Explora Journeys vs Seabourn

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 Seabourn?

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

Seabourn welcomes you to all-inclusive, luxury cruising refined to its purest form. Where hand-selected itineraries take you to places beyond the reach of larger ships. Cruising on a Seabourn ship is unlike any other form of travel. The experience is luxurious, yet relaxed - elegant, yet casual - sumptuous, yet understated. Our intimate ships visit the most desirable destinations worldwide, sailing to the heart of landmark cities, as well as to hidden gems where larger vessels cannot follow.

Our ships attract interesting people, who seek to share read more experiences beyond the expected in places beyond the ordinary. Our acclaimed staff offers a unique style of heartfelt hospitality that is sincere, thoughtful and personal.

What destinations are Seabourn exploring this season?

Our thoughts...

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

Seabourn is best described as boutique ultra-luxury cruising: small ships, all-suite accommodations, and an onboard experience built around included dining, premium drinks, Wi-Fi packages, and service-led luxury. For cruise-lovers who value a refined, uncrowded onboard experience, high-touch service, suites as standard, and luxury inclusions that reduce onboard bill shock, Seabourn is one of the strongest choices in the ultra-luxury category.

Who cruises with Seabourn?

Well-travelled couples and solo travellers from around the world, particularly the US, Canada, UK and Australia. Guests generally favour intimate ships, personalised service and a relaxed luxury atmosphere.

What are Seabourn known for?

Ultra-luxury small-ship cruising, all ocean-front suites, highly personalised service, complimentary premium drinks and caviar, all-inclusive dining and expedition cruising to remote destinations.

Are Seabourn's fares all-inclusive?

Seabourn's inclusive fares include all dining venues, premium wines and spirits, non-alcoholic beverages, in-suite dining, gratuities, entertainment and unlimited Surf WiFi.

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

Additional costs include shore excursions, premium wines and spirits outside the complimentary selection, spa and salon treatments, upgraded Stream WiFi, professional laundry and valet services and selected premium expedition experiences such as kayaking and Image Masters.

Are gratuities included?

Yes.

Are shore excursions included?

Seabourn's traditional ocean cruises charge extra for shore excursions. Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit include a programme of expedition experiences such as Zodiac cruises and landings, guided walks, hikes and selected shore excursions, with additional optional experiences available for purchase.

Is there WiFi on board?

Yes. Unlimited Surf WiFi for one device per guest is complimentary. An upgraded Stream package supporting streaming, internet calling and additional devices is included for eligible premium suites and loyalty members or can be purchased as an upgrade.

Does Seabourn have a loyalty program?

Yes. Seabourn Club has Club Member, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Diamond and Diamond Elite levels, with benefits including WiFi upgrades, shore excursion discounts, laundry, spa benefits, premium wine discounts and complimentary cruises for qualifying members.

Is Seabourn a family friendly cruise-line?

Children are permitted, but Seabourn is primarily designed for adults. Families are more commonly seen during school holidays, and expedition cruises have stricter minimum-age requirements.

Are any onboard activities included?

Included activities include Seabourn Conversations lectures, live music, theatre and cabaret performances, movies, trivia, cooking demonstrations, fitness activities and signature events such as Marina Day, Caviar in the Surf or Caviar on the Ice where offered.

Are there casinos on board your ships?

Yes on Seabourn's traditional ocean ships. Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit do not have casinos.

Are there any onboard activities that cost extra?

Yes. Spa and salon treatments, selected premium fitness or wellness services, The Retreat cabanas on Seabourn Encore and Ovation, and some optional expedition activities incur additional charges.

Are there specialty restaurants on board Seabourn's ships?

Yes, but unlike many cruise lines all Seabourn dining venues are complimentary. Restaurants vary by ship and include The Restaurant, The Colonnade, Earth & Ocean, Solis and other ship-specific venues.

Are there dining packages for purchase?

No. Dining packages are unnecessary because all onboard dining venues are complimentary.

Are non-alcoholic beverages included?

Yes. Soft drinks, bottled water, specialty coffees, teas and other non-alcoholic beverages are complimentary.

Are alcoholic beverages included?

Yes. Premium spirits and fine wines are complimentary throughout the voyage, including an in-suite bar stocked to guest preferences. Selected ultra-premium wines and spirits cost extra.

Do Seabourn sell any beverage packages?

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

Do Seabourn offer room service?

Yes. Complimentary in-suite dining is available 24 hours a day, and guests can also dine privately in their suite from selected restaurant menus.

Are spa and salon services available?

Yes. Full spa and salon services are available for an additional charge, with an 18% gratuity added to optional treatments.

Are there gyms onboard Seabourn's ships?

Yes. Ships have complimentary fitness centres with cardio and strength-training equipment.

Are fitness classes available onboard Seabourn's ships?

Yes. Yoga, meditation, stretching, TRX and other classes are offered, although programmes vary by ship. Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit have more limited traditional fitness-class programmes.

Do Seabourn offer personal training?

Yes on Seabourn's traditional ocean ships for an additional charge. Personal trainers are not available on Seabourn Venture or Seabourn Pursuit.

Are there self-service laundry facilities?

Yes. Complimentary self-service launderettes with washers and dryers are available.

Do Seabourn offer a laundry service?

Yes. Professional laundry and valet services are available for an additional charge, although complimentary laundry is included for certain Seabourn Club levels and selected premium-suite guests.