MSC Explora Journeys

Explora Journeys (ExploraJourneys.com) is a new cruise travel brand and company managed by MSC Cruises. Both companies (Explora Journeys Ltd and MSC Cruises Ltd) are fully owned subsidiaries of MSC Group/Mediterranean Shipping Company – currently the world's second-largest containership company (after Maersk).

Explora Journeys itineraries are designed for expedition-style travel. Its operational regions are worldwide and diverse, including Europe (Mediterranean, Baltic, UK, Iceland, and Greenland), North America (USA and Canada, including Alaska and Hawaii), Central America (Caribbean), and South America. Seasonally, discounted Transatlantic crossings (RepositionCruises.com) are offered.

Company History

In January 2018, rumors began circulating that MSC was considering the establishment of a new all-inclusive luxury cruise brand. There was also the possibility that MSC might create a parallel "expedition" fleet instead. However, in 2020, it was confirmed that this would be a new "lifestyle hospitality" brand.

The rumors were officially confirmed in mid-March 2021 when the senior management team for the new expedition cruise brand was announced.

• Michael Ungerer (CEO), Chris Austin (CSO - Chief Sales Officer)
• Sarah Doyle (CMO - Chief Marketing Officer)
• Norbert Stiekema (CCO - Chief Commercial Officer) – in 2023, he was succeeded by Achille Staiano (with MSC Group since 1994, with MSC Cruises since 2004)
• Vanessa Vollmann (Head of People/HR Operations Manager)
• Thatcher Brown (Commercial and Strategic Advisor), John Stoll (Destination Experience Advisor)
• Sacha Rougier (Itinerary Planning, Shore Experience)
• Jenny Wade
• Koral Lipton (CSO/Chief Sales Officer for the UK & Ireland), previously worked for APT Travel Group as Business Development Manager. The UK team also includes Jenny Wade and Andrew Schweitzer.

The Explora Journeys brand was officially launched by MSC in June 2021. Its mandala-inspired logo was designed by Alexa Aponte-Vago (MSC Group's CFO, daughter of MSC Group founder Gianluigi Aponte, and wife of Pierfrancesco Vago).

In November 2021, MSC announced the company's Commercial Team: Jason Gelineau (Head of Product), Helen Beck (Head of Global Sales), Saul Fonseca (Head of Sales for The Americas and USA East), Aimee Price (Head of Sales for Canada and USA West), Priti Mehta (Head of Sales for the UK and Ireland), Francisco Sanchez (Head of Sales for Germany, Austria, and Switzerland), Leyre Torres Campo (Business Relationships Manager for Southern Europe/Spain, France, Italy).

EXPLORA JOURNEYS' main competitor in the European market (based on fleet capacity, amenities, services, and destinations/itineraries) is Viking OCEAN.

Ships

EXPLORA JOURNEYS has a separate fleet of smaller-sized luxury expedition ships, distinct from MSC Cruises. The fleet includes the sister ships: Explora I (2023), Explora II (2024), Explora III (2026), Explora IV (2027), Explora V (2027), and Explora VI (2028).

All EXPLORA JOURNEYS ships were constructed by the Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, with MSC Group's investment in this project estimated at around EUR 3.5 billion.

Each of the vessels (MSC EXPLORA-class) has a maximum passenger capacity of 1,473 (922 lower berths), plus 640 staff/crew, 13 floors/decks, 461 staterooms, and a volume of 63,900 GT-tons.

The ships are initially deployed in Europe for 7-night Mediterranean and Baltic cruises, as well as longer Iceland itineraries.

The six ships are being constructed at Fincantieri's Monfalcone yard (near Trieste) and have a building cost of EUR 495-600 million (USD 600-700 million) per unit.

In late September 2020, Versonix Seaware announced that MSC's new brand would use the Versonix system for online booking. Annually, Versonix serves over 20 million passengers and more than 100 ships. Versonix (founded in 1986) is a Silicon Valley company headquartered in San Jose, CA, USA, specializing in hotel and resort reservation technologies. The company is run by Victor Velton (President) and Yuri Polissky (CEO).

On June 10, 2021, the steel cutting for the first vessel (Explora 1) took place, marking the official launch of the brand.

Explora Journeys' commercial operations officially began on August 1, 2023 (postponed from May and July), with the maiden voyage of MSC Explora 1.

