In November 2024, I was fortunate enough to be invited to stay on board the Explora II by Explora Journeys cruise ship during its inaugural season in the Caribbean. Although this was my first cruise, the experience of the next few may well be hard to match, as the service and professionalism of the team were simply flawless. 

A brief history of Explora Journeys

The Explora II is a ship belonging to the Swiss-Italian MSC group. The group oversees not only Explora Journeys, but also another cruise company, MSC Cruises. It has to be said that this private company is still family-run (the founder’s daughter, Alexa Aponte Vago, is the MSC group’s chief financial officer and her husband, Pierfrancesco Vago, is the executive chairman of the MSC group’s cruise division), and is not taking its first steps in maritime navigation.

The group’s history began in Sorrento, a coastal town in south-west Italy, opposite the Bay of Naples, on the Sorrento Peninsula, when Gianluigi Aponte, a Neapolitan ship captain, and his soul mate, a Swiss woman he met on one of his trips, created MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company) in 1970. This company is now the leader in maritime transport and the largest private cruise company in the world.

The history of the Aponte family goes back to the 17th century. With over 300 years’ experience in the shipping industry, they have a genuine passion and respect for the marine world, as demonstrated by the creation of the MSC Foundation. Now, with Explora Journeys, the family is realizing its dream of offering a refined, modern and unparalleled premium cruise experience.

In an interview in the Explora Lounge, which we discussed further, Mr. Chris Austin, Explora Journeys’ President of North America since April 2024, told me that it’s not a traditional luxury brand they’ve built, but a luxury cruise brand from the ground up with the family’s vision and passion (Mr. Austin was Director of Sales at Explora Journeys from 2020 to 2024 before being promoted to this new position). It was after researching 20,000 travellers that they established the vision for the brand. “It all stems from the desire of the family, who own a yacht, to replicate that experience of their Mediterranean holiday to their visitors. That hotel design feel isn’t a coincidence; it’s really intentional,” Austin adds. ’We wanted to create the perfect day for each of our guests, because your perfect day is different from my perfect day and every other traveller’s perfect day, so we offer a variety of experiences to delight our guests,“continues the president of Explora Journeys” North American division. “You know, many destinations aren’t accessible by plane or car. We’re thinking of one of our next destinations, like Alaska or certain ports in the Mediterranean. Only the ocean can get you there,” concludes Mr. Austin.    

Explora II, the latest addition to Explora Journeys: a revolutionary ship

It has to be said that the Explora II by Explora Journeys, built at the Fincantieri shipyard in Sestri Ponente, near Genoa in Italy, is a recent construction. She dropped anchor for the first time on 12 September 2024 and was officially christened, having completed her maiden voyage from Barcelona to the Italian port of Civitavecchia, near the country’s capital, Rome, on 16 September 2024. She began her first winter in the Caribbean after a stay in the Mediterranean and a long Atlantic crossing. It was at the end of November 2024 that I joined the ship in the port of St. John’s, Antigua, for four days. The programme included a stopover in San Juan (Puerto Rico), two days at sea and then disembarkation in Miami.

This really is a magnificent ship. With its 14 floors and 461 suites on the sea side with terraces, which means that, in line with many of its competitors, there is not a single suite that does not have a sea view. Explora II boasts 178,680 square feet (16,600 m²) of total public space, offering unrivalled space and privacy, with one of the highest guest-to-space ratios in the luxury ocean category at 198 square feet (18.4 m²).

The arrival area and lobby: like a hotel

Upon your arrival, the most striking aspect is the exceptional service quality (I will elaborate later). Upon clearing security, your luggage is promptly delivered to your room, a significant difference from ships with 5,000 or more passengers. Once you check in, if the counters are crowded, you are invited to wait in the plush armchairs or the Lobby Bar, a dual name for the lobby area. The impressive marble wall is undeniable; it resembles that found in the Dom Pérignon bar in La Cour des Palmiers at the Ritz-Carlton Montréal, only bigger.

