Explora Evolves
In the summer of 2023, newsworthy events were plentiful. The release of the highly anticipated film 'Barbie' and Christopher Nolan’s 'Oppenheimer' became something of a cultural phenomenon. Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour was in full swing, Elton John played the final UK concert of his farewell tour at Glastonbury, and Twitter became X. The first day of August in that long, hot summer also saw a landmark event in the evolution of ultra-luxury cruising. There was much merriment in the Port of Copenhagen as EXPLORA I, the trailblazing ship of the Explora Journeys fleet, prepared to sail on her maiden cruise to Lerwick and Kirkwall before heading to the Icelandic capital of Reykjavik.
This much-anticipated new cruise line had claimed its place on the oceans of the world. Pundits and media agreed the 922-guest vessel was a triumph of architecture and design. The ebullient senior management was confident that these archetypal ships would redefine sophisticated luxury at sea. This is the first venture into the lucrative ultra-luxury segment of the cruise market by family–owned MSC Group, with sister brand, MSC Cruises as the largest privately owned cruise company and the third-largest cruise line in the world.
Just over a year after EXPLORA I made headline news in luxury travel publications, the virtually identical second ship, EXPLORA II, was named at Civitavecchia, the port of Rome, prior to her maiden cruising season in the Mediterranean.
Explora Journeys' full-on vision to transform ocean travel through highly innovative, upscale ships and immersive itineraries was well underway. However, for a company that boasts the concept of explorative journeys across the oceans of the world, its current scope is confined to Eastern and Western Mediterranean cruises in the summer months and the Caribbean in the winter.
Making her debut next summer, EXPLORA III will change this paradigm and allow itinerary planners to create cruises that can forge routes to new territories. This will have a dramatic impact on guests wanting to explore further afield without compromising on sophisticated style and rarefied luxury.
EXPLORA III will offer a short season in the Mediterranean before setting the compass towards Northern Europe’s dramatic coastlines, the magical landscapes of Iceland and Greenland, and the vibrant scenery of North America’s Atlantic Coast during the legendary 'Fall' (autumn). This leads to a winter season exploring Caribbean ports that are the hangouts of superyachts and tanned celebs.
Alaska may be America’s ‘Last Frontier,' but for untamed natural beauty, it's first without equal. Cruises to this icy realm have a special place on many 'bucket lists,' but all too often, it's a challenge to view the rapture of the destination through a lens of opulent appointments and peerless cuisine. This is about to change. From May to September 2027, EXPLORA III will call Alaska home. Little wonder advance sales have gone into overdrive.
This much-anticipated roster of cruises continues onto gateways like Tokyo, Hong Kong, Singapore and Shanghai. From these vibrant cities, there's an in-depth season of cruises of various durations that can be combined into epic oriental odysseys. Japan is en vogue at the moment, and the cruises in spring 2028 take full advantage of the famous cherry blossom season, known as Sakura.
Explora IV will begin sailing in summer 2027, with several cruises operating from Southampton to Northern European ports. The focus is on in-depth voyages to the Norwegian Fjords and the Baltic Sea. In late August, the vessel is located to the Canadian Maritimes and quaint ports along the Eastern Seaboard of the United States, then the compass is pointed in a southerly direction for a winter season of sailings departing from Miami to a plethora of outstanding Caribbean ports.
Explora Journeys was conceived in 2018 when the Aponte family assembled a stellar team to fulfil their dream of creating a modern European ocean travel experience for a new generation of discerning travellers. Sustainability was to take centre stage and set a benchmark that would be the envy of other cruise brands. At the time, several emergent innovative technologies were considered for the design concept, but not all of them could be incorporated across the fleet.
EXPLORA I and II are powered by marine gas oil. The vessels also have provision for battery storage, allowing future hybrid power generation, as well as the latest selective catalytic reduction technology. Viable shore power capabilities permit the ships to minimise engine use at selected ports.
The company's efforts to decarbonise its marine operations even further are evident on EXPLORA III and IV. These sister ships will be the first in the fleet to use Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) technology, a transitional fuel that offers significant emission reductions. A major redesign was required to accommodate the LNG fuel tanks. As a result, these two ships, as well as EXPLORA V, will have a higher gross tonnage – 72,810 GT, versus 63,900 GT of the older siblings.
