Explora Journeys’ first ship, set to debut in 2023, is creating a new luxury lifestyle brand promoting an “Ocean State of Mind.” MSC Group is launching Explora Journeys and will have six ships in the fleet, with Explora I the first. Not only will guests be exhilarated by their travel discoveries but will be able to optimize their wellbeing through a wellness program.
Explora Journeys’ Ocean Wellness offers a wide array of restorative experiences. Guests can immerse themselves in tranquility through the revitalizing influence of the sea. Yes, the ocean calms peoples’ minds, and this is the inspiration for Explora’s Ocean Wellness. Over 10,764 square feet of space will be dedicated to contemporary fitness facilities, a luxurious spa, indoor and outdoor wellness areas, and an outdoor sports court and running track.
The Spa
The Spa on the Explora I will have over 7,500 square feet of space. There will be 11 treatment rooms, including two Private Spa Suites with their own outdoor relaxation area, one double treatment room and seven single treatment rooms. An additional room will be dedicated to Medi-Luxe Treatments by Dr. Levy Switzerland.
The Spa
Also in this area will be a Beauty Studio, a tranquil space that will serve guests’ grooming needs. The thermal wellness area will feature a hydrotherapy pool, Finnish sauna, steam room, salt cave and experience shower, plus ice fall and heated marble lounges.
Explora Journeys’ Partner Brands – Spa & Beauty
Explora Journeys’ partner brands will include the following:
- Dr. Levy Switzerland is the world’s first cosmeceutical brand whose products are proven to stimulate the body’s source of collagen production – the dermal skin cells.
- Tides Wellness is the antidote to a frenetic life, and only natural ingredients are used in this well-respected Dutch brand’s wellness treatments.
- Aromatherapy Associates is a leading-edge British luxury wellbeing brand that harnesses the powers of the finest natural ingredients, essential oils and purest extracts in its award-winning treatments and products.
Ocean Wellness – Fitness Centre
The Ocean Wellness – Fitness Centre area features 2,443 square feet of indoor space and more than 688 square feet of outdoor fitness facilities. There’s a sports court for half-court basketball, touch tennis and yoga, plus a panoramic, 820-foot running track that encircles the ship.
Fitness Studio
In the Fitness Studio, guests can take part in tailor-made Technogym classes or can target core strength via an astonishing variety of exercise options. The open-air fitness area, perfect for guests looking for one-on-one training sessions, features ultra-modern equipment. Guests have also the option of training in their own suites or on their suite terraces with encouragement from a virtual coach.
Technogym – Explora Journeys’ Fitness Partnership
To create an incredible fitness and wellness experience for their guests, Explora Journeys has partnered with Technogym. Technogym, a leading brand in digital technologies and products for health, sport and fitness, has been an official supplier to the last eight Olympic Games.
Its personalized fitness programs are fun as well as extremely effective, with high-performance equipment geared to the needs of each individual guest. These include Technogym Artis Line’s Run Artis for indoor running and Artis Synchro elliptical. The outdoor deck facilities include Technogym’s Skillrow, which is the first all-in-one rower, and Group Cycle bikes, where guests can enjoy pedaling with a view of the sea.
More About Explora Journeys
Launching in 2023, Explora Journeys will have six ships in the fleet. The Explora I will launch in May 2023, and the Explora II will debut in 2024. The Explora III will debut in 2026, followed by the Explora IV and Explora V in 2027 and Explora VI in 2028.
Indoor pool with rectractable roof
Each ship accommodates 1,000 guests in 461 oceanfront suites with generous outdoor decks. The ships will feature three outdoor pools, an indoor pool with a retractable glass roof, and multiple indoor and outdoor whirlpools.
There will be more than 10 indoor and outdoor bars and lounges, and guests will enjoy a diversity of culinary riches onboard. Poolside dining will be available as well as a coffee lounge, along with in-suite dining. Besides the all-day-dining restaurant, guests can enjoy steakhouse, Mediterranean-style, Pan-Asian and international-style restaurants. The Chef’s Kitchen has private dining as well as a culinary school.
Explora Journeys’ all-inclusive plan features an in-suite welcome bottle of Champagne and a bottle of spirits of the guest’s choice. Also included are high-speed, unlimited Wi-Fi throughout the ship, onboard gratuities and sophisticated dining at nine different venues along with in-suite dining. Unlimited beverages include fine wines and premium spirits as well as specialty coffees and soft drinks.
Guests also have access to the spa thermal area and the wellbeing and fitness programs. Also included are shuttle services from the port to the city center.
The lobby, Explora I
The Concept for Explora Journeys
MSC Group, which also owns and operates MSC Cruises, came up with the idea for Explora Journeys based on the line’s MSC Yacht Club, a ship-within-a-ship concept that offers guests luxury spaces and experiences. They took this to the next level by creating the Explora product.
Destinations
Voyages ranging from seven to 58 nights long will feature the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Greenland and Iceland, the Caribbean, USA and Canada, South America and Hawaii. In July 2023, the Explora I will be sailing on her inaugural journey from Southampton, England. In 2024 the line will be offering a series of Alaskan sailings from May through August.
If your group is looking to experience a true “Ocean State of Mind,” Explora Journeys is definitely one to focus on when you’re planning a cruise group.
By Cindy Bertram
Cindy Bertram has 15+ years of cruise industry expertise in marketing, content creation, sales and training as well as social media. Her MBA from Loyola University Chicago complements her high creative edge and liberal arts BA. She can be reached at cindy@ptmgroups.com.
Photos courtesy of Explora Journeys
