Explora Journeys: Luxury Small-Ship Cruising for the "I'm Not a Cruise Person" travelers
Updated: Oct 7
If I had a dollar for every time I have heard, "I'm not a cruise person," I'd be writing this from a villa in the south of France!
I'm Cyndi Smith, a luxury travel advisor in Overland Park, Kansas, and Explora is the line I recommend most to clients who swear they'll never cruise.
Usually, when people say they dislike ocean cruises, they are rejecting a specific image: crowds, rigid schedules, loud pool decks, mass produced food. But the industry has evolved, and sitting right in the middle of "Private Yacht" and "Cosmopolitan Hotel" is a new player that is changing they way to ocean travel: Explora Journeys.
What is Explora Journeys?
Ease, Space and European Soul
Explora Journey's is often described as a "disrupter" in the ultra-luxury space. While it competes with the big three (Regent, Silver Sea, and Seabourn), its DNA is fundamentally different than a cruise line, aiming to feel more like a high end European hotel that just happens to float.
It is not positioning itself as a cruise line but rather a luxury travel lifestyle brand, created to attract discerning travelers who want space, flexibility, authenticity all at a slower pace (even their ships travel slower!)
Owned by the MSC Group, an Italian family-run shipping conglomerate (who know a thing or two about ocean shipping), they spared no expense on the hardware. The Aponte family has planned for 6 new ships for a 13.B euro investment, signaling stability and long-term commitment.
Every accommodation is a suite. Every suite has an ocean terrace. There are no inside cabins. This is luxury small-ship cruising at it's finest!
The Luxury of Space: The ships (Explora I and II) are 64,000 tons but carry only 850 guests. For context, mass-market ships of this size usually carry double or triple that number. You will never fight for a lounge chair.
All-Suite, All-Terrace: I'll say it again...there are no inside cabins.Every single suite has a private oceanfront terrace. The entry-level suites start at 377 square feet, which is significantly larger than the industry standard. And then there's the little things: heated floors, Dyson hair dryers, In-suite bar, free wi-fi.
The "Home at Sea" Design: The aesthetic is "European Hotel Lobby." Think neutral tones, high-end Italian furniture, and an ambiance that feels vibrant but calm at the same time. There are no grand atriums or theaters, instead you have a Living Room and Lobbies that that feels like a luxury hotel.
The New Era of Luxury Small Ship Cruising: Travel That Fits Your Lifestyle
Culinary Excellence That Rivals Land-Based Fine Dining
Forget the dated notion of mediocre cruise food. Explora's culinary program rivals the world's top restaurants, with nine culinary specialty dining experiences for your journey. From Mediterranean-inspired cuisine to Asian fusion and classic steakhouse experiences, every meal becomes a destination unto itself. All are included in your fare with exception 'Anthology' which is an upcharge for a tasting menu.
The difference? No pre-assigned dining times. Complete freedom to dine when, where, and with whom you choose (one of the hallmarks of authentic luxury travel experiences -- control of your time!)
Wellness & Sustainability: Conscious Luxury for Modern Travelers
The onboard Ocean Wellness program transforms the cruise spa experience into something holistic and restorative. Beyond treatments, expect wellness journeys that include mindfulness sessions, movement classes, nutritional consultations, and outdoor fitness spaces designed to connect you with the ocean environment.
This is wellness travel at sea for guests who maintain healthy lifestyles at home and won't compromise while traveling.
Sustainable Luxury Ocean Travel
Explora Journeys has made sustainability central to its design, not an afterthought. The fleet features hybrid propulsion systems, advanced wastewater treatment, reduced single-use plastics, and partnerships with ocean conservation organizations.
For eco-conscious luxury travelers, this matters. You can explore the world's oceans while supporting a cruise line actively working to protect them
The Itinerary Philosophy: The "Ocean State of Mind"
Explora does not design itineraries for those who are looking to check off boxes on a destination bucket list. Their philosophy is built around a slower pace of travel that allows you to actually be in a destination. It's more about discovery than volume. They call this the "Ocean State of Mind", a mindset that prioritizes mental space and relaxation over a packed schedule.
Destination Experiences aka Shore Excursions (Not included)
One thing that is not included in your fare are shore excursions (and this is actually a good thing).
While some luxury competitors bundle generic group tours into the price, forcing you to subsidize them whether you go or not, Explora leaves them "unbundled" from the price to protect your freedom and your budget. We call this eliminating "value driven exhaustion", that feeling that you must wake up for the departure to feel like your got your moneys worth. Instead, you can splurge on a private driver for a late night in Ibiza when overnight in port or a custom cooking class, while saving money on the days you just want to rest and relax on this ship. This is the luxury of choice, rather than feeling obligated to do or attend a tour/excursion just because it was included in the fare.
When you do book these experiences with Explora, they are highly curated, small group encounters like private access to sites or culinary deep-dives vs the standard walking tours.
The goal is to relax and actually be on vacation.
You don't need a vacation from your vacation!
Who is Explora Journeys Best for?
The Personality: Modern Luxury for the "I Don't Do Cruises" Traveler
Explora has a distinct personality and it's probably closer to yours that you think. It's not a stuffy traditional cruise culture but is not a party boat either. This modern luxury ocean travel is designed for the traveler that values choice, authenticity, and experiences that feel curated and relaxed.
The Vibe: Sophisticated, Not Stuffy.
Explora was created for the traveler who traditionally does not like "to cruise". They are intentionally targeting travelers who often say:
"I am not a cruise person."