EXPLORA V and VI will feature next-generation fuel cell technology capable of converting LNG into hydrogen to significantly reduce emissions at ports.
The length of the new ships has also been increased from 813 ft to 879 ft, and notably, the number of hosts (crew) has been uplifted from 640 to 690. Remarkably, the passenger capacity of EXPLORA III and IV has only increased by four to 926 guests. The impending ships offer more room, as they boast a space-per-guest ratio of 71.6 GT per passenger (EXPLORA I and II have a ratio of 69.3 GT). To put this in context, Silversea's Silver Ray has a ratio of 75 GT, and Seven Seas Grandeur is 74.4 GT. On Explora Journey's newer siblings, the outdoor space per guest quotient has also been enhanced from 76.4 sq ft to 81.8 sq ft.
On EXPLORA I and II, accommodations come in four grades; there are 371 Ocean Suites, 67 Ocean Penthouses, 22 Ocean Residences, and one Owner's Residence. At 376 sq ft, the Ocean Suites are notable, as they're among the largest entry-level suites at sea. Ocean Penthouses start at 462 sq ft; Ocean Residences at 753 sq ft; and an Owner’s Residence, aft on Deck 8, at 1,668 sq ft with a 1,345 sq ft terrace. There are 82 connecting suites, which are ideal for multi-generational groups. Residences is the only category that have personal butler service.
The calculus is somewhat different for EXPLORA III and IV, where the layout has been refined to include more penthouses and residences. There are 313 Ocean Suites, 109 Ocean Penthouses, 39 Ocean Residences, and two Owner's Residences. The focus on higher suite categories offering more spacious accommodations has been prompted by the demand from guests seeking a variety of top-level options. Explora Journeys has managed to achieve a repeat guest factor of 30 percent, quite outstanding for such an emergent enterprise.
One aspect of EXPLORA III and IV that's not well detailed on the Deck Plans on the Explora Journeys website is the incremental differences within each of the four categories (figures given are total suite area, including terrace). There are 243 Ocean Terrace Suites (377 sq ft) and 70 Ocean Grand Terrace Suites (420 sq ft). Moving up the scale, there are six Penthouses (463 sq ft to 517 sq ft); 27 Deluxe Penthouses (463 sq ft); 65 Premier Penthouses (517 sq ft to 570 sq ft); and 11 Grand Penthouses (657 sq ft to 742 sq ft). Rising through the ranks, there are 16 Cove Residences with whirlpools (721 sq ft to 861 sq ft); 13 Cove Residences (657 sq ft to 721 sq ft); six Retreat Residences (829 sq ft to 872 sq ft); two Serenity Residences (1,356 sq ft); and two Cocoon Residences (1,604 sq ft). Encompassing the entire stern of Decks 7 and 8 are two Owner's Residences (3,014 sq ft).
The senior management at Explora Journeys has shared some insight with Panache Cruises into significant enhancements in the sphere of food and beverage for the two new additions. As a result of feedback, guests will be pleased to see an additional new restaurant and bar, bringing the total to seven distinct dining options and 13 indoor and outdoor bars and lounges, including an enlarged Crema Café. A new wine bar concept will offer guests the opportunity to explore rare vintages and exceptional wines from renowned vineyards around the world. Expert-led tastings will be complemented by curated small bites to enhance the experience.
Guests can also take advantage of an expanded wellness complex combined with a workout area. With younger travellers in mind, the enlarged Nautilus Club will offer the latest video games and VR consoles. An array of sports sessions, technology tournaments, paint art, and craft play will be part of the fun.
Another noteworthy enhancement was revealed which might seem insignificant but will be a welcome addition. From EXPLORA III onwards, a modification will mean two of the four lifts at the stern of the ship will serve Deck 4. This will offer more convenient access to Fil Rouge and Med Yacht Club.
These all-suite ships have already won plaudits from a new generation of ocean sophisticates on a quest for the flair of European luxury, acclaimed gastronomy and sublime exploration.
If you want to be the first to set sail with Explora Journeys click here or call the team on 0161 516 2870 for more information.
