Sailing the Mediterranean Aboard Explora I: A Review of Luxury Cruising's Newest Contender

There is something undeniably satisfying about going to bed in one country and waking up in another without ever needing to repack luggage, catch a flight, or change hotel rooms. This seamless experience defines life aboard the Explora I. One morning, the French coast greets travelers through the curtains; the next, the colorful buildings of Portofino come into view. In between, days are filled with dining, relaxation, and exploration aboard a vessel designed to feel more like an upscale resort at sea than a traditional cruise liner.

As the first ship from Explora Journeys—the Swiss luxury cruise brand launched by MSC Group—the Explora I offers spacious suites, destination-focused itineraries, and high-end dining. A six-ship fleet is currently planned, with three ships already in operation, and Red Sea and Gulf journeys anticipated in 2028. After a seven-hour direct flight from Dubai to Nice, guests are welcomed aboard with cold towels and refreshing drinks to escape the summer heat. Check-in is straightforward: documents are handed over, identification photos are taken, and room cards are issued for seamless access across the ship, while luggage is delivered directly to the suites.

Stepping further inside, the high ceilings, natural light, and plush seating evoke an upscale hotel or a glitzy cocktail bar rather than a typical cruise ship. Despite hosting about 800 guests, the vessel rarely feels crowded. The demographic largely consists of older couples and families, fostering an elegant and relaxed atmosphere rather than a loud, party-focused environment. From a curated art collection featuring works by Damien Hirst and Salvador Dali to boutiques from Rolex, Cartier, and Piaget, the ship clearly understands its sophisticated audience.

Accommodation options include 456 oceanfront suites. A stay in room 9062, a starboard-side Premier Penthouse, reveals separate living and sleeping areas, a dining table, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the sea. Decorated in warm, earthy shades of brown, cream, and bronze, the bedroom features a king-size bed, a walk-in wardrobe, USB-C and USB charging ports, and a wireless charging pad. The bathroom boasts a large walk-in shower, heated floors, a Dyson hairdryer, and a clothes steamer. Additionally, a private terrace comes equipped with its own dining area and a large daybed facing the ocean.

Life on board largely revolves around the pools and outdoor spaces, such as the Helios Pool & Bar, which features a panoramic adults-only pool and lounge experience. While seating around busier pools can fill up, indoor activities provide low-level engagement, ranging from live performances and fitness classes to music trivia nights themed around television and movie soundtracks.

Dining is a major highlight, with six distinct restaurants and no massive main dining room. Sakura offers Pan-Asian cuisine like sushi, dim sum, lobster pad Thai, and slow-cooked short rib beef beneath a cherry blossom-inspired interior. Marble & Co Grill serves as the steakhouse, Med Yacht Club provides a relaxed Mediterranean sharing menu, and Fil Rouge leans toward French-inspired fine dining. Emporium Marketplace functions as the ship's buffet alternative, featuring live stations where chefs prepare pasta, pizza, burgers, and seafood to order. Anthology offers a multi-course tasting menu at an additional cost, but the inclusive dining options ensure variety throughout the journey.

For wellness seekers, Ocean Wellness occupies about 1,000 square metres at the front of Deck 5. Access to the Thermal Wellness Suite is included, offering a hydrotherapy pool, Finnish sauna, steam room, Himalayan salt cave, and heated marble loungers. Guests can also book treatments like the 60-minute Inner Space massage with Gugu.

While motion sickness can occasionally be a factor during choppy waters—particularly on tender boats or the final night sailing toward Rome—meditation and proper preparation can manage the symptoms. Ultimately, the Explora I delivers on its luxury promise by offering unmatched convenience, exquisite dining, and the unique luxury of exploring multiple destinations while unpacking just once.