Explora Journeys vs Scenic Discovery 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 Scenic?

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

Scenic is proudly an Australian founded company setting the global standard for all inclusive luxury travel. We have delighted guests for more than 40 years with memorable journeys to fascinating locations across the world, delivering unsurpassed excellence in service, product quality and exclusive experiences. The guest is at the heart of everything we do, as we strive to provide continual innovation to enhance the guest experience in luxury river cruising, land tours and our state of the art expedition ocean cruising with Scenic Eclipse.
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The Scenic difference is the details, the unwavering commitment to anticipate our guests every need, from butler services, quality dining, wellness, Scenic Enrich and Scenic FreeChoice experiences. That is why so many of our past guests choose to travel with Scenic many times, to destinations around the globe with family and friends, trusting Scenic to create memories that will last a lifetime. We welcome you to enjoy the portfolio of Scenic luxury products and feel the difference of Scenic’s dedicated staff, who will look after you to the nth degree.

What destinations are Scenic exploring this season?

Our thoughts...

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

Scenic's 5 star luxury river cruises are well known and popular in Australia and NZ. Scenic were the first to introduce balconies on their Scenic Space-Ships, which many clients love, but this comes at a cost to interior cabin space. Like many of the other premium river cruise Operators, look out for their great Fly Free offers, and Earlybird Savings. All inclusive, with Freechoice activities that allow you to choose what you want to do in each port, Scenic also offer a range of luxury additions (like your own Butler) depending on the cabin type select.

Launching in 2018 and with another ship in 2020, the Scenic Eclipse is Scenic's first foray read more into luxury all inclusive ocean cruising. From the Arctic to Antarctica and everywhere in between, these Discovery Yachts, are all inclusive with shore excursions involving Zodiacs, kayaks and e-bikes as well as the option (for an additional charge) to adventure out by helicopter and submarine!

Who cruises with Scenic?

Well-travelled couples and solo travellers seeking ultra-luxury small-ship cruising and destination-focused exploration. Guests are international, with a strong Australian, New Zealand, North American and British mix.

What are Scenic known for?

Ultra-luxury small-ship cruising aboard Scenic Eclipse, Eclipse II and Ikon, all-verandah suites, butler service for every guest, close to 1:1 crew-to-guest service, expedition cruising and onboard helicopters and submersibles.

Are Scenic's fares all-inclusive?

All-inclusive fares with all dining, premium beverages throughout the day, in-suite minibar, gratuities, WiFi, butler service and Scenic Freechoice or Discovery excursions.

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

Additional costs include helicopter and submersible experiences, spa and salon treatments, a small selection of rare, fine and vintage wines and spirits and laundry outside applicable suite inclusions.

Are gratuities included?

Yes. Tipping and gratuities onboard and onshore are included.

Are shore excursions included?

Yes. Scenic Freechoice and Discovery excursions are included. Expedition and Discovery voyages can include Zodiac cruising, guided landings, kayaking and paddleboarding, while helicopters and submersible experiences cost extra.

Is there WiFi on board?

Yes. Complimentary WiFi is included throughout the ship.

Does Scenic have a loyalty program?

Yes. Scenic and Emerald loyalty programs are combined into Scenic & Emerald Rewards, allowing members to earn status across Scenic's and Emerald's ocean, river and land journeys.

Is Scenic a family friendly cruise-line?

Children are permitted but Scenic Eclipse is primarily designed for adults rather than families.

Are any onboard activities included?

Included activities include live music, theatre performances, cabaret, trivia, dance classes, lectures, Discovery Team presentations, gym use, yoga and Pilates, pools and spa relaxation facilities.

Are there casinos on board your ships?

No.

Are there any onboard activities that cost extra?

Yes. Helicopter and submersible experiences and spa treatments cost extra.

Are there specialty restaurants on board Scenic's ships?

Yes. Scenic Eclipse offers up to 10 included culinary experiences, ranging from casual venues to fine dining and degustation restaurants. Reservations are required for some venues, but there is no dining surcharge.

Are there dining packages for purchase?

No. Dining packages are unnecessary because all onboard dining experiences are included.

Are non-alcoholic beverages included?

Yes. Soft drinks, bottled water, specialty coffees, teas and other non-alcoholic beverages are included, along with a complimentary in-suite minibar.

Are alcoholic beverages included?

Yes. Premium wines, Champagne, spirits and other alcoholic drinks are included throughout the day, except for a small selection of rare, fine and vintage labels.

Do Scenic sell any beverage packages?

No. A beverage package is unnecessary because premium alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are already included.

Do Scenic offer room service?

Yes. In-suite dining and beverage service are included, with personalised butler service for every suite.

Are spa and salon services available?

Yes. Scenic Eclipse has an expansive Senses Spa with thermal and relaxation facilities. Salt therapy lounges, dry and wet saunas, cold plunge pool and mineralised spa facilities are included. Selected spa therapy and salon treatments cost extra.

Are there gyms onboard Scenic's ships?

Yes. Scenic's Discovery Yachts have fully equipped gyms included in the cruise fare.

Are fitness classes available onboard Scenic's ships?

Yes. Complimentary yoga, Pilates, stretching and other group wellness activities are offered, with programmes varying by voyage.

Do Scenic offer personal training?

Yes

Are there self-service laundry facilities?

Yes

Do Scenic offer a laundry service?

Yes, self-service laundry service is available and included. Complimentary laundry is included with selected higher suite categories and loyalty benefits.