Quick Facts:
- Founded: 2021
- Parent Company: MSC Group
- Shipbuilder: Fincantieri
- Fleet Status: Newbuild luxury fleet in phased rollout
- Market Segment: Ultra luxury lifestyle cruising
- Notable Ships: Explora I, Explora II
Explora Journeys is MSC Group’s entry into the ultra luxury cruise segment, created to compete directly with established luxury and lifestyle brands while offering a distinctly European perspective. Announced in 2021, the brand was developed as a standalone luxury division within the privately held MSC Group, separate from MSC Cruises. Explora Journeys was conceived not as an extension of a mass market product, but as a ground up luxury concept focused on space, design, and destination immersion.
The brand’s ships are built by Fincantieri in Italy and represent a new class of vessel designed specifically for luxury cruising rather than adaptation from existing platforms. Explora Journeys positions itself between traditional ultra luxury and modern lifestyle travel, targeting guests who value design, comfort, and cultural engagement over formal cruising traditions.
Onboard Experience
Explora Journeys emphasizes a residential, yacht inspired atmosphere rather than a traditional cruise ship layout. Public spaces are intentionally open, calm, and design driven, with a focus on natural light, outdoor decks, and understated European aesthetics. The ships feature an unusually high proportion of ocean facing public areas, reinforcing the brand’s connection to the sea.
All accommodations are suites, each with a private terrace, and service is designed to feel intuitive rather than ceremonial. Dining plays a central role onboard, with multiple restaurants showcasing international cuisines rooted in European culinary traditions. The onboard experience favors flexibility, open seating, and extended port stays over structured schedules.
Wellness and enrichment are integrated throughout the ship, with spa facilities, fitness programming, and destination focused experiences forming a core part of the product. Entertainment is subdued and curated, aligning with the brand’s emphasis on relaxation and personal exploration.
Operations and Deployment
Explora Journeys operates a growing fleet beginning with Explora I and Explora II, with additional ships planned throughout the decade. The line focuses on longer stays in port, late departures, and itineraries designed around regional immersion rather than rapid port hopping.
Deployment is global, with itineraries across the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Caribbean, and transoceanic journeys linking regions. Although part of MSC Group, Explora Journeys operates independently from MSC Cruises, allowing it to maintain a distinct luxury focused operational model.
Future Outlook
Explora Journeys represents MSC Group’s long term commitment to the luxury cruise market. With multiple newbuilds planned and a consistent design language established from the outset, the brand is positioned for controlled, deliberate growth rather than rapid expansion.
As the luxury cruise space continues to evolve, Explora Journeys is carving out a niche that blends contemporary design, European hospitality, and immersive travel. Its success will likely depend on maintaining this balance while differentiating itself from both traditional luxury lines and premium mass market brands.