Explora Journeys
Parent company: MSC Group
PremiumSee how Explora Journeys describes itself vs how we list it
What to say on a call
Best for
- 1All-inclusive fares: unlimited beverages (including champagne and spirits), gratuities, and Wi-Fi are built into the fare, not sold as add-ons (a reserve list of superior wines is extra)
- 2Nine inclusive culinary experiences (including In-Suite Dining) on every ship; only the Anthology fine-dining restaurant and Chef's Kitchen carry a charge
- 3A newer, design-led luxury brand from MSC Group's founding family, positioned around an 'Ocean State of Mind' philosophy rather than traditional formal cruise style
Payments & cancellations
Final payment
Per cruise line90 days before departure (150 days for Ocean Residences)
Deposit
Per cruise line25% of fare, due within 1-5 days of booking depending on how close to departure
A 25% deposit of the Journey fare is required to confirm a booking. Deposit due within 5 days of booking if 121+ days before departure, within 3 days if 120-31 days before departure, or within 1 day if 30 days or less before departure.
Cancellation penalties
Per cruise lineTerrace/Penthouse: $200 pp admin fee to 151 days; 150-121 days 15%; 120-91 25%; 90-61 50%; 60-31 75%; 30 or less 100%. Residences: $400 pp to 201 days; 200-151 25%; 150-121 45%; 120-91 65%; 90-61 85%; 60 or less 100%. 10-day no-fee grace if booked 365+ days out.
Standard cancellation charges per person, all cruise lengths (Booking Terms clause 13.2). Ocean Terrace, Ocean Grand Terrace and Ocean Penthouse suites: from booking until 151 days before departure, an administration fee of USD 200 per person; 150-121 days, 15%; 120-91 days, 25%; 90-61 days, 50%; 60-31 days, 75%; 30 days and closer (the table says '30 days prior'), 100%. Ocean Residences: from booking until 201 days, an administration fee of USD 400 per person; 200-151 days, 25%; 150-121 days, 45%; 120-91 days, 65%; 90-61 days, 85%; 60 days and closer (the table says '60 days prior'), 100%. Grace period: if the booking is made more than 365 days before departure, it can be cancelled with no fees within 10 days of the booking date. For bookings made from 1 January 2025, the administration fee is non-refundable but converts automatically into a Future Journey Credit, valid 12 months from cancellation, in the cancelling guest's name, not transferable and not usable in part. No-shows and leaving the journey early count as cancellation on the departure day: 100% (clause 13.1). Bookings with a Reduced Deposit (a promotion) follow a separate scale. Terrace/Penthouse: the Reduced Deposit paid is lost 150-91 days out, then 50% / 75% / 100% at 90-61 / 60-31 / 30 days. Residences: the Reduced Deposit is lost 200-151 days out, then 45% / 65% / 85% / 100%. No fees apply when the cancellation is caused by unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances at or near the destination (clause 13.5). World Journey bookings have their own terms.
Onboard extras & packages
Prices are approximate, per person per day unless noted. Always confirm the current price with the cruise line.
- Gratuities (standard rooms)
- Included in the farePer cruise line
- Gratuities (suites)
- Included in the farePer cruise line
- Drink package
- Included (unlimited wines, champagne, spirits, specialty coffees, teas, soft drinks)Per cruise line
- Premium drink package
- Included (premium spirits and wines complimentary in all bars and restaurants; a list of superior wines and beverages is available for purchase)Per cruise line
- Soda package
- IncludedPer cruise line
- Non-alcoholic package
- IncludedPer cruise line
- Wi-Fi (basic)
- Included (complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi)Per cruise line
- Wi-Fi (premium)
- Included (complimentary unlimited Wi-Fi, including video calls)Per cruise line
- Specialty dining package
- Included (nine inclusive culinary experiences incl. In-Suite Dining); Anthology fine dining and Chef's Kitchen carry an experience feePer cruise line
- Specialty dining (avg per meal)
- Included at the nine inclusive venues; Anthology tasting menu EUR 165 pp (wine pairing EUR 70 pp)Per cruise line
- Fitness classes
- Included (group wellness, fitness and mindfulness activities)Per cruise line
- Spa / thermal pass
- Included (access to Ocean Wellness – The Spa thermal area)Per cruise line
- Air program
- Explora Journeys Air Arrangements (Bespoke Air Travel, Private Air Charters) plus Sky & Sea airport-to-airport fare; no added service feesPer cruise line
- Other fees & perks
- Not in the fare: Destination Experiences (shore excursions), spa treatments, experience fee for Anthology and Chef's Kitchen, reserve-list wines; port charges and gratuities are includedPer cruise line
Accessibility & special needs
- How to tell the cruise line
- Guests should share accessibility needs (mobility, hearing, vision or medical) at booking by emailing guestcare@explorajourneys.com, and mobility aids and medical equipment must be declared before final payment. Per cruise line
- Wheelchairs & scooters
- Explora has accessible suites (shown on the deck plans) and pool lifts, but has no wheelchairs or scooters on board, so guests bring their own; wheelchair help is offered on embarkation and disembarkation days. Per cruise line
- Blind / low vision, deaf / hard of hearing
- Deaf or hard-of-hearing guests can get a portable kit in their suite with door-knock, phone and alarm alerts and a teletypewriter link to Guest Services. Per cruise line
- Service animals
- Service dogs are welcome if they have all documents needed to enter the countries visited, and copies of the permits must be emailed to Explora in advance. The owner is responsible for the dog's care and it must be leashed in public areas. Per cruise line
- Medical equipment & pregnancy
- Oxygen equipment must be declared by email before final payment; portable concentrators are preferred and only one cylinder (up to 680L) may be in the suite at a time. Explora does not provide hemodialysis, stable guests can self-manage peritoneal dialysis (notify at least 30 days ahead), and guests cannot sail if more than 23 weeks and 6 days pregnant at any time during the journey. Per cruise line
Not on the line's site (or not confirmed yet): guests of size. Ask the cruise line's accessibility team.