MSC Group's shipbuilding order with Fincantieri for units 5 and 6 was officially signed on September 21, 2023, by Pierfrancesco Vago (MSC Group's Executive Chairman) and Pierroberto Folgiero (Fincantieri's CEO). Unlike the sister ships, Explora 5 (2027) and Explora 6 (2028) are designed to be hydrogen-powered, fitted with fuel cells (burning liquid hydrogen) to generate electricity for onboard operations while docked in port. Their engines can also use alternative fuels such as biogas (produced from organic waste), syngas (a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide), as well as methanol (CH3OH).

Company Changes in 2025

On April 9, 2025, was officially launched the Explora Club - a 5-tier loyalty program allowing the accumulation of points considering the weighted nights at sea, cabin category, and onboard spending (at the spa, on specialty dining, beverages, laundry services, The Journey Boutique purchases). 100 points are awarded for every EUR/USD 1000 spent. The 5-tier thresholds are Classic (0 points), Silver (1 to 5,000), Gold (5,001 to 20,000), Platinum (20,001 to 50,000) and Diamond (50,001 and above points).

Company Changes in 2024

In late May, a partnership was signed with ITL World (a Saudi Arabia-headquartered, UAE-based travel management company/agency) to manage Explora Journeys’ offerings in Saudi Arabia. The agreement was signed by Angelo Capurro (Explora Journeys' Executive Director) and Siddeek Ahmed (ITL World's Chairman and Managing Director).

In July 2024, a new entertainment program was launched on Explora I (at the Journeys Lounge), alongside Digital Activities offering access (via special QR codes) to daily scheduled onboard activities. Poolside fun activities were also introduced, including live musical performances, wellness events with snacks and beverages, daytime sports, and interactive events (including a multi-day Murder Mystery game). Evening entertainment was expanded with lounge and lobby bar performances, as well as late-night wellness events.

In September, Anna Nash was appointed President of Explora Journeys, reporting directly to MSC Group's Executive Chairman.

Company Changes in 2023

In April, it was announced that Michael Horn (born 1966 in Johannesburg, South Africa) would serve as Explora Journeys' Brand Ambassador. Mike Horn is a professional explorer and adventurer, renowned for his solo expeditions in the Amazon (1997), Latitude Zero (1999-2000, circled the equator on foot and by sailing), Arktos (2002-2004, around the Arctic Circle on foot, without using motorized transportation), North Pole by Night (2006, 60 days on skis), Pangaea (2008-2012, with his Young Explorers Program), Driven To Explore (2015, sponsored by Mercedes-Benz, drove through 13 countries), Pole2Pole (2016-2019, circumnavigated the globe), Antarctica Crossing (2016-2017, 57 days on skis), and Arctic Crossing (2019, full Arctic Ocean crossing with the sailing ship Pangaea).

In May, the "Journey Together Gatherings" shipboard program was introduced. The program targets multi-generational families and features a dedicated children's lounge (Nautilus Club, for both kids and teenagers), various destination-themed family experiences, and complimentary land-to-ship transfers.

• The Nautilus Club hosts age-appropriate supervised activities (for children aged 6-17), including interactive gaming (on PlayStation 5, PlayStation VR2, Nintendo Switch, Xbox), sports contests, fun workshops, and games. The club also features its own heated swimming pool and a Sports Court.
• Each Explora ship offers 78 interconnecting staterooms (for families with children). Family cabins are available in three categories (Ocean Suite, Ocean Penthouse, Ocean Residence). In these suites, one minor passenger (under 18) cruises for free.

All infants and toddlers (6-23 months old) sail for free, while children aged 2-17 sail at 50% off.

In June, an exclusive partnership deal with Rolex SA (a 1905-founded, Geneva-based watch designer and manufacturer) was signed. Under the agreement, MSC Explora ships now feature the first at-sea Rolex Boutique, offering an extensive selection of models, including those from the renowned Rolex Oyster Perpetual series.

In late June, a partnership was signed with EHL Hospitality Business School (a management university in Lausanne, Switzerland, part of EHL Group, founded in 1893 as "Ecole Hoteliere de Lausanne"). This partnership will provide Explora Journeys' shipboard staff with the “Guest Experience Foundations” training program. The deal was signed by Michael Ungerer and Markus Venzin (EHL Group's CEO).

