-facing with private balconies.
Explora Journeys head of product Jason Gelineau takes up the story and explains, “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 interiors of all public areas have been designed for the discerning traveller, who is looking for a chic and elegant, yet effortless environment. With freedom and flexibility at the core of our onboard offering, all public spaces allow for a smooth guest flow. All materials and shades of colours were carefully chosen to create a harmonious, elegant and peaceful feel.”
With the use of terminology not used by mainstream lines, Explora Journeys is strategically positioning itself alongside upmarket hospitality brands rather than other cruise companies. This strategy is designed to attract travellers that might previously not have considered cruising.
“We see ourselves as creating a category of our own, bridging the gap in the luxury travel and lifestyle industry across luxury and luxury ocean travel,” explains Mr Gelineau. “We recognise there is an opportunity for a luxury lifestyle travel brand to capture the essence and flair of European luxury and bring it to the oceans of the world. We envision Explora Journeys competing not only with luxury travel brands but also with well-established luxury resorts and retreats, which the interior design of Explora I reflects. Within the sleek and distinctively modern interiors of our lobby, in our 12 bars and lounges or in one of the six signature restaurants, guests experience a vibrant, cosmopolitan atmosphere, often associated with some of the world’s finest luxury hotels, restaurants and bars.”
Explora Journeys partnered with superyacht, hospitality and interior designers, with the interior design developed in collaboration with Italy’s De Jorio Design International and London-based architectural and interior design studio Nenmar.
The 461 suites, ranging from 35-m2 Ocean Terrace suites to the 280-m2 Owner’s residence, are decorated in a sophisticated neutral colour palette showcasing luxury fixtures and fittings, with some of the best Italian and European designed furniture, including from furniture company Molteni&C and linen brand Frette.
Mr Gelineau says, “Elevating the suites to a luxurious home, each home at sea comprises a walk-in wardrobe with a seated vanity area and features a Dyson Supersonic hairdryer, heated floors in the bathrooms, personal binoculars, wireless bedside charging, a personal mini-bar replenished according to the guests’ preferences, espresso machine with bio-degradable pods, a kettle and teapot, a separate wifi router for each suite for better connectivity and a complimentary personal refillable water bottle for each guest.
“The lighting throughout the suites has been styled to create an intimate lighting concept. Lights integrated with the suite’s furnishings offer an equally functional and design-led element, mirroring the linear flow from the entrance to the window of the suites.”
Explora Journeys has also affiliated with leading Champagne houses. Ocean Terrace guests will be welcomed with a bottle of Veuve Cliquot, with Moet & Chandon Grand Vintage in Ocean Penthouse suites and Dom Perignon in Ocean residences.
Elsewhere, Mr Gelineau says the public areas across the 14 passenger decks will offer a high number of smaller individually created areas, where passengers can find seclusion and privacy, with no large open areas. An art collection, personally curated by MSC’s Aponte family owners, will combine with interior design details, light, colours and music to create a multi-sensory experience.
“Generous outdoor decks will boast more than 2,500 m2 with 64 private cabanas across three outdoor pools,” he continues. “A fourth pool, with a retractable glass roof, will allow swimming and poolside relaxation in any weather. Combined with various indoor and outdoor whirlpool baths on the ship’s promenade deck, the ship has been designed with water as a focal point of the onboard experience.”
Sustainability has also been a key part of the design. The Rina Dolphin-certified Explora I incorporates technologies including shore power connectivity and is ready to adapt to alternative green energy solutions as they become available, including provision for battery storage for future hybrid power.
“Conscious luxury is reflected in the choice of materials,” Mr Gelineau says. “Explora Journeys’ commitment to sustainability is demonstrated in its dedication to responsible sourcing of materials and eco-friendly details such as refillable bathroom amenities and no single-use plastic on board. We always look to use innovative materials, ensuring minimal environmental impact.”
As the countdown to the launch of the all-new brand approaches Mr Gelineau sums up, “We aspire to elevate the ocean experience and luxury travel to new heights.”
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