As we navigate the 2026 cruise season, the headlines are dominated by a single word: Mega. With the arrival of 250,000-ton giants like the Icon and World classes, it can feel like the intimate, destination-focused cruising we once loved has been entirely erased. However, for the savvy DIY cruiser, the data tells a different story….
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…
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…
Explora Journeys is one of the newest names in luxury cruising, designed to sit somewhere between a boutique hotel at sea and an ultra-premium resort. We sailed on Explora I for a six-night journey through Turkey and the Greek islands, and while the ship is genuinely beautiful, the question most travellers ask is simple: is…
Explora Journeys prides itself on being “ultra-luxury, all-inclusive”, but if you’re researching your first sailing, it can be surprisingly hard to find a clear, practical breakdown of what’s actually included in the fare. After spending six nights aboard Explora I on a Turkey–Greece itinerary in September, we were able to see exactly what is and…
