Explora
Explora I: A New Wave of Design-Led Luxury at Sea
For those seeking the serenity of open waters paired with the sensibilities of a five-star boutique hotel, Explora I invites you to reimagine the cruise experience. As the debut vessel from Explora Journeys, the new luxury lifestyle brand by the MSC Group, this ship offers more than a journey; it offers immersion into a floating world of design, wellness, and discovery.
Cruising has long evoked images of grandeur and extravagance, but rarely has it been associated with quiet design sophistication. Explora Journeys sets out to challenge that perception, placing design at the heart of the brand’s ethos. With Explora I, the first in a planned fleet of six ships, the brand introduces a fresh and forward-thinking vision for maritime travel, one where aesthetics are as integral as destination.
A Lifestyle Brand at Sea
Explora Journeys is not your typical cruise operator. Conceived as a response to the growing appetite for slow, intentional travel, the brand blends the prestige of European hospitality with the elegance of contemporary design. The result? A boutique-hotel-meets-superyacht experience that glides across the globe, offering curated itineraries from the Mediterranean and Caribbean to Northern Europe, Iceland, and beyond.
Each journey is carefully designed not just to visit destinations, but to cultivate a deeper connection to them. On board, that philosophy is matched by the vessel’s interiors: calm, understated, and emotionally resonant spaces that prioritise light, proportion, and materiality over ostentation.
While most cruise interiors veer towards traditional grandeur, Explora Journeys partners with some of the world’s leading superyacht and luxury hotel designers to create an environment that feels contemporary, grounded, and beautifully tactile. It’s not about “more,” but about “better.”
Meet Explora I: Designed for Discovery
Launched in 2023, Explora I is a ship of firsts; not only for the brand, but for the industry. Spanning 14 decks and offering 461 oceanfront suites, penthouses and residences, each with private terraces, the ship accommodates up to 922 guests while maintaining a high crew-to-guest ratio for exceptional service. But it’s the design language of the ship that truly makes it a standout.
From the moment you step aboard, you’re met not with glitz, but with a refined elegance. The interiors, developed in collaboration with De Jorio Luxury & Yachts and Lissoni & Partners (the firm of celebrated Milanese designer Piero Lissoni), exude a pared-back luxury that lets the sea — and not the décor- take centre stage. Neutral tones, soft woods, curved forms and textural finishes set the tone throughout.
The corridors and public spaces are flooded with natural light thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows that echo the minimalist architecture of a Nordic spa or a contemporary gallery. But despite its visual restraint, Explora I never feels clinical; instead, it offers a warm, inviting palette that plays with materials such as bronze, travertine, white oak, and handwoven textiles.
Lissoni’s vision extends to the ship’s 18 food and beverage venues, multiple lounges, and holistic wellness zones; each distinct, yet cohesively threaded with modern European elegance. Think oversized ceramics, ambient lighting, sculptural furnishings, and subtle maritime nods that whisper of life at sea without falling into cliché.
The Most Visually Captivating Spaces
While the ship offers dozens of impeccably designed corners to lose yourself in, a few spaces shine particularly bright when it comes to visual and experiential impact.
The Lobby Lounge
The central heart of Explora I is its lobby — a calming, architectural statement that blends hospitality and gallery aesthetics. A sculptural staircase anchors the space, framed by an ethereal cascade of pendant lights. This is where guests gather, linger over espresso, and browse curated artworks by global talents, all selected to complement the ship’s design DNA.
The Astern Pool
One of the ship’s four pools, the aft infinity pool at the rear of the ship is its pièce de résistance. Set against the endless horizon, this dramatic water feature merges seamlessly with the sea beyond, creating a visual trick that’s every bit as Instagrammable as it is meditative. The surrounding deck, with its teak finishes and minimalist loungers, evokes the tranquillity of a private island retreat.
The Ocean Wellness Spa
Wellbeing is integral to the Explora experience. The ship’s Ocean Wellness spa is a temple of calm, where light-diffusing materials and architectural curves foster a sense of grounding. The spa’s hydrotherapy pool, cocooning treatment rooms, and salt cave are visually impressive — but it’s the atmosphere, more than the aesthetic, that leaves a lasting impression.
Anthology – A Culinary Design Showcase
Each of Explora I’s culinary offerings has been designed as a destination in itself, but Anthology, the ship’s most exclusive fine dining venue, is also its most visually expressive. Designed with soft lighting, textured wall coverings, and custom tableware, Anthology is more than a restaurant; it’s a living exhibition of culinary art, where guest chefs are invited to curate tasting menus that match the elegance of the surroundings.
For the Design-Conscious Traveller
Explora Journeys is ideal for a new generation of travellers; those who value quality over quantity, quiet luxury over extravagance, and design that reflects their sensibilities. Here, luxury is not loud, but thoughtful and refined. It’s in the generous proportions of the suites, the sensory tactility of natural materials, and the balance between modern architecture and comfort.
Unlike many traditional cruises that prioritise constant activity and spectacle, Explora I champions mindful exploration, encouraging guests to slow down, savour, and connect. This isn’t travel for ticking boxes. It’s for those who appreciate the art of living, wherever in the world they may find themselves.
As the ship continues its global itineraries and sister ships prepare for launch, it’s clear that this is just the beginning of a new chapter for design-led sea travel. With Explora I, the voyage becomes as inspiring as the destination.
Explora I redefines the luxury cruise for today’s aesthetically minded traveller. More akin to a design hotel gliding across the sea than a traditional ship, it offers a floating sanctuary where every detail is intentional. For those craving discovery, comfort, and a little bit of coastal modernism, this could well be your next great escape.