Geneva-based luxury cruise line builds a loyal following among Canadians
Being a relative newcomer in the cruise industry hasn’t prevented Explora Journeys from quickly building a following among Canadians who enjoy waterborne vacations.
Patricia Di Benedetto – Explora Journeys’ business relationship lead, national & key accounts – Canada, notes the Geneva-based cruise line – which has the same parent company as MSC Cruises – now has two vessels, the Explora l and Explora ll.
The Explora 1 began sailing in 2023, while the Explora 2 saw its first cruise last year.
The vessels are sailing Caribbean waters this winter and will be in the Mediterranean this spring.
Di Benedetto says that Canada is now Explora Journeys’ third-largest market, trailing only the more populated United States and United Kingdom.
She says Canadian appreciation for Explora Journeys is partly linked to what she says is the value her company provides to clients.
“The secret is out — our popularity is rising, and the word is spreading fast,” she states of the company, which is seeing year-round occupancy levels of 70% to 90% and aims to have six vessels by 2028.
Di Benedetto credits Explora Journeys’ success to the company having carefully researched the market before launching, leading it to move away from the traditional offerings found on many cruise ships. That research included asking a large number of people what they wanted to see more of on cruises and what they wanted to see less of as well, which resulted in those who choose to sail on the Explora l and Explora ll not finding large theaters on board, with Explora Journeys instead providing entertainment in smaller venues, such as lounges.
Each vessel has 12 bars and lounges, with live lounge entertainment available. Bars include piano bars and whiskey bars. Outdoor bars are found as well.
Buffets, a hallmark of many cruise ships, won’t be found on Explora Journeys vessels either, with Di Benedetto reporting that each ship has multiple a la carte options instead.
“From all of that research, Explora Journeys was born,” Di Benedetto states.
She notes that each ship has 461 suites, all oceanfront and the smallest of which are 377 square feet, making the units large by cruise industry standards. The suites have the likes of walk-in showers and terraces with dining tables and day beds.
Di Benedetto says Explora Journeys offers “European elegance” but North American influences will be seen as well, including in some of the American restaurant dishes offered. Each vessel has 6 restaurants and 5 other “culinary experiences” that include Chef’s Kitchen, which has culinary classes. In-suite dining is also available.
Guests can opt for live cooking stations at their ship’s Emporium Marketplace if they choose.
“It’s nothing you expect and everything you want,” Di Benedetto says of sailing with her company.
She adds that the complimentary Wi-Fi for guests has been “very much appreciated and is the strongest at sea,” with each suite having its own router.
Other ship attractions include Ocean Wellness spaces and shopping opportunities.
