This page serves as your gateway to the “Big Four” of North Asia: China, Japan, Taiwan and South Korea. In 2026, this region has become the world’s most digitally advanced cruise theater. The 2026 East Asia Landscape East Asia is no longer a “difficult” region to navigate; it is simply a technical one. While 2026…
Fleet Overview: Original Duo vs. The Evolution Class In just three years, Explora Journeys has expanded from a single-ship debut to soon to be three-ship fleet. (with two more due in 2027 as well Explora IV and Explora V) While the design language remains consistent across the brand, 2026 marks a significant shift in the…
No — cruise ships do not dock at Capri. There is no cruise pier and no deep-water berth. Any cruise ship visit to the island is tender-only, and even then it is limited, weather-dependent, and restricted to smaller ships. This catches a lot of people out because Capri appears on itineraries and excursion lists, but…
Some cruise lines do include shore excursions in the cruise fare — but this is far less common than many people expect. In reality, included excursions are mostly limited to luxury and ultra-luxury cruise lines. On these ships, shore tours are bundled into the upfront price rather than sold separately. This can make comparing cruise…
Explora Journeys does not generally include shore excursions in the cruise fare.For a luxury cruise line, that surprises many first-time bookers. Some ultra-luxury lines bundle excursions into the price, so it’s reasonable to expect the same from Explora. Instead, Explora takes a different approach — offering optional, paid shore activities while focusing on longer port…
When we boarded Explora I for our six-night sailing, we weren’t entirely sure what to expect. A new luxury brand backed by the MSC Group, promising a calmer style of cruising, spacious suites, and elevated dining — all without the formality you find on some premium lines. After our experience in an Ocean Terrace Suite…
During our 6-night sailing on Explora Journeys from Turkey to Greece—calling at Bodrum, Patmos, Paros, Syros and Rhodes—we stayed in an Ocean Terrace Suite, cabin 6049. We’d seen photos of Explora’s “residential-style” accommodation before boarding, but experiencing it for a week gave us a much clearer picture of what this cabin category does well, and…
Dining is one of the biggest selling points for Explora Journeys, and on our six-night cruise we tried every restaurant onboard. Overall, the food quality was good — sometimes excellent — and definitely a step above mainstream cruise lines. But as with any luxury experience, expectations rise with the price, and some venues simply delivered…
Why This Review Isn’t a “Bash” on Explora Journeys Explora Journeys markets itself as a new kind of luxury ocean travel, not a traditional cruise line. And after sailing a six-night itinerary onboard Explora I through Türkiye and Greece, I can confidently say: the experience is excellent — but absolutely not for everyone. The goal…
