Explora Journeys Review: What Luxury at Sea Really Feels Like

Why We Chose Explora Journeys

James and I were looking for a last-minute getaway, the kind that wasn’t about checking off destinations, but about truly resting. He had been working nonstop, and we both felt that familiar tug for something restorative. One evening, he surprised me by asking, “What do you know about Explora Journeys?”

That alone caught my attention. I’m usually the planner in our relationship, so the fact that he had taken the initiative (and even found an itinerary online) impressed me. I had heard of Explora Journeys before. I’d attended their initial press conferences at launch and knew the broad strokes: a new luxury cruise brand, European sensibility, modern design. But beyond the press releases, I hadn’t sailed with them or worked with them directly.

So we did what we always do… we sat down together and looked closely at the details. What was included? What was the itinerary? What kind of experience were they really promising?

It quickly became clear that this cruise wasn’t strictly about the ports. It was about the pause. It was a Valentine’s sailing out of Miami, and while the port stops themselves weren’t at the top of our wish list for these dates, that wasn’t the point. We were looking for calm, space, and a sense of ease, something that felt indulgent without being overproduced.

Arriving in Miami & Setting the Tone

We flew to Miami a couple of days early, something I always recommend when cruising. Giving yourself a cushion before embarkation eliminates stress and allows the trip to unfold gently. There’s nothing worse than a delayed flight threatening to derail an entire vacation.

Those extra days gave us time to slow down: poolside afternoons, unhurried mornings, and dinner at one of our long-time favorites, Joe’s Stone Crab. By the time embarkation day arrived, we already felt relaxed, which made the experience of boarding even more impactful.

First Impressions: Boarding Explora Journeys

Explora Journeys sails from the newly opened MSC Cruise Terminal in Miami. The ship itself is owned by MSC Cruises, with Explora positioned as its ultra-luxury brand, though at the time, we didn’t fully realize just how refined the experience would be.

Check-in was smooth and unhurried. And the moment we stepped onboard, we were greeted with Champagne and mimosas, a small gesture that immediately set the tone. From the start, it felt calm, elegant, and spacious.

I already knew from my research that while the ship itself is substantial in size, the guest capacity is intentionally low. Far fewer passengers than similarly sized ships. Every suite includes a verandah, and there’s a noticeable absence of crowds or noise. Luxury, here, was clearly about space.

The Suite: Entry-Level, Elevated

We had booked the entry-level stateroom. And I can say without hesitation, it was one of the nicest “standard” cruise accommodations I’ve ever experienced.

Before the cruise, we completed an online preference form. Everything from pillow and bedding selections to minibar and in-room spirits, all included. We requested vodka as our spirit of choice, along with white wine, and selected our preferred waters and mixers.

When we arrived at our suite, we found a full-sized bottle of Absolut vodka waiting for us, along with three bottles of Rothschild wines (red, white, and rosé). The refrigerator was stocked exactly as requested. On the coffee table, a bottle of Champagne chilled beside welcome truffles and cheese tucked neatly under a glass dome.

The bathroom alone could have sold me on the experience. Heated floors, even in an entry-level suite, felt like a quiet flex of luxury. The books and artwork throughout the room were antiques, thoughtfully curated rather than decorative. There were binoculars for viewing the sea, high-end throws for cooler evenings, and a verandah larger than most I’ve experienced, complete with a chaise lounge rather than standard seating.

And then there was the bedding.

Absolutely heavenly. The linens are from the same Italian company that supplies The Vatican, and yes, you feel it the moment you slide into bed. Crisp, breathable, indulgent without being fussy. Sleep came easily, deeply, and deliciously.

At that point, I realized something important: I hadn’t found a single thing to complain about. And for someone who travels often (and pays attention to details) that’s saying something.

Dining & Wine: Elevated, Intentional, and Seamlessly Included

One of the very first things we did after settling into our stateroom was explore the ship and make our dining reservations. On Explora I, dining isn’t treated as a single, centralized experience, there is no traditional main dining room with rotating menus and assigned seating. Instead, Explora Journeys takes a more intentional, cuisine-driven approach.

