The trip took place on June 11–15, 2026 on the route from Dubrovnik to Athens (Piraeus)
My adventure with Explora Journeys began even before landing in Dubrovnik.
As always, I sat by the window and looked down at what was happening below. On the final stretch before landing, I saw the main port and two cruise ships. Those big ships you know from commercials and other cruise movies. Huge, hard to miss. The Explora wasn't there.
Only after we'd passed the port and the entire city did I see her on the other side. In the middle of the bay, anchored about 800 meters from the historic old town. I nudged my office colleague and said, "You look." They're parked somewhere in the port outside the city, and ours is practically in the very center of the old town. And that was the first moment I realized this cruise might be a little different than I expected.
My plan was simple. Upon exiting the airport, tell the driver we were going to the main port. After what I'd seen from the plane, I carefully checked my email for the embarkation location. The address was to a port, just not the main one. It was the old port in Dubrovnik.
To get there, we simply had to walk through the old town. From there, the tender picked us up. A tender is an elegant lifeboat that shuttles between a ship on the water and land. The small boat was a bit rocky that day, so boarding wasn't just a matter of putting one foot down and walking onto the large ship. The crew offered hands and assistance to everyone, making sure no one lost their balance. No one rushed anyone; everything flowed naturally; even parents with a baby in a stroller managed without a problem.
Before I'd even boarded the ship, I'd already gotten my first answer to the question of what made Explora different from others. It wasn't about the tender boarding itself, but rather the pick-up point. Two massive cruise ships were parked far away in the harbor, along with others, and we strolled through the Old Town and boarded a boat beneath the walls of historic Dubrovnik. Quite a good start.
What was the service like on the Explora II? It was superior to many 5-star hotels!
About three weeks before the cruise, I was given a form to fill out regarding my preferences. A standard pre-trip form, nothing major. Standard questions about allergies, diet, food preferences, and other information that might be useful to the crew during the cruise. In one place, I wrote that I didn't drink alcohol. I filled it out, sent it, and then forgot I'd even been asked. Upon entering the suite (because no one on the ship mentioned cabins; it was always a suite), I saw a welcome card and a bottle of champagne on the table. At first glance, it was a classic sight: a luxury ship, so nice welcome touches. And here's a big surprise: the champagne was non-alcoholic. It's situations like this that impress me more than gold doorknobs, marble, or declarations of luxury. After all, every good hotel provides wine in the room, but did anyone remember that three weeks earlier I had indicated on the form that I didn't drink alcohol? They remembered.
My Suite on the Explora II – First Impression
I slowly began to look around the suite. The first thing that caught my eye was its size. At one point, I began to wonder if I'd actually been given a basic room. I'd expected something smaller. In addition to the large bed, there was a wardrobe, a vanity, a spacious bathroom with heated floors, a sofa, a coffee table, a cabinet with sculptures and books, and a sizable balcony with a lounger, table, and chairs. The room also contained binoculars, a beach bag, a blanket, a thermos to keep the temperature constant, and a business card for Candra. He was responsible for my suite throughout the entire cruise, and it wasn't until a few days later that I realized I almost never returned to an uncleaned suite. Every time I returned from a restaurant, pool, or excursion, everything was already prepared.
I also had the opportunity to see other suites and residences. If I were to book the Explora again, I would probably choose a different category. Of course, my dream would be one of the two residences, Serenity or Cocoon. These suites are located at the very stern of the ship. In addition to their enormous space, they feature a private jacuzzi on the terrace, a personal butler, and dedicated concierge service. However, their location is most impressive. From the terrace, all you see is the sea and the ship's wake. There's probably no better view on the entire Explora.
If I were a bit more cautious, however, I would most likely choose the Grand Penthouse. I had the opportunity to tour it. It's approximately 70 square meters, has a very large terrace, and costs significantly less than the most prestigious residences. It's probably the most reasonable compromise between price and what you get. It feels more like a luxury suite in a great hotel than a suite on a cruise ship.
