I have just returned home to the frigid cold after a weeklong cruise aboard Explora Journeys, an offshoot of the well-known MSC Cruises, the fast-growing budget-friendly European brand.
With so many great reviews of Explora Journeys, I had high hopes for this cruise, but I also wondered if the experience could actually live up to all the hype.
We cruised on Explora I, the smallest ship in the MSC fleet, and initially, I was a little nervous about trying this new class of ships. Would it be boring? Would I miss major amenities like a theatre, casino, and the spacious decks of a larger ship?
After a week on this new cruise line, here are my thoughts on this small ship experience and whether it's worth the splurge.
Explora 1 is by far the smallest ship I have ever sailed on
The smallest ship in the MSC fleet, Explora I has a maximum capacity of 900 passengers, with 770 passengers on our cruise. This was by far the smallest cruise ship I have been on, but, as I soon found out, this ship has a lot to offer.
With 14 decks and 461 oceanfront suites, there are only four categories of cabins. We stayed in an Ocean Terrace Suite, the smallest cabin on the ship at 300 square feet. Explora I also features penthouses and residences up to 10 times the size of my cabin, but I was pleased with my choice, especially when sailing in the sunny warm waters of the Caribbean.
For those who enjoy MSC Yacht Club, this ship has a lot of familiar touches with the signature MSC flair, elegant design, beautiful art, and décor.
There were lots of great onboard amenities and venues for such a small ship
Explora I has 12 bars/lounges onboard, so you don’t have to wander far to get a drink, and service is always fast. Crema Café, an immense European-style café, had the best cappuccinos and treats. Frankly, I am not sure how they fit all these venues on the ship; it is quite a design feat.
The included dining offerings were stellar. We had 5 options, including the Market Emporium buffet and 4 specialty dining venues: a steakhouse, an Asian restaurant, a Mediterranean eatery, and an upscale French bistro. They all had incredible food, and I have never seen a buffet with such high-quality dishes. The list was endless: lobster, steak, freshly made pasta, sushi, crepes, and tons more.
There are five small pools (yes, five) with bars, hot tubs, and super comfy loungers. The largest is housed in the Conservatory, a large indoor heated pool area with a retractable roof that oddly became an impromptu sports bar for an important football playoff game. Other amenities include a small theater that hosted a fun ABBA dance party and some events like trivia, indoor and outdoor gyms, a small casino, and several high-end shops.
Smaller ship itineraries provide access to hidden gems
One of the major perks of sailing on a ship the size of Explora I is that it goes to places that bigger ships can’t. It's one of the main reasons I chose this itinerary. We started our journey in Puerto Rico, an island I had previously visited on a cruise and was excited to see again. The Old San Juan cruise port was so easy to navigate, and we were on in minutes.
A major highlight was sailing through the British Virgin Islands, anchoring in Virgin Gorda. This island is simply spectacular. Tendering ashore was easy (no lineups, no booking), and we were greeted by a couple of local taxi drivers who were happy to show us the island for $20. I can’t say that I have ever been to such a beautiful spot with epic peaks and crystal blue water. We ventured to the famous “Baths” to explore mammoth boulders and caves. It was a truly unforgettable day!
With so many bigger ships visiting many of the same ports like Nassau and Cozumel, this smaller cruise experience allows you to cruise differently, and I have to say I am hooked. Explora Journeys only has 2 ships sailing to the Caribbean and Mediterranean; however, they're launching a brand-new ship next year with even more on the way. I am eagerly awaiting some new and exciting itineraries.
Explora Journeys offers top-notch service throughout the ship in a relaxed environment
On Explora Journeys' website, they boast a guest service ratio of 1:25:1, and on our cruise, we weren’t even at full capacity. The staff were exceptional and always eager to please. We never waited long for anything.
Having heard horror stories about other people’s tendering process, I was a little apprehensive for my first time doing this, but it was so easy. There were no lines for anything. We tendered in two ports, and we just walked to the gangway when we were ready to go ashore.
One of the biggest contrasts to the bigger ships I have sailed on is how quiet Explora I was. There was no loud music or giant waterparks with tons of kids running around. There was entertainment in the evening, with a chance to dance or enjoy live music. However, there were no theme nights or white parties that MSC cruise fans love so much. I found It to be just what I needed and seemed to match the slower pace of the Caribbean islands we were visiting.
Was a smaller ship experience worth the splurge?
Honestly, I had read so many great things about Explora Journeys, including the number of awards it won, that I was a little worried that it would not live up to my expectations. It did, and I would book it again in a heartbeat. Although I suspect the incredible deal that we snagged is a thing of the past, especially as more cruisers try this cruise line. So, let's keep this hidden gem our little secret.
For cruisers who love to relax, not worry about getting up at 6am to get a lounger by the pool, and enjoy good food, this is the ship for you. The quality of food and service was exceptional. While it is a splurge, their all-inclusive package includes unlimited drinks, meals, and gratuities. You would be hard-pressed to find another weeklong cruise on a luxury line for the price of $410 per day, per person.
Explora Journeys is still growing and currently has limited itineraries, but I look forward to when they have a growing list of destinations and new ships.
Chantal McPhee
Chantal McPhee has a great passion for travel since first venturing to the Bahamas as a child with her grandparents. Today, she loves cruising with her husband and two daughters to new places and aspires one day to do a world cruise. Living on the east coast of Canada, she shares cruising tips and information with fellow Canucks seeking a reprieve from the great white north. She also teaches business studies at a university, with a focus on strategy