Not a Fan of Traditional Cruises? This New Boutique Ship Might Be Perfect for You

Aboard Explora I, the debut vessel from MSC Group’s fresh cruise line Explora Journeys, you won’t encounter any buffets or single-use plastics, nor will you need to rush through dinner for a show. Many typical cruise ship features have been replaced with a more personalized, boutique experience.

"We’re building a brand for the luxury traveler of tomorrow," stated Jason Gelineau, product head for Explora Journeys, during a media roundtable in the ship’s Malt Whiskey Lounge this August, as he discussed how the cruise line intends to attract those who have never considered cruising before.

I count myself among that group. Beyond a trip on a small 40-passenger vessel navigating the Amazon River and an even tinier boat on the Nile, I have no cruising experience. The thought of being confined to a vast, faceless ship and herded around by a flag-waving guide during group tours—similar to the ones I often avoid in my hometown of Rome—never seemed appealing.

In essence, I represent the ideal customer for Explora Journeys.

I had my doubts, that’s for sure. However, I believe that for someone like me who doesn’t typically cruise, Explora Journeys provides a delightful introduction—or as the company likes to refer to it, an "ocean state of mind." In developing the brand, Explora drew inspiration not from other cruise lines, but from yachts and high-end hotel brands like Belmond, Cheval Blanc, and Ritz-Carlton. The design was intentionally European, evident in the refined interiors, entertainment offerings, and the inclusion of European brands such as Frette linens, Illy coffee served across all dining venues and suites, and even the first Rolex boutique at sea. This aligns perfectly, as MSC is a family-owned company based in Geneva, founded by Neapolitan ferry captain Gianluigi Aponte.

The inaugural voyage of Explora I commenced in Copenhagen in August 2023, and the ship is currently embarking on an impressive world tour. I had the chance to preview the ship during a sailing from Hamburg to Southampton in August, and here are my key observations.

Initial impressions of Explora I

From the vantage point of Dinogo, the 922-passenger Explora I presents a sleek and elegant profile. Upon entering, I was greeted by the lobby, which balances grandeur and intimacy with its high ceilings. The design exudes sophistication and timelessness, featuring a subdued color palette and artistic elements like a display by British-Nigerian artist Yinka Shonibare, showcasing books from the British Library wrapped in African textiles. An art gallery on the fifth deck features rotating exhibitions of paintings and photographs reflecting the various destinations the ship visits.

I was delighted to find ample outdoor spaces on the ship, including three outdoor pools. Out of the total 178,680 square feet of public area, 67,275 square feet (over a third) is dedicated to outdoor spaces. I spent some time unwinding by the Atoll pool, surrounded by comfortable sunbeds on deck 10. Though the North Sea was a bit too chilly for me, many guests were happily sunbathing. These pools will be a significant advantage when the ship sails to warmer locales like the Mediterranean and Caribbean.

As someone who frequently explores boutique hotels across Europe and enjoys road trips, I found it challenging to adapt to the idea of spending only a few hours at each port. However, I appreciated the similarities between this ship and land-based resorts, as well as the convenience of not having to constantly unpack and repack my bags during my travels.

Dining Options on Explora I

Explora I features nine dining venues along with five bars and lounges. According to Gelineau, the vision was to avoid a single main restaurant, instead offering a variety of unique dining establishments, each with its own theme.

The Emporium Marketplace resembles a buffet the most. Available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, it boasts several stations where guests can select from items such as pastries, freshly squeezed juices and smoothies, and eggs prepared to order. Additionally, there are four sit-down restaurants where you can order á la carte. My personal favorite was Sakura, the pan-Asian eatery where I enjoyed sushi, lobster pad thai, and slow-cooked short rib beef Penang curry. At the Med Yacht Club, I savored Middle Eastern mezze and the pasta of the day. Marble & Co. offers a European-style steakhouse experience, featuring German and Swedish beef, as well as seafood and caviar. The French restaurant, Fil Rouge, is unique in that it serves breakfast á la carte, unlike the other sit-down restaurants that don’t offer breakfast.

When guests get a little peckish between meals, they can stop by Crema Café for a snack and Illy espresso or visit the Gelateria & Creperie by the Conservatory pool for a sweet treat.