I'd already made my first impressions, but I still had a few hours before departure, so I decided to simply wander around the ship and see what it was like in person. I didn't have a plan, just checking out the various decks, checking out the restaurants, pools, bars, and areas I'd later use most often. Despite having over 460 suites, the ship doesn't feel crowded. Everything is spread out so that people simply disperse.
My opinion – is it worth traveling with Explora Journeys?
Absolutely, if you enjoy good food as much as I do! One of the reasons I wanted to sail with Explora Journeys was the cuisine. From presentations and reviews, I knew the line places a strong emphasis on restaurants and food, and after the entire cruise, I can undoubtedly say that these were not exaggerations. On our first evening, we dined at the Med Yacht Club. We went there with Alessandro, whom I'd met a few months earlier when he visited our Warsaw office and gave a company presentation of everything I'd later experience on board. The food was excellent, but I was even more impressed by the atmosphere. No one seemed rushed. You could sit quietly at the table, chat, and simply enjoy your dinner. Over the following days, I visited the other restaurants, except for one. Anthology is the most prestigious and specialized restaurant on Explora Journeys ships and operates on a different principle. The Anthology concept is that it serves as a culinary stage for Michelin-starred chefs from around the world. The menu isn't fixed; it changes depending on which chef is on board, preparing his own signature tasting menu. Unlike other onboard restaurants, which are included in the cruise price, this one is an additional fee and requires advance reservation.
My favorite was Fil Rouge, a French restaurant with an exquisite menu and an atmosphere worthy of many a star-winning restaurant. Sakura, on the other hand, which serves Asian cuisine, was by far the loudest for me, despite its excellent food. I don't know if this is a coincidence, or if everyone who wants to spend their birthday on a cruise ship chooses this restaurant for their birthday party. One day during dinner and the next during lunch, we heard loud "happy birthday!"
Emporium Marketplace – the largest restaurant on the ship
Of the four breakfasts, I ate three at the Emporium Marketplace. It's the largest and most casual dining area on the ship. Although it's not a classic self-service buffet where everyone walks around with a plate and helps themselves to whatever they want, staff are stationed at each station, preparing and serving the selected dishes. The selection is extensive, the food is excellent, and the waiters are constantly circulating, making sure water is poured or bringing drinks of your choice. The Emporium was also practically the only place where you could clearly feel that there were several hundred passengers on board. Especially in the mornings, more people showed up and it became noisier. Despite many people wanting toast or various types of eggs, everything ran smoothly, and you didn't have to wait more than five minutes for your order.
In-room dining/room service on the Explora was a pleasant surprise
But you didn't always have to leave your suite to enjoy a good meal. One day, I decided to see how in-suite dining worked. I ordered a massive lunch to my cabin because I couldn't decide on just one thing. I ordered a little bit of everything. It was all brought to my suite in almost 20 minutes, and I enjoyed it all on the balcony overlooking the sea.
My advice – book restaurants in advance!
One piece of advice I'd give to anyone planning a cruise on Explora Journeys: It's best to book restaurants immediately upon boarding. I made mine too late, and not all times were available. The aforementioned Anthology restaurant is particularly popular, so reservations should be made before the cruise begins.
What is the dress code on Explora? Is formal attire required?
Before a business trip, I always consider what to bring and what to wear. I plan each day: formal dinner, lunch, shirt, jacket, shoes, etc. There's a dress code on the Explora, but it's not what I experienced on the Titanic; there were no mandatory tuxedos or extravagant evening gowns. During the day, practically everyone dressed for vacation. In the evenings, most dressed more elegantly, but not because anyone demanded it. The atmosphere throughout the cruise was very casual, and the dress code was also relaxed.
What was my day like on the Explora II?
After a while, I stopped paying attention to the ship itself. The marble, wood, designer interiors, and elegant restaurants quickly become mere backdrops. What's far more important is how you live on board over the next few days. And here, the ship truly made a great impression on me. I spent most of my time by the pools, of course. The only downside was that finding a free lounger on sunny days could be a challenge. It wasn't a huge fight for a spot, but there were times when you had to search for a spot or wait for one or a cabana to become available. Once you found your spot, however, you could simply put on your headphones and forget about it. There was no need to go to the bar for more drinks, as the staff regularly walked between the loungers asking if you needed anything. Everything worked very naturally, without being pushy.
