Explora 1.
Launched in 2022 by the MSC Group, Explora Journeys is transforming the world of luxury cruises by blending European elegance with a relaxed, cosmopolitan style. Built on 300 years of seafaring expertise, the company is focused on providing guests with a transformative travel experience.
According to Anna Nash, Explora Journeys’ President, the company emphasises luxury, design, and sustainability, offering world-class dining, wellness offerings, and exclusive itineraries to off-the-beaten-path destinations. According to Nash, the company was born from a bold vision to redefine ocean travel for modern luxury guests.
Anna Nash, President of Explora Journeys.
“The Aponte Vago family, with their deep-rooted maritime heritage, saw an opportunity to bring a fresh contemporary perspective to the industry through a truly immersive, modern luxury experience,” she explains. “For too long, cruising has been associated with rigid itineraries, a specific demographic, and a stigma around uninspired cuisine. We set out to change that.”
As such, a voyage onboard Explora Journeys is designed to feel more like a high-end boutique hotel at sea. Every element—from the bespoke itineraries to the immersive cultural experiences and ultra-elegant onboard environment—is curated with the discerning guest in mind.
GOING BEYOND TRADITIONAL CRUISING
Even though at sea, guests are treated to a luxurious and homely environment.
Nash admits that luxury travel is evolving and because of that, Explora Journeys is also changing its approach to cater to these new demands. “Our guests seek time to slow down, space to breathe, and experiences that foster genuine connection and discovery,” she adds. “We listen to what modern travellers want, which is flexibility, personalisation, intuitive service, and an effortless journey where every detail feels seamless.”
The transformative luxury travel experience offered by the company stretches from the design of its ships to elevating its service offerings onboard. A lot is taken into consideration including elevating the culinary experience and integrating holistic well-being philosophies into its itineraries.
Ships within the fleet take on an intuitive appreciation for luxury and design.
“Service is where we truly elevate the experience. With a guest-to-host ratio of 1.25:1, our team anticipates every need, creating an effortless sense of belonging,” adds Nash. “We also prioritise seamless connectivity, offering complimentary high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi to ensure guests can stay connected as they wish.”
A big focus is also centred upon crafting immersive Destination Experiences that go beyond typical shore excursions. For the benefit of its guests, the company also offers exclusive access to activities such as private after-hours museum tours, vineyard visits with a winemaker, or an invitation-only art experience to deepen the affair.
FLEET EXPANSION
Each vessel in its fleet serve as a sanctuary of well-being.
With overwhelming response and steadfast commitment in reshaping the future of luxury ocean travel, the company is also expanding its presence on the high seas with several new vessels. Within the next three years, Explora Journeys will expand its fleet with new ships, each designed to push boundaries in design, guest experience, and sustainability.
“For too long, cruising has been associated with rigid itineraries, a specific demographic, and a stigma around uninspired cuisine. We set out to change that.” – ANNA NASH
Elaborating further, Nash explains that this expansion allows the company to offer a broader selection of itineraries whilst bringing its unique brand of ocean journeys to new destinations along with the exclusivity and intimacy that defines the brand.
With sweeping ocean views each Explora Journeys’ ship defines true comfort at sea.
“A key part of this growth is recognizing the shifting demographics in luxury travel,” she adds. “We see a rising demand for multi-generational travel, particularly in Asia, where families seek enriching experiences that bring different generations together. Similarly, Gen Z and younger travellers are redefining luxury—prioritising authenticity and personalisation.”
Nash elaborates that the new vessels are designed to meet these evolving expectations. Each will offer flexible accommodations, immersive cultural experiences, and seamless connectivity to cater to the next generation of guests.
Onboard experiences include award-winning culinary venues.
“EXPLORA III will be our first LNG-powered ship, marking a step in our transition to bio- and synthetic LNG fuels to reduce emissions,” she reveals. “Beyond this, we are investing in fuel cell technology and renewable energy solutions, reinforcing our long-term vision of sustainable luxury travel. With this expansion, we are not just adding more ships—we are pioneering a new era of ocean travel that is immersive, conscious, and designed for a diverse, global audience.”
(Images: Explora Journeys)
