Explora Journeys vs Oceania Cruises

Why should we cruise with Explora Journeys?

We asked Explora Journeys why you should cruise with them, here's what they said...

Explora Journeys is the new luxury lifestyle travel brand launched in 2023 by the MSC group redefining the luxury ocean experience. Vibrant, cosmopolitan relaxed European luxury at sea. Instead of cruises we create journeys – of the mind and across the oceans of the world, as we visit extraordinary places on and off the beaten track.

What destinations are Explora Journeys exploring this season?

Our thoughts...

The low down on Explora Journeys from our expert team of advisors at Global Journeys...

Explora Journeys is a modern luxury cruise line designed for cruisers looking for a luxurious, resort-style experience at sea. Explora was launched in 2023 by the MSC group, and offers all-suite, private-balcony accommodations, a spacious mid-size ship feel and inclusions in your fare that include fine dining across multiple restaurants, unlimited beverages, Wi-Fi, gratuities, thermal spa access, and port-to-city shuttles.

Compared with competitors, Explora’s edge is its contemporary design, wellness-forward luxury and a relaxed onboard style. Travellers who want the most excursion-inclusive fare may prefer Regent Seven Seas, while those seeking read more classic ultra-luxury traditions may lean towards Seabourn or Silversea.

Who cruises with Explora Journeys?

Luxury travellers seeking a contemporary, relaxed and highly inclusive ocean experience, including couples, solo travellers and multi-generational families.

What are Explora Journeys known for?

Luxury lifestyle ocean cruising with spacious all-suite accommodation, extensive included dining and beverages, sophisticated contemporary design, personalised service and a strong emphasis on wellness and destination immersion.

Are Explora's fares all-inclusive?

Highly inclusive cruise fares include suite accommodation, nine culinary experiences including in-suite dining, unlimited premium alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, high-speed WiFi, onboard gratuities, entertainment, group wellness and fitness activities, access to the spa thermal area and port-to-city shuttles where available.

What extras will we need to pay for, on top of the cruise fare?

Additional costs include shore excursions, spa treatments, Anthology and Chef's Kitchen culinary experiences, rare and premium wines and spirits outside the included selection and laundry services.

Are gratuities included?

Yes. Onboard gratuities are included in the fare.

Are shore excursions included?

No, shore experiences are purchased separately and are not included in the standard fare.

Is there WiFi on board?

Yes. Complimentary high-speed WiFi is included throughout the ship.

Does Explora Journeys have a loyalty program?

Yes. Explora Club has Classic, Silver, Gold, Platinum and Diamond levels, with benefits including future journey savings, onboard credits, complimentary laundry, priority services, exclusive events and other privileges depending on status.

Is Explora Journeys a family friendly cruise-line?

Yes. Explora Journeys welcomes multi-generational families, with connecting suites, family-focused Destination Experiences, dedicated children's amenities and savings for younger travellers.

Are any onboard activities included?

Included activities include live entertainment, enrichment, dance classes, sports and games, group wellness and mindfulness sessions, fitness classes, pickleball and other organised activities. Access to the fitness centre and spa thermal area is also included.

Are there casinos on board your ships?

Yes. Explora Journeys ships have onboard casinos.

Are there any onboard activities that cost extra?

Yes. Additional charges apply to experiences including spa treatments, private coaching or training, Anthology and Chef's Kitchen dining experiencesand premium wines and beverages outside the included selection.

Are there specialty restaurants on board Explora's ships?

Yes. Nine culinary experiences are included, including Sakura, Marble & Co. Grill, Med Yacht Club, Fil Rouge, Emporium Marketplace and In-Suite Dining. Anthology, Chef's Kitchen and selected other exclusive culinary experiences attract an additional charge.

Are there dining packages for purchase?

No. Nine culinary experiences are already included in the fare, while premium experiences such as Anthology and Chef's Kitchen are purchased separately.

Are non-alcoholic beverages included?

Yes. Specialty coffees, teas, soft drinks, mineral water and other non-alcoholic beverages are included throughout the journey.

Are alcoholic beverages included?

Yes. Unlimited fine wines, Champagne, premium spirits and cocktails are included throughout the ship and in-suite. Rare wines and selected superior beverages are available for an additional charge.

Do Explora Journeys sell any beverage packages?

No. A broad range of premium alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages is already included in the cruise fare.

Do Explora Journeys offer room service?

Yes. In-Suite Dining is included and available as one of Explora Journeys' complimentary culinary experiences.

Are spa and salon services available?

Yes. Access to the Ocean Wellness spa thermal area is included, while massages, treatments and other personalised spa services cost extra.

Are there gyms onboard Explora's ships?

Yes. Ships feature extensive indoor and outdoor Technogym fitness facilities.

Are fitness classes available onboard Explora's ships?

Yes. Group wellness, fitness and mindfulness activities are included, with classes including strength, cardio, Pilates, mindful movement and Technogym sessions.

Do Explora Journeys offer personal training?

