Should Explora Journeys Include Shore Excursions?
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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 stays and greater flexibility.
The real question isn’t just are excursions included — it’s should they be.
- Is that a problem?
It depends entirely on how you like to explore ports - Are excursions included on Explora Journeys?
No — they are usually optional and paid separately.
Are excursions included on Explora Journeys?
The short answer is no — Explora Journeys does not generally include shore excursions in the cruise fare.
This often surprises people, particularly those familiar with ultra-luxury cruise lines where excursions are bundled into the price. Explora takes a different approach one more akin to premium or mainstream cruise lines. Shore activities are usually optional and paid separately, rather than included as standard.
Instead of calling them shore excursions, Explora refers to them as “Destination Experiences.” The name is different, but the idea is the same: organised activities ashore that you can choose to book, rather than something automatically included with your cruise. We got an included meal at the upcharge Anthology restaurant instead
This isn’t a hidden catch, but it is something worth understanding early. Explora’s model assumes guests are comfortable making their own decisions about how to spend time in port, rather than having everything pre-packaged.
What Explora includes instead (and why that matters in port)
Rather than bundling excursions into the fare, Explora focuses on time and flexibility ashore.
A key part of the Explora experience is longer port stays. Many itineraries allow for full days in port and later departures. This changes the way ports feel, removing much of the pressure that comes with tightly scheduled shore tours.
In practical terms, it means you’re rarely forced into a rushed “on and off the ship” experience. There is usually enough time to explore independently, return to the ship comfortably, and still enjoy the destination at your own pace.
On some sailings, fares may also include onboard credit. While this isn’t specifically intended for Destination Experiences, it can be used flexibly, including towards shore activities if you decide to book one.
From our own time aboard Explora I, we explored ports independently throughout the cruise. The longer port stays made this noticeably easier than on many mainstream itineraries, and that flexibility felt like a deliberate design choice rather than a missing inclusion.
How Explora “Destination Experiences” work
Explora’s organised shore activities are branded as Destination Experiences, reflecting a more curated, small-group style rather than large bus tours.
In practice, these experiences are:
- optional rather than included
- booked separately, either before sailing or once onboard
- priced individually, depending on the port and activity
Some guests choose Destination Experiences for convenience or for specific interests, such as guided cultural visits or harder-to-reach locations. Others prefer to organise their own day ashore, particularly in ports where walking, taxis, or local transport are straightforward.
Importantly, Explora does not require guests to book Destination Experiences in order to enjoy a port. Many travellers — including ourselves — choose to explore independently, especially on itineraries with generous time ashore. The ship’s scheduling supports this approach, rather than steering guests toward organised tours by default.
This flexibility is a core part of Explora’s positioning and ties closely to the type of traveller the line is aiming to attract. We have an article on Explora Journeys inclusions here on the site
Cruise lines that do include shore excursions
Explora’s approach contrasts with several established luxury cruise lines that include shore excursions as part of the cruise fare.
Lines such as Regent Seven Seas, Silversea, and in some cases Seabourn, bundle shore excursions into the upfront price. This can feel appealing, particularly for travellers who want everything prepaid and organised before they sail.
However, included excursions are not free in the true sense. Their cost is built into the fare, meaning guests effectively pay for shore tours whether they use them or not. This model works well for travellers who prefer structure and guided experiences in every port.
Explora takes a different view. By keeping excursions optional, the cruise fare focuses on the onboard experience and time in port, leaving guests free to decide how — or if — they want to spend money ashore. Neither approach is inherently better; they simply suit different travel styles and priorities.
Should Explora Journeys include excursions?
This is where opinions start to differ.
Explora’s decision not to include excursions will suit some travellers very well — and frustrate others. Whether shore excursions should be included depends far more on travel style than on value.
When including shore excursions would make sense
Including a small selection of excursions would help travellers who:
- are new to cruising
- prefer everything prepaid
- feel uncomfortable organising transport ashore
- are visiting ports where the city centre is far from the ship
For these guests, included shore excursions remove decision-making and reduce anxiety on port days. At the least some more port guide details during the voyage wouldn’t go amiss in our opinion.
When Explora’s current approach works better
Explora’s model makes sense for travellers who:
- are comfortable exploring independently
- enjoy walking, taxis, or local transport
- prefer flexibility over fixed schedules
- don’t want to pay for excursions they may skip
On Mediterranean-style itineraries especially, many ports are easy to explore without organised tours. Longer port stays reduce the usual risks associated with going ashore independently. In these cases, including shore excursions by default would add cost without adding real value.
Who Explora Journeys approach is best suited for
Explora Journeys is clearly designed with a specific type of traveller in mind.
This approach works best for guests who:
- have cruised before
- value time and flexibility over structure
- enjoy discovering places at their own pace
- are happy planning simple port days themselves
It also suits itineraries where ports are compact, walkable, or well-connected by taxis — allowing guests to step off the ship and explore without feeling rushed or constrained.
For travellers who want a fully packaged, guided experience in every port, a cruise line with included shore excursions may feel more comfortable. For those who enjoy independence ashore, Explora’s approach is often a better fit.
Frequently asked questions about Explora Journeys excursions
Are shore excursions ever included on Explora Journeys?
Generally no. Shore activities are usually optional and paid separately. Some fares may include onboard credit, which can be used toward Destination Experiences if you choose.
Are Explora Destination Experiences expensive?
Prices vary by port and activity. Some are comparable to luxury cruise-line excursions, while others are closer to private local tours booked independently.
Can you explore ports independently on Explora Journeys?
Yes. Longer port stays, later departures, and overnight calls make independent exploration more practical on many itineraries.
Are Explora Destination Experiences mandatory?
No. You are free to explore ports on your own without booking any organised activities.
Is Explora still considered a luxury cruise line without included shore excursions?
Yes. Explora’s luxury focus is on space, service, dining, onboard comfort, and time ashore — not on bundling excursions into the fare.
Final verdict: should Explora Journeys include excursions?
Explora Journeys deliberately chooses not to include shore excursions as standard, and for many travellers that decision makes sense.
Rather than structuring port days around organised tours, Explora prioritises time, flexibility, and a slower pace ashore. For confident travellers who enjoy exploring independently, this often feels like a feature rather than a drawback.
That said, travellers who prefer everything prepaid or guided in every port may find a cruise line with included excursions more reassuring. Explora’s approach isn’t about offering less — it’s about offering a different kind of luxury, built around choice rather than structure.
