Explora Journeys is the luxury ocean-travel brand of the privately owned MSC Group. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, it operates separately from sister brand MSC Cruises and is positioned in the luxury and ultra-luxury cruise market.
MSC Group launched Explora Journeys in 2021 to develop a new luxury brand centred on spacious ships, all-oceanfront accommodation, longer destination stays, understated European design and what the company calls an “Ocean State of Mind”. The first ship welcomed guests in 2023.
Explora Journeys fleet
As of August 2026, Explora Journeys has three ships in active service:
- Explora I – entered service on 1 August 2023
- Explora II – delivered in September 2024
- Explora III – delivered in July 2026 and began its formal maiden journey in August 2026
The fleet is being expanded to six ships under an investment programme worth more than €3.5 billion. Explora IV and Explora V are scheduled to enter service in 2027, followed by Explora VI in 2028. All six vessels are being built in Italy by Fincantieri.
Explora I and Explora II each have 461 oceanfront suites, penthouses and residences. The larger Explora III has 463, deliberately adding only two suites while using its extra length to create more public space, open decks and larger accommodation categories.
Destinations
Explora Journeys operates destination-led itineraries across the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Iceland, Greenland, the Caribbean, North America, Alaska, Asia, the Arabian Peninsula, Africa and other regions. Its programmes combine established cruise ports with smaller destinations and frequently use later departures or overnight stays to give guests more time ashore.
Rather than relying exclusively on fixed seven-night rotations, the company calls its cruises “Journeys”. Consecutive sailings can be combined into longer voyages, including extended regional explorations and ocean crossings.
Onboard experience
Every guest accommodation is ocean-facing and includes a private terrace. Explora Journeys describes the suites as “Homes at Sea”, with categories extending from Ocean Suites to larger Penthouses and multi-room Ocean Residences.
The onboard product combines multiple restaurants and bars with in-suite dining, heated pools, extensive outdoor decks, wellness facilities, entertainment and luxury retail. Many dining venues, selected beverages, Wi-Fi, gratuities, access to the spa's thermal area and fitness programmes are included in the standard fare; destination experiences, spa treatments and certain premium food and drink choices can cost extra.
The brand draws upon Swiss hospitality and European design while aiming for an informal atmosphere without traditional cruise dining sittings.
Environmental technology
All Explora Journeys ships are equipped for shore-power connection at compatible ports. Explora III is the fleet's first LNG-capable vessel, and Explora IV, Explora V and Explora VI are also being designed with LNG-capable propulsion.
The company views LNG capability as a potential route towards renewable bio-LNG and synthetic LNG. Claims of reductions exceeding 80% relate to the possible future use of renewable fuels on a well-to-wake basis and should not be read as the present emissions performance of conventional fossil LNG.
Ownership and leadership
Explora Journeys is owned by MSC Group, the Aponte family's privately held transport and travel group. MSC Group also owns MSC Cruises, but the two cruise brands have distinct fleets, market positions and operating identities.
Explora Journeys is led by president Anna Nash, who joined the business in September 2024 after holding senior commercial, marketing and communications roles at luxury hotel group Aman. She reports to Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of MSC Group's Cruise Division.