As we enter 2026, tourism experts are identifying a growing demand for luxury holidays, such as an increased interest in luxury cruises. The leading luxury travel experiences will be those that offer all-inclusive concepts and highly personalised service. Luxury travelers are seeking a worry-free vacation in which every detail is taken care of in advance -- a complete luxury holiday that combines high-end culinary experiences, curated shore excursions, and a wellness journey focused on quality of life.
In early December Cruise Critic, the world's largest consumer cruise website, announced its 2025 Best in Cruise Awards. Explora Journeys won the title of "Best Luxury Cruise Line" for the second consecutive year. Here are some of the details about the dream cruise line.
The art of the ocean state of mind
In a market saturated with giant ships, Explora Journeys, the new lifestyle brand from the MSC Group, is not just another cruise company. It represents a change in approach and a change in thinking. The guiding concept, referred to by the brand as the "ocean state of mind," is an invitation to slow down, connect intimately with nature, and experience the world through a lens of understated European elegance. MSC sets out to see how one brand managed to turn cruising on the high seas into a designer hotel with a variety of topnotch services.
Homes at sea, not rooms
The difference in the experience on Explora Journeys begins the moment the passenger enters the suite. While other cruise companies offer functional living spaces, with Explora Journeys these are "homes at sea." Each of the 461 suites was designed in collaboration with Italian master designers. They include floor-to-ceiling windows, a spacious private balcony, luxury brand furniture, and the feeling of a Milanese penthouse apartment that simply decided to sail toward the sunset.
The culinary revolution: Total freedom of choice
With Explora Journeys, there is no standard buffet or waiting lines. The concept is curated dining – that is, culinary curation based on fresh ingredients from the ports where the ship anchors. Passengers enjoy five gourmet restaurants, which are included in the price.
- Sakura: This restaurant offers a Pan-Asian experience. The design of Sakura is influenced by Japanese blossoms. The menu features high-quality sushi, prime Wagyu beef, and Thai, Vietnamese, and Malaysian dishes.
- Marble & Co. Grill: This is the ship’s steakhouse. The emphasis here is on quality dry-aged meats and rare cuts from around the world.
- Med Yacht Club: A tribute to Mediterranean and European cuisine such as Italian, Spanish, Greek, and French, the dishes are served sharing-style. The focus is on premium olive oil, fresh seafood, and regional wines.
- Fil Rouge: This is a classic French restaurant with an international twist. Here, passengers enjoy breakfast and dinner in a traditional yet relaxed fine dining atmosphere.
- Emporium Marketplace: This open area features 18 food stations, ranging from handmade pasta to seafood purchased that morning at the local market.
Time is the real luxury
Explora Journeys' itineraries are planned differently than other cruise lines. Ships anchor in exotic ports and hidden gems (such as Portofino, Cassis, and St. Tropez) for longer periods, sometimes including an overnight stay in port. The goal is to enable passengers to experience local culture without time pressure, feeling like locals rather than passing tourists. During the winter season, the brand sails to the Caribbean islands to destinations such as Bocas del Toro in Panama or St. Barts, the Caribbean stronghold of luxury. The icing on the cake is that in every destination, the company offers boutique tours for very small groups. For example, a visit to a private winery in Tuscany closed to the general public, or a helicopter flight over glaciers.
Wellness and sustainability as a way of life
Explora Journeys does not compromise on 21st-century values. The Ocean Wellness complex spans 1,000 square meters of spa, fitness, and holistic treatments. Additionally, the ships are equipped with advanced environmental technologies, such as emission cleaning systems and the use of clean energy, out of respect for the ocean that serves as their home. Onboard, passengers can indulge in four designer pools. The motto is "It is not a journey from place to place. It is a journey into yourself, with the sea as the perfect backdrop."
Drinking culture: Quality without limits
While drink packages on many cruise lines are a complex matter of extra payments and rankings, Explora Journeys has adopted the Unlimited Premium Beverages model. Here, the all-inclusive concept is interpreted as a prestigious members' club. The wine list is carefully selected by expert sommeliers with an emphasis on European wines (Italian, French, Spanish) alongside fine New World wines. The bars are stocked with top-tier spirit brands, ranging from aged single malt whiskey to quality craft gin. The experience does not stop at the open bars. In every suite, the mini-bar is a custom-equipped bar rather than just a small refrigerator. Upon boarding the ship, passengers are asked about their preferred alcohol brands, and their mini-bar is refilled daily with the wine, beer, and soft drinks of their choice. Coffee and tea are Artesian level; the coffee beans are selected and ground onsite by professional baristas. Passengers are also offered a wide variety of loose-leaf tea from luxury brands, served in a traditional tea ceremony.
Champagne flows freely
With Explora Journeys, every moment is a reason to celebrate. Champagne (not just sparkling wine) is served by the glass in all bars and restaurants as part of the standard cruise package. This is one of the distinct indicators of the brand's Ultra-Luxury rating.
The bottom line
If you’re looking for personal service with a ratio of nearly one crew member per passenger, attractive minimalist design, and a culinary experience that rivals the best restaurants in Europe, Explora Journeys is the natural choice for your next vacation in 2026.
Itineraries
Routes range from the Mediterranean Basin through European landscapes, Scandinavia, the Caribbean, and Alaska (where sailings will begin in summer 2027).
Sample itineraries and prices
- 8-night cruise on Explora I: An inspiring Mediterranean journey
The ship departs from Barcelona, passing through Marseille, Corsica, Livorno (Florence), Civitavecchia (Rome), Valencia, Palma de Mallorca (Spain), and back to Barcelona. Prices start from NIS 20,413 ($5,610) per person in a double suite. Dates: March 25 to April 2. A Journey through Mediterranean Gems & Historic Grandeur
- 7-night cruise on Explora I: Glittering shorelines and the French Riviera
The shop departs from Barcelona, passing through Menorca, Sardinia, Cannes, St. Tropez, Civitavecchia (Rome), and finishes in Monaco (Monte Carlo). Prices start from NIS 20,413 ($5,610) per person in a double suite. Dates: May 27 to June 3. A Journey of Authentic Flavours & Glittering Shorelines
- 7-night Caribbean cruise on Explora II: Unique landscapes from San Juan to Miami
The ship departs from San Juan, passing through St. John's, Gustavia, Puerto Plata (Dominican Republic), Key West, and ends in Miami. This route travels between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico in a relaxed tropical atmosphere. Key West is famous as the home of author Ernest Hemingway and for its diverse arts and culinary scene. Prices start from NIS 13,427 ($3,690) per person in a double suite. Dates: Starts April 2. A Journey from San Juan to Miami
- Important to know
Explora ships sail from various ports in Europe or the US; therefore, passengers must fly to the departure destination. Flights are not included in the price of the cruise. Reservations can be made at the Explora Journeys website or by calling 073-374-2344.
Bon voyage!
This article was written in cooperation with Explora Journeys