Explora Journeys · Canada
The ocean, reimagined as ultra-luxury.
Explora Journeys is MSC’s all-suite luxury ocean brand — every suite with a private ocean-facing terrace, nearly everything included, and an intimate ~900-guest calm. We’re Canada’s honest, expert resource for planning it.
Revolution Travel · TICO #50026098 · Independent specialist
The short answer
What is Explora Journeys?
Explora Journeys is the ultra-luxury, all-suite ocean travel brand of the MSC Group. Launched in 2023, it sails an intimate fleet of EXPLORA-class ships carrying roughly 900 guests, where every accommodation is a suite with a private ocean-facing terrace — there are no inside cabins. Fares are largely all-inclusive: most dining, premium beverages, high-speed Wi-Fi, gratuities, and thermal-spa access are built in. It competes with luxury lines such as Regent Seven Seas, Silversea, Seabourn and Oceania, and sails worldwide including the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Northern Europe and Alaska.
All-inclusive value
Nearly everything is included.
Explora’s fares fold in the things other lines charge for à la carte. Here’s exactly what’s in — and the short list of what isn’t.
Included in your fare
- All suites with ocean terraceEvery stateroom is a suite with a private ocean-facing terrace — no inside cabins.
- Dining at most venuesNine of roughly ten culinary experiences are included, plus 24-hour in-suite dining.
- Premium beveragesUnlimited wines, champagne, premium spirits, cocktails, specialty coffees, teas and soft drinks.
- High-speed Wi-FiConnectivity throughout the ship is included for all guests.
- All gratuitiesOnboard gratuities are built into the fare — nothing extra to tip.
- Ocean Wellness thermal spaAccess to the spa thermal area, plus fitness and mindfulness activities.
- Port shuttlesComplimentary shuttle service from port to city centre on many journeys.
- Welcome champagne & in-suite barArrival champagne and a refillable in-suite minibar.
Charged separately
- Anthology specialty restaurantThe rotating guest-chef tasting venue carries an additional cover charge.
- Spa treatmentsMassages and salon treatments are charged separately (thermal-area access is included).
- Shore excursionsCurated Destination Experiences are booked and paid for separately.
- Premium wine & rare spirits listA reserve list above the (generous) included selection is available for purchase.
- Airfare & transfersFlights to and from the ship are not included unless part of a promotion.
All-suite, all-terrace
No inside cabins. Ever.
Explora is built on one rule: every guest gets an unobstructed ocean view and a private terrace. Categories rise from the genuinely spacious Ocean Terrace Suite to the Owner’s Residence.
Suite
Ocean Terrace Suite
From ~377 sq ft · sleeps 2
The entry to Explora living and still genuinely spacious — a private ocean-facing terrace, walk-in wardrobe, and marble bathroom come as standard.
Penthouse
Ocean Penthouse
From ~559 sq ft · sleeps 3
More space inside and out, with a larger terrace and elevated finishes — a comfortable step up for longer voyages.
Residence
Ocean Residence
From ~1141 sq ft · sleeps 4
Expansive multi-room residences with wraparound or extended terraces and the most generous living spaces short of the Owner’s Residence.
Owner
Owner's Residence
From ~2076 sq ft · sleeps 4
The pinnacle of the fleet — the largest accommodation aboard, with sweeping terraces and the most personalised service.
The fleet
Six ships, one all-suite philosophy.
Two ships sail today, with four more arriving through 2028 — the new Evolution class adding LNG propulsion. Each carries roughly 900 guests.
EXPLORA I
In serviceLaunched 2023 · EXPLORA class
The inaugural ship that defined the Explora Journeys experience — all-suite, all-terrace ocean living with an intimate guest count.
Explore EXPLORA I →EXPLORA II
In serviceLaunched 2024 · EXPLORA class
Sister to EXPLORA I, refining the same all-suite layout with subtle enhancements throughout the public spaces.
Explore EXPLORA II →EXPLORA III
ArrivingArriving Summer 2026 · Evolution class (LNG)
The first of the new Evolution class, introducing LNG propulsion and the next generation of Explora design.
Explore EXPLORA III →EXPLORA IV
ArrivingArriving 2027 · Evolution class (LNG)
The second Evolution-class ship, continuing the LNG-powered fleet expansion.
Explore EXPLORA IV →EXPLORA V
ArrivingArriving December 2027 · Evolution class (LNG)
Fifth ship in the fleet, joining at the close of 2027.