By the second day, several waiters didn't even bother asking what they wanted to drink. The usual? Yes, the usual, iced tea. It's another small detail, but it shows that the staff really cares about their guests.
My favorite spot turned out to be the swimming pool at the stern of the ship, with its glass wall overlooking the wake of the ship. By the second or third evening, almost the entire rear section of the ship was filled with people, and everyone was watching the sunset. Everyone just stood there and watched the sun sink below the horizon. This probably best captures the atmosphere on the Explora. I think that's what I missed most after returning home: that no one was in a hurry.
In the evenings, life on board the ship moved to the main auditorium. This space resembled an elegant concert hall rather than the cinema of a large cruise ship. There was a bar, comfortable armchairs, a small dance floor, and a stage where something different happened every night. The program was scheduled for each day. One evening, a cabaret-style emcee would lead the festivities, another evening there would be a pianist, and yet another, everything would seamlessly transition into a disco with live music. And I must admit, the band delivered. It wasn't background music, but a concert that was a delight to listen to. In practice, this was where most evenings ended. Whether someone had been out for dinner, strolled on deck, or sat by the pool, sooner or later everyone ended up there. Some danced, others sat at a table with a drink and listened to the music. The atmosphere was very relaxed, and I think that's why the place filled up again each evening.
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Are Explora Journeys ships rocking and stable?
One of the things most people considering a first-time cruise fear most is rocking. I was also curious how I would feel after a few days on the open sea. The Explora departed Dubrovnik around 22 PM, and it wasn't until about two hours later that I realized we hadn't been in the bay for a long time. We were in open water. The weather wasn't ideal, and there was practically no smell on the ship. The next morning, I woke up to my alarm, not to the noise or rocking. I opened the curtains, and Brindisi, Italy, was already outside. During the entire cruise, I perhaps once more felt that I wasn't in a hotel, but on a ship sailing at sea. A lot certainly depends on the weather and the route, but on my cruise, the comfort of sailing was truly excellent.
During the cruise, we visited Brindisi, Milos, and Athens. Each port is completely different, but the destinations were apparently not chosen at random.
The downside of Explora Journeys cruises? Group shore excursions
Unfortunately, I rate the tours organized by the shipowner much less favorably. They weren't bad, but I wasn't particularly impressed either. Now I know I'll be recommending a private tour with a private guide on every cruise. With this class of cruise, it gives you freedom and allows you to explore at your own pace. I was on a group tour, and it was no different from regular tours organized by mass-market cruise ships. You had to wait everywhere for someone and follow the guide with a flag on a stick in a group of about 30 people. It's no coincidence that the tour description states that the tour itself may differ in standard from the rest of the cruise, as it's organized by external companies.
During a conversation on the ship, I heard an interesting story about how the first Explora Journeys routes were created. According to the story, the inspiration came from the private cruises of the MSC owner, who, on his yacht, visited places worth showing family and friends. I don't know how much of this is company legend or how much is true, but after visiting these places, I have to admit it sounds quite plausible.
Who are Explora Journeys cruises for?
Observing the passengers themselves was also an interesting experience. Most of the passengers on board were over forty, with Americans, Australians, French, Germans, and Britons making up the majority. I saw very few children, which contributed to the ship's very peaceful atmosphere.
The Explora's target audience was evident not only in its passengers. An art gallery is located on board, and the sculptures and paintings on display cost between tens of thousands and even over one hundred thousand euros. While this isn't the main reason anyone chooses this cruise, it clearly illustrates the type of guest attracted to the luxury side of MSC.
When I returned from the cruise and began to organize all my impressions, I realized one thing: Explora Journeys isn't trying to compete with the world's largest cruise ships. You won't find water parks, go-karts, roller coasters, or tens of thousands of passengers on board. And I have a feeling that's precisely the point.
Are Explora Journeys cruises worth the money?
The brand was established relatively recently, but it's backed by the MSC Group, which has long been one of the world's largest shipping companies. Instead of building another mass-produced product, the decision was made to create a completely new brand, targeting those seeking something more intimate. Hence, significantly fewer passengers, larger suites, more space, and a much greater emphasis on restaurants and service.
