Explora Journeys' New Onboard Experiences Elevate Luxury, Small-Ship Lifestyle

Explora Journeys has unveiled a program that allows guests to customize their life on board, interact with others, access moments, and delight in pop up entertainment that will transform their voyages and take their shipboard life to new heights. 

 

The acclaimed new, small-ship luxury sister cruise line of European brand MSC has debuted a series of activities and entertainment programs aboard its first ship, EXPLORA I. Ranging from interactive activities and exclusive events to performances that don’t repeat even if a guest is aboard for two weeks, they exemplify what fans of small-ship, ultra-luxury cruising love most. 

 

Using QR codes throughout the ship, guests can engage in unique daily activities on your devices, including Explora Journeys Trivia, Crosswords, and Word Searches themed to the journey’s locale, updated daily. Additionally, timeless games like Sudoku and Chess can be enjoyed at any serene spot on the ship.

 

This cutting-edge technology also allows guests to make special musical requests directly to the performers. By scanning a QR code in the Astern Lounge during late-night gigs, guests can view song lists, send requests, choose songs, or even suggest new ones, creating an interactive and personal connection with the musicians.

 

Guests can enjoy spontaneous pop-up performances by the pool from musicians, performers, and wellness teams, that capture the moment in what the cruise line calls an “Ocean State of Mind” by enhancing your day or bringing guests closer together. These experiences are complemented by specially paired beverages and snacks, anticipating guests’ every desire.

 

Explora Journeys presents a program of new hosted events, encouraging guests to forge new connections. Daily progressive events cultivate a sense of community, while unique one-off events and solo activities allow guests to choose their level of engagement.

 

The event lineup includes more Rituals, Daytime Sports, Interactive events, and a new multi-day secret Murder Mystery game that still ensures other guests’ tranquility remains undisturbed. 

 

As day transitions to evening, EXPLORA I comes alive with live music, offering distinct atmospheres in each venue. From relaxing Euro poolside vibes by DJs to elegant pre-dinner piano music in the Lobby and Explora Lounges, more vibrant musician-vocalist combinations in the Journeys Lounge, and contemporary music with the acoustic loop pedal duo in the Astern Lounge, guests can select their ideal setting for an evening filled with entertainment.

 

Later in the evening, guests are invited to the Explora Music Series, a nightly live spectacle in the Journeys Lounge. Six new vocalists present a fourteen-night program without repeat performances, supported by guest acts and luminaries.

 

This talented ensemble also plays various musical instruments, performing in diverse lineups and events around the ship. Evening choices include main stage performances, intimate lobby bar sessions, lively nights in the Astern Lounge with interactivity and dancing, and late-night wellness events celebrating the night sky.

 

Throughout the journey, guests can delight in everything from DJ and Saxophone sets to the Songbook series honouring artists like Billy Joel and Carole King. New experiences include Voices of Vegas featuring music from Sinatra to Adele, and Motor City, a feel-good musical revue with outstanding musicians.

 

New performers will also shine as solo artists supported by musicians, with Electric Violinists and West End singers among the resident team. A variety of visiting performers, cultured luminaries, and the newest lineup of Steinway Exclusive performers will ensure a fresh and exciting experience each evening.

 

Explora Journeys is the privately-owned luxury lifestyle brand of the European-based MSC Group. The brand stems from the long-held vision to redefine the ocean experience for a new generation of discerning luxury travellers, drawing on the Aponte family`s 300 years of maritime heritage. The brand’s aspiration is to create a unique ‘Ocean State of Mind’ by connecting guests with the sea, with themselves, and like-minded others, while remarkable itineraries blend renowned destinations with lesser-travelled ports, for a journey that inspires discovery in all its forms.

 

A fleet of six luxury ships will be launched from 2023 to 2028. Equipped with the latest environmental and marine technologies, Explora Journeys introduces a new style of transformative ocean travel. EXPLORA I offers 461 oceanfront suites, penthouses and residences, all with sweeping ocean views, private terrace, a choice of eleven culinary experiences across six restaurants plus in-suite dining, Chef’s Kitchen, twelve bars and lounges (eight indoor and four outdoor), four swimming pools, extensive outdoor decks with 64 private cabanas, wellness facilities, and refined entertainment. Inspired by the company`s European heritage, Explora Journeys will provide guests with an immersive ocean experience and respectful and intuitive hospitality. 

 

EXPLORA II has successfully passed her sea trials and will enter service in 2024. EXPLORA III will come into service in 2026 and EXPLORA IV in 2027 with both ships being LNG-powered. EXPLORA V and EXPLORA VI will enter service in 2027 and 2028, respectively.