Explore EXPLORA V →EXPLORA VI
ArrivingArriving 2028 · Evolution class (LNG)
The sixth and final currently-announced ship, completing the planned fleet.
Explore EXPLORA VI →
Life on board
Where the pool meets the horizon.
See it for yourself
An ocean state of mind.
Words only go so far. Watch the Explora Journeys film for a sense of the space, the design and the calm.
Where Explora sails
From the Mediterranean to the Amazon.
Long stays, late departures and overnight calls let you experience destinations on a more human rhythm.
Spring–Autumn
Mediterranean
Explora’s heartland: the Western and Eastern Mediterranean, from the Riviera and Italian coast to the Greek Isles and Adriatic, often with overnight calls and late departures.
Winter
Caribbean & Central America
Warm-weather sailings through the Caribbean and Central America, pairing relaxed sea days with boutique island calls.
Summer
Northern Europe, Iceland & Greenland
Dramatic high-latitude voyages through the Norwegian fjords, British Isles, Iceland and Greenland under the long summer light.
Summer
Alaska
Glaciers, wildlife and the Inside Passage experienced from an all-suite, all-terrace ship — luxury scenic cruising at its most comfortable.
Autumn–Spring
Red Sea & Arabian Peninsula
Warm, culture-rich voyages along the Red Sea and Arabian Peninsula — a region Explora sails as it repositions between the Mediterranean and Asia, blending modern Gulf cities with ancient coastlines.
Winter
South America & the Amazon
Far-reaching journeys along the South American coast and into the Amazon, blending culture, nature and immersive long-form itineraries.
Autumn
Canada & New England
Autumn-colour voyages along the U.S. and Canadian East Coast — especially relevant for Canadian travellers sailing close to home.
On board
A day with nothing to prove.
Nine culinary experiences
From Mediterranean to Asian to a chef’s-counter, most venues are included — plus 24-hour in-suite dining.
Ocean Wellness — The Spa
An extensive thermal area is included in your fare; treatments and the salon are available separately.
Four pools & open decks
Including an indoor/outdoor pool with a retractable roof for sailing in any climate.
Mindfulness & movement
Complimentary fitness, yoga and mindfulness sessions throughout the journey.
How it compares
Honest comparisons to the luxury field.
We won’t pretend Explora is the only option. Here’s where it stands against the lines you’re likely also considering.
Explora vs. Regent Seven Seas
Regent includes excursions & flights; Explora leans into design, terraces and a more contemporary feel.
Explora vs. Silversea
Both ultra-luxury all-suite; Explora is newer hardware with larger standard terraces.
Explora vs. Seabourn
Seabourn is smaller and clubbier; Explora offers more venues and a fresher aesthetic.
Explora vs. Oceania
Oceania is "upper-premium" with à-la-carte add-ons; Explora is genuinely all-suite and more inclusive.
Questions, answered
Explora Journeys FAQ
Is Explora Journeys all-inclusive? +
Largely, yes. The fare includes most dining (nine of about ten venues), unlimited premium beverages, high-speed Wi-Fi, all onboard gratuities, and access to the Ocean Wellness thermal spa. The main extras are the Anthology specialty restaurant, spa treatments, shore excursions, and airfare.
Does every cabin really have a balcony? +
Yes. Every accommodation on every Explora ship is a suite with a private ocean-facing terrace. There are no inside or ocean-view-only cabins anywhere in the fleet.
Is Explora Journeys adults-only? +
No. Unlike Virgin Voyages, Explora welcomes guests of all ages and offers family-friendly suites and programming, while keeping a calm, grown-up atmosphere thanks to its small guest count.
Who owns Explora Journeys? +
Explora Journeys is the luxury ocean brand of the MSC Group, the family-owned parent of MSC Cruises. It launched its first ship, EXPLORA I, in 2023.
How big are the ships and how many guests? +
EXPLORA-class ships are about 63,900 gross tons with roughly 461 suites carrying around 922 guests at double occupancy — intimate compared with mainstream cruise lines.
What is the dress code on Explora Journeys? +
Explora uses a relaxed-elegant dress code with no formal nights. Think smart-casual by day and elevated-casual in the evening; there is no requirement for tuxedos or gowns.
Plan with a specialist
Let’s find your Explora journey.
Tell us a little about the trip you have in mind. Sean Mills and the Revolution Travel team will reply personally with suite advice, itinerary ideas and any current offers — at no extra cost versus booking direct.
- ✦ Independent, honest advice — not a call centre
- ✦ Suite-by-suite and ship-by-ship guidance
- ✦ TICO-registered Canadian agency (#50026098)