Meet our partners: Explora Journeys

Curation by Yasmina Rodríguez, words by Joshua Saunders

Embrace the Ocean State of Mind with Explora Journeys, a recently launched ocean experience that’s redefining the essence of a luxury resort on the water. 5-star dining, ocean wellness escapes, and sophisticated suites equipped with tech-savvy home comforts combine to create an adventure that inspires inner and outer discovery. On top of exceptional facilities, sea views and the energy of the ocean remain at the heart of the Explora Journeys ethos. This is a cosmopolitan ocean dwelling at its pinnacle, where the ultimate in calm, joy, unity, and elegance await.

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Prepare to embark on an extraordinary journey that will redefine your perception of luxury sailing.

Indulge in VIP treatment as you unlock exclusive amenities, including generous onboard credits, when you book with our esteemed luxury cruise partners.

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A trip with Explora Journeys entails European luxury and a cosmopolitan lifestyle with 5-star dining, shopping, and wellness facilities

The story and vision of Explora Journeys

The story of Explora Journeys takes root over three centuries ago in Sorrento, when Gianluigi Aponte – a Neapolitan ferry captain – met his Swiss sweetheart during a crossing. The seafaring Aponte Vago couple established MSC, which would eventually become the world’s largest private shipping company. The MSC Group remains in the Aponte Vago family to this day, and the family’s unwavering commitment to transformative sea travel continues to drive the shipping company’s vision.

Explora Journeys is the culmination of 300 years of seafaring expertise. Their itineraries take inspiration from the dream destinations and travel experiences of the Aponte Vago family. Thanks to the family’s intimate knowledge of and passion for ocean travel, you can rest assured that you’ll get to enjoy the very best in authentic cuisine, cultural experiences, natural beauty, and village charm when you travel with Explora Journeys.

Photo: Explora Journeys

The fine details of Explora Journeys cruising

While Explora Journeys may technically be a luxury cruise, it’s more of an ultra-luxurious resort on the water that rivals the inland resorts of names like Rosewood, Four Seasons, and Belmond when it comes to style, facilities, and atmosphere.

A trip with Explora Journeys entails European luxury and a cosmopolitan lifestyle with 5-star dining, shopping, and wellness facilities. Expect culinary delights from the far corners of the globe, spa experiences that will leave you feeling truly rejuvenated, and high-end boutiques displaying luxury goods ranging from Swiss watches and fine jewelry to artisanal delights.

Complementing the vast array of high-end facilities aboard Explora Journeys are exceptional entertainment options that promise to feed the soul and create special moments of togetherness. When you need a break from cosmopolitan life for a bit of precious you time, you can retreat to your ocean-front suite, penthouse or residence, whose style draws inspiration from classic European elegance with a focus on simplicity and comfort to provide you with a true ‘Home at Sea’.

Making your voyage even more special is that all-inclusive trips with Explora Journeys include an in-suite welcome bottle of bubbly, your choice of wine and spirits (one bottle of each), unlimited refills of alcohol, soft drinks, and hot drinks, and nine unique culinary experiences. You’ll also get unlimited access to the spa thermal area as well as a program of wellness and fitness sessions on your journey and at each destination. Where available, shuttle services from the city center to the port are also included.

How Explora Journeys champions diversity and inclusion

Being at the forefront of redefined classic luxury means being committed to sustainability, diversity, and inclusivity, which Explora Journeys holds close to its heart as key values. On each voyage with Explora Journeys, you can attend special gatherings such as Club Soda, which provides those who don’t drink alcohol with a chance to mingle, and the Solivagant Society, where solo travelers can get together. Prism is just one of the meetings on Explora Journeys geared towards the LGBTQ+ community. On top of everything, MSC Group through its MSC Foundation operates and supports a host of charitable initiatives.

Some of Explora Journeys’ most inspiring itineraries

Explora Journeys endeavors to craft travel itineraries that include a combination of lesser-known destinations and some of the world’s most celebrated ports.

Currently, one of the most exciting voyages takes you on a trip along the Panama Canal to the picturesque islands of the Lesser Antilles in the Southern Caribbean. Expect idyllic harbors, pink-sand and white-sand beaches galore, and the chance to spot wildlife such as vivid flamingos.

If you’re more interested in discovering the islands of the Cyclades and the coastlines of the Mediterranean, consider booking A Journey Pulled by Greek Fates to Croatian Shores, where you’ll soak up Croatian destinations like the red-roofed Split, Dubrovnik, and the stunning Rovinj. You may also enjoy A Journey of Mykonos Sunsets and Macedonia Kingdoms, which includes stops at Thessaloniki, Skiathos, and Kavala.

Last but certainly not least on our list of favorite Explora getaways is A Journey to Elegant Enclaves on Old European Shores, which includes a voyage by the beaches of Spain, an overnight soiree in Ibiza, and stops at Monte Carlo, Rome, Portofino, Port-Vendres, and more.

Even more reasons to set sail with Explora Journeys

The cherry on top of an already amazing seafaring adventure with Explora Journeys is the EUR 300 Journey Experience Credit given to each suite on journeys of a week or longer when booked through select partners such as Mr Hudson. If you want to embark on a trip aboard a luxury resort on the water that gives inland luxury hotel brands like Rosewood, Belmond, and Four Seasons a run for their money, Explora Journeys is the obvious choice.

Let us book your Explora Journeys cruise

At Mr Hudson, we want to connect the LGBTQ community with the world’s ultimate in luxury travel experiences, which is why we scour the globe in search of experience providers like Explora Journeys that tick all our boxes. Explora Journeys not only represents the epitome of seafaring luxury, but it also stands as a champion of inclusivity, diversity, and sustainability. Want to make sure your Explora Journeys getaway exceeds your wildest travel dreams? Let us do the hard work of personalizing an itinerary for you.

Our specialist travel curators will take the time to understand your needs, desires, and travel preferences to tailor a trip with Explora Journeys that will transform your vision into an unforgettable experience. Book with us today to learn more about the endless possibilities.