We are greeted with a glass of Champagne Mercier, a brand of champagne from the Moët Hennessy portfolio, which is the “base” champagne for Explora Journeys. Alcohol can accompany you throughout the day, but you’ll have to pay extra for fine spirits such as Dom Perignon P2. Then, either at the counter or with a host, you check in and receive your card (which is your key) and head for your suite or the restaurant, whichever you prefer. Note that our schedule was structured for this press trip, but we also had free time to enjoy the facilities and work (as I do these trips to share my experiences with you).

Suites, for dreamy nights on the ocean

Let’s take a closer look at the rooms. They are not actually named rooms, but rather suites, which the company describes as “Homes at Sea.” And they are designed to ensure your well-being throughout your voyage. The Explora II by Explora Journeys has 461 suites (all on the sea side) to accommodate over 920 guests. The average size of these suites is 452 square feet (42 m²), and they are divided as follows: one Owner’s Residence, 22 Ocean Residences, 67 Ocean Penthouses, 301 Ocean Terrace Suites and 70 Ocean Grand Terrace Suites.

When I arrived at my suite, the host in charge of it offered me a tour of it (funnily enough, she asked me if I’d brought any maple syrup, proving that our reputation for this goes beyond borders [Nos Cabanes, you’d have to be on that ship]). The whole thing starts by showing me all the amenities, whether it’s how the TV works, the lights, the doors, and most importantly, to watch the safety video and then call to confirm that I’ve watched the video. The storage is extensive, and the design is precise for long journeys. Some travellers had left Barcelona six weeks earlier to cross the Atlantic.

Interestingly, there is, of course, a dry-cleaning service, but also washers and dryers, which come in very handy on a long cruise, as mentioned in the previous paragraph, and work very well, having tried them myself. However, when it comes to ironing (irons are not available in the suites for safety reasons), space is a little limited, and a larger room would be appreciated. The waiting time for dry-cleaning is 24 hours (at least for my suite, other higher classes have different options), which means you have to plan your outfits carefully during your trip.          

We were offered a bottle of Champagne Mercier on arrival in the suite, as well as a choice of a bottle of wine and spirits. As I didn’t have time to consume them, I left them with my host as a parting gift.  

The suites also feature a Dyson Supersonic hairdryer, Nespresso coffee machine, Frette dressing gowns and sheets, not to mention comfortable mattresses that will lull you to sleep to the sound of their personalized music playlists. 

So back to my group, which I was to join for a personalized tour of the different areas of the ship, as well as lunch at the Emporium Marketplace. 

The defining feature of the Explora II by Explora Journeys: exceptional service

The first thing you notice when you set foot on the Explora II by Explora Journeys is the attention and service that go into making your stay perfect. With a passenger-to-guest ratio of 1.25:1, the brand’s culture is one of genuine, warm and intuitive service, delivered by a passionate, multicultural and diverse team. You can feel that people are happy to be on this ship. The hosts, 43% of whom are from the luxury market, including hotels, offer an intuitive service that embodies effortless luxury, where you can truly relax and be yourself.

Just to be called by your first name (“Mister Normand”) from day 2 is just incredible. I don’t know how they do it, but it’s really appreciated. 

You can really feel that Explora Journeys recruits differently in order to diversify their workforce. As I said earlier, the staff are diverse; in fact, they come from over 36 nationalities, including India, Brazil, the United Arab Emirates, South Africa, Bali, Italy, etc. They have a ratio of 50% women to men. They have a ratio of 50% men and 50% women on the front line and in management positions. Above all, the employees are always smiling and their professionalism is incredible. It should be pointed out that Explora Journeys has an exclusive partnership with the EHL Hospitality Business School in Lausanne, one of the best, if not the best, in the business.