Never promise an accommodation. Send the request to the line and let them confirm. How to handle these calls → Premium
Loyalty program
Explora ClubPer cruise line
- 1Classic — 0 points (first journey)
- 2Silver — 1-5,000 points
- 3Gold — 5,001-20,000 points
- 4Platinum — 20,001-50,000 points
- 5Diamond — 50,001+ points
Guests may say
“Explora Club”, “my Explora Club number”
Explora Club is not reciprocal with any other program. Separate Hilton Honors partnership: Hilton Honors members who book through Hilton (Hilton.com / Hilton app or Explora's dedicated Hilton line, +1 833 320 2826) earn 10 Base Points per US$1 of eligible Journey fare (up to 4 suites per voyage) and can redeem Hilton points on all sailings except Formula 1 Monaco itineraries; Explora Club points and Hilton Honors points are separate.
Military & veterans
We couldn't confirm a military rate on this line's official site. Don't promise one. If a guest asks, check with the line.
How military rates work → PremiumAirport transfers
Explora offers embarkation and disembarkation transfers in all turnaround destinations (exceptions may apply), pre-reserved through a travel advisor or the Explora Experience Centre or bought onboard subject to availability; Ocean Residence guests get two and Owner's Residence guests four transfers included.
Which ports: All turnaround destinations, exceptions may apply; see page.
What's offered changes by port and sailing. Check before you quote a price.
Cruise family
MSC Group
Loyalty between brands: MSC Voyagers Club members can request a matching Explora Club tier (Classic/Silver → Silver, Gold → Gold, Diamond/Black Diamond → Platinum). MSC also runs its own Status Match that accepts status from ANY cruise line, hotel, or tour operator (one request per guest, 18+, proof required).
See the whole family →Good to know
Children and infants
Per cruise lineInfants must be at least 6 months old (and under 1 year cannot sail journeys with more than two consecutive sea days). Infants 6-23 months sail free; children 2-17 get up to 50% off.
Pregnancy limit
Per cruise lineGuests cannot be more than 23 weeks 6 days pregnant at any point in the Journey; below that an obstetrician's letter is required.
Dress code
Per cruise lineNo formal nights: relaxed by day, 'elevated resort-casual' after 18:00 (no sleeveless tees, caps, sportswear or beach footwear in restaurants/bars; tailored shorts OK except at Anthology).
Age limits for spa, gym and adults-only areas
Per cruise lineFitness Centre and Spa are 16+; Whisky Bar & Cigar Lounge and the Helios Pool (Deck 12) are adults-only.
10-day no-fee cancellation grace period
Per cruise lineBookings made more than 365 days before departure can be cancelled without fees within 10 days of booking creation.
Status match available
Per cruise lineGuests with status in another eligible cruise loyalty program can use the Explora Club Status Match to get equivalent level benefits from their first Journey.
Fleet
- Ships
- 3 ships sailing (EXPLORA I, II and III); EXPLORA IV, V and VI join in 2027 and 2028Per cruise line
- Newest ship
- EXPLORA III (currently sailing; newest delivered ship)Per cruise line
- Ship classes
- Explora-class
Coming soon
All new ships- EXPLORA IVSummer 2027 · Northern Europe, Iceland and Greenland, and New England Not yet on salePer cruise line Preview
- EXPLORA VDecember 2027 · Western and Central Mediterranean and North Africa Not yet on salePer cruise line Preview
- EXPLORA VIAugust 2028 Not yet on salePer cruise line Preview
Where they sail
Learn these regions
Last full review: 28 Sep 2026·Last updated: 28 Oct 2026
A full review is when we re-check every fact on this page.
"Last updated" is the most recent check or change to any single fact.
Something wrong or missing?
"Per cruise line" = confirmed on the line's own site.
"Unofficial tip" = from an experienced travel professional; helpful, but not confirmed by the cruise line.