Explora Journeys Reveals its Luxury Future

Astern pool and Astern lounge on Explora 1--cortesy Explora Journeys

New cruise line Explora Journeys  is aiming to provide home-like luxury and culinary discovery. The first ship in the fleet, EXPLORA I coming in May, 2023, will have 461 ocean-front suites, penthouses and residences and will feature 18 culinary, bar and lounge  options.

“The innovative ship will seamlessly blend elegant Swiss precision with modern European craftsmanship and vibrant design, to create luxurious, serene, and spacious ‘Homes at Sea’ ranging from 377 square feet on the Ocean Terrace category up to 3,014 square feet for the Owners Residence,” claims the company that’s a division of MSC Cruises

 “Explora Journeys isn’t just an opportunity to travel the world, we also see it as a way for our guests to taste it too, actively discovering new cuisines and experiences. Franck Garanger, head of culinary at Explora Journeys, said at a reveal of the options on board. Here’s a sample:

Anthology and Sakura restaurants–courtesy Explora Journeys

Restaurants inspired by destinations

— Global cuisine restaurant Anthology will invite guest chefs from around the world to showcase their specialties.

–Pan-Asian restaurant Sakura will feature  expansive ocean views and Japanese -inspired decor along with a Sake sommelier.

Marble & Co. Grill  is the steakhouse featuring a dry aging room and a cellar of exclusive vintages.

Med Yacht Club  plans to feature cuisines of Italy, Spain and Greece in an ambience influenced by beach-side Mediterranean restaurants.

Emporium Marketplace is the all-day dining venue with  18 separate cooking stations featuring  global cuisines.

Fil Rouge will be an international restaurant with a French influence and he line promises “an elegant dessert cart that tempts with the freshest creations served tableside.”

Gelateria & Creperie at The Conservatory will be in a weather-protected poolside zone.

The Crema Café  is the coffee shop which will also feature “a jewellers showcase of pastries, cakes, desserts, including madeleines, canelés, and biscotti.”

Malt Whiskey Bar and lounge–courtesy Explora Journeys

Bars and lounges to enhance exploration  

How can you not want to check out the Helios Pool & Bar that offers “a panoramic ‘adults-only’ pool for the ultimate ‘chill out’ lounge experience?”

And there’s an Atoll Pool & Bar  described as “an intimate pool at the aft of the ship on deck 10 with a chilled ambiance throughout the day.”

Exploration is a continual theme and the Journeys Lounge will offer enrichment and entertainment throughout the day. Meanwhile Explora Lounge , which offers wraparound views of the ocean will offer light meals and snacks and afternoon tea with a soundtrack of soothing jazz.

A Malt Whiskey Bar will feature a separate walk-in humidor, cigar expert and dedicated cigar smoking terrace.

As might be guessed, the Astern Lounge and Astern Pool & Bar are at the back of the ship and offer live entertainment in the evening.

Sky Bar on 14 is the daytime and sunset spot; the panoramic outdoor lounge is set on the ship set on the ship’s highest point.

Other social gathering places  include The Lobby Bar and the poolside Conservatory Pool & Bar, which will offer cinema under the stars.

Explora Journeys terrace suite concept–rendering from Explora Journeys

 Each of the 461 ocean-front suites, penthouses and residences come with spacious private terraces. The yacht-inspired designs come from  De Jorio Luxury & Yachts  and London-based architectural and interior design studio NenMar.

 Being built by the Italian shipyards Fincantieri, the Explora I—will be joined by sister ships  in 2024, 2025 and 2026. The itineraries will include the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the UK, Iceland, Greenland, Canada, the U.S. East Coast, Caribbean, South America, and Hawaii.

The design of the suites, penthouses and residences reflects the brand’s philosophy of creating an Ocean State of Mind, with light, space, privacy, and connection with the sea, according to a release by the line’s founders, the Aponte Vago family.


About Wallace Immen 779 Articles
Wallace Immen is Executive Editor of The Cruisington Times, the Best in Cruising, Travel, Food and Fun. He's sailed on all of the world's seas to ports in over 100 countries and travelled on every continent.

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