Yes. Personal and group training is available, including private personal training facilities on selected ships. Private sessions incur an additional charge.

Are there self-service laundry facilities?

Yes. Complimentary guest laundrettes with washing machines, dryers, detergent and ironing facilities are available onboard.

Do Explora Journeys offer a laundry service?

Yes. Paid same-day and next-day laundry services are available. Complimentary laundry is included for selected suite categories and higher Explora Club membership levels.

Why should we cruise with Oceania?

We asked Oceania why you should cruise with them, here's what they said...

You can sail to the far corners of the globe on Oceania's small, luxurious ships, but you’ll always feel like you’re coming home to family. From the moment you step on board, you’ll feel cared for and cared about because our dedication to service comes from the heart. Our ships radiate warmth and character among their true elegance. All boast exquisite appointments and details one would only expect to find in a luxurious, private estate. With up to six open-seating, gourmet restaurants to choose from, dining is a central highlight of the Oceania read more Cruises experience and guests may dine when, where and with whom they wish.

What destinations are Oceania exploring this season?

Our thoughts...

The low down on Oceania from our expert team of advisors at Global Journeys...

Oceania Cruises is best described as upper-premium cruising with a strong luxury edge - known for small-ship ambience, destination-rich itineraries and a cuisine-first onboard experience. Depending on which ship you select, they carry either arounf 680 to 1,200 guests, creating a calmer, more boutique feel than mainstream and many premium cruise lines. Oceania also bundles meaningful value through "Your World Included', with specialty dining, gratuities, Wi-Fi, non-alcoholic beverages, and laundry included, reducing surprise onboard costs. From 2026, Oceania becomes an adults-only (18+) cruise line, reinforcing its tranquil, sophisticated style.

Who cruises with Oceania?

Semi-retired or retired world travellers who appreciate good food and wine, culture, enrichment and cuisine; Oceania also has a high number of repeat travellers.

What are Oceania known for?

Longer stays in port and more overnights, the Finest Cuisine at Sea, and an elegant-casual dress code with no ties required.

Are Oceania's fares all-inclusive?

Not all-inclusive but almost. Includes specialty dining, Wi-Fi, gratuities, non-alcoholic drinks, selected laundry services, plus your choice of wine and beer or a shore excursion credit.

What extras will we need to pay for, on top of the cruise fare?

Addtional premium alcoholic beverages, shore excursions, spa and salon services, personal training, laundry service and some specialised classes or seminars also cost extra.

Are gratuities included?

Yes.

Are shore excursions included?

No, although you have the option with Ocenaia's Your World Inclusions to a choice of wine and beer or a shore excursion credit, based on the length of the cruise.

Is there WiFi on board?

Oceania Cruises provides complimentary, unlimited high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi fleetwide as part of your standard cruise fare. Enhanced WiFi packages are available.

Does Oceania have a loyalty program?

Yes, past guests received additional benefits on future bookings.
They also have a loyalty program at various levels for additional benefits on board.

Is Oceania a family friendly cruise-line?

Oceania is an adult only cruise line.

Are any onboard activities included?

Guest lectures, seminars, destination-focused activities, evening entertainment, complimentary dining and group fitness classes.

Are there casinos on board your ships?

Yes.

Are there any onboard activities that cost extra?

Specialty onboard seminars and Culinary Centre classes on select ships incur additional charges. Personal training, some specialised fitness programs, spa and salon services also cost extra.

Are there specialty restaurants on board Oceania's ships?

Yes. Specialty restaurants are complimentary, with a surcharge only for La Reserve and private dining in Privee.

Are there dining packages for purchase?

No.

Are non-alcoholic beverages included?

Yes. Bottled water, soft drinks, fresh juices, specialty coffees and teas are included.

Are alcoholic beverages included?

As part of Your World Inclusions, you can opt to have included the House Beverage Package, which includes beer, wine and champagne anywhere on the ship during lunch and dinner.

Do Oceania sell any beverage packages?

Yes. The Prestige Select Beverage Package offers unlimited Champagne and wine by the glass, beers, spirits and cocktails, available at any onboard venue as well as through room service during bar operating hours. If you've selected complimentary wine & beer through Your World Inclusions, you are eligible to upgrade to the Prestige Select Beverage Package for 50% off. Normally $79.95 per person, per day (subject to change).

Do Oceania offer room service?

Yes. Complimentary 24/7 room service is available.

Are spa and salon services available?

Yes. Spa and salon services are available for an additional charge.

Are there gyms onboard Oceania's ships?

Yes.

Are fitness classes available onboard Oceania's ships?

Yes. Group fitness classes are complimentary, although some specialised training programs may incur additional charges.

Do Oceania offer personal training?

Yes. Personal training is available for an additional charge.

Are there self-service laundry facilities?

Yes. Complimentary self-service laundries are available.

Do Oceania offer a laundry service?

Yes. Laundry service is available for an additional charge and if guests are in a Concierge Veranda room category or above, laundry is included.