Explora Journeys Cruises

Explora Journeys is the MSC Group's luxury brand, and the two have almost nothing in common onboard. The ships are all-suite and styled like a European design hotel rather than a traditional cruise ship, with in-suite extras like binoculars and a stocked minibar, and free shuttle buses into town in many ports.

The fare covers the restaurants (with one exception), cocktails, wine and premium spirits, specialty coffee, a stocked in-suite minibar, Wi-Fi, all onboard gratuities and the thermal spa areas. As of 2026 the extras are Anthology, the guest-chef fine-dining room, which carries a surcharge; classes in The Chef's Kitchen; a list of ultra-premium wines and spirits; and shore excursions. Higher suite categories add laundry, spa treatments, butlers and airport transfers.

Days are relaxed with no dress code beyond keeping swimwear, robes and gym clothes out of the restaurants and indoor bars; evenings are 'refined elegance' rather than formal nights. Unusually for a luxury line, Explora runs a kids' program: the Nautilus Club takes ages 6 to 17, with set sessions for 3- to 5-year-olds when a parent comes along. The gym and spa are 16 and over.

Explora includes less than Regent - excursions are extra - and feels more contemporary; next to Seabourn and Silversea the style is more design-hotel than classic ocean liner. Families wanting a luxury ship with a real kids' club have few options, and this is one of them.

Sources: cruisemummy.co.uk, starsdesk.com, explorajourneys.com, explorajourneys.com