Cruising is getting a quieter, more design-focused alternative to the traditional mega-ship. Explora Journeys, which launched its first ship in 2023, is building its brand around smaller ships, all-suite accommodations and a more relaxed approach to life at sea.
The line’s Explora I carries fewer than 1,000 guests, compared with roughly 3,000 on the average cruise ship. That smaller scale shapes much of the onboard experience.
• Every cabin is a suite: There are no interior rooms. Each guest gets a balcony suite with features including deep-set balconies, chaise lounges and dedicated vanity areas.
• Dining is included: Explora I has six restaurants, with meals and drinks included in the cruise fare. Dining ranges from handmade pasta and Italian pizza to sushi, seafood and steak.
• The pool deck feels different: Instead of concentrating everyone around one enormous pool, the ship uses several smaller pool areas with more space between loungers. Long infinity whirlpools along the sides of the ship also provide unobstructed ocean views.
• Entertainment without the mega-ship overload: Guests can choose from activities such as pickleball, evening entertainment, shopping and an F1 racing simulator, while the overall atmosphere emphasizes a slower pace.
• The design leans European: Explora I has a navy-and-gold exterior and interiors designed to resemble a contemporary luxury hotel. Its lounges, restaurants and open-air decks favor clean lines, natural materials and spacious public areas.
Service is another major focus, with the smaller guest count allowing for a more personalized approach. The line also emphasizes sustainability, including eliminating single-use plastics and using engineering designed to reduce underwater noise.
Explora Journeys is part of the MSC family but operates with a distinctly different positioning: less floating amusement park, more boutique hotel at sea.
The smarter take: For travelers who associate cruising with crowds and constant activity, Explora Journeys offers a different model—smaller ships, all-suite accommodations, included dining and a more relaxed pace.