21 Explora Journeys

EXPLORA I will set sail from Southampton in the UK on 17 July 2023 on her inaugural journey, a 15-night adventure to Northern Europe with calls to 12 ports in four countries, including Zeebrugge, Belgium, Geiranger, Trondheim, Molde, Leknes, Brønnøysund, Flåm, Bergen and Stavanger in Norway, and Skagen and Copenhagen in Denmark. Explora Journeys’ second ship, EXPLORA II will take to the seas in 2024, with itineraries taking guests to exotic locations ranging from the Arabian Peninsula to ancient cities on the Mediterranean, the tropical delights of the Seychelles and Mauritius and the wilds of Madagascar, South Africa, Mozambique and Kenya. These new Explora ships and this innovative way of cruising, will be another chapter in the story of the Aponte family, with the first record of their involvement in maritime transport dating back 300 years. This family of ship owners and captains went on to create MSC Cruises, now the largest privately owned cruise company in the world.

Explora Journeys, MSC Group’s new luxury lifestyle brand, is going to add a whole new dimension.

“Explora Journeys is changing the way we think of traditional cruising. Think suites and residences instead of cabins, and terraces instead of verandas. There are nine culinary experiences at no additional charge, and let’s not forget their standard fare offering includes unlimited beverages, fine wines, premium spirits, high-speed Wi-Fi and access to the spa thermal area. I just can’t wait. Best for: People who love cruising in style, and those who think cruising isn’t for them.”

KATHY PAVLIDIS | TRAVEL ASSOCIATES KEW, VIC

An itinerary you’ll love

EXPLORA I’s inaugural journey is the 15-night ‘A Maiden Journey into Epic Fjords and the Arctic Circle’ from Southampton to Copenhagen visiting 12 ports in four countries – the majority in Norway. Other fascinating itineraries include ‘An Extended Viking Lore of Fjords and Hanseatic Cities’, ‘European White Nights and Iceland’, ‘Waterways of Hamburg, Rotterdam and Bruges’, and ‘An Extended Journeys from Hanseatic Harbours to the city of dreams (New York)’. Discover more from Explora Journeys

HIDDEN GEM Explora Journeys is reinventing and redefining the classic luxury cruise, breaking conventions to deliver a unique, style of transformative ocean travel that inspires exploration in all its forms, with a spirit and style of vibrant, cosmopolitan, and relaxed European luxury.

OCEANIA CRUISES

DISCOVER THE FARAWAY WITH OCEANIA

Travel is a passion. It opens the mind, the heart, and the brain of all who travel, in one way or another. Discovering new places, immersing in unfamiliar cultures, learning the history of a place from the locals’ perspective, blended in with a healthy dose of doing nothing but relaxing, watching the sea in all its glory. Oceania Cruises allows you to embrace your passion for travel, in luxury, enjoying your world, your way. Our favourite thing about Oceania Cruises has to be the culinary offerings onboard. They are known to have the finest cuisine at sea, and we certainly agree. From the very first bite, their commitment to culinary excellence is obvious. Distinguished chefs source premium artisanal ingredients from around the world and prepare them in expansive, state-of-the-art galleys. You can really taste that the chefs care about every single plate of food that goes out. Guests can enjoy learning to cook some new dishes as well, as Oceania Cruises was the first to have a hands-on cooking school at sea. If this sounds like you, cooking schools are available on Marina, Riviera and Vista.

Sail the oceans with Oceania Cruises, to discover the treasures of the world

The magnificent seven

Oceania Cruises explore the waterways of the globe on their fleet of six small, luxurious ships, with a seventh on the way. Their R-Class ships consist of Regatta, Insignia, Nautica (refurbished in 2022) and Sirena, which carry 656 guests. The two O-Class ships, Marina and Riviera (refurbished in 2022) each carry 1,238 guests, while the seventh ship – Vista – an Allura-Class ship, which will make its splash in May 2023, will carry 1,200 discerning passengers. An eighth ship, a second Allura-Class vessel, will launch in 2025.

We love that no matter which ship you choose, you will be very well looked after with personalised service that will make you feel at home. This is a reflection of the fact that the average guest-to-staff ratio is 1:1.5, and every request is met with a smile. We are also impressed with the flexibility that allows guests a choice of either a free shore excursion, free beverage package or free shipboard credits. Oceania Cruises’ ships also should be top of mind for those who love pampering and wellness. The Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center onboard the ships provide a blissful wellness retreat at sea, along with fitness, healthy cuisine and a menu of delightful treatments to nurture body and soul.