Explora Journeys: New Luxury Ocean Cruise Brand

Let me introduce you to Explora Journeys, the world’s newest luxury ocean cruise brand.

As one of the top cruise sellers in the Virtuoso Travel Network, I (David) had the privilege of being invited to Virtuoso’s Advisory Board as Explora Journeys was making their introduction to our network.

Over several months, we listened to their vision and got a peek at the new small-ship luxury cruise liners they were building, how they planned to create a relaxed luxury home at sea for their guests, and how they planned to offer discerning travelers an “Ocean State of Mind.”

I went into this a little nonchalant.  After all, does the world need another luxury cruise line?

However, as I listened to their vision and experienced their willingness to listen to the feedback from those on the board, I came away beyond excited to experience this new brand not only for myself but to share it with our clients and readers.

Explora Journeys Will Be an Ocean Escape Like No Other

Who is Explora Journeys?

This story begins in 1970 with Gianluigi Aponte, a young Italian seaman and bank teller who had the courage and foresight to purchase his first container ship. Fast forward to today, and his privately-held company, the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), has become a world leader in global container shipping with over 560 vessels.

In 1988, MSC announced its entry into the cruise business and created MSC Cruises.  Today, they operate over 20 large-ship cruise liners serving the premium market.

And in June of 2021, it was announced the company’s entry into the luxury cruise market with the launch of a new brand created for the next generation of discerning luxury travelers: Explora Journeys.

Built by Fincantieri, the first of four luxury ships will set sail in 2023, with the remaining ships ready in 2024, 2025, and 2026. Each will utilize the latest in cutting-edge maritime technology to provide journeys of discovery through destinations on and off the beaten path. Guests will be hosted on a ship like no other, with the highest level of service and amenities.

“Building a luxury brand that will redefine the cruise experience and create a category of its own has been a long-held vision of mine and my family,” said Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Group’s cruise business and broader passenger division. “Inspired by our personal travel wishes, Explora Journeys will be an ocean escape like no other, allowing guests to relax, make memories, and cherish the time at sea with their loved ones. After all, time is the ultimate luxury.”

What Makes Explora Journeys Different?

Designed in partnership with the world’s foremost superyacht and luxury hospitality designers, the innovative ship will seamlessly blend elegant Swiss precision with modern European craftsmanship. With 461 oceanfront suites and residences, guests will enjoy striking views at sea and in port from their floor-to-ceiling windows and personal private terrace. Suites will start at 377 sq. ft., which is among the most spacious for the category in the industry.

Fourteen decks will provide ample indoor public space, maximizing guest choice and seclusion. Generous outdoor decks will boast more than 2,500 square meters overlooking the sea, with 64 private cabanas across 3 outdoor pools. 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 was designed with water as a focal point to put guests in an ocean state of mind.

“Explora Journeys was designed for guests who want to stay longer, leave later, and travel deeper,” said Michael Ungerer, CEO of Explora Journeys. “Customer centricity is at the core of everything we do. We’ve commissioned research, organized focus groups, and hosted roundtable discussions with global specialists in luxury to design the perfect ship for our guests. Explora Journeys will bring a new perspective to the travel industry, reinventing the classic cruise experience for the next generation of luxury travelers.”

Why Are We Excited About Explora Journeys?

This is a privately-held company with very deep financial roots.

If you look around at the world’s great businesses, they were all started by an entrepreneur with vision, courage, and a deep inner drive to change the world.

Examples that come to mind are Henry Ford, Bill Gates, John D. Rockafeller, Steve Jobs, and many more.

In my view, a company that is driven by an entrepreneur has a heart in the business that generally doesn’t exist after the founder dies or is bought out.  While that is not always the case, Apple comes to mind, it is generally true.

In our board meetings with Explora Journeys, we were often told that this is a pet project for the owners.  They wanted to build a cruise line that allowed them to travel the way they wanted to travel.

Well, if their vision comes to reality, Carol and I are all in.

How to Book an ocean Journey with Explora Journeys

Explora Journeys is a part of our Virtuoso Voyages program.

Book with us, and we’ll add €300 in shipboard credits to your booking.

This means that when you book any Explora Journeys cruise with Roaming Boomers Travel Services, you will receive exclusive complimentary amenities on all sailings that you wouldn’t get by booking directly with the company.

Additionally, you will also enjoy our hands-on expert service and care for your booking.

And, the price is exactly the same whether you book with us or directly with the company. Therefore, take advantage of our expertise and perks.

For more information or to book a fun Explora Journeys cruise, please call Roaming Boomers Travel Services at (480) 550-1235 or use our convenient online information request (click here), and we’ll reach out to you.

Additional Links:

• • • Best Way to Book an Ocean or River Cruise

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Roaming Boomers Travel Services is an Independent Affiliate of Cadence, a Virtuoso® member. CST#201120-40

About Virtuoso
Virtuoso® is the leading global network of agencies specializing in luxury and experiential travel, with over 20,000 advisors. We partner with over 1,800 of the world’s best companies such as hotels, cruise lines, tour operators, and more. Our advisors use their personal connections and firsthand expertise to craft bespoke trips for clients, including unique experiences, special values, complimentary perks, VIP treatment, and rare access.