On July 7th, Explora I's "Watch and Jewelry" retail store was launched, offering Swiss ultra-premium watch brands Cartier, Panerai, and Piaget.

In October, the company's executive leadership team expanded with two new appointments: Koray Savas (VP of Hotel Operations) and Alban Gjoka (VP of Food and Beverage).

Company Changes in 2022

In February 2022, Franck Garanger was appointed as Head of Culinary. He was previously employed by Silversea (as Line Chef, Executive Chef, and Fleet Corporate Chef) and Oceania (as Culinary Director).

In June 2022, new senior leaders joined the brand, including Alban Gjoka (Culinary Operations), Julanda Marais (SPA Operations), Carmela Paval (Housekeeping Operations), Vitor Alves (Hotel Operations), Drew Gowland (Entertainment and Enrichment), Thibaut Briancon (Food and Beverage Services), and Paolo Milordo (Travel Food and Beverages Services).

Before joining MSC, Chris Austin worked for Seabourn (SVP Global Sales and Marketing), Sarah Doyle for Bacardi Europe (Vice President of Marketing), Thatcher Brown for GHK Dream Cruises (President) and Crystal Cruises Asia (Managing Director), Sacha Rougier for Cruise Gate Hamburg/Center Steinwerder (Managing Director), and John Stoll for Crystal and Silversea (as Director of Land Programs).

In mid-March, MSC Group announced a partnership with Travelife Ltd for Explora Journeys' shore excursion program. "Travelife for Tour Operators" allows tour companies and travel agents to access the company's online management system, which includes 16 sustainability modules, excursion checklists, planning tools, and examples of best sustainability practices in the travel and tourism industries.

On April 4, 2022, Explora Journeys announced a partnership with Signature Travel Network (El Segundo, CA, USA-based, specializing in technology solutions and brand promotion/advertising/marketing). As of 2022, Signature Travel Network had over 1,300 preferred partners, including cruise lines/brands, tour operators, travel agents, suppliers, flight consolidators, airline brokers, car rental companies, and hoteliers.

In July 2022, MSC signed a contract with SES SA (Luxembourg-based owner and operator of medium Earth orbit/MEO satellites and terrestrial telecommunications networks) to provide "O3b mPower" (satellite connectivity) to Explora 1. SES' O3b mPower combines the company's second-generation MEO system (based on satellites positioned ~8,000 km/~5,000 mi above the Earth) and GEO satellites (geosynchronous equatorial orbit) positioned at an altitude of ~35,800 km/~22,300 mi.

In July 2022, MSC announced that Explora Journeys would offer a newly developed "Destination Experiences" (cruise+tour) program, grouping five different leisure tours/land excursion types for tailored ashore experiences.

The following are the cruisetours scheduled for the brand's maiden season (2023):

• Beyond Boundaries (guided tour to Bordeaux' Chateau Margaux/Premier Grand Cru Classe)
• Tailored Experiences (helicopter tour over Medoc Peninsula, sailboat tour around Malta, tuk-tuk tour in Lisbon)
• Enchanting Explorations (forest bathing near Porto City, Portugal)
• Boundless Discoveries (flamenco masterclass in Cadiz, photography class on Mykonos Island)
• In-Country Immersions (history- and culture-themed activities in the visited destinations)

On July 20, 2022, a partnership with Amadeus (online travel booking platform) was signed.

In November 2022, the management team was expanded with seven new positions: Heike Berdos (General Manager), Simone Canessa (Staff Captain), Antonio Iaccarino (Chief Engineer), Franck Garanger (Head of Culinary), Jerome Toumelin (Corporate Executive Chef), Frederic Godineau (Senior Executive Chef), and Christophe Sapy (Corporate Executive Pastry Chef).

In 2023, MSC launched its ultra-premium expedition travel brand, "Explora Journeys." This subsidiary of the MSC Group manages a separate fleet of six newbuild ships.

Explora Journeys operates global voyages, including destinations in Europe (Mediterranean, Baltic, UK, Iceland-Greenland), New England USA and Canada, Alaska and Hawaii, Central America (Caribbean), and South America.

While sailing in the Caribbean, MSC ships visit the company's private Bahamian island, Ocean Cay.