I must admit that the service at the restaurant has not met my expectations since my return, which is quite surprising given the exceptional quality of my previous visits. The attention, etiquette, and professionalism are unmatched to what I experienced at Explora II. My glass of water was always full. The tables were always clean. The waiters never spoke too loudly or scream. This level of care for travellers truly sets this cruise apart.  

Discovering restaurants, bars and lounges

Let’s move on to the restaurants on the Explora II by Explora Journeys II. There are six of them. Whether you like Asian food (Sakura), French cuisine (Fil Rouge), Mediterranean cuisine (Med Yacht Club), meat (Marble & Co. Grill) or choose from a wide variety of dishes of all kinds (Emporium Marketplace), not forgetting the top-of-the-range Italian cuisine restaurant (Anthology), which I’ll talk about in another article, you’ll be well catered for. I didn’t try Sakura and Marble & Co. Grill for lack of time, but the people with me had nothing but good things to say about them.

The restaurants are all upmarket, although the fine cuisine at Anthology is a notch above all the restaurants aboard. I was able to sample an incredible Dover sole prepared in front of me at the Med Yacht Club. This dish is only available in a few restaurants in Quebec, which shows the level of luxury on this ship.

The selection of wines is magnificent, from the great French and Italian wines to the more sought-after Eastern European wines, everything is there, not forgetting, once again, the champagne. The great bottles (Tignanello, Dom Perignon, etc.) and refined spirits are at your expense, as I mentioned earlier.

The Emporium Marketplace is an incredible place. It’s the food hall (a luxury cafeteria) where lunches, dinners and suppers are served without the need for reservations. What’s impressive about this space is natural light and the variety of distinct service areas offering different culinary specialties throughout the day (and they change). The pure white (marble countertop, I believe) and elegant brown (floors) emphasize sobriety, which helps you find yourself in a relaxing space with European charm. But the luxury of the materials is nothing compared to this exceptional gastronomic proposal based on fresh produce.

Whether it’s the sushi or fresh seafood that steal the show, the grilled, roasted or slow-cooked meats from the rotisserie, the fresh pasta, made on board and cooked to order, or the pizzas (they have an oven on board and make their own dough; this is a ship owned by an Italian family, after all.), the fresh bread and the homemade sandwiches, your stomach will be filled with joy. The delicatessen, cheese shop, bakery and patisserie complete the experience of discerning palates. Fresh fruit juices, smoothies, Greek yoghurts and acai bowls are also available for lunch. It’s also a great quiet place to work in the early afternoon when people have finished eating, and before dinner.

Straight after leaving the Emporium, if you’re still hungry, head to the Gelateria & Crêperie at The Conservatory. As the name suggests, this place serves exquisite crepes as well as gelati or sorbets, depending on the time of day. It’s hard to resist, especially as it’s just a stone’s throw from the indoor saltwater pool (of which there are four in total, all heated) in the Conservatory area (the roof is retractable in fine weather), which also has a bar, showers and whirlpools. In the evening, the space is transformed into an open-air cinema for all to enjoy.

For gourmet gentlemen, the Chef’s Kitchen (extra feature) offers an immersive experience for up to 12 travellers. Guided by the culinary experts on board, discover new ingredients, flavours, textures and cultures.

We shouldn’t forget the Crema Café, a name reminiscent of the Kréma Café at Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth in Montréal, where the service is incredible and the coffee is delicious and perfect whether you’re having a cortado, a cappuccino, an espresso or any other specialty coffee. They call you by your name, without it being written on your glass.

The Malt Whisky Bar, one of the 12 bars on Explora II by Explora Journeys, is certainly the place where our columnist Jean-Philippe Charest, a lover of this delicious liquid, would constantly find himself. Explore the different regions with exceptional products such as Richard Hennessy or Glenmorangie Signet. There’s also a cigar cellar run by an expert and an outdoor terrace designed for smokers. If, like me, you want to try your first hand-rolled cigar selected by the cigar master, you’ll find yourself in the perfect hushed atmosphere. It was a wonderful evening. Note that there are no cigars and rum from Cuba, as the ship docks in the United States.

