EXPLORA I

Accommodation aboard Explora I is entirely suite-based, with every category featuring a private terrace, a spacious living area and an elegant ensuite bathroom. Even the entry-level Ocean Terrace Suites are among the most spacious in luxury cruising, while thoughtful details such as Dyson hairdryers, clothes steamers and wireless charging beside the bed create a residential feel throughout the ship.

The Ocean Terrace Suites offer a level of comfort that immediately sets Explora I apart. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the suite with natural light, while the spacious private terrace, comfortable seating area and beautifully finished bathroom with its rainforest shower make it easy to settle in from the moment you arrive. With plentiful wardrobe space and clever storage throughout, they’re equally well suited to a week in the Mediterranean or a much longer voyage.

For guests looking for additional living space, the Ocean Penthouses build on everything that makes the Ocean Terrace Suites so appealing. Separate living and sleeping areas, a larger private terrace and premium locations higher on the ship combine to create an experience that feels remarkably apartment-like. The Grand Penthouses take things a step further with an outdoor whirlpool and an alfresco dining area, making them an excellent choice for entertaining or simply making the most of warmer climates.

The Ocean Residences represent some of the finest accommodation available anywhere at sea and have become a favourite of many returning Explora Journeys guests. Available across five categories, they offer up to 1,600 square feet of beautifully designed living space, complete with expansive private terraces, curated mini-libraries, floor-to-ceiling windows and thoughtful touches such as binoculars for taking in the ever-changing scenery.

At the very top of the accommodation offering sits the magnificent Owner’s Residence. Spanning more than 3,000 square feet, it feels less like a cruise ship suite and more like an exclusive waterfront apartment. Double entrance doors open onto beautifully proportioned living spaces, complemented by panoramic views, a wraparound terrace, a dining area for up to eight guests and a private bar and pantry. Throughout your voyage, a dedicated Residence Manager is on hand to ensure every detail is taken care of.

Dining aboard Explora I reflects the same philosophy that runs throughout the rest of the ship: relaxed, refined and centred around quality rather than quantity. Six restaurants are included in your fare, with only Anthology carrying a supplementary charge. Every dish is cooked to order in its restaurant’s own dedicated kitchen, while premium beverages, including champagne, fine wines and spirits, are all included, allowing you to dine whenever and however you choose.

Emporium Marketplace redefines what casual dining at sea can be. While it’s often compared to a buffet, the experience is far more refined, with live cooking stations preparing dishes throughout breakfast, lunch and dinner. Alongside freshly made international specialities, you’ll find artisan breads, pastries, sushi, salads and healthy options, all served in a bright space with floor-to-ceiling windows and an inviting outdoor terrace.

Fil Rouge is Explora I’s signature European restaurant, drawing heavily on French culinary traditions while embracing modern techniques and seasonal ingredients. The elegant dining room sets the tone for an evening of beautifully presented cuisine, with menus that change regularly but continue to feature timeless classics such as lobster bisque, Burgundy escargot and expertly prepared seafood.

Sakura has become one of the most popular restaurants aboard Explora I, and it’s easy to understand why. The menu showcases the very best of Pan-Asian cuisine, from beautifully prepared sushi and sashimi to Japanese dumplings, Thai curries and signature dishes such as miso black cod. Evening reservations are highly recommended, although the restaurant often welcomes walk-in guests at lunchtime on selected days.

Marble & Co. brings a distinctly European interpretation to the traditional steakhouse. Premium cuts of meat, fresh seafood and carefully considered accompaniments are paired with an excellent wine selection and elegant desserts, while small details, such as choosing your own steak knife, add a little theatre without ever overshadowing the food itself.

For those looking to elevate an already exceptional dining programme, Anthology offers Explora I’s most exclusive culinary experience. Available by reservation and carrying a supplementary charge, it celebrates modern Italian cuisine through beautifully balanced tasting menus crafted from exceptional seasonal ingredients. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging your love of fine dining, Anthology is well worth experiencing at least once during your voyage.

Crema Café brings the atmosphere of a traditional European café to the heart of Explora I, serving expertly crafted coffee from twin La San Marco espresso machines alongside pastries, lighter dishes and sweet treats throughout the day.

Of course, one of the great pleasures of sailing aboard Explora I is making the most of your suite. With generous indoor and outdoor living space throughout every accommodation category, in-suite dining remains one of the simplest luxuries on board, whether that’s breakfast on your private terrace or a leisurely dinner delivered directly to your suite.

Explora I was designed around Explora Journeys’ Ocean State of Mind philosophy, with public spaces that encourage you to remain connected to the sea throughout the day. Expansive outdoor decks, four swimming pools, generous sun terraces and ocean-facing whirlpools create plenty of choice outside, while the ship’s lounges and bars offer relaxed, beautifully designed settings indoors. Despite carrying more than 900 guests, the layout makes it remarkably easy to find somewhere quiet.

