Welcome to an amazing new way to see the world. Explora Journeys maiden voyage is July 17, 2023 and brings us the world’s newest premium luxury cruise line and of course some exciting bonus offers and extreme value. The new Explora I ship holds 900 people with a passenger to staff ratio of 1:1.25. The highest in the industry! As Explora Journeys are new, the cost is often less than half of the competition. Bringing pure luxury and an amazing value. Keep reading to learn more.
Explora will be extremely successful, having the backing of MSC group. Who also owns MSC cruise line and several other ocean operations. Explora Journeys will become an award winning premium luxury ocean cruise line in no time. With Explora I launching in July and Explora II next year, we will see 6 cruise ships by Explora Journeys before the end of the decade!
Explora Journeys reminds me of a more up class Seabourn cruise experience with everything included from the staff gratuities to the premium alcohol and wifi. Only shore excursions are optional and not included in the cost. The things you dislike about other premium cruise lines are likely addressed in the design on the Explora ships. These ships have a big ship feel but are smaller luxury cruises and compete with Regent Seven Seas cruises and Paul Gauguin vs the mega ships like Royal Caribbean or Celebrity Cruises.
The Explora Journey ships are spacious, but still provide a small ship experience. There’s No buffets and the ships are designed to have no lines throughout! Enjoy public spaces including 4 heated swimming pools including 3 outdoor and 1 indoor! There’s also 64 private cabanas for complimentary use across the ship. One less thing to be upcharge for.
Another favorite, there is a 14-member house band performing in both large and small groups across the ship creating different experiences. Explora Journeys is focused on good music and entertainment for all people. Welcome all guests and celebrate them. There’s even curated events for LGBTQIA, solo, and sober guests.
Everything looks stunning and most of the staff is actually coming from other luxury operators such as Oceania Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Seabourn, and SilverSeas. So, you know it will be good! They also are creating an experience more like a resort vs a cruise. In fact, they don’t even call themselves a cruise line. They are trying to be a floating high-end resort. They are also building in more overnights at ports and sea days to promote rest and relaxation. Allowing people to really experience a city, not just hurry up and go like we too often see with port overload.
Explora Spa & Gym
Speaking of relaxing, the spa area is also open to everyone onboard. Explora is looking at full ocean wellness for all guests. Not just those with spa services booked. From salt caves to hydrotherapy pools, a sauna and steam room, all guests can visit and use the spa benefits with no upcharge and always complimentary for all guests.
The ship gym also looks top of the line. There’s something for everyone, even palates. Or if you prefer to get your daily exercise in outside, use a yoga mat or stationary bike outside. Enjoy the fresh ocean breeze while taking care of your body and mid
Dining Options
A foodie’s dream. Explora will have a Michelin rated star chef on EVERY cruise and 11 dining venues. There’s also multiple beautiful bars throughout the ship making the food and beverage options endless. Multiple dining venues are common on larger ships with 3,000+ people. For example, Seabourn offers three restaurants including their specialty steakhouse, Thomas Keller. Whereas the Scenic Eclipse II has 10 dining options.
Cruises through September 25 will host Mauro Uliassi whose restaurant was ranked 12th at The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2022 winning the Highest New Entry Award. You might not be able to get a reservation at his Italian restaurant, but you can now enjoy his award winning food onboard.
On Explora, the company promotes small table dining vs big restaurants. There’s not a main restaurant. Eat wherever you want. Also, there are no formal nights or a requirement that men wear a sports jacket for dinner. Resort casual everywhere or dress up if you wish. Explora is learning from some of the best resorts in the world and bringing it to sea.
When you are ready to eat. Choose between 9 complimentary options. Or splurge for dinner with the Michelin rated chefs. Even splurging means just a 75 euro upcharge. Much more affordable than actually going to most Michelin rated venues.
