Explora Journeys vs Silversea

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 Silversea?

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

A luxurious cruise means many things to many people but we feel that Silversea’s small ship cruises personify the true meaning of comfort. Our intimate, ultra-luxury ships can sail up narrow waterways into the heart of a city, or tie up right at the pier while others must anchor off shore. And for those who yearn to explore the new and unknown, Silversea’s expedition ships can transport you to the furthermost boundaries of the planet.

Enjoy free-flowing premium wines and spirits, delicious gourmet cuisine, in-suite dining, full butler service read more for every suite and of course all gratuities. Whether you long to mingle in the Mediterranean, swim with the turtles of the Galapagos or embrace the glaciers of Alaska, there is something special about knowing that this cruising is all inclusive.

What destinations are Silversea exploring this season?

Our thoughts...

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

Silversea is an ultra-luxury, all-suite cruise line. Its classic All-Inclusive fare includes butler-serviced suites, dining, unlimited wines and spirits, gratuities and Wi-Fi, while shore excursions are typically optional. You can upgrade to their All-Inclusive Plus fare which includes a generous shore excursion credit if you're looking at getting everything paid up before you leave. We’ve had amazing feedback from our past clients, so if you’re looking for some pampering while exploring the world aboard a small luxury or expedition ship, we think Silversea is very hard to go past.

Who cruises with Silversea?

World travellers seeking to explore remote locations with most passengers from the US, UK, Australia and New Zealand.

What are Silversea known for?

Luxury cruises and expeditions, over 1,000 destinations, and overnight and late port departures.

Are Silversea's fares all-inclusive?

Positioned as all-inclusive, although shore excursions and some specialty restaurants incur charges.

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

Shore excursions, selected specialty restaurants, some premium champagne, wines and spirits, spa and salon services, personal training, laundry service and upgraded WiFi packages incur additional charges.

Are gratuities included?

Yes.

Are shore excursions included?

Excursions are not included and cost extra. Expedition-cruise Zodiac, sea and shore excursions are included, with optional excursions available for purchase.

Is there WiFi on board?

Yes. Complimentary WiFi is provided for one device at a time in every suite and two devices at a time in premium suites; upgraded premium access packages are available for purchase.

Does Silversea have a loyalty program?

No. Venetian Club only.

Is Silversea a family friendly cruise-line?

Children are accepted from 6 months, or 12 months on select cruises or ships. Children under five cannot participate in expedition excursions or embarkations requiring a Zodiac, and an adult family member must remain onboard during Zodiac excursions.

Are any onboard activities included?

Small ship cruises offer production shows, classical soloists, cultural entertainment and feature films. Expedition cruises offer expert lectures and films.

Are there casinos on board your ships?

Yes, but not on Silversea's expedtion ships.

Are there any onboard activities that cost extra?

No.

Are there specialty restaurants on board Silversea's ships?

Yes. La Dame, Seishin Restaurant and Kaiseki Restaurant attract a charge; most other dining is complimentary.

Are there dining packages for purchase?

No.

Are non-alcoholic beverages included?

Yes. Soft drinks, water, tea and coffee are included.

Are alcoholic beverages included?

Yes. Premium wines and spirits are included, although some premium champagne, wine and spirit selections cost extra.

Do Silversea sell any beverage packages?

No.

Do Silversea offer room service?

Yes. 24-hour in-suite dining is available, with butler service for every suite.

Are spa and salon services available?

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

Are there gyms onboard Silversea's ships?

Yes.

Are fitness classes available onboard Silversea's ships?

Yes. Circuit training is complimentary, while Pilates and yoga may incur charges. Services vary between classic and expedition ships.

Do Silversea offer personal training?

Yes. Charges apply.

Are there self-service laundry facilities?

Yes.

Do Silversea offer a laundry service?

Yes. Charges apply.