The Ocean State of Mind – that’s the term used by Explora Journeys to describe a new style of sea journey. The company, the luxury division of the MSC Group, believes it is redefining luxury ocean travel with its new offering.
Explora Journeys is a new luxury lifestyle brand – it combines centuries-old seafaring experience with European refinement in order to deliver enriching and inspiring sea journeys filled with precious memories.
Even the terminology that Explora Journeys uses to describe itself hints at a superior, more mindful experience compared with standard cruises. It is clear in its mission to provide a completely different experience, perhaps one more in tune with the post-COVID, 2023 ethos. It certainly stands apart.
Explora Journeys speaks of journeys rather than cruises, onboard luminaries rather than onboard lecturers, destination experiences rather than shore excursions and it constantly returns to the themes of inner and outer discovery, immersive travel, broad horizons and transformative journeys – amid luxurious, comfortable suites and high-class cuisine.
The first of a fleet of six luxury vessels, EXPLORA I, will set sail on July 17 this year, and the second in August 2024, with the balance of the six being launched up to 2028.
Priti Mehta, Explora Journeys’ Head of Sales UK & Ireland, pointed out some of the features that make all the difference and set the brand apart, during a conversation with Travel News on her recent visit to Johannesburg.
*Mehta emphasised the generous space on board EXPLORA I – in fact there is 18,4sqm of space per guest. For example, the entry-level Ocean Terrace Suite is 28sqm, plus a seven-sqm terrace with day bed. The next suite category, the Ocean Grand Terrace Suite, has a much larger terrace of 11sqm. The Ocean Penthouse has 34sqm with a terrace of either nine or 14sqm.
*EXPLORA I will have 461 sea-front suites, penthouses and residences (all sea-facing), all have floor-to-ceiling windows and private terraces.
*All terraces include a daybed for private lounging and suntanning.
*The offering takes a fully-inclusive approach. This means it includes unlimited WiFi throughout the ship, in-suite dining, unlimited beverages, fine wines, premium spirits, onboard gratuities and, most important, a welcome bottle of champagne.
*All dining is speciality dining, and five of the six restaurants are included in the fare. Cuisine from every corner of the globe is served.
*Destination experiences come in different categories, from the simple to the extraordinary, such as a helicopter ride to a private island dinner.
*12 indoor and outdoor bars and lounges offer a cosmopolitan atmosphere – vibrant, but with just the right amount of privacy.
Explora Journeys’ first step will be made when EXPLORA I’s maiden voyage sets off from Southampton, bound for Copenhagen via the Arctic Circle, on a 15-night journey around the Norwegian fjords and glaciers, offering gorgeous scenery and wonderful onshore activities, including hikes.
EXPLORA I will sail for the Americas for the next US winter season, offering a 16-night trip from Miami to Key West, Merida, New Orleans, Ocean Cay, Spanish Town, Basseterre, Saint-Pierre and Bridgetown.
In 2023, the hot topic is how a cruise company might integrate high-end luxury and off-the-beaten-track curated experiences with sustainability concerns, environmental issues, social and community benefit requirements, and cultural and heritage preservation.
Michael Ungerer, CEO of Explora Journeys, explained to ocean travel website cruiseandferry.net:
“One of our brand pillars is ‘respect’ and this applies to everything we do, as well as the planet and the people we interact with,” he says. “It is no longer enough to avoid making a negative impact on the environment and we are focused on effective sustainability planning, maximising social and economic benefits for the local communities our ships will visit, enhancing cultural heritage, beyond just reducing any negative impact. Conscious luxury is reflected in the choice of materials, and our commitment to sustainability is demonstrated in our dedication to responsible sourcing of materials and the inclusion of eco-friendly details such as refillable bathroom amenities and no single-use plastic on board.”
MSC Cruises SA is to provide support regarding Explora Journeys to trade partners in South Africa – sales functions and other brand-dedicated resources for Explora Journeys will operate under the same umbrella.
MSC Managing Director for South Africa, Ross Volk, will now assume in-market responsibility for Explora Journeys.
MSC says commercial agreements in place with trade partners will be unchanged. Similarly, commercial conditions for the two brands will also remain distinct and unchanged.
In South Africa, Explora Journeys will continue to have its own dedicated specialist team for sales, marketing, contact centres and public relations.