In addition to the Lobby Bar I mentioned in the introduction, there is the Explora Lounge. As well as its bar, this place offers afternoon tea in the purest British tradition, thanks to teas from Palais des Thés, as well as several games, including chess and puzzles. You can also take part in painting workshops, or attend a variety of shows, all in an intimate atmosphere with the sound of the piano, a Steinway Spirio by Steinway & Sons.

If you fancy relaxing outside, the Astern Pool & bar is perfect for you. The infinity pool that continues around the outside of the ship is impressive in its views, a perfect place to relax and have a cocktail, which fills up quickly on sunny days. Just inside is the Astern Lounge, which I didn’t visit due to a lack of time, but where conferences and events are held and where you can practise on the pool tables, among other things. 

On deck 10, you’ll find the Atoll Pool & Bar, where you can enjoy the sun and sea in complete privacy and sample some delicious creations.

There is also an adults-only pool. It is important to note that the number of children on board the Explora II is lower than on other cruise ships because of its luxurious feel. The Helios pool, with its lounge located in the sunniest area of the ship, is named after “Helios,” which means “sun” in Greek. There is also a panoramic view from the bow on deck 12. The Helios Pool and Bar have been adorned with outdoor furniture from Unopiù, designed by Matteo Nunziati.

And last but not least, the Sky Bar. Located at the top of the ship, on deck 14, this outdoor space is perfect for relaxing with a delicious cocktail (note that cocktails served outside are in plastic glasses to avoid glass breakage due to the wind) and an incredible view of the ocean.

It really is heaven; you won’t want to stop eating and drinking. It’s certainly not for nothing that we’re putting a lot of emphasis on exercise, our next topic. 

Well-being and exercise, an essential part of the Explora II experience

This delicious Italian ship offers an exquisite sensory experience, allowing you to both indulge and pamper your own body. The Explora II offers a variety of sports facilities, including a 250-metre running outdoor track surrounding the ship on the 14th floor. While this can be strenuous in the blazing sun, the experience is nothing short of exhilarating. In addition, there is an outdoor half basketball court, which is also used for tennis and pickleball matches. In addition, “Open-Air Fitness” is an outdoor workout area with stunning ocean views, equipped with a variety of machines, such as a Technogym Skillrow rower, Group Cycle bikes and a Technogym Case Kit bag, allowing for a multitude of outdoor exercises.

Technogym’s indoor gym is impressive, not so much for its size, but for its variety of equipment. From treadmills to Pilates, you’ll be well catered for. Note that there are fees for the various classes and measures in the Technogym system. You can even get a set to exercise in your suite with a Technogym virtual coach.

These different workouts will undoubtedly help you to lose a few of the calories you have stored up in the sumptuous restaurants. But you can also relax at the spa and practise yoga. 

The Spa, winner of “World’s Best Cruise Spa” in 2024 by the World Spa Awards as well as several other awards, is a relaxing space ready to get you back on your feet with its various treatments. Whether you’re talking about massages, saunas, sensory showers, hydrotherapy pools, Finnish saunas, facials and body treatments, or Medi Luxe treatments by Dr. Levy Switzerland, you’ll be well catered for.       

There’s also an intimate deck where you can relax. This secret place is almost like a speakeasy.  

The beauty area offers a wide range of treatments, including manicures, pedicures and even haircuts, for you gentlemen and ladies. 

What’s more, “Mandala Blue by Explora Journeys” was created by the famous nose behind iconic fragrances such as “Calvin Klein CK One,” “Giorgio Armani Acqua di Giò” and “Marc Jacobs Daisy”. The designer is the talented Spanish-born Alberto Morillas. It’s an intense fragrance that relaxes, reconnects, awakens the senses and transforms. Mandala Blue is also the brand of bath, shower and body products featured in each of the suites. 