"Luxury cruises feel crowded and overproduced."
"I want flexibility, not schedules.
"I want authentic places, not tourist ports."
Guests onboard are well-travelled couples, often empty-nesters. In many cases, still working (as the ships make it easy to take your work with you if needed). Multi
Is Explora Journeys Family Friendly?
Surprisingly, YES! Explora is family welcoming but not child centric. There is a Nautilus Club for kids ages 6-17, but you won't find water slides. This modern atmosphere attracts many multi-generation families and couples who want to connect and relax, not to be entertained by poolside activities or large theater productions. They even have dedicated rates for children under 17.
The Set Up: There are 78 cabins that connect onboard making Explora ideal for family groups. These "multi-gen family suites" are create because one side will always have a walk in shower while the other will have a bathtub available, perfect for handling bath time for younger kids while keeping an overall sophisticated set up for adults.
A few good room combos:
Combine two connecting Ocean Terrance Suites: Ideal for familes with teens offering two identical rooms that connect, dual bathrooms. Staff can even have the decks connect.
Combine a Penthouse Suite with and Ocean Terrance Suite: This layout gives parents or grandparents enhanced dining and lounge area space while keeping kids close by.
Combine a Resindance with an Ocean Terrance and/or Penthouse: A luxury multi-generational setup (such as an Ocean Terrace OT3 suite connecting directly to a Retreat Residence), providing expansive outdoor space, private whirlpools, and dedicated Residence Host service.
Note: Explora will cap the number of kids onboard to 80. This helps preserve the "Ocean State of Mind" so it does not feel overrun / overcrowded. Generally there are not many kids with exception to popular itineraries available during school breaks (aka between Christmas and New Years and the Med in August!)
How Much Does Explora Journeys Cost?
Transparent Luxury Pricing
Explora positions itself in the premium-luxury segment. Expect pricing higher than Oceania, Azamara or Viking Ocean, not the other mass market lines. Seven night Mediterranean voyages typically range from $4,500-$8000 per person depending on the suite category and season.
What's Included on Explora Journeys
All suite accommodations with ocean view terraces
All speciality dining (with exception of a tasting menu at Anthology)
Premium beverages including wines, cocktails, spirits, specialty coffees
In-suite mini-bar stocked daily
Gratuities for staff onboard
High-speed WiFi that actually works (Starlink) throughout the ship for up to 3 devices
Ocean Wellness classes and activities
What is NOT Included?
Shore Excursions (you are not paying for tours you don't want)
Spa treatments
Ultra premium wine selections and rare spirits
Shopping and retail purchase
Are Shore Excursions Included on Explora?
Early Booking Tip: Reserve your 2028 trip early and save up to 30% with low deposits. The current "Suite Invitation" includes a complimentary suite upgrade. More details.
Tailor Made Takeaway: Is Explora Right For You?
Explora is not attempting to be everything for everyone and I see that as their strength. This is ocean travel for those who have graduated from conventional cruising or just don't care for the concept of cruising at all. They seek a luxury home away from home, authentic cultural experiences, and that "Ocean State of Mind". Home is the key word. The entire design of the ship is to make it feel more like a home away from home.
Explora Journeys vs. Viking Ocean
I am often asked, "How does it compare to Viking?" Both are adults-focused in feel, but Viking is truely adult only. They are both all-inclusive in spirit, but at differnet levels. Viking is very destination focused while Explora is more about creating home at sea.
Then, there is the difference is in the details. Explora's entry suites start at about 377 square feet versus 270 for Viking's Veranda, and Explora includes gratuities and drinks all day, while Viking includes wine and beer with lunch and dinner. Viking includes a shore excursion in every port; Explora doesn't. Neither is better. I help you pick the one that fits how you travel.
If you appreciate slow travel or would like to try that for once, Explora Journeys may be right for you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Explora Journeys all-inclusive? Mostly. The fare includes gratuities, Wi-Fi, most dining, and wine, champagne, spirits and specialty coffee throughout the ship. Shore excursions, spa treatments, Anthology and the Chef's Kitchen and Chef's Table experiences cost extra.
Are shore excursions included on Explora Journeys? No. Excursions are booked separately. Explora offers a shuttle from port to the city center where needed.
Does every Explora Journeys suite have a terrace? Yes. Every suite is ocean-front with a private terrace, starting at about 377 square feet.
Is Explora Journeys good for families? Yes, It welcomes children but limits how many sail, so the atmosphere stays calm. It's capped at 80 kids per sailing.
How much does an Explora Journeys cruise cost? Typically the entry point for an Ocean Terrace suite starts at $4800 per person, Pricing varies by itinerary and suite level. I'll compare sailings side by side for you.
Is there an Explora Journeys travel advisor near Kansas City? Yes - that's me! I'm Cyndi Smith, founder of Tailor Made Travel Studio in Overland Park, Kansas. I'm a certified Explora specialist and I love to plan Explora journeys for travelers across the Kansas City area (and beyond!), including pre and post hotels , private touring and a side-by-side comparison of suites and sailings.
Let's find a voyage that gives you the time your deserve!
Hi, I'm Cyndi Smith, a passionate traveler, certified Explora Journeys specialist and owner of Tailor Made Travel Studio. I craft tailored travel experiences for busy people who want to travel the world with ease and a little bit of luxury!
Wondering if Explora is the right fit for how you travel? Book a complimentary call and let's talk it through.
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