Several times during the cruise, I heard a phrase that only gradually began to resonate with me: "Maybe the best hotel isn't a hotel." At first, I dismissed it as a marketing slogan, but after a few days, I began to understand its purpose. Explora strives to create a place where you simply enjoy staying, like a good five-star hotel, and the fact that you wake up in a different port every morning is an added bonus.
All of this makes Explora Journeys difficult to compare solely to classic cruises these days. In terms of the quality of its suites, restaurants, service, and overall atmosphere, it's much closer to the Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection than to a typical cruise ship, even one like Norwegian Cruise Line's supposedly luxurious The Heaven.
What's most interesting, however, is that looking at prices can lead you astray in assessing standards and class. Currently, prices simply don't reflect this; they're not adequate. On many dates, the Explora costs significantly less than the Ritz Carlton or Silversea, even though its quality is clearly in the same league.
I have the impression that at this stage, MSC is simply investing heavily in the new brand and building its market position. New ships need to be filled, customers need to become familiar with the product, and Explora needs to find its place alongside brands that have been operating in the luxury cruise market for many years.
I wouldn't expect this price-to-quality ratio to last forever. Soon, the brand will become more recognizable, the ships will start sailing regularly with high occupancy, and existing guests will return for future cruises. Prices will likely rise.
This doesn't mean that Explora is perfect. I would book Anthology before my cruise next time and would definitely choose a private tour over a group tour. However, these are minor quibbles that don't change my overall rating.
After a few days on board, I returned convinced that Explora has created a product whose quality truly rivals the best in the luxury cruise segment. At the same time, I feel that now is the perfect time to explore it. The brand is still building its reputation, with more new ships to come, and current prices still don't fully reflect the level of service it offers.
I don't know what prices will be like in a few years. I do know one thing: If someone asked me today if I would choose Explora Journeys again, I would answer without a second thought: yes.
Popular questions about Explora Journeys:
What is included in the price of an Explora Journeys cruise?
The Explora Journeys cruise price includes accommodation in a spacious suite with a private terrace, fine dining in all main restaurants, unlimited beverages, including champagne, selected wines, and premium spirits, and a minibar refilled at no extra charge. Also included are gratuities, high-speed Wi-Fi, access to the wellness area and gym, and 24-hour room service. Guests can also enjoy numerous onboard activities and programs, including free transfers to the city center in select ports. Optional excursions, spa treatments, boutique shopping, and selected culinary experiences are subject to separate fees.
What routes does Explora Journeys offer?
Explora Journeys offers cruises to some of the world's most exciting regions, including the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Alaska, Asia, Northern Europe, Iceland, and Greenland, as well as South America, the Red Sea, and the East Coast of the United States and Canada. Most cruises last from seven to 14 nights, but longer Grand Journeys and unique round-the-world cruises are also available. Itineraries are designed to combine well-known ports of call with less-visited destinations, often with longer stops and overnight stays in selected ports, allowing for a deeper understanding of the destinations visited.
How much do Explora Journeys cruises cost?
Explora Journeys cruise prices start at approximately €4,200 per person for a 7-day cruise in an Ocean Terrace Suite. Penthouse suites typically cost between €7,000 and €10,000, Residence suites from around €12,000 to €20,000, while the most exclusive Owner's Residences range from €30,000 to over €100,000 per person, depending on the route and date. Prices are influenced by cruise length, season, suite type, and availability, so it's best to book well in advance.
Is it worth using a travel agency to book Explora Journeys cruises?
It's definitely worth using a travel agency if you're planning a trip on Explora ships. Travel Agency CARTER is one of the authorized agents, offering preferential rates on Explora Journeys cruises from the MSC network. Additionally, a dedicated travel advisor will handle the complete vacation organization – from international flights, purchasing cancellation and health insurance, through booking accommodation before and after the cruise, to selecting optional excursions. CARTER is One Stop Shop!
Author: Daniel Travel Designer from the Travel Agency CARTER®
