Sailing With Explora Journeys On Explora I

Explora Journeys is the Luxury Brand for MSC cruises. I am super excited to be boarding Explora I a week from tomorrow. What is included on this amazing journey?  Everything you could want, and more! 9 culinary experiences, unlimited fine beverages, Thermal Spa access, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, Wellbeing and fitness programs, All onboard gratuities, shuttle service from port to city centers, bottle of wine and spirit of the guest’s choice upon arrival, in-suite welcome bottle of champagne and refreshments and authentic, cultured and intuitive service. More if you are in the Ocean Suites, Penthouses or Residences. OMG!!

Explora I has a maximum guest capacity of 922 passengers, based on 461 all-suite cabins with double occupancy. With between 640 – 700 crew members onboard, that means the crew-to-guest ratio is almost 1-1. That is awesome and means Explora Journeys is offering an intimate, high-end experience. I read about this almost daily from guests and my Travel Advisor friends. This is the real luxury deal without the super high-end price tag. Affordable luxury. Love it! Can’t wait!

Culinary Experiences…I have heard nothing but great things about Explora Journeys food options. 2 reservations can be booked per suite prior to embarkation and the rest can be made while onboard.
Sakura – Authentic Pan-Asian dining, offering a world of flavour in an immersive setting.
Emporium Marketplace – A vibrant all-day dining spot where the finest seasonal ingredients take center stage.
In-Suite Dining –  Gourmet dining in the privacy and comfort of your suite.
Chef’s Kitchen – Exclusive dining experiences and expert-led cooking classes.
Med Yacht Club – Mediterranean flavours in a laidback atmosphere, inspired by la dolce vita.
Fil Rouge – A French-inspired culinary voyage around the world.
Anthology – A refined Italian dining experience, taking guests on a culinary journey. Upcharge for this one.
Marble & Co. Grill – A contemporary take on the timeless European steakhouse.
Gelateria & Creperie at the Conservatory – Indulgent French & Italian treats, served all day long.

Day 1 – Embarkation Day with a 5:00pm sail away from Miami.

Day 2 – Day at Sea and exploring Explora I

Day 3 – Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic – 1st visit here was in 2024

Day 4 – Day at Sea – Maybe a cooking class at the Chef’s Kitchen?

Day 5 – Roseau, Dominica – 1st visit here

Day 6 – Bridgetown, Barbados – 1st visit here was in 1979…

Day 7 – Deshaies, Guadalupe – 1st visit here

Day 8 – Cruz Bay – St John – US Virgin Islands – 1 visit here

Day 9 – Disembarkation in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Today we get off the ship – which I am sure will bring tears to our eyes – and get to the airport for our flight to Charlotte, North Carolina. We have 2 days of winding down from being pampered by the amazing crew onboard Explora I. We will overnight in Charlotte and then drive to Hilton Head, South Carolina. I have never visited here either and although it will be a very short visit, I can say I have finally been here! It is funny, I have sailed all over the Caribbean and this cruise has 3 islands I have never been to. I need to get out more!

Well hopefully, experiencing Explora II. Then Explora III. And IV… also V. Explora II is already delighting guests with their exemplary service and stunning public spaces. Explora III sets sail this summer, a sanctuary of unparalleled comfort and space, she embodies effortless elegance, evoking the feeling of being aboard a private yacht. Explora IV is due to start sailing the summer of 2027, with Explora V set to debut in December of 2027. All amazing ships, all under 1000 guests, all luxurious, all designed to make their guests want to sail with them over and over. I love the small ship experience. I am hoping I love the Explora Journeys family as much as everybody else I know does. The one thing Explora Journeys does not include in the cruise fare are excursions. I am okay with that. For me personally, my time spent onboard is a welcome retreat into relaxation. I love that time the most when other guests are off exploring the ports of call and I can have the pool area practically to myself. It is heaven! Don’t get me wrong, I love a good island adventure as much as the next person. But I love my time onboard more.

While we are experiencing Explora I, please follow us on Facebook and Instagram for photos, videos and honest reviews. I hear I will LOVE the layout of our suite. Entry level suites are 345 sq ft. What? That is spacious! A walk-in closet with dressing area and vanity. And a balcony with floor to ceiling windows. Luxury bath products in the bathroom, equipped with a walk-in shower and heated floors. The list goes on and on and I will share everything I can with you.

You may be wondering ‘Where does Explora Journeys sail?’  That is a great question and one that might be best answered with ‘Where DON’T they sail?’

Closer to Home – United States and Canada East Coast & New England, Central & North America Pacific Coast and Alaska

Not too far from Home – South American & Amazon, Caribbean & Central America

Other parts of the World – Mediterranean & Western Europe, Northern Europe, Iceland & Greenland, Red Sea & Arabian Peninsula and Asia

They offer Grand Journey which include LOTS of sea days and visits in LOTS of countries. Transatlantic sailings, a Grand Prix experience in Monaco and will be introducing their first ever World Journey in 2029. In a nutshell, Explora Journeys goes pretty much everywhere you want to go. In style and luxury. Count me in!