Each restaurant has its own point of view, its own rhythm, and its own sense of place. We booked our entire week at once (a decision I highly recommend) securing reservations at the steakhouse, the Asian restaurant, the French seafood–inspired venue, and the ship’s anchor restaurant. Every experience felt refined and unrushed.

The setting alone sets the tone. White linen tablecloths. Thoughtfully spaced tables. Proper place settings. Real stemware. Nothing disposable, nothing hurried, nothing loud. Dining onboard felt more like stepping into a well-run European restaurant than eating at sea.

And then there’s the wine.

Even the included wine list was impressive… not an afterthought, not a compromise. I was genuinely delighted to find real Champagne offered by the glass, alongside a crisp, well-chosen Sancerre. These weren’t “close enough” substitutions; they were wines I would happily order in a fine restaurant on land.

Cocktails followed the same philosophy. No matter which bar I approached (and there are several, each with its own atmosphere) the bartenders could effortlessly prepare a proper French martini, Explora Journeys style. Balanced, elegant, and consistent every single time.

Perhaps one of the most telling details of the experience? We never once had to show our stateroom card. No signing. No tracking. No awkward pauses while charges were verified. Everything was simply… handled. Included. Seamless. That kind of quiet ease is one of the true markers of luxury.

And then there was that day.

One afternoon, I realized I had enjoyed caviar with every meal, including breakfast. Not as a novelty or an upsell, but as part of the experience. It felt indulgent, yes, but also oddly relaxed. No announcements. No spectacle. Just exceptional ingredients offered with confidence.

Explora Journeys understands something fundamental: luxury dining isn’t about excess. It’s about trust. Trust that the guest knows what they enjoy. Trust that quality speaks for itself. And trust that when everything is thoughtfully included, the experience becomes effortless. And unforgettable.

Wellness & Quiet Luxury: Space to Truly Exhale

Wellness on Explora Journeys isn’t treated as an add-on or a trend. It’s woven into the experience in a way that feels natural, generous, and deeply restorative.

One of our first explorations onboard was a walkthrough of the spa, simply to get the lay of the land. What we found was far more expansive than expected, and entirely included. The thermal area alone rivals many luxury resorts: a thalassotherapy pool, steam room, sauna, cold showers, and a Himalayan salt room with heated loungers designed for lingering. There’s also a quiet outdoor relaxation space, perfect for fresh air between treatments.

James and I quickly fell into a daily rhythm of visiting the spa. Cool towels for the face. Chilled cucumber water. Hot mint tea. Soft lighting. No pressure, no upselling, no sense of being rushed out to make room for the next guest. It was calm in the truest sense, the kind that gently resets your nervous system without you realizing it’s happening.

And then there were the pools and hot tubs. Not one or two. Twelve hot tubs spread across various decks, including several infinity-edge options with sweeping ocean views. We shared more than a few quiet moments soaking there, often completely alone, watching the horizon stretch endlessly in front of us.

One afternoon in Key West, on our very last day, we found ourselves in an infinity hot tub once again. Glasses of Champagne in hand, the ocean shimmering beyond the edge. It felt indulgent, yes, but also remarkably peaceful. No crowds. No noise. Just space.

That sense of space extended to our suite as well. Our verandah became its own sanctuary. We took naps out there, lulled by the movement of the ship. I worked on writing my next book with the sea as my backdrop. We enjoyed morning coffee, afternoon cocktails, and long stretches of simply sitting and watching the world go by. At night, I’d slip on a bathrobe, step outside, and look up at a sky full of stars. Uninterrupted, expansive, quietly breathtaking.

Wellness onboard isn’t limited to the spa. There are morning yoga sessions, and even within the stateroom itself, a thoughtfully curated selection of guided meditations and stretch routines. Perfect for easing into the day or winding down in the evening.