The Conservatory is one of Explora I’s defining spaces, with a retractable glass roof allowing the pool to be enjoyed in warm sunshine or less predictable weather. Elsewhere, the infinity pool beside the Astern Lounge and the laid-back Atoll Pool on Deck 10 provide quieter alternatives. Comfortable cabanas, day beds and ocean-facing whirlpools complete an outdoor experience designed around unhurried days beside the water.

Explora I’s Lobby Bar sits at the centre of life on board and naturally becomes a meeting place before dinner. On Deck 14, the Sky Bar offers expansive sea views and a relaxed atmosphere that works particularly well during sailaways and after sunset. The Malt Whisky Bar provides a more intimate setting, with an extensive collection of whiskies and spirits, while the Astern Lounge offers cocktails and low-key live music in the evenings. Together, the venues provide plenty of variety without introducing the crowds or formality associated with a more traditional cruise ship.

With panoramic views extending across 270 degrees, the Explora Lounge is Explora I’s interpretation of a classic observation lounge. During the day, it’s a peaceful place for coffee, afternoon tea or simply watching the scenery unfold from the windows and outdoor terrace. In the evening, attentive bar service and occasional live music create a welcoming setting for drinks before or after dinner.

Art plays a meaningful role throughout Explora I rather than being confined to a single gallery. Sculptures by Swiss artist Yves Dana provide focal points in the Lobby, while works from Yinka Shonibare’s acclaimed British Library series can be found across the public areas of Deck 5. Commissioned pieces also appear throughout the suites, corridors and restaurants, giving the ship’s collection a distinct identity of its own. The MSC Foundation Centre explores the organisation’s marine conservation and scientific research work through interactive exhibits. Guests looking for more traditional evening entertainment will also find a casino offering roulette, blackjack and slot machines.

Ocean Wellness has been part of Explora Journeys’ identity since Explora I entered service. The spa provides a tranquil setting for slowing down between destinations, with a hydrotherapy pool, steam room, treatment rooms and beauty services available throughout the voyage. A varied treatment menu covers massages, facials and restorative therapies, while the thermal facilities offer somewhere peaceful to unwind without booking a treatment.

Explora I’s Fitness Centre is located separately from the Ocean Wellness Centre, unlike the integrated arrangement introduced aboard Explora III. The facilities include dedicated areas for cardio, strength and functional training, equipped with Technogym Artis equipment, alongside a Fitness Studio used for yoga, Pilates Reformer and guided classes. The fitness programme extends outdoors through an open-air training area, sports court and a 250-metre running track with uninterrupted ocean views. Guests can also arrange personal training or use selected Technogym equipment within their suite or on the private terrace.

Entertainment aboard Explora I is deliberately understated. Outside of the ship’s destination-rich shore excursion programme, life on board unfolds at a gentler pace, giving you the freedom to spend your days exactly as you choose. Many guests gravitate towards the outdoor decks, settle into a favourite lounge with a book or simply enjoy watching the ever-changing scenery from their private terrace.

If you’re looking for something more immersive, the onboard programme includes destination talks, guest speakers and culinary experiences led by the ship’s chefs. Rather than filling every hour with organised activities, Explora I focuses on enriching your understanding of the places you’re visiting while leaving plenty of time to simply enjoy being at sea.

Evenings aboard Explora I are equally relaxed and wonderfully unhurried. Begin with a cocktail in one of the elegant lounges before dinner, enjoy a leisurely meal in your restaurant of choice and then continue the evening with live music or a performance in the Discovery Lounge. For guests looking for a livelier atmosphere, the Sky Bar on Deck 14 naturally becomes the social heart of the ship after sunset. DJs, expertly crafted cocktails and uninterrupted sea views create a sophisticated setting for late-night conversations, while quieter corners such as the Astern Lounge provide the perfect backdrop for a final drink before retiring for the evening.

Explora Journeys has always viewed its ships as places where generations can travel together rather than separately. Explora I is particularly well suited to family groups, with connecting suites, spacious residential-style accommodation and flexible dining that allows everyone to come together whenever it suits them. Ashore, a growing collection of family-friendly Destination Experiences has been designed specifically with multi-generational travel in mind, offering activities that appeal to children, parents and grandparents alike. Whether that’s discovering local culture, enjoying wildlife encounters or simply spending more time together, Explora I provides a relaxed setting where every generation can experience the journey at its own pace.

Explora I welcomes younger guests without ever compromising the calm, sophisticated atmosphere that defines life on board. During school holiday sailings, children and teenagers aged 6 to 17 can enjoy the Nautilus Club, where dedicated hosts lead a varied programme of supervised activities, creative workshops and interactive games designed around different age groups.

The club features modern gaming consoles, entertainment stations and comfortable spaces for quieter activities, while the programme regularly extends beyond the club itself with experiences such as treasure hunts, sports, arts and crafts, and occasional evening events. It gives younger travellers their own space to explore while allowing parents to enjoy a little well-earned time to themselves.