That’s just a taste because, from sleep to nutrition, Explora Journeys’ selection of wellness initiatives on the Explora II has been carefully crafted to ensure you feel perfectly relaxed during your journey.

The Journeys Lounge, Explora II’s entertainment venue

The Journeys Lounge is dedicated to entertainment. This is where music, comedy and other shows are held every evening. During the day, there are various round tables, such as the one I attended featuring the ship’s captains. It’s an interesting space that you’ll want to visit. The transformation of this lounge during the day is impressive. There is, of course, a bar where the service is always up to scratch. The programme is less intense than on many cruise ships, but note that they are still in their infancy. What’s more, the relaxation aspect influences the different artists who may be present.

The boutiques of Explora II by Explora Journeys: for lovers of luxury and watches

On Explora II, even if time is the last thing on your mind, you’ll find exceptional watchmaking boutiques such as Cartier, Panerai, Piaget and Buccellati. The Journeys boutique also features a wide range of exclusive products selected by the brand. The Rolex boutique is exclusive to Explora I. If you want to shop, you’ll have to do so while the ship is at sea, as the various boutiques are closed when the ship is moored.  

Design, the cornerstone of Explora Journeys

The family’s European roots and sense of style give them an intuitive appreciation of the design and luxury that ships like Explora II by Explora Journeys embody with their modern, cosmopolitan boutique hotel ambience that is both vibrant and intimate.

Explora Journeys enlisted the help of Mr. Martin Francis, an accomplished British designer and architect who has worked on some of the world’s most iconic yachts for decades, to ensure that the exterior profile of Explora Journeys’ ships is closer to that of a superyacht than a traditional cruise ship.

The other designers are SMC Design, AD Associates and De Jorio Luxury and Yacht Projects, who have worked with the Aponte Vago family for many years.

Explora Journeys and the environment

The environmental friendliness of ships is often questioned. The parent company, MSC, seems to be well aware of the challenges, since the sea and water are at the heart of their activities, both in terms of containers and cruises. To demonstrate their commitment to this (in addition to the MSC Foundation), environmental support technologies and emissions control systems will be used throughout the ship, including: 

• Battery storage to enable future hybrid power generation 
• USCD-approved ballast water treatment system 
• Intelligent heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems 
• Trim optimization software 
• LED lighting, high-efficiency fixtures 
• RINA Dolphin certificate to reduce underwater noise 
• Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology for a 90 per cent reduction in nitrogen emissions.

In addition, the MSC Group is committed to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from its maritime cruise activities to zero by 2050.

A small downside

The only thing that disappointed me a little, apart from the fact that I didn’t stay longer on the Explora II, was the dichotomy between the excursions and the experience at sea. The one I did in Puerto Rico was an existing excursion for any cruise line whose name was changed to the Explora Journeys excursion. The level of professionalism and luxury that one would expect with the Explora II trip is nowhere near the experience received. The members of Explora Journeys should work with the excursion companies on site to adjust the level of excellence to suit their guests.

Explora Journeys’ future ships

Explora Journey is planning a total of six ships. After Explora I and Explora II, the next will be EXPLORA III, scheduled for delivery in 2026. It will be the first of four ships in the fleet to run on liquefied natural gas, followed by EXPLORA IV and EXPLORA V in 2027 and EXPLORA VI in 2028.

In the summer of 2025, Explora II will sail to the western Mediterranean, visiting ports such as Barcelona in Spain, Saint-Tropez in France, Monte Carlo for the TAG Heuer Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix and Porto Cervo in Italy. 

Prices start at around $2,500 per person for 4 nights/5 days. Prices fluctuate enormously depending on the destination, the time of year, the length of the trip and the many offers available. Embarkation for New York from Québec City on the Explora III is scheduled for September 2026. Book your journey now! 

Find out more about the partnership between Explora Journeys and the America’s Cup in this article. 

Cover photo: Explora Journeys