Additionally, there are two gourmet dining options available for an extra fee: the Chef’s Kitchen and Anthology. The latter operates as a pop-up concept with rotating chefs who join for three-month stints. During our time onboard, the chef in residence was Mauro Uliassi from the Michelin three-star Ristorante Uliassi along Italy’s Adriatic coast. While I didn’t get a chance to try these experiences, my companions who enjoyed the tasting menu at Anthology couldn’t stop praising it. A cooking class at the Chef’s Kitchen is priced at €150 per person (approximately US$161), while Anthology’s tasting menu costs €190 per person (about US$204), with an optional wine pairing for €75 per person (around US$80). It’s advisable to make reservations for lunch and dinner at all sit-down restaurants to accommodate all guests.

Exclusive all-suite accommodations

The Explora I features 461 suites, penthouses, and residences spread across five categories. All accommodations are oceanfront, boasting floor-to-ceiling windows and private terraces equipped with daybeds and dining areas. The entry-level suites are some of the most spacious for ocean vessels of this size, measuring 377 square feet. Each suite offers a cozy bed, a small sofa, a bathroom stocked with custom bath products, and a walk-in closet, along with thoughtful amenities such as a Dyson hair dryer and an Illy espresso machine. The most luxurious option is the Owner’s Residence, which spans 3,014 square feet and includes a living and dining area with a fireplace, a private terrace with a whirlpool, and dedicated butler service.

Explora Journeys’ approach to shore excursions and sustainability

MSC Group has committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Explora I incorporates catalytic reduction technology that lowers nitrogen oxide emissions by 90 percent. Like MSC World Europa, future ships in the Explora Journeys fleet (Explora III, Explora IV, Explora V, and Explora VI) will be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), currently the cleanest marine fuel available at scale, which can potentially cut CO2 emissions by 25 percent. Furthermore, these upcoming vessels will also utilize hydrogen power, as stated by the company. Explora Journeys is designing its ships with a focus on a sustainable future, including dedicated battery storage for future hybrid power generation as technology advances.

In the staterooms of Explora I, guests will find large glass water bottles replenished daily, along with reusable Explora Journeys-branded bottles to eliminate the need for purchasing plastic bottles of water onshore. The ship is equipped with LED lighting and high-efficiency appliances throughout.

For Explora Journeys, sustainability encompasses not only the reduction of emissions and energy use but also the commitment to inclusivity and ensuring the ship has a minimal impact on the ports it visits. Captain Serena Melani emphasizes inclusivity, sharing that 50 percent of the crew working alongside her on the bridge are women.

Sacha Rougier, the head of itinerary planning and shore experiences, notes that the greatest challenge is crafting itineraries that balance well-known destinations that attract bookings with lesser-known ports that see only one ship per week. Although Explora Journeys will visit popular ports affected by overtourism, such as Venice and Dubrovnik, the company aims to sidestep the busiest days or find alternative ways to avoid the crowds by arriving in the evening, offering nighttime tours, and leaving early in the morning before other ships dock. It also encourages its tour operators to complete Travelife’s sustainability courses, which assist them in enhancing their social and environmental impact.

As is common with any new brand, there are still some issues to resolve. While Rougier mentioned during a media roundtable that the goal is to steer clear of large bus tours with headsets, we encountered exactly that on a shore excursion in Bruges. However, I thoroughly enjoyed the chocolate-making workshop and the private visit to Adornes Domein, where we received exclusive access to Count and Countess Maximilien de Limburg Stirum’s private mansion, a family residence for 17 generations.

A global journey

Following its transatlantic journey this month, Explora I will make stops in New York and Canada before heading south along the Atlantic coast towards the Caribbean for the winter. The ship will then navigate the Panama Canal, travel north along the Mexican coastline, and spend spring 2024 exploring the Pacific coast and Hawaii, before crossing back over to the Atlantic to spend summer 2024 in the Mediterranean, Aegean, and Adriatic seas.

Currently, a “hop-on-hop-off” system is not available; however, guests can combine multiple voyages to create longer itineraries. The average starting rate is €650 (approximately US$698) per person per night.