Destination Experiences

Destination Experiences are small-capacity shore excursions/land tours designed for groups of 2 to 25 tourists. The Destination Experiences for North America (USA and Canada) scheduled for the brand's inaugural season (2023) included:

• New York City (Museum of Modern Art private tour, exclusive meet with a Broadway star)
• Boston (Fenway Park, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, traditional Afternoon Tea)
• Baie-Comeau (sea kayaking excursion for whale and seabird viewing)
• Charlottetown/Prince Edward Island (Falconry Tour/hunting wild animals with a trained falcon, Fair Isle Food Tour)
• Havre-Saint-Pierre (90-minute nature walk tour)
• Quebec City (fjord kayaking excursion, sugar shack tour, maple museum)
• Halifax (Shore Club in Hubbards NS/lobster dinner, golfing at The Links at Brunello).

Explora I's inaugural itinerary program includes deployments in Europe (Mediterranean, Baltic, UK, Iceland, Greenland), North America (Canada, East Coast USA, Hawaii), the Caribbean, and South America. Itineraries range from 6 to 44 nights (Grand Voyage), visiting 132 ports and islands across 40 countries.

MEDITERRANEAN

The Mediterranean Journeys Collection offers voyages aboard EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II, covering both Western and Eastern Mediterranean regions. Itineraries include destinations such as Italy, Greece, Türkiye, France, and Spain, integrating renowned ports with less-frequented locations like Skiathos, Portofino, St. Tropez, and Mahón. These journeys offer a blend of cultural exploration and relaxed elegance.

Highlighted itineraries for the 2025 season include:

Eastern Mediterranean Journeys on EXPLORA I:

• A Journey to Cypress-studded Hills and Cobalt Harbours (June 7–14, 2025): A 7-night voyage from Piraeus (Athens) to Fusina (Venice), featuring stops in Greece and Croatia, including Corfu and Rovinj.
• An Extended Journey of Magical Greek Gifts and Turkish Treasures (June 21–July 5, 2025): A 14-night round trip from Piraeus, exploring the Aegean with visits to Mykonos and Istanbul.

Western Mediterranean Journeys on EXPLORA II:

• A Journey of Golden Ibiza Days and Warm Riviera Nights (June 2–9, 2025): A 7-night cruise from Barcelona to Civitavecchia (Rome), calling at Ibiza and Portofino.
• A Journey of Picturesque Piazzas and Soulful Souks (June 9–16, 2025): A 7-night itinerary from Civitavecchia (Rome) to Barcelona, featuring visits to Trapani (Sicily) and La Goulette (Tunis).

NORTHERN EUROPE/BALTIC/UK, ICELAND AND GREENLAND

NORTHERN EUROPE/BALTIC: ports include Southampton, Lofoten Islands and Norwegian Fjords (Kristiansand, Hellesylt, Alesund, Molde, Trondheim, Narvik, Honningsvag, Tromso, Leknes-Gravdal, Bronnoysund, Flam, Bergen, Stavanger), Skagen, Copenhagen, Ronne, Helsinki, St. Petersburg, Stockholm, Visby, Riga, Klaipeda, Gdansk, Goteborg, Oslo, Hamburg, Rotterdam, Zeebrugge-Bruges.

UK-ENGLAND AND SCOTLAND: ports include Southampton, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Invergordon, Stornoway, Oban, Liverpool, Glasgow, Fort William, Portree, Kirkwall, Lerwick, Faroes (Thorshavn), and Iceland (Reykjavik).

Transatlantic/ICELAND AND GREENLAND: ports include Reykjavik, Akureyri, Isafjordur, Paamiut, Nuuk, Qaqortoq, Canada (Sydney NS, St John NB), and the USA (NYC New York).

USA AND CANADA

USA AND CANADA: roundtrip from New York City to Newport RI, Boston MA, St John NB, Quebec City, La Baie, Baie-Comeau, Havre-Saint-Pierre, Charlottetown (Prince Edward Island), Halifax NS.

CARIBBEAN

CARIBBEAN ports include Miami, Key West FL, Virgin Gorda BVI, Deshaies (Guadeloupe), Falmouth (Jamaica), San Juan (Puerto Rico), Gustavia (St Barths), Basseterre (St Kitts), Samana (Dominicana), Ocean Cay (Bahamas), St John's (Antigua), Castries (St Lucia), Bridgetown (Barbados), Roseau, Kralendijk, Willemstad, Saint-Pierre, Kingstown, Grand Turk Island, Santa Marta, Cartagena, Colon, Soufriere, Bequia (St Vincent), Oranjestad, Cartagena, Puerto Limon, Panama Canal transit to Panama City.