Even the casual dining spaces support that wellness-forward mindset. The lido deck buffet is nothing like the traditional cruise version. Instead, it’s organized into dedicated stations — fresh fruit, smoothies, healthy options, a sushi station, and beautifully prepared light dishes that feel nourishing rather than indulgent-for-indulgence’s-sake.

Explora Journeys understands that true luxury often shows up quietly. In moments of stillness. In space. In the freedom to choose how you spend your time, whether that’s moving your body, resting deeply, or doing absolutely nothing at all.

Design & Feel: Understated Elegance and European Sophistication

If the dining and wellness set the tone for Explora Journeys, the design is what makes the experience feel entirely unlike any other cruise line we’ve sailed. From the moment you step onboard, there’s an unmistakable sense of understated elegance. A calm confidence that whispers luxury rather than announcing it. This is not about ostentatious décor or over-the-top theatrics; it’s about refined restraint, space, art, and a distinctly European aesthetic that feels more like a boutique hotel than a traditional cruise ship.

Designers intentionally created this ship to feel intimate, generous, and beautifully curated. The roots of its design come from European sensibilities, blending cosmopolitan style with a relaxed, modern vibe. Explora Journeys engaged architects and designers experienced in yachting and high-end hospitality, resulting in lines and spaces that feel calm, open, and purposefully uncluttered.

Instead of crowded corridors and loud public areas, you’ll find thoughtfully scaled gathering spaces that feel as inviting as they are elegant. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame panoramic ocean views, and the exterior profile itself is closer to a superyacht than a traditional cruiser.

Artful, Intelligent Atmosphere

One of the most delightful surprises onboard was the art…not just decoration, but curated experience. Explora I features a blend of works from renowned and emerging artists, woven thoughtfully into lounges, galleries, and public spaces. On our sailing, gallery exhibitions even included rare limited-edition prints by Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein, elevating the atmosphere beyond typical cruise ship décor.

This wasn’t art tossed on a wall to check a box. Each piece felt intentional, reflective of a broader aesthetic vision that marries visual culture with the ocean setting. Warhol originals and thoughtfully placed sculptures create visual rhythm throughout the ship, making each turn feel like a moment of discovery.

Sophistication with Subtle Luxuries

And then there are the touches that elevate the everyday:

• Crystal and reflective surfaces catch light in communal spaces, adding sparkle without overwhelming.
• The atrium bar, where we spent many convivial evenings, feels grand yet refined, a natural center of social life onboard.
• Just off that bar, tucked into its own boutique space, is the only Rolex store at sea. A perfect example of how Explora Journeys integrates luxury retail into the journey without it feeling pushy. (Yes, this was my favorite bar onboard.)

Everything onboard feels designed with intention: quiet corners for conversation, large ocean-facing suites with expansive terraces, and public lounges that invite lingering rather than rushing. Light plays an important role too. Natural daylight floods many of the social areas, while soft, warm lighting creates a relaxed evening ambiance that always feels comfortable and elegant.

European Roots, Hotel-Like Calm

What struck us most was the sense that we weren’t on a ship full of rounding crowds, we were on a vessel designed for people who appreciate space, proportion, and thoughtful materials. There’s a rhythm to how the ship flows from space to space: generous walkways, spacious lounges, and intimate nooks without ever feeling crowded or disconnected.

Explora Journeys defines its design as creating an “Ocean State of Mind” , a calm, connected, present state that begins the moment you step onboard and continues as you look out over the horizon at sunset.

Who Explora Journeys Is (and Isn’t) For

Luxury, when done well, is deeply personal. And Explora Journeys understands that not every traveler is looking for the same experience, which, in my opinion, is part of what makes it so compelling.

Explora Journeys Is For…

This cruise line is ideal for travelers who value space, calm, and refinement over constant stimulation. If you’re someone who appreciates beautiful design, thoughtful service, and the freedom to shape your own days, you’ll feel right at home.

