Opal planning notes · Explora Journeys
Is Explora Journeys worth it?
A design-led luxury line from MSC Group, with drinks, gratuities and Wi-Fi in every fare. Worth it for one kind of traveller.
The short verdict
Yes, for one kind of traveller: hotel people who swore they'd never cruise. It behaves like a stylish small hotel at sea. It isn't worth it if you want ballroom formality, big-ship entertainment or excursions in the fare.
The facts
- Explora Journeys is the luxury brand of MSC Group. Explora I (2023), Explora II (2024) and Explora III (2026) are sailing, with Explora IV to VI due 2027 to 2028.
- Explora I and II have 456 ocean-front suites and Explora III has 461. Every cabin is a suite with a terrace.
- Every Journey fare includes unlimited beverages (including fine wines, champagne and premium spirits), onboard gratuities, Wi-Fi, nine culinary experiences including in-suite dining, the spa thermal area and group fitness.
- Destination Experiences (shore excursions) and some food and beverage experiences cost extra.
What reviewers say
The Points Guy said Explora has more in common with a swanky land resort than a traditional luxury ship. That matches how we position it: think Four Seasons rather than a classic ocean liner.
Worth it if
- You book Four Seasons or Rosewood on land and want that feel at sea.
- You want calm decks, a strong spa and design-led public rooms.
- You'd rather choose your own shore days.
Skip it if
- You want evening shows and a lively bar scene.
- You want one price covering excursions. Look at Regent instead.
- You want traditional dress-up formality.
Before you book
Ask which suite category you are in and what extra benefits it carries, what the Destination Experiences you actually want will cost, and whether the itinerary has ports you will use. Then compare that total against a line like Regent, where tours are included.
| Compare | Explora Journeys |
|---|---|
| Drinks | Included |
| Gratuities | Included |
| Wi-Fi | Included |
| Dining | Nine culinary experiences included; some experiences extra |
| Shore excursions | Extra (Destination Experiences) |
| Best for | Hotel people, design-aware couples, travellers who choose their own shore days |
Questions we get asked
Is Explora Journeys worth the money?
For travellers who love design-led luxury hotels and want a calm ship, yes. If you want lively evenings, formal nights or excursions in the fare, your money goes further elsewhere.
What is included in an Explora Journeys fare?
Explora says every Journey includes unlimited beverages including fine wines, champagne and premium spirits, onboard gratuities, Wi-Fi, nine culinary experiences including in-suite dining, spa thermal area access, group fitness and a port-to-town shuttle where needed.
Are shore excursions included on Explora?
No. Explora sells its shore excursions, called Destination Experiences, separately. Prices are listed in each tour description.
How big are Explora ships?
Explora I and II have 456 ocean-front suites and Explora III has 461. Explora does not publish a guest capacity on its ship pages.
Keep reading
Explora vs Regent · Seabourn vs Explora vs Silversea · Regent guide · Silversea guide · The Anti-Brochure · All guidesReady for a shortlist?
Tell us who is travelling and roughly when. We reply within one working day with two or three ships and a price, no obligation.
Facts checked against explorajourneys.com on 2 October 2026. Reviewer opinion is attributed and is not our firsthand sailing report. Cruise inclusions and policies vary by ship, market and sailing. We confirm the live fare and inclusions before recommending or booking. Compare all lines.