EXPLORA II's and EXPLORA I's Caribbean itineraries include less-traveled destinations like Gustavia (St Barts), Oranjestad (Aruba) and St John’s (Antigua), as well as Belize City, Bequia (Grenadines), Cozumel and Progreso (Mexico).

Highlighted destination experiences include:

• Willemstad, Curacao: A marine-focused adventure where guests can snorkel among the reefs of Director’s Bay and learn about coral restoration from a marine biologist. The excursion also includes a yacht journey through Curacao’s natural landscapes and a visit to a secluded mangrove reservoir.
• Saint-Pierre, Martinique: A small group experience exploring the Rhum Clement Estate, where guests will delve into the Martinican rum culture. This includes a guided tour of the estate’s rum cellars, tastings of barrel-aged rum paired with gourmet dishes, and a stroll through the estate’s lush gardens.
• Gustavia, Saint Barthelemy: A day of luxury at the 5-star Rosewood Le Guanahani resort, featuring a 3-course meal on a golden sandy beach, with opportunities for beachside relaxation and snorkeling in the clear Caribbean waters.
• Progreso (Merida), Mexico: An exploration of the ancient Mayan city of Uxmal, known for its Puuc-style architecture. Guests will experience a regional lunch at a former hacienda and participate in an authentic Mayan purification ceremony amidst the natural beauty of Xocnaceh.
• Cozumel, Mexico: A 45-minute scenic flight over the Caribbean Sea and Yucatan Jungle, landing near the ancient ruins of Chichen Itza. Guests will enjoy a guided tour of the historical site before the daily crowds arrive, allowing for a more intimate exploration.

From April to November 2025, EXPLORA I is deployed in the Mediterranean, visiting pristine Eastern Mediterranean destinations, Aegean Sea islands, and the Dalmatian coast.

During winter 2025-2026, EXPLORA I will traverse the Red Sea and Arabian Peninsula—a region rich in history and culture, offering fragrant foods, vibrant souks, and the tranquility of desert oases.

EXPLORA II is scheduled to embark on her inaugural journey from Barcelona to Rome, visiting Ibiza, Port-Vendres, Portofino, Italy, Monte Carlo Monaco, and Santo Stefano.

Continuing in the West Mediterranean until November 2024, EXPLORA II will then cross the Atlantic to the Caribbean for winter deployment. The winter season 2024-2025 (December-March) includes several new ports for the brand: Gustavia St. Barts, Oranjestad Aruba, St John’s Antigua, Belize City, Bequia Grenadines, Mexico's Cozumel, and Progreso/Merida.

In May 2025, EXPLORA II will return to Europe/Mediterranean, homeporting in Barcelona and Rome/Civitavecchia. Winter 2025-2026 deployment will be in the Eastern Caribbean, with itineraries visiting Pointe-a-Pitre Guadeloupe, Roseau Dominica, Little Bay Montserrat, and Marigot St Martin.

ALASKA

Explora I's 2024-2025 winter program (September-April) includes 23 voyages visiting 73 ports/destinations (including the Brazilian Amazon) in 24 countries. The program features two longer itineraries:

The 28-night "A Grand Journey to Amazonia and Tropical Isles Cruise" (departure November 15, 2024, roundtrip from Miami) visits Key West Florida, Spanish Town/Virgin Gorda BVI, Basseterre St Kitts, Saint-Pierre Martinique, Bridgetown Barbados, Iles du Salut Macapa, Brazilian Amazon (Alter Do Chao, Manaus), Admiralty Bay Bequia, Barbados, Kingstown St Vincent and the Grenadines, Castries St Lucia, Basseterre, MSC Ocean Cay Bahamas.

TRANSATLANTIC/REPOSITIONING

(Caribbean-Europe relocation) The 32-night "Grand Transatlantic Odyssey Cruise" (departure March 27, 2025, from Miami to Lisbon) visits San Juan Puerto Rico, Spanish Town/Virgin Gorda BVI, St John's Antigua, St-Pierre Martinique, Barbados, Cape Verde (Praia, Sao Vicente), Canary Islands (Arrecife Lanzarote, Santa Cruz de Tenerife), Santo Antonio/Madeira, Ponta Delgada/Azores, Leixoes-Oporto, Lisbon.