It’s especially well suited for:

• Couples looking for a romantic, restorative escape
• Experienced travelers who’ve stayed in luxury hotels and expect that same level of comfort at sea
• Guests who enjoy fine dining, quality wine, and elegant cocktails without rigid schedules
• Travelers who prioritize wellness, quiet moments, and time to simply be
• Those who prefer an adult, cosmopolitan atmosphere without formal nights or forced entertainment

If you love lingering over Champagne, spending afternoons in the spa or hot tub, reading on your balcony, and dining well without fanfare, Explora Journeys delivers that experience beautifully.

Explora Journeys Isn’t For…

That said, this is not a cruise designed for everyone. And that’s a good thing.

Explora Journeys may not be the best fit if you’re looking for:

• A high-energy, activity-packed ship with waterslides and loud pool decks
• Large-scale entertainment, or nightly spectacles
• A party-centric atmosphere or late-night nightlife scene

This is not a “do everything, all the time” cruise. It’s a slow-luxury experience, intentionally paced and quietly confident. Travelers who need constant stimulation or structured programming may find it too serene.

Why That Matters

For James and me, that distinction was exactly the appeal. We weren’t looking to be entertained — we were looking to rest, reconnect, and enjoy being fully present. Explora Journeys gave us the space to do that, without ever feeling dull or disengaged.

Knowing what a cruise isn’t is just as important as knowing what it is. And in this case, clarity is part of the luxury.

How Explora Journeys Compares

The only other luxury cruise line James and I have sailed with is Crystal Cruises, which we thoroughly enjoyed. Crystal offered exceptional service, beautiful accommodations, and a very traditional take on luxury cruising. It was polished and classic, and for many travelers, that timeless approach is exactly what they’re looking for.

Explora Journeys, however, felt different in a way that immediately resonated with me.

Where Crystal leans into formality and legacy, Explora Journeys feels modern, European, and quietly confident. The atmosphere is less structured and more fluid, no pressure to dress a certain way, no rigid schedules, and no sense that you’re meant to participate in anything unless you genuinely want to.

Both experiences were lovely. Explora Journeys simply felt more like me.

It reflects a newer vision of ultra luxury travel, one that prioritizes space, wellness, inclusivity, and ease over tradition for tradition’s sake. Because it’s a newer brand, there’s also a freshness to the experience: thoughtful design, contemporary art, and a hospitality style that feels more like a high-end boutique hotel than a cruise ship.

I do plan to explore other luxury cruise lines in the future, so I won’t pretend to be an authority on every brand in this space just yet. I also genuinely enjoy other cruise lines for different reasons: itinerary-driven trips, family-friendly sailings, or adventure-focused cruises all have their place. This trip, however, wasn’t about adventure or ports. It was about restoration.

And for that, Explora Journeys delivered beautifully.

Would We Sail Again? Absolutely.

Without hesitation: YES.

While the initial price tag for Explora Journeys may appear higher at booking, the value becomes clear once you understand what’s included. There were no add-ons creeping in throughout the week. No drink packages to calculate. No spa access fees. No gratuities to track. No pressure to book excursions we didn’t want.

Everything was simply… handled.

In fact, when we looked back at what we spent in total, the experience was comparable to what we paid on our last Alaska cruise with a mid-tier cruise line, once drinks, packages, gratuities, and extras were all added in. The difference was that on Explora Journeys, there was no mental math. No constant decisions. Just ease.

That kind of transparency is refreshing — and frankly, luxurious.

A Booking Tip

If you’re considering Explora Journeys, I recommend booking directly with the cruise line or through a trusted luxury-tier travel advisor who knows the brand well. We booked directly with Explora and found the process smooth, responsive, and well-supported from start to finish.

This cruise reminded me why I love travel at this stage of life, not for how much I can fit in, but for how deeply I can rest, reconnect, and enjoy being present. Explora Journeys didn’t just meet our expectations. It aligned with who we are right now.

And that’s the kind of luxury worth returning to.