Suites
All terrace suite have floor to ceiling windows with large verandas. Explora entry level suites are industry leading at 377 sq feet complete with a sitting area, walk in closet, and vanity. Each suite has a king-size bed and an espresso machine. Most luxury lines have small rooms, squeezing more people onboard and only queen size beds. In the case of Explora Journeys, they’ve opted for larger beds, more space, and huge private terraces with both day beds and table and chairs.
The Explora ships also have larger suites for those who need more space. Including Penthouse Suites for those who prefer even more room or to entertain and residence suites with butler service and over 3,000 square feet of space. Penthouses also have private plunge pools on their balconies!
Bonus offer
At Scott & Thomas Travel, we have an exclusive offer for an onboard credit (OBC) of €150 per person, which can be used towards the spa, dining, or an excursion. If you’re looking to travel in 2023 or 2024, this could be an awesome opportunity to try out a brand-new luxury cruise line with little to no solo supplement. Contact us to book your cruise to get the best prices, but money back on the ship too!
As a second bonus offer, if you have any status with nearly any hotel company or cruise line, on bookings made before July 8, 2023 you will get an additional €100-€400 OBC as a thank you for being a new guest! This is stackable with other bonuses. After July 8, this bonus will be €50-€200.
Want to travel this fall? After Explora Journeys debuts in Northern Europe we can save you an additional 10% off the following Journeys:
- New York City to Quebec City | September 25 – October 3 | 8-nights
- Quebec City to New York City | October 3 – 13 | 10-nights
- Quebec City to Miami | October 20 – November 3 | 14-nights
- Halifax to Miami | October 24 – November 3 | 9-nights
- Miami to Bridgetown | November 17 – 27 | 10-nights
- Bridgetown to Bridgetown | November 27 – December 6 | 9-nights
- Bridgetown to Miami | December 6 – 13 | 8-nights
- Miami to San Juan | Dec 22 – 29 | 7 Nights
- Miami to Miami | Dec 22 – Jan 5, 2024| 14 Nights
- San Juan to Miami | Dec 29 – Jan 5, 2024 | 7 nights
Solo Travelers
Explora is one of the only operators with little to no solo supplement. Explore the world with your friends in your own suites or bring a single friend along. Consider traveling alone and meet new friends on your journey. Solo supplements are currently between 0-15% on most journeys. Solo travelers who book via Scott and Thomas also enjoy all the additional benefits and onboard Credit
Journey Options
There’s so much to love about the Explora Journeys brand. First, the cost is extremely reasonable. There is so much value in this luxury brand. Most luxury cruise lines charge over $1,000 a day. Meanwhile, Explora is changing closer to $300-$500! Cheaper than Sandals resorts or even many luxury all inclusive hotels like Secretes.
Second, the ship sails on voyages in the Caribbean, Pacific and throughout Europe in 2023 & 2024 and then Explora II will head down through the Middle East, Southeast Asia and Africa. Meaning there’s lots of journey options and new places you can go to explore!
- Click here to review sailings July 2023 – Dec 2023
- Click here to review Sailings Jan – July 2024
- Click here to review sailings Aug – Dec 2024
As you begin to think of your vacations for 2024 and 2025, I am hopeful that we can experience something new together. Remember, not only can you save more by booking via Scott & Thomas, you earn additional onboard credit. Contact us today
Other noteworthy cruise deals
- Emerald and Scenic River and Ocean Voyages BOGO
- 50% Swan Hellenic Luxury Small Ship Cruises
- 30% OFF Antarctica – Save $5,000-10,000 per person with Nat Geo & Lindblad Expeditions
- BOGO Expeditions to Antarctica, Canary Islands & Galapagos with Hurtriguten.
- 20% off the Arctic + free wifi with Nat Geo
- Kids go 100% on Select Sailings – Nat GEO & Lindblad
- 30% Seabourn Alaska 2023 sailings starting from $2,250 pp
- No Solo Supplement Deals – Lindblad
- No Solo